Psoriasis
Good news for people with Psoriasis –
Daivobet® is now fully funded.
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a very common, chronic skin disease which appears as a red type of rash often with white/silvery coloured scales.
In psoriasis, skin cells are reproduced at a faster rate than normal.
Psoriasis can appear on any part of the body, but the most commonly affected areas are elbows, knees, scalp, lower back and abdomen.
Psoriasis affects about 1-3% of the population and can appear at any age.
50-80% of people with body psoriasis are likely to have scalp psoriasis to some extent.
Psoriasis is not contagious.
What causes psoriasis?
The exact cause of psoriasis is not known, but it has been established that people can have a genetic predisposition to psoriasis (ie. someone else in the family will also have psoriasis).
Other environmental factors that can trigger psoriasis are:
- stress
- injury to the skin
- some medications
Other factors that may be associated with psoriasis flare-ups (some of the relationships of these factors with psoriasis remain unclear)
- obesity
- increased alcohol intake and smoking
- infection
- hormones
Is there a cure for psoriasis?
Currently there is no cure for psoriasis, although there are a range of treatments available that will enable most patients to gain some level of control of the psoriasis.
Treatments for psoriasis?
Depending on the type and the severity of the psoriasis, there are different treatment approaches available.
- Topical products (emollients, products related to vitamin D, corticosteroids or
combination products)
- Light therapy (phototherapy)
- Oral medication (systemic therapy)
- Biological drugs
Types of Psoriasis
There are 5 main types of psoriasis.
| 1. | Plaque Psoriasis (psoriasis vulgaris)
The most common type of psoriasis. 80% of people with psoriasis have this type.
Symptoms: Raised rash like area, inflamed skin, red lesions (sores), silvery white scales.
Typical areas affected: knees, elbows, scalp and lower back. |
| 2. | Guttate Psoriasis
Often starts in childhood or as an early adult.
Symptoms: small, red, individual spots on the skin
Typical areas affected: trunk, limbs (arms / legs). |
| 3. | Inverse (Flexural) Psoriasis (also known as skin fold psoriasis)
Fairly uncommon form of psoriasis affecting 2-6% of people who suffer from other types of psoriasis. This type of psoriasis occurs more frequently in people who are overweight.
Symptoms: bright red lesions that are often smooth and shiny (scales are rare in this form of psoriasis)
Typical areas affected: skin folds (armpits, groin, under the breasts and skin folds near genitals and buttocks). |
| 4. | Pustular Psoriasis
Mostly seen in adults.
Symptoms: white blisters filled with pus and surrounded by red skin. Can be wide spread or in small, specific areas.
Typical areas affected: hands and feet or entire body. |
| 5. | Erythrodermic Psoriasis
Mostly seen in adults.
Symptoms: bright redness of the skin and scales that come off in large pieces (like sheets) rather than small flakes. This type of psoriasis in particular may cause severe itching and pain, increased heart rate and fluctuating body temperature.
Typical areas affected: most of the body surface. |
Talk to your doctor about your skin condition to receive the appropriate diagnosis.
Note: Information on this site is not intended to replace the advice given by your doctor or other health professional.
DBET-028-03/12. DA1111PG. TAPS PP2307.
Helpful Links
Dermnet NZ
Psoriasis Association Southland (NZ)
Psoriasis Support Programme
Leo Pharma – Psoriasis