Psoriasis is a recurrent skin condition that affects around 2% of the population in the UK. In simple terms, it is only an acceleration of the usual replacement processes of the skin. Normally a skin cell matures in 21 to 28 days during its passage to the surface where a constant invisible shedding of dead cells, as scales, takes place. Psoriatic cells, however, are believed to turn over in two to three days and in such profusion that even live cells reach the surface and accumulate with the dead cells in visible layers. Psoriasis affects both sexes equally. It may appear for the first time at any age, although it is more likely to appear between the ages of 11 and 45.

Is it catching?
Psoriasis cannot be caught from other people nor can it be transferred from one part of the body to another.

How serious is it?
Psoriasis is known as a waxing and waning condition and there may therefore be considerable variations in its intensity. There are also many clinical forms with skin involvement varying from a few psoriatic patches to, at its worst and very rarely, a widespread and serious eruption. Most people with psoriasis have small patches that either get better spontaneously or need very little treatment. The more severe forms may demand intensive medical and nursing care. Widespread ignorance about the nature of psoriasis and the real or imagined reactions of others may also lead to a withdrawal from society and to feelings of isolation, depression and defensive shyness.

What causes it?
Certain genes have been identified as being linked to psoriasis. It appears, however, that a genetic tendency needs to be triggered off by such things as injury, throat infection, certain drugs and physical and emotional stress. Research is under way into all aspects of the causes of psoriasis.

What treatments are available?
There are a variety of topical treatments available i.e. creams and ointments that are applied to the skin. When used properly they can be most effective and have minimal side effects. Whatever treatment you use it is also vitally important to use a moisturiser to make the skin more comfortable. Other treatments are available for more serious cases; they will normally mean a referral to a Dermatologist and involve treatment as an out-patient or in-patient. Many people, however, lose the condition naturally for long periods at a time or even entirely. It is important that you, as a patient should feel in control of your treatment regime and it is helpful therefore to talk it over properly with your GP, Consultant or Specialist Nurse.

What types of psoriasis are there?
There are many different types of psoriasis. Some are quite similar and others are significantly different and require different forms of treatment. Skin magazine would always advice you to seek medical advice to help diagnose exactly what type of psoriasis you have. The types of psoriasis which skin magazine readers have written to us about are: -

Guttate Psoriasis
Plaque Psoriasis
Scalp Psoriasis
Palmoplantar Pustular Psoriasis

If you have been diagnosed as having a type not listed here then please email us and we will research it and add it to the list. Also if you have a story you would like to share or a treatment which has really worked for you then please contact us and we will post it up on the site.