Psoriasis

Psoriasis Treatment Sydney

Psoriasis is a very common skin condition affecting more than 1 million Australians that presents as skin inflammation.

Psoriasis appears as a silvery scale and has both internal and external triggers. Most commonly it can affect the joints, the nails and the hair. The condition is not contagious, nor curable.

Types of Psoriasis

There are many different types of psoriasis.

• Chronic Psoriasis – There is a typical chronic psoriasis, which are the larger plaques that a lot of people get on the elbows, knees and lower back. It can vary from some mild involvement to severe involvement.
• Guttate Psoriasis – Sometimes patients can get small teardrop like lesions, which we call guttate psoriasis.
• Flexural Psoriasis – There are types of psoriasis that affect only the skin folds, which we call flexural psoriasis.
• Scalp Psoriasis – There’s psoriasis that just affects the scalp, which we call scalp psoriasis.
• Sebopsoriasis – There’s a type of psoriasis which overlaps with seborrhoeic dermatitis, which we call sebopsoriasis, and which is associated with yeast overgrowth.
• Palmoplantar Psoriasis – Sometimes psoriasis affects only the hands and feet. This is called palmoplantar psoriasis.
• Pustular Psoriasis – Some people develop pustules, which are pus-filled lesions. This is called pustular psoriasis.
• Erythrodermic Psoriasis – Sometimes patients are red all over; that’s a fairly severe life-threatening condition.

Psoriasis Causes

The primary cause of psoriasis is due to the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy skin cells. If a patient is sick, for instance; whether they’re trying to overcome seasonal sickness or battling an infection, the immune system will go into overdrive-like combat to help fight the infection. There are particular triggers to psoriasis, however, that may worsen the condition. Psoriasis is also associated with a number of other conditions, including type 2 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, heart disease, psoriatic arthritis, anxiety and depression.

Psoriasis Treatments

Psoriasis is treated depending on the severity which the dermatologists at Quayside Specialists grade in terms of the PASI score, in addition to patient factors. It can vary from creams that we can use for mild involvement to phototherapy that we can use for either generalised or localised involvement. The topical therapy typically consists of corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors.

These treatments come in different strengths and are the most frequently prescribed medications for treating mild to moderate psoriasis. They’re available in forms of ointments, creams and sprays. How often you treat the affected area(s), however, will depend on what our dermatologist prescribes during your appointment, and can be monitored during follow-up appointments. Despite the condition not being curable, the ultimate goal is to establish the most effective way to slow the cell turnover process with the fewest posed risks and limitations.

There are nowadays newer treatments emerging which are in the form of what we call biologic agents. These biologic agents can be effective in clearing psoriasis for suitable patients, but there are strict eligibility criteria given that these are incredibly expensive treatment options.

Risks associated with psoriasis treatments

Risks associated with treatment for psoriasis include:

• Avoid Alcohol – Alcohol consumption may lower the ultimate performance and effectiveness of some psoriasis treatments. If you have psoriasis, avoid alcohol. If you do drink, consume in moderation.
• Avoid Key Triggers – Make sure to avoid or take steps to best prevent what triggers or may worsen your psoriases such as infections, stress, smoking, and intense sun exposure.
• Long-Term Drug Use – There are certain medications that are not intended for long-term use due to a potential increased risk of skin cancer including melanoma, and lymphoma. Prescribed medication and suitable dosage will be given to you during your appointment.
• Sun Exposure – A controlled amount of sunlight can improve psoriasis, but too much sun can trigger or worsen outbreaks. It’s recommended to manage this by logging your time in the sun and protecting skin that isn’t affected by psoriasis with sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF30+).

Psoriasis Treatment Sydney CBD

When you come in to see our dermatologists at Quayside Specialists, Sydney CBD, our team will ensure you feel self-assured about your decision and are fully informed on all the options suitable for your skin needs.

Contact us today to book a consultation or make an enquiry.

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