Quick answer
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a long-term skin condition where skin cells build up to form raised, scaly patches. These patches can be itchy or sore and often appear on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back. There is no cure, but treatments such as creams and other therapies can control it well.
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a long-term (chronic) skin condition in which skin cells are produced much faster than usual. This causes a build-up that forms raised patches, often covered with silvery scales. Psoriasis tends to come and go, with flare-ups followed by quieter periods, and it affects people of all ages.
Symptoms
The most common form causes patches of skin that are:
- raised and red, or darker than surrounding skin
- covered with silvery-white or grey scales
- sometimes itchy or sore
Patches often appear on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back, but can occur anywhere. Some people also notice changes to their nails.
What causes it and common triggers
Psoriasis is linked to the immune system mistakenly speeding up skin cell production. It often runs in families. Flare-ups are frequently set off by triggers such as stress, skin injury, infections, certain medicines, and cold or dry weather.
Treatment
There is no cure, but psoriasis can usually be controlled. Treatment is tailored to how much skin is affected and how it impacts you:
- Creams and ointments are often the first step, including moisturisers and prescribed treatments.
- Light therapy may be used for more widespread psoriasis.
- Stronger medicines are available for severe cases, prescribed under specialist care.
Living with psoriasis
Psoriasis can affect confidence and mood as well as skin, and that is worth taking seriously. A GP can help you find an effective treatment and support, and can check for related conditions such as psoriatic arthritis if you have joint symptoms.
Common questions
- What causes psoriasis?
- Psoriasis is thought to be related to a problem with the immune system that speeds up the production of skin cells. It often runs in families. It is not caused by poor hygiene and cannot be caught from someone else.
- What triggers psoriasis flare-ups?
- Common triggers include stress, skin injury, infections, certain medicines, cold or dry weather, and for some people alcohol or smoking. Identifying and reducing your own triggers can help.
- Is psoriasis contagious?
- No. Psoriasis is not an infection and cannot be passed from person to person, despite how the patches can look.
- How is psoriasis treated?
- Treatment depends on severity. Many people start with creams and ointments. For more widespread or stubborn psoriasis, a GP may refer you for treatments such as light therapy or stronger medicines.