About Psoriasis

Dermatology Navigation

Dr Adil Sheraz, a Skin Care Network consultant dermatologist, explains psoriasis and the options available for effective treatment.

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Psoriasis is a condition that causes red, flaky patches on your skin, in most cases, with silvery scales on the surface. Areas around major joints are often affected, or the lower back, or scalp, bringing severe dandruff.

This is indicative of the reason for psoriasis, the condition produces too many skin cells. Symptoms can come and go, be mild, or serious and affect people of most ages, including children and adolescents, or arrive later in life.

Because psoriasis is a condition without a permanent “cure” many people suffer on, when they don’t need to. Unwanted symptoms can be controlled effectively, with the right intervention.

Diagnosis Of Psoriasis

Psoriasis can often be diagnosed on sight by experienced eyes, although we ensure every patient at our London clinic is examined by a consultant dermatologist.

There is more than one type of psoriasis, they may require different treatments. The condition can also appear similar to other skin conditions, such as seborrhoeic dermatitis.

State of the art diagnostic equipment is available to our consultants and in the rare case of a biopsy being needed, this is analysed in our own laboratory.

Diagnosis of psoriasis will however often be immediate and our specialists can focus on related issues, perhaps hereditary factors, or associated conditions, such as psoriatic arthritis.

Hopefully, that will not be present but thorough diagnosis and all round understanding of your health are the building blocks of a personal treatment plan.

Treatment For Psoriasis

Mild psoriasis can be treated with creams applied to the affected area, or established oral medication. They may be sufficient but are often not effective by themselves and can have undesirable side effects.

Fortunately, modern science is producing valuable alternatives, through UK led global research, or studies of genetics and new technology. Both are at the core of our personal psoriasis treatment in London.

Biologics may be a good option, genetically engineered proteins, taken from human cells. They inhibit the parts of the immune system which fuel inflammation and types developed for diseases such as psoriasis can be remarkably effective.

Ultraviolet light therapy and specialist lasers, often in combination with a sensitising agent are equally successful. A steady series of non invasive treatments, bringing a high clear up rate.

The latest medication and technology is available at our clinic, part of our London dermatology service. Skilled consultants and a welcoming atmosphere are an equal part of our psoriasis treatment.