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Psoriasis is a chronic (long-lasting) skin condition that causes flaking, itching, and scaling. Worldwide, it affects as many as 125 million people - which is between 2-3% of the population.
Keep reading to learn more about the condition, including the symptoms, causes, and triggers. Whilst there isn’t a definite cure for psoriasis, there are ways of managing your condition with certain treatments and lifestyle habits.
Psoriasis (pronounced suh-rai-uh-sus) is a fairly common skin condition. It causes patches of your skin to become flaky, red, and sometimes itchy. It can also leave you with patches of scaly skin.
These patches are most commonly found on the elbows, scalp, knees, and lower back. They are caused by an overgrowth of skin cells, which build up to create flaky and crusty skin.
Psoriasis is a chronic condition, meaning that there is no cure. Fortunately, many available treatment options can help to control flare-ups. Avoiding your triggers is also beneficial.
It’s most likely to develop between your 20s and 30s, or later on in your 50s and 60s. However, psoriasis can develop at any age - even during childhood.
Psoriasis cannot be passed on to others. If you have it, you can’t give it to someone else. Therefore, no - it is not contagious.
Psoriasis is characterised by red, flaky, and scaly skin. It usually shows up in small or large patches on the elbows, knees, scalp, or back.
Psoriasis varies on different skin colours too, meaning that some people don’t recognise the condition as easily.
On white skin, patches are predominantly pink or red in colour. On darker skin tones, patches can range from light to dark brown, purple, or grey.
Eczema (pronounced ek-suh-muh) is another common skin condition that is easily confused with psoriasis. Both conditions cause itchy, flaky skin. They are also treated in a similar way (with either topical creams or over-the-counter relief).
The following table outlines how they differ from each other:
Psoriasis | Eczema |
---|---|
|
|
If you’re not sure which condition is affecting you, it’s best to seek advice from your doctor or a dermatologist (a doctor who specialises in skin).
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, which happens when the immune system malfunctions. In this case, you overproduce skin cells much quicker than you normally would.
As it’s a genetic condition, you are more likely to get it if someone in your family already has it.
However, some things can act as a trigger for psoriasis - making the condition flare up or worsen. Below are 8 possible causes for your psoriasis outbreaks:
Whilst there is no way of preventing psoriasis from developing, there are several things that can help prevent your condition from becoming severe. Along with avoiding your triggers, it’s important to:
There are a variety of different treatment options for psoriasis, depending on the severity of the condition.
Mild to moderate cases are usually recommended topical treatments, including creams, lotions, ointments, solutions, or foams. These are likely to contain either corticosteroids, retinoids, or vitamin D.
Other types of treatment include:
At euroClinix, we are able to offer the following products:
At euroClinix, you can purchase topical therapies for the treatment of psoriasis online - without the extra hassle of booking a doctor’s appointment.
Simply answer the quick medical questions to complete your free consultation. Once one of our doctors has assessed if you are suitable for your chosen treatment, it will be sent out to you with free delivery if approved.
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Reviewed by Dr. Caroline FontanaSelect
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