Sunday 8th August - Psoriasis
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I've been diagnosed with psoriases. Will I have to live with it for the rest of my life and what treatments are available?
William, Rosyth
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Dr Alex Holme is a Consultant Dermatologist at Spire Murrayfield Hospital in Edinburgh.
Psoriasis is one of the commonest skin disorders affecting 2% of the population at any age and in both sexes equally. It is not infectious or scarring. Patches of psoriasis are red, covered by silvery-white scales, and can affect any area of skin, but most usually on the knees, elbows, trunk or scalp. Some people are more likely to develop psoriasis if there is a history of it in their family. Events can trigger psoriasis, such as a throat infection, stress or an injury to the skin, but for most, there is no obvious cause. Sunlight improves psoriasis, though occasionally it makes it worse (especially if the skin gets burned). A high alcohol intake and smoking can worsen psoriasis, as can some medicines. Although psoriasis cannot be cured, it can be treated in a number of ways including creams, light therapy, tablets and injections, which reduce scalyness and redness, in some people to the point at which the skin can look completely normal.