The immune-mediated, non-contagious, inflammatory skin condition psoriasis is relatively common – affecting one in 50 people, and manifests itself as patches of pink plaques with silvery scales on any area of the skin including the scalp and joints.

Some may even find that it affects their nails, causing brittleness, discolouration, dents and thickening. Beyond that, psoriasis can also have a knock-on effect on self-esteem. In a similar vein to acne and rosacea, there’s no permanent cure for psoriasis, but there are various treatment options and ways to manage the symptoms – as leading dermatologists share here.

What causes psoriasis?

"The causes for psoriasis are multifaceted," says consultant dermatologist Dr. Alia Ahmed (who's available for virtual appointments via GetHarley), citing genetics, autoimmune and environmental components as contributors. Psoriasis can affect anyone, regardless of gender or age – although most cases occur from the late teens.

It varies from person to person, but according to consultant dermatologist Dr. Alexis Granite, some of the most common triggers include cold weather, stress, alcohol consumption, smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke. Dr. Ahmed concurs, adding that physical trauma on the skin (from things such as falling or scratching), streptococcal throat infection, and certain drugs such as lithium and steroids can also trigger psoriasis flare-ups.

What does psoriasis look like?

Psoriasis commonly shows up as rashes or patches of red, inflamed skin. "It’s often covered with loose scales and feels itchy, painful and can crack or bleed," explains Dr. Granite. It can also appear as purple or brown patches with grey scales on black and brown skin tones.

What are the different types of psoriasis?

There are seven main variations:

Plaque: This is the most common type of psoriasis and appears as the aforementioned itchy, inflamed patches with scales.

Pustular: As the name suggests, this type of psoriasis comes with pus-filled, painful bumps on the inflamed patches.

Gutatte: Commonly seen in children and teens, guttate psoriasis appears as smaller spots that usually goes away within a few weeks, although there is a chance it can develop into plaque psoriasis.

Inverse: Also known as flexural psoriasis, this often occurs in the folds of the body such as armpits and the gluteal area. It appears as large, non-scaly (flat) red patches and can worsen from friction and sweating.

Palmoplantar pustulosis: Pustules that turn into scaly spots on palms and the soles of your feet.

Erythrodermic: A rare form of psoriasis with intense itching and burning sensation. It requires urgent care as it causes the body to lose fluids and protein.

Von Zumbach: This form of psoriasis appears as pustules of white blood cells that spreads quickly on the skin surface. It often leads to chills, fever, fatigue and weight loss and requires urgent care.

How is psoriasis treated?

There is no permanent cure for this skin condition. However there are various ways to manage the symptoms, and everything depends on how bad your psoriasis is.

"For the most severe forms of psoriasis, a range of systemic medications are available and can be tailored to an individual's specific needs," Dr. Granite explains. But before that, "dermatologists may prescribe a number of topical treatments including prescription steroid and immunomodulator creams," she adds, as well as UVB and PUVA, which are specialised forms of light therapy. "These can be administered in the office or with an at-home device under the care of a healthcare professional," she explains.

While such controlled levels of light therapy can be administered to reduce inflammation in the skin, don't be tempted to use UV sunbeds – like Kim Kardashian recently admitted to – consultant dermatologist Dr. Anjali Mahto cautions, explaining that "the risks associated with artificial UV exposure often outweigh the potential benefits".

Indeed, "prolonged (and unregulated) use of sunbeds can lead to an increased risk of skin cancer, as well as premature ageing," Dr. Anjali confirms. Instead, in-clinic targeted phototherapy using medical-grade UVB or PUVA "can be administered in a controlled environment by healthcare professionals, ensuring a more precise and safer approach to managing psoriasis symptoms".

There is also some limited but emerging data that other wavelengths of light outside the IV spectrum (i.e. red and blue light – often used in home devices) may help from a maintenance perspective in mild-to-moderate cases. "While both types can reduce inflammation in the skin, blue light at this present moment seems to have an edge in terms of controlling skin redness," Dr. Mahto adds.

It's important to address the itching too. "This can be tackled with better treatment of the skin and also adjunctive treatments like antihistamines or habit-reversal therapy to break the itch-scratch cycle," explains Dr. Ahmed.

If available to you, Dr. Mahto strongly recommends consulting with a dermatologist to determine the most appropriate and effective treatment plan tailored to your specific conditions, "taking into account both the benefits and risks associated with various treatment options".

Are there any over-the-counter treatments for psoriasis?

Less severe forms of psoriasis will benefit from emollients to keep the skin well-moisturised.

Dr. Granite recommends opting for one that is fragrance-free to help soften and prevent scaly patches. "Ingredients available over the counter such as coal tar, salicylic acid, lactic acid and urea work to remove scales and dry skin. For mild psoriasis, topical hydrocortisone is available without prescription to reduce itch and inflammation," she says. Meanwhile, Dr. Ahmed is also a big fan of ceramides, vitamin E, shea butter and petroleum jelly to alleviate dryness and itching.

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Are there any supplements that can help with psoriasis?

"I don’t usually recommend supplements during flare-ups but I suggest that people with psoriasis take vitamin D if they have a deficiency," says Dr. Ahmed, as sufficient vitamin D is necessary for healthy skin. She also recommends trying a Mediterranean style diet (it’s high in greens, fruits, beans, legumes, fish and olive oil) and incorporating a probiotic to maintain robust gut health.

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Are there any lifestyle changes that helps with psoriasis?

Aside from keeping stress levels in check, moderating alcohol consumption and minimising exposure to cigarettes, Dr. Granite also recommends protecting skin from injury and ensuring skin is well-hydrating and protected in cold weather.

It’s important to remember that not only is psoriasis uncomfortable, it can also affect our mental health. "Take appropriate time out – people with psoriasis may not feel that their skin can be a reason to ask for time off work or take sick leave, but if the symptoms are unmanageable then it definitely is!" says Dr. Ahmed, who specialises in psychological support when dealing with skin issues.

"If you are comfortable with sharing information about your skin with those close to you or your employer then do, it may help them to support you."