Psoriasis is a skin condition that quickens the lifecycle of skin cells, causing cells to build up rapidly on the surface of the skin.
At The Skin Hospital, our dermatologists are highly skilled in diagnosing and treating psoriasis. It is a very common condition that can be addressed with a personalised treatment plan, suited to your specific needs. Psoriasis is a skin condition that quickens the lifecycle of skin cells, causing cells to build up rapidly on the surface of the skin. Psoriasis most commonly appears on the knees, elbows and scalp; however, it can appear on any part of the body.
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.
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.
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. It is a very common condition that can be addressed with a personalised treatment plan, suited to your specific needs.
If you would like any further information about psoriasis, the sites listed provide more in-depth descriptions.
We have a number of Dermatologists specialising in psoriasis. If you are concerned, book your appointment with The Skin Hospital.