
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a long-lasting disease that causes skin rash, pitted nails and stiff joints. It can start at any age, but most often develops in adults under 35 years old.
The skin rash is formed when new skin cells are produced faster than the old ones can be shed.
Psoriasis causes red patches of skin covered with silvery scales. The patches usually appear on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back, but can appear anywhere on your body. These patches can be itchy as well.
It usually involves periods when there are no or mild symptoms, followed by periods when symptoms are more severe. The severity varies greatly from person to person. Scales typically develop on joints, such elbows and knees. They may develop anywhere on the body, including the: Face, neck, scalp, hands and feet and area around genitals.
Patients with Psoriasis are at greater risk of developing other conditions, such as:
- Type 2 diabetes.
- High blood pressure.
- Cardiovascular diseases.
- Other autoimmune diseases.
Is psoriasis infectious?
Psoriasis isn’t infectious. Touching a psoriatic lesion will not cause you to develop the condition. It’s important to be educated on the skin condition, as many people think psoriasis is transmitted from one to another.
Common Psoriasis triggers
Triggers for Psoriasis include;
- Stress
- Smoking
- Injury to the skin.
- Infections.
- Weather, especially cold and dry conditions.
- Certain medications — including high blood pressure medications and withdrawal of systemic corticosteroids.
It is believed that both genetics and environmental factors play a role.
What are the different types of Psoriasis?
There are several forms of psoriasis, including;
- Plaque Psoriasis.
Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis, affecting around 5% of the population. It causes red, inflamed patches covered with whitish-silver scales. These patches are commonly found on the elbows, knees and scalp. - Guttate Psoriasis.
Guttate psoriasis is common in childhood. This type of psoriasis causes small pink spots.

- Pustular Psoriasis.
Pustular psoriasis is more common in adults. It causes white, pus-filled blisters on areas of red, inflamed skin. - Inverse Psoriasis.
Patches of Inverse psoriasis develop on armpits, under breasts or around skinfolds in the genitals. - Erythrodermic Psoriasis.
Erythrodermic psoriasis is a severe and very rare type of psoriasis that can be life-threatening.
- Nail Psoriasis.
Psoriasis can affect fingernails and toenails, causing pitting, abnormal nail growth and nail discoloration.
- Guttate Psoriasis.
Guttate psoriasis is common in childhood. This type of psoriasis causes small pink spots.

- Psoriatic arthritis.
Psoriatic arthritis causes swollen, painful joints that are typical of arthritis.
Sometimes the joint symptoms are the first or only symptom of psoriasis.
It can lead to joint stiffness and progressive joint damage.

Different Treatments for Psoriasis
Treatment options aim to manage symptoms to live better with psoriasis. They reduce inflammation, scales and slow the growth of skin cells.
Psoriasis treatments include; Topical Treatments – Light Therapy – Systemic Treatments. Choosing the proper treatment varies by the severity of the condition.
1. Topical treatments
Creams and ointments applied directly to the skin can be helpful in mild – moderate psoriasis. Topical psoriasis treatments include:
- Topical corticosteroids
- Topical retinoids
- Vitamin D analogues
- Salicylic acid
- Moisturiser
2. Light therapy
Both UV-A and UV-B light may be helpful in reducing symptoms of mild to moderate psoriasis. Most people with moderate to severe psoriasis will benefit from a combination of light therapy with other treatments.
3. Systemic treatments
Oral or injected medications are considered in cases of moderate – severe Psoriasis. Most common medications include:
- Biologics
- Retinoids
- Cyclosporine
- Methotrexate
All medications require an assessment (with laboratory investigations) prior to administration to ensure the patient is receiving the correct medication for his/her condition. Some medications are avoided with pregnancy or those who may become pregnant within the next period to avoid the risk of possible birth defects.
At the Klinic, we combine medications to reach best outcome for our patients with least side effects. Some people may use the same treatment for a long period of time. Others may need to change treatments occasionally if they stop responding to the treatment or developed side effects.
Diet recommendations for people with Psoriasis
- Eat a healthy diet – Better food choices will help reduce the symptoms and reduce flare-ups.
- Lose weight – If you’re overweight, losing weight may reduce the condition’s severity. Losing weight may also make treatments more effective.
- Add Omega-3 food – such as flax seeds, and soybeans, salmon, sardines and shrimp.
- Avoid inflammatory foods – Certain foods cause inflammation such as red meat, refined sugar, processed foods and dairy products.
- Vitamin D supplements – Vitamin D deficiency is a risk factor for the development of some immune diseases.
Life with psoriasis can be challenging, but with the right approach, Flare-ups are reduced and Complications will be avoided. Dermatologic consultation is required to distinguish Psoriasis from similar skin conditions and to choose the best treatment for the severity.
Schedule your appointment at The Klinic with our expert Dermatologists.
The Klinic 002 – 01004005465 or 002 – 01149918851
(Daily from 10 am – 4 pm except Fridays & Sundays)