Psoriasis Specialist in London
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Award winning dermatology service, with over 20 years of experience
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Safe environment, in Care Quality Commission approved facilities
PSORIASIS Specialist TREATMENTS IN LONDON
Psoriasis is a skin condition that affects around 2% of people in the UK. It can start at any age but mainly occurs in adults under 35 years old, affecting men and women equally. The condition causes red, flaky patches to form on the skin, which is crusty and covered with silvery scales.
Psoriasis can appear anywhere on the body, but most commonly affects the elbows, knees, lower back, buttocks and scalp. The causes of psoriasis remain unknown, but it can run in families and be precipitated by illnesses, stresses or even some medications. The condition can be well controlled with medication.
If Psoriasis is affecting your life, then the Harley Street Dermatology Clinic is here to help. Our consultant psoriasis dermatologists can offer you expert treatment with a very good chance of dramatically improving your psoriasis.
Alternative names: [Chronic plaque, guttate, nummular/discoid, palmoplantar pustular, pustular, annular pustular, generalized pustular] – psoriasis, seborrhoeic dermatitis, sebopsoriasis.
HOW CAN PSORIASIS BE TREATED?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for psoriasis, but there are a number of ways in which you can manage the symptoms and minimise the discomfort that the rash can cause.
The treatment of psoriasis can be divided into three basic strategies depending on severity:
- creams
- phototherapy (ultraviolet/sunlight)
- systemic medication (oral or injectable drugs)
We offer psoriasis treatment that is tailored to you. Our team of trusted expert psoriasis dermatologists have a great deal of experience in treating skin rashes including psoriasis and can recommend the best course of treatment based on your personal circumstances and the severity of your condition.
TOPICAL CREAMS & LOTIONS
Topical treatments are usually the first treatment aimed at alleviating the symptoms of psoriasis and can work well to control the condition. Creams include emollients, soap substitutes, vitamin D, tar and steroids which are applied directly to the affected areas.
PHOTOTHERAPY
Phototherapy involves precise doses of ultraviolet light being delivered by a medical UV-machine. The light slows down the production of skin cells and is effective to treat psoriasis that has not responded well to topical treatments.
SYSTEMATIC MEDICATIONS
Systemic medications are reserved for severe or life-limiting psoriasis when other treatment options have been exhausted as the medications can have serious side effects. These treatments work throughout the entire body rather than targeted to the areas of psoriasis.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT DOES PSORIASIS LOOK LIKE?
There are several clinical patterns of psoriasis (see pictures):
Chronic Plaque – The most common variant, it tends to occur on the extensor aspects of the elbows and knees and in the scalp. Skin changes include pink or red inflamed, thickened plaques with copious white scale (see image).
Sebopsoriasis – similar to scalp psoriasis but can occur on the face, chest, armpits and groin
Flexural – raw, red areas in the groin, armpits or under the breasts
Guttate – multiple small spots of psoriasis that erupt on the trunk following a sore throat or illness (see image).
Erythrodermic – extensive disease covering more than 90% of the body surface area.
Palmoplantar pustular – pus-filled inflamed spots and the palms and soles
Pustular – the most severe form of psoriasis, skin lesions are red, tender and filled with pus spots
HOW MIGHT PSORIASIS AFFECT ME?
Psoriasis can vary in severity from no more than a minor irritation to a life-limiting issue – in extreme cases, sometimes requiring hospitalisation. Even a small bit of psoriasis in a delicate area such as the face or genitals can cause immense distress. Occasionally it can be itchy or cause painful splitting or fissuring of the skin. As well as the skin being affected, the nails can become abnormally brittle with flaking and pitting. 5% of patients might develop arthritis associated with psoriasis.
LIVING WITH PSORIASIS
In addition to receiving specific treatment for psoriasis flare-ups, it’s also important that you self-manage your skin condition in order to minimise and prevent flare-ups from happening.
Maintaining good physical and mental health will ensure that your immune system is strong and will lessen the risk of joint pain and fatigue that can be associated with psoriasis. Stress is often a trigger for flare-ups of psoriasis and other skin conditions, so beneficial for your health if you can avoid stress as much as possible.
IS PSORIASIS GENETIC?
Psoriasis can run in families so if you have a close family member who suffers from the condition then you are more likely to have it too. The exact role genetics play in psoriasis is unclear.
WHAT CAN TRIGGER PSORIASIS?
Common psoriasis triggers include:
- an injury to the skin
- alcohol
- smoking
- stress
- puberty
- menopause
- immune disorders
- certain medications
IS PSORIASIS CONTAGIOUS?
No, psoriasis is not contagious
HEAR FROM OUR PATIENTS
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WHY TREAT YOUR PSORIASIS AT THE HARLEY STREET DERMATOLOGY CLINIC?
Severe psoriasis can cause low self-esteem, as well as the discomfort and pain that can occur with flare-ups of the rash. Having the right dermatologist is important especially when you have a chronic skin condition that will require ongoing treatment. We want you to feel confident that we’re providing you with the best possible care. We also want you to feel as comfortable as possible with your dermatologist.
The Harley Street Dermatology Clinic specialises in conditions affecting the skin, hair and nails. Our goal is to provide all the care that you need when you’re experiencing these kinds of problems. We want to make it easy for you to access the best psoriasis specialist London.
The clinic is conveniently located in Central London, so it’s easy to visit us if you need to see a dermatologist. You will find yourself in a very comfortable and welcoming environment. We have created a relaxing space where you will receive the highest quality of care. We are regulated by the Care Quality Commission, are part of the British Association of Dermatologists and are top rated by patients of Doctify so you can be sure of safe and effective treatment with us.
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