Psoriasis is a skin condition that mainly affects adults. The core symptoms of psoriasis are flaky, red patches covered with scales. These are known as ‘plaques’ and commonly appear on the scalp, knees, elbows and lower back, but can affect other areas of the body.

Psoriasis affects around 1 in 50 people, usually starting between the ages of 20 and 35. For some people, it’s a minor skin irritation, but others could experience more severe cases of cracking or bleeding. Around 30% of cases could lead to psoriatic arthritis, which makes joints stiff and painful.

There is no reason to suffer in silence. With the right treatments, you can understand your triggers and manage the symptoms to carry out your day-to-day without stress.

There’s ongoing research into the causes of psoriasis, but it’s thought to be hereditary and linked to our immune systems. Our skin cells generally regenerate every three to four weeks, but this is sped up to every three to seven days in people with psoriasis.

This leads to a build-up of excess skin cells which causes the plaques. The immune system attacks healthy skin cells and leaves pink and red patches or scales.

Many people find they have triggers that make their psoriasis symptoms worse, such as:

• too much stress

• alcohol and smoking

• skin damage from sunburn, cuts or insect bites

• hormonal changes, particularly during puberty or the menopause

You may also find symptoms are more severe if you’re feeling run down, for example, if you have a throat infection. If you’re taking medications such as lithium, anti-malaria treatments, anti-inflammatories, ACE inhibitors or beta-blockers, your symptoms may get worse.

Psoriasis is not contagious, but there is no cure. Instead, it’s important to know your triggers and use the right prescribed treatment to manage the symptoms.

The best treatment for psoriasis will depend on your symptoms. If yours is a mild to moderate case, you can use topical treatments, such as moisturising creams and emollients, to hydrate the skin. You can also add oils to your bathwater or use coal tar-based products, though it’s important to check with your GP first.

In our questionnaire, we’ll ask you how severe your symptoms are and how they’re affecting your day-to-day life. If yours are more severe, we can offer prescription medication including:

• steroids such as Betnovate, Eumovate and Diprosone

• ointments such as Dovonex – these contain calcipotriol, which is linked to vitamin D and slows down skin cell regeneration

• Dovobet – this contains steroids and calcipotriol for a dual-action treatment

Your GP may recommend other treatments such as phototherapy (UV light treatment). Our in-house GPs will listen to your symptoms and check back within two weeks to see how you’re getting on.