Psoriasis
What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a skin condition which causes patches of skin to be red, flaky and crusty. It can also cause these areas to be covered with silvery scales.
Psoriasis is the result of a sped-up skin production process. Because of this, skin cells don’t have time to fall off. This rapid overproduction leads to the buildup of skin cells.
Common areas for psoriasis to occur are:
- hands
- feet
- elbows
- knees
- scalp
- lower back
It is important to note that it can appear anywhere on your body.
Why are the main symptoms of Psoriasis?
In most cases, individuals are only affected in small patches which can be itchy or sore. But the severity of psoriasis varies from person to person. Psoriasis affects around 2% of people in the UK and can develop at any age. The most common age it may develop is in adults aged under 35 years old.
The most common symptoms of psoriasis include:
- red, raised, inflamed patches of skin
- whitish-silver scales or plaques on the red patches
- dry skin that may crack and bleed
- soreness around patches
- itching and burning sensations around patches
- thick pitted nails
- painful, swollen joints
Not every person will experience all of these symptoms. Some people will experience entirely different symptoms if they have a less common type of psoriasis.
Diagnosing Psoriasis
Here at Highgate Private Hospital, we have London’s leading Consultant Dermatologists who will assess your individual symptoms and concerns and undertake any diagnostic tests needed to get to the bottom of what is causing the issue. An individual treatment plan will be tailored and agreed with you.
Qualifications
MBBS BSc FRCP (Derm)
Clinical Interests
General dermatology,
Skin surgery,
Skin cancer,
Mole checks/mapping
Dermoscopy (a non-invasive method for diagnosing...
Qualifications
MBBS BSc FRCP (Derm)
Clinical Interests
General dermatology,
Skin surgery,
Skin cancer,
Mole checks/mapping
Dermoscopy (a non-invasive method for diagnosing...
Qualifications
MD (Res) MRCP
Clinical Interests
Acne,
Eczema,
Psoriasis,
Autoimmune blistering diseases,
Female genital dermatology,
Skin cancer diagnosis and surgical/non-surgical...
Qualifications
MD (Res) MRCP
Clinical Interests
Acne,
Eczema,
Psoriasis,
Autoimmune blistering diseases,
Female genital dermatology,
Skin cancer diagnosis and surgical/non-surgical...
Qualifications
BSc (Hons) MBBS FRCP
Clinical Interests
General dermatology, skin surgery, skin cancer treatment, phototherapy and treatment of hyperhidrosis (excess sweating).
Qualifications
BSc (Hons) MBBS FRCP
Clinical Interests
General dermatology, skin surgery, skin cancer treatment, phototherapy and treatment of hyperhidrosis (excess sweating).
Qualifications
MBChB, MRCP(paeds), RCP
Clinical Interests
General dermatology, skin lesions, skin cancers, skin surgery and vulval dermatology.
Qualifications
MBChB, MRCP(paeds), RCP
Clinical Interests
General dermatology, skin lesions, skin cancers, skin surgery and vulval dermatology.
Qualifications
MBBS BSc MD FRCP
Clinical Interests
General dermatology,
Inflammatory and auto-immune skin diseases,
Mole checks/mapping
Skin surgery,
Qualifications
MBBS BSc MD FRCP
Clinical Interests
General dermatology,
Inflammatory and auto-immune skin diseases,
Mole checks/mapping
Skin surgery,
