Understanding Psoriasis: Causes, Symptoms & Modern Treatment Options
Psoriasis is a common but complex skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is recognised not just for its impact on the skin cells, but also for its potential to affect overall health and well-being. At Perfect Skin Solutions, we specialise in advanced psoriasis treatment—such as mesotherapy—and strive to help our patients manage symptoms, understand triggers, and improve quality of life.
What Is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic, immune mediated disease that causes rapid, abnormal skin cell growth, resulting in thick, scaly skin patches known as psoriasis plaques. It is not contagious, and while anyone can develop it, genetic factors and certain environmental triggers often play a role. The exact cause remains unclear, but issues within the immune system—especially the activity of immune cells and inflammatory cytokines—are central to developing psoriasis.
Types of Psoriasis
- Plaque psoriasis: The most common type, showing as raised, red patches covered in silvery scales, usually on elbows, knees, and scalp.
- Guttate psoriasis: Appears as small, drop-shaped spots, often triggered by strep throat.
- Inverse psoriasis (flexural psoriasis): Occurs in the skin folds—underarms, groin, or below the breasts—showing as smooth, red lesions.
- Pustular psoriasis: Characterised by white pustules surrounded by red skin.
- Erythrodermic psoriasis: A severe and potentially life-threatening type causing widespread red, peeling, and blistered skin.
- Scalp psoriasis: Scaly patches on the scalp, sometimes accompanied by hair loss.
- Nail psoriasis (psoriatic nails): Changes in nail appearance and structure, such as pitting, thickening, or discoloration.
- Chronic plaque psoriasis & unstable plaque psoriasis: Represent different disease severities and stability of the skin plaques.
Symptoms & Complications
Symptoms of psoriasis can vary but commonly include:
- Scaly skin, red patches, or silvery plaques
- Dry skin that may crack and bleed
- Itching, burning, or soreness
- Psoriasis lesions on various body parts, including scalp and nails
- Cracked skin and discomfort
- In severe cases, extensive coverage and severe disease affecting daily activities
Psoriasis can also impact emotional health, sometimes leading to low self esteem.
Associated Health Risks
Psoriasis affects more than just the skin. Many psoriasis patients may develop psoriatic arthritis, causing joint pain and swelling. There is also a higher risk of other conditions, including:
- Cardiovascular events and heart disease
- Metabolic syndrome
- Liver disease and altered liver function
- Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and celiac disease
- Worsening with certain medications, such as beta-blockers or antimalarials
Causes and Triggers
While genetic factors and an overactive immune system are central, environmental factors can trigger flares. These include:
- Stress
- Infections (especially strep throat)
- Skin injury
- Some medications
- Weather, particularly cold and dry conditions
- Other autoimmune diseases
How Is Psoriasis Diagnosed?
A clinical examination can identify classic skin tissue signs such as red, scaly skin and psoriatic plaques. Sometimes, a skin biopsy is needed. It’s important to distinguish psoriasis from other skin diseases because treatment approaches can differ, especially with mild psoriasis versus severe psoriasis. Early diagnosis is key to effective management.
Treatment Options at Perfect Skin Solutions
There is no known cure for psoriasis, but modern treatments can significantly improve symptoms and help manage flares. At Perfect Skin Solutions, we offer personalised care plans.
One of our best treatments for psoriasis is Dermalux LED. This light therapy treatment calms skin.
We also recommend Skinova Elite – our new treatment that addresses skin health and can improve psoriasis.
Other Treatments Include:
- Topical Therapy: Includes high-potency topical corticosteroids, vitamin D analogues, steroid creams, and non-steroidal medications to reduce inflammation and treat psoriasis lesions directly.
- Topical Treatment: For scalp and mild skin involvement, medicated creams, ointments, and medicated shampoo are effective, especially for scalp psoriasis.
- Light Therapy (Phototherapy): Supervised exposure to specific wavelengths can help treat unstable plaque psoriasis and other difficult cases.
- Systemic Therapy: For chronic psoriasis or severe disease, oral or injected medications suppress the overactive immune response.
- Biological Therapies: Advanced drugs targeting immune cells and inflammatory cytokines to treat moderate-to-severe forms, such as psoriatic arthritis and resistant psoriatic plaques.
- Supportive Care: Advice for managing dry skin, avoiding triggers, and lifestyle changes—addressing issues like metabolic syndrome and other comorbidities.
Living With Psoriasis
People with psoriasis, especially young adults, face unique emotional and physical challenges. While there is no cure, with proper treatment and lifestyle adjustments, most patients can achieve periods of clear or nearly clear skin, manage their disease severity, and reduce risks of complications. Engaging with resources such as the National Psoriasis Foundation can provide ongoing support.
If you’re experiencing psoriasis symptoms or searching for comprehensive psoriasis treatment in the UK, our experienced dermatology team at Perfect Skin Solutions is here to help. We design individual care plans to help you manage symptoms, improve your skin condition, and restore confidence in your skin.
Ready to take control of your skin health? Contact Perfect Skin Solutions to discuss personalised treatment options and take the first step towards clearer, healthier skin.
