Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common skin condition affecting 2-3% of the population of the United Kingdom and Ireland.  It occurs equally in men and women, at any age and tends to come and go unpredictably.  It is not contagious and cannot be spread by contact.

The skin is a complex organ and made up of several layers of different types of cells.  Normally skin cells take about 2-3 weeks to replace themselves, however in patients with psoriasis this process is accelerated and can take as little as 3-4 days.  This results in an accumulation of skin cells on the surface of the skin in the form of a psoriatic plaque.

The exact cause of psoriasis is still unknown however certain triggers such as a throat infection, stress or injury to the skin have been associated to psoriasis.  There is also a family history of psoriasis in 30% of patients. T-cells which are cells in the blood are linked to psoriasis where these cells become overactive and affect the normal turnover of cells leading to psoriasis.

Chonic plaque psoriasis is the commonest type of psoriasis, characterised by red scaly plaques often on knees, elbows trunk and scalp.  Other forms of psoriasis include guttate psoriasis, pustular psoriasis, flexural psoriasis and psoriasis involving joints and nails.

There is currently no cure for psoriasis however treatment is available to control the signs and symptoms:

Topical therapy- applied to the skin surface eg steroids, coal tar,vitamin D
Phototherapy- using ultraviolet light eg UVB, PUVA
Systemic therapy such as methotrexate or ciclosporin
Biologics – newer therapy which target certain immune cells (T cells). Eg efalizumab, etanercept, infliximab and adalimumab,

The following support groups and organisations may be able to offer you further information and advice. Ask your doctor or nurse about local services too.

The Psoriasis Association
Dick Coles House
2 Queensbridge
Northampton
NN4 7BF