In all likelihood, you either know someone with psoriasis or have it to yourself. According to the NHS, it affects approximately 2 per cent of people in the UK, making it a fairly widespread skin condition that affects a significant section of the population. But that doesn’t make it any less frustrating to deal with, and it can take a toll both mentally and physically.

Whether you have it yourself or are simply trying to educate yourself on psoriasis, here’s what you need to know about the condition, from the causes to possible treatment options, according to an Etre Vous Expert.

What causes psoriasis?

“Psoriasis is basically a chronic, inflammatory skin condition with an immune component,” says Dr Ahmed El Muntasar, EV Expert and Founder, The Aesthetic Doctor clinic. "It’s characterised by inflamed plaques [of skin] with scaliness to them.” These plaques appear raised and are often itchy.

“A variety of different things cause psoriasis," Dr El Muntasar confirms. “There is definitely a genetic element, so people have a predisposition due to a family member having it,” he says, adding that auto-immune conditions can also play a role.

Psoriasis comes from an overactive immune system, which causes the skin to produce skin cells far more quickly—the skin cycle is usually 21 to 28 days, whereas in a person with psoriasis, the skin cells are replaced in just a few days.

In terms of triggers, a variety of factors can result in a psoriasis flare up or worsen the condition. Dr El Muntasar notes that smoking, obesity, alcohol consumption, stress and the environment can all be triggers, as well as infections and certain medications.

Can you prevent or cure psoriasis? 

Unfortunately, there is no cure for psoriasis. However, it is possible to manage psoriasis and experience periods without a flare up. “You can have very clear periods, even years, where psoriasis is almost in the background,” confirms Dr El Muntasar.

While you can’t do anything about a genetic predisposition to psoriasis, you can take a look at lifestyle factors that may be exacerbating it and take steps to change them, in order to prevent flare ups. This might involve giving up smoking, reducing or cutting out alcohol, trying to manage and lower your stress levels, and generally eating healthily and exercising—in other words, leading a healthy lifestyle may help manage symptoms.

In terms of prevention, with the genetic element, you can’t really get rid of it, your genes are your genes. But you can think about weight management, smoking reduction, managing your stress—all that will definitely help.

Psoriasis treatment options 

If you suspect you have psoriasis, the first port of call should always be your doctor. They can examine and confirm a diagnosis, which is particularly important as there are a few different sub types of psoriasis. You may be referred on to a dermatologist or skin specialist, but a doctor will confirm and prescribe the best course of treatment for you.

“The two main things that are the backbone of treatment when it comes to psoriasis are emollients and steroid creams,” says Dr El Muntasar. “I always think of emollients and steroid creams like stairs; they are like steps because you can have mild, moderate and potent [formulas], depending on the severity. You use emollients regularly, then you use steroid creams for a bad flare up.”

Dr El Muntasar notes that other treatments may be prescribed for psoriasis, including vitamin D analogues (modified vitamin D), which help to reduce the over-production of skin cells and inflammation, or coal tar preparations, a thick substance that can reduce scales, itching and inflammation. In more serious cases of psoriasis, a doctor may prescribe medication—Dr El Muntasar gives the example of methotrexate—to help manage it.

In clinic solutions

Phototherapy, or light therapy, is another common treatment in the management of psoriasis. This takes place in a controlled, medical setting and you may have a few short sessions a week. It is never advisable to use sunbeds, which are extremely harmful to our skin, causing damage to our DNA that can lead to skin cancer, in lieu of properly prescribed medical phototherapy. The machines are quite different, and phototherapy for psoriasis is always overseen and managed by a medical professional. Medical experts strongly discourage their use, no matter the circumstances.

Though it’s fairly common, living with psoriasis can have a serious impact on one’s confidence and day to day life. But there are a number of different treatment options to help manage its prevalence and severity, under the guidance of a qualified expert. Speak with your GP or an EV Expert for help, advice and support.