Psoriasis

Key facts

• Psoriasis is a long-term skin condition in which the immune system speeds up the skin cell life cycle, causing thick, red or silvery plaques instead of gradual shedding.
• It commonly appears on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back, and tends to flare rather than stay constant.
• Mild to moderate plaques usually respond to topical steroid creams such as betamethasone, mometasone, clobetasol, or triamcinolone.
• Widespread disease, or psoriasis affecting the joints, is treated with systemic medicines such as methotrexate or ciclosporin.

What drives psoriasis

Psoriasis is immune-mediated, not contagious. Genetics load the dice, and a flare is usually set off by a trigger: stress, skin injury, infection (a sore throat can spark guttate psoriasis), certain medicines, smoking, or heavy alcohol use. Cold, dry air often worsens plaques, while sunlight tends to calm them, and heat, sweat, and friction can irritate plaques in skin folds.

How psoriasis is treated

Treatment is matched to how widespread and severe the condition is. Mild to moderate plaques usually respond to topical skin care options, including steroid creams and ointments such as betamethasone, mometasone, clobetasol, and triamcinolone, often paired with regular moisturising to soften scale. When psoriasis is extensive or also affects the joints, systemic autoimmune care medicines like methotrexate and ciclosporin work on the immune response itself. Light therapy is another option a specialist may suggest.

Living with psoriasis

Day-to-day habits make a real difference: moisturise often, avoid scratching, keep showers lukewarm, and pay attention to your own triggers. See a doctor if plaques spread fast, become painful or infected, or if you develop stiff, swollen joints, which can signal psoriatic arthritis and is worth treating early.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.