Award winning dermatology service, with over 20 years on experience
Short waiting lists, on some occasions offering same week appointments
Safe environment, in Care Quality Commission approved facilities
PSORIASIS Treatments Include:
dermatologist for psoriasis In Canterbury & Kent
People in the UK suffer from psoriasis, a skin condition that affects roughly two percent of the population. While it does not discriminate by age, gender or otherwise, psoriasis tends to appear most often in adults under the age of 35. The hallmark signs are red patches covered with silvery scales, usually concentrated on elbows, knees, lower back, buttocks and scalp. Scientists remain uncertain what causes psoriasis but they do know that heredity and external factors such as illnesses, stress and certain medications can trigger flare-ups. Fortunately, with proper monitoring and treatment plans, people suffering from psoriasis can find much relief from their symptoms.
How Is Psoriasis Treated?
Though unfortunately there is no cure for psoriasis, managing the symptoms can help minimise the discomfort caused by the rash and improve a patient’s quality of life. We provide treatments that are tailored to each individual’s needs, depending on their case of psoriasis and severity of the condition. Our team of experienced dermatologists are renowned for their expertise in treating skin rashes and will help you choose a course of action for the best outcome. Creams, phototherapy, and systemic medications are all potential treatment options; however your doctor can advice which one might be most suitable and effective.
TOPICAL CREAMS & LOTIONS
Topical treatments are usually the first treatment aimed at alleviating the symptoms of psoriasis and can work well to control the condition. Creams include emollients, soap substitutes, vitamin D, tar and steroids which are applied directly to the affected areas.
SYSTEMATIC MEDICATIONS
Systemic medications are reserved for severe or life-limiting psoriasis when other treatment options have been exhausted as the medications can have serious side effects. These treatments work throughout the entire body rather than targeted to the areas of psoriasis.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT DOES PSORIASIS LOOK LIKE?
There are several clinical patterns of psoriasis (see pictures):
Chronic Plaque – The most common variant, it tends to occur on the extensor aspects of the elbows and knees and in the scalp. Skin changes include pink or red inflamed, thickened plaques with copious white scale (see image).
Sebopsoriasis – similar to scalp psoriasis but can occur on the face, chest, armpits and groin
Flexural – raw, red areas in the groin, armpits or under the breasts
Guttate – multiple small spots of psoriasis that erupt on the trunk following a sore throat or illness (see image).
Erythrodermic – extensive disease covering more than 90% of the body surface area.
Palmoplantar pustular – pus-filled inflamed spots and the palms and soles
Pustular – the most severe form of psoriasis, skin lesions are red, tender and filled with pus spots
HOW MIGHT PSORIASIS AFFECT ME?
Psoriasis can vary in severity from no more than a minor irritation to a life-limiting issue – in extreme cases, sometimes requiring hospitalisation. Even a small bit of psoriasis in a delicate area such as the face or genitals can cause immense distress. Occasionally it can be itchy or cause painful splitting or fissuring of the skin. As well as the skin being affected, the nails can become abnormally brittle with flaking and pitting. 5% of patients might develop arthritis associated with psoriasis.
LIVING WITH PSORIASIS
In addition to receiving specific treatment for psoriasis flare-ups, it’s also important that you self-manage your skin condition in order to minimise and prevent flare-ups from happening.
Maintaining good physical and mental health will ensure that your immune system is strong and will lessen the risk of joint pain and fatigue that can be associated with psoriasis. Stress is often a trigger for flare-ups of psoriasis and other skin conditions, so beneficial for your health if you can avoid stress as much as possible.
IS PSORIASIS GENETIC?
Psoriasis can run in families so if you have a close family member who suffers from the condition then you are more likely to have it too. The exact role genetics play in psoriasis is unclear.
WHAT CAN TRIGGER PSORIASIS?
Common psoriasis triggers include:
- an injury to the skin
- alcohol
- smoking
- stress
- puberty
- menopause
- immune disorders
- certain medications
IS PSORIASIS CONTAGIOUS?
No, psoriasis is not contagious
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What our Customers Say
WHY TREAT YOUR PSORIASIS AT CANTERBURY SKIN AND LASER CLINIC?
Here at Kent’s leading private skin and laser clinic, our experts are specialists in all aspects of dermatology, skin cancer, anti-ageing and beauty treatments. We are one of the few skin clinics in the UK where all medical consultations and treatments are provided by specialist doctors with Dermatology experience and laser training.
Canterbury Skin and Laser Clinic is regulated by the Care Quality Commission, ensuring the best level of treatment is provided to you in a safe environment. Our Clinical Lead Dr Mark Hudson-Peacock is a member of the British Association of Dermatologists, the British Laser Medical Association, the British Hair and Nail Society, the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology and is certified by the Consulting Room. We have won many awards including the WhatClinic Patient Service Award in 2019 and the ghp Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Awards 2019.
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