Psoriasis may be inherited and manifests most frequently in young adults. Psoriasis affects 1-2% of the population. Approximately 8% of psoriasis patients may have pain and swelling in their joints from associated psoriatic arthritis.

Psoriasis is the result of the skin cells renewing themselves faster than normal due to an overactive immune system, which triggers an abnormally rapid rate of skin multiplication. This causes the skin to become red, thickened, and shed skin scales. Furthermore, it can also be itchy at times. A typical lifecycle of skin is a month; however people with psoriasis will go through this cycle in just a few days.

Psoriasis may be aggravated by emotional stress, scratching, rubbing, injury, medications, some infections and smoking.

Treating Psoriasis at The Skin Hospital

There are a range of treatments available and the choice will depend on the severity, location of the psoriasis, patient preference and any other pre-existing medical conditions. Treatments include topical creams, ultraviolet light treatment (phototherapy), oral medications and newer biological agents.

Although there is no cure for psoriasis, with appropriate treatment patients may be symptom-free for long periods of time.

All dermatologists at the Skin Hospital are highly trained to treat this condition. The Skin Hospital runs a speciality clinic dedicated to the treatment of psoriasis at Darlinghurst and Westmead. If you would like to find out more about this speciality clinic please contact us. The following doctors specialise in the treatment of psoriasis:

Further Information

If you would like further information on psoriasis the sites below provide more in-depth descriptions o the types and causes of psoriasis.

Psoriasis – ACD 

Psoriasis – DermNet NZ