Book Free Consultation

Treatments

Conditions

★★★★★
Over 59,645 patients agree
The Harley Street Skin Clinic

Expert care for a wide range of skin conditions, ensuring healthy, radiant skin.

Lesions & Bumps

Comprehensive care for skin lesions and bumps, promoting clear and healthy skin.

Lifting & Tightening

Advanced treatments to lift and lighten the skin, enhancing firmness and brightness.

Rejuvenation

Revitalize your skin with advanced treatments designed to restore a youthful glow.

Skin Treatments

Effective solutions for a variety of skin concerns, promoting clear and healthy skin.

Wellness

Holistic skincare approaches to support overall skin health and well-being.

Advanced, non-invasive treatments to rejuvenate your appearance without surgery.

Body Treatments

Transformative, non-invasive treatments to sculpt and tone your body effortlessly.

Facial Treatments

Rejuvenating facial treatments to refresh and enhance your natural radiance.

Hair Treatments

Advanced treatments to restore hair vitality and promote healthy growth.

Injectables

Minimally invasive injectables to smooth wrinkles and enhance facial contours.

Precision cosmetic surgery tailored to enhance and refine your natural beauty.

Body Surgery

Expertly performed body surgeries to reshape, contour, and enhance your physique.

Breast Surgery

Specialized breast surgeries to enhance shape, size, and symmetry for a natural look.

Cosmetic Andrology

Advanced procedures designed to enhance male aesthetics and address intimate concerns.

Cosmetic Gynaecology

Tailored surgical solutions to enhance feminine aesthetics and improve intimate well-being.

Facial Surgery

Precision facial surgeries to refine features and achieve natural, balanced results.

Fat Transfer/Removal

Advanced fat transfer and removal techniques to sculpt and enhance your body’s contours.

Comprehensive solutions to address a range of body concerns, from stubborn fat to skin laxity.

Breasts

Tailored solutions for breast concerns, including size, shape, and symmetry.

Other Areas

Targeted solutions for stubborn areas of the body, tailored to your unique needs.

Volume & Contouring

Specialized treatments to enhance body volume and improve overall contour for a balanced silhouette.

Holistic care focused on improving overall health and well-being for a balanced lifestyle.

Digestive Health

Comprehensive care to support digestive health and improve overall well-being.

Energy & Immunity

Holistic approaches to boost energy levels and strengthen your immune system for optimal health.

General Health

Personalized strategies to maintain and enhance your overall health and vitality.

Expert care for a wide variety of skin and facial concerns, promoting a healthy, glowing complexion.

Ageing Signs

Expert treatments to minimize ageing signs, rejuvenating your skin for a youthful glow.

Skin Texture & Tone

Advanced treatments to improve skin texture and even out tone for a smoother, radiant complexion.

Specific Areas

Targeted treatments to address skin concerns in specific facial areas for balanced, refined results.

Volume & Contouring

Tailored solutions to restore facial volume and enhance natural contours for a more youthful appearance.

Home Uncategorized Conditions Psoriasis

Condition: Psoriasis

Psoriasis symptoms
& causes

Say goodbye to ageing

★★★★★

Over 59,645 patients agree

Book Free Consultation

or Request a Callback

Medically reviewed by Dr Aamer Khan

19th February 2025

The condition

Deep Scars

What is Psoriasis?

Have you ever spotted dry, scaly patches on someone’s skin? That might be psoriasis, a chronic skin disease that impacts millions of people around the globe. It’s not just a simple rash — it’s an autoimmune disease that causes the body to incorrectly speed up the life cycle of skin cells, resulting in their accumulation to form red, scaly skin patches. Is psoriasis contagious? No, it’s not, but it can be hard to manage and can decrease a person’s confidence.

Psoriasis doesn’t all look the same. Here are the five main types:

Plaque Psoriasis: The most common type is scalp psoriasis, which affects the scalp and produces thick, red patches with silvery scales.
Guttate Psoriasis: Small, drop-shaped spots, sometimes caused by infections such as streptococcal infections.
Inverse Psoriasis: Shiny red spots that form in areas of skin fold, such as under the breasts or around the groin.
Pustular Psoriasis: White pustules (blisters that contain pus) surrounded by red skin, often on the hands and feet.
Erythrodermic Psoriasis: A severe psoriasis and the uncommon type that affects most of the body and causes deep redness, peeling and extreme itching.

Symptoms
When to See a Doctor
Causes
Risk Factors
Complications
Prevention

Free Consultation

Condition: Psoriasis

Contents

Free Consultation

The symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person, but common signs include:

Red, scaly patches of skin covered with silvery scales that are often found on the elbows, knees, scalp, back, palms, and feet.
Dry, thickened, cracked skin that can itch, burn or bleed.
Nail psoriasis, a visible change in the nails, including thickening of the nails, ridges or small pits.
Sleep is disrupted due itching and discomfort.
Others develop psoriatic arthritis, a chronic condition that causes joint pain, swelling and stiffness.

When to see a doctor?

Consultation Is The Key

How does Psoriasis affect you?

You should see a doctor if:

Your psoriasis symptoms go from mild to severe, painful, or widespread.
Over-the-counter medication isn’t working, and the condition is getting worse.
You have joint pain, swelling or stiffness, which might be a sign of psoriatic arthritis.
Your skin gets infected, exhibiting pus, redness or warmth.
Your psoriasis severely impacts your daily life, mental well-being, or sleep quality.

A dermatologist is best equipped to recommend an effective psoriatic disease treatment plan to help manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Advised treatments

Photodynamic-therapy

Skin Treatment

The causes

What are the causes of psoriasis?

Psoriasis happens when the immune system is overactive, causing inflammation and accelerated growth of skin cells. Instead of the regular 30-day cycle for new healthy skin cells, psoriasis accelerates this process to three or four days. Such excess cell buildup results in thick, scaly patches on the skin. The specific cause is not completely understood, but several major factors include:

Hyperreactive immune system: The immune system erroneously attacks normal skin cells causing inflammation and an accelerated skin turnover.
Genetics: Psoriasis runs in families, indicating a genetic factor.
Environmental triggers: Some-known factors that can trigger flare-ups include:
- Emotional stress.
- Infections involving, particularly, streptococcal infections.
- Skin wounds such as cuts, scratches or surgery.
- Some medications, including lithium and beta-blockers.
- Weather conditions increase body temperature changes.

The risk factors

What triggers psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease driven by both genetics and environmental triggers. The underlying causes of psoriasis are still being studied, but researchers think certain things can make it more likely you will develop psoriasis, or have a flare of symptoms.

Genetics: You may be at greater risk of developing it if you have a family member with psoriasis. The condition tends to run in families because genes that affect the immune system are inherited.

Skin injuries: Scrapes and cuts, sunburns and even tight clothes that rub against the skin can lead to new patches of psoriasis. This is called the Koebner phenomenon.

Infections: Bacterial and viral infections, like strep throat, bronchitis or the flu can make the immune system weaker, leading to psoriasis flares, especially among children and young adults.

Certain medications: Certain drugs such as lithium, antimalarial agents, and beta-blockers can make psoriasis worse or even trigger it.

Obesity: Heavy weight might cause more serious conditions of psoriasis. Research indicates that a healthy weight might assist in controlling the disease.

Environmental triggers: Extreme hot and cold temperatures, dry air and humidity can all cause psoriasis flare-ups. Moderate amounts of sunlight may be helpful, but excessive sunlight may make the symptoms worse.

Lifestyle factors

Alcohol: Frequent psoriasis flare-ups have been associated with heavy alcohol use.
Stress: High stress makes the immune system weaker and symptoms of psoriasis worse.
Smoking: Tobacco use can increase the risk of developing psoriasis and lessen the effectiveness of common psoriasis treatments.

Psoriasis can’t be cured, but being aware of these risk factors can help manage your symptoms and decrease flare-ups.

The complications

Hidden Dangers

What triggers psoriasis?

Diabetes:
Inflammation from psoriasis can worsen insulin resistance.
Obesity:
Inflammation may be associated with weight gain and metabolic syndrome.

High cholesterol:
Some studies have reported links between psoriasis and imbalances in cholesterol.
Heart disease:
The greater inflammation might increase prevention of strokes and heart attacks by 50%.

The prevention

Maintain Healthy Skin

How does proper skin care play a role in preventing psoriasis flare-ups?

Proper skin care can minimise psoriasis flare-ups. Regular moisturising is important to avoid drying and cracking, which can set off symptoms. Using mild, fragrance-free products keeps irritation to a minimum, and skipping soaps or exfoliants keeps the skin barrier intact.

Protecting the skin from psoriasis triggers

One way to keep your skin hydrated is drinking plenty of water and using moisturizer right after the shower. Soft, breathable fabrics minimise irritation, and sunscreen prevents damage from UV rays. Steering clear of long hot showers and scrubbing heavily also preserves skin health.

Manage Stress Levels

Does stress make psoriasis worse?

Yes, stress is a common trigger of psoriasis. When you’re stressed, the immune system goes into overdrive, which promotes inflammation and aggravates symptoms. Identifying ways to de-stress and unwind can help you avoid flare-ups and manage symptoms.

Stress-management techniques

Engaging in mindful meditation or deep breathing exercises can reduce stress levels. Practicing your favorite physical activity like yoga or walking on a daily basis also maintains a healthy mind. And, prioritising good sleep and seeking professional support, if needed, can further help to manage stress.

Maintain A Healthy Diet

How does diet impact the risk of psoriasis?

An anti-inflammatory diet is beneficial as it helps reduce inflammation, which in turn can help prevent psoriasis flare-ups. Nutrient-rich foods can promote good immune system functioning, and avoiding inflammatory foods, like processed foods and too much sugar, can lessen flare-up severity.

Choosing the right foods

Incorporate foods, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and omega-3 fatty acid-rich fatty fish. Avoid or limit red meat, dairy, alcohol and processed foods, as all of these can promote inflammation. Drinking sufficient water also keeps your skin healthy.

Avoid Skin Injuries And Irritants

Why should you protect your skin from injuries?

Injuries to the skin like cuts, burns or insect bites can also cause new psoriasis plaques to emerge. This is known as the Koebner phenomenon and happens when trauma to the skin triggers a flare-up in affected people. Knowing this can also prevent symptoms of psoriasis flaring, as being prone to injury.

Minimise skin irritations

Protective clothing, gloves when dealing with harsh chemicals, and resisting the urge to scratch or pick at the skin can help prevent damage. Avoiding irritating skin-care products as well as reducing friction from tight clothing can also minimise irritation and lower the chances of flare-ups.

Support Your Immune System

Can lifestyle choices impact psoriasis risk?

Yes, lifestyle factors like smoking, drinking, and lack of exercise can elevate the risk for psoriasis and worsen flare-ups. Healthier food choices can help keep a balanced immune system and decrease systemic inflammation.

Lifestyle changes that can prevent psoriasis

The severity of psoriasis can also often be considerably reduced by quitting smoking and by not drinking alcohol. Regular exercise promotes overall health, and staying within your target weight range may help improve psoriasis symptoms. Opt for good sleep and keep your skin care habit.