Psoriasis: Symptoms, Causes, Types & Treatment Newry

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition that speeds up the life cycle of skin cells, causing them to build up rapidly on the surface. This leads to the development of red, raised, scaly patches that can appear anywhere on the body - most commonly the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back. While psoriasis isn’t infectious, it can cause considerable discomfort, itching, and sometimes even pain. Beyond the physical symptoms, many individuals experience emotional and psychological stress, particularly when visible areas are affected or flare-ups interfere with work, social life, or sleep.

In the UK, psoriasis affects around 2 in every 100 people and often begins in early adulthood, though it can develop at any age. The condition tends to follow a cycle, flaring up for a few weeks or months before subsiding or going into remission. While there is no cure, a wide range of treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. The treatment for psoriasis is not currently provided at Newry Private Clinic. 

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects the skin, leading to a build-up of cells that form thick, scaly patches. If you've ever wondered what is psoriasis, it's essentially the result of an overactive immune response. Instead of the skin cells developing and shedding in a typical 28-day cycle, individuals with psoriasis experience rapid cell production - often within just a few days. This causes skin cells to accumulate on the surface, forming a distinctive psoriasis skin rash that is red, inflamed, and often covered with silvery-white scales.

The condition is relatively common, affecting around 2% of people in the UK. It can begin at any age but is most likely to appear in adults under 35 or those with a family history of autoimmune diseases. The immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, triggering inflammation and rapid turnover. While the exact cause isn't fully understood, genetics and environmental factors both play a role in the development and severity of psoriasis. The treatment for psoriasis is not currently provided at the clinic. Get in touch with our team today to find out more.

Symptoms of Psoriasis

Psoriasis symptoms can vary widely from person to person, but most individuals experience red itchy patches on skin that are dry, raised, and covered with thick silvery scales. These patches, known as plaques, often appear on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back, but can occur anywhere on the body. In some cases, the skin may crack and bleed, especially when it's excessively dry or scratched. One of the most common complaints is pruritus, the medical term for persistent itching, which can range from mild to severe and may interfere with sleep or daily activities.

The severity and presentation of psoriasis symptoms often depend on the type of psoriasis a person has. For instance, guttate psoriasis may cause small, drop-shaped lesions, while pustular psoriasis leads to pus-filled blisters on the skin. In more severe cases, symptoms may extend to the nails - causing pitting, discolouration, or separation from the nail bed - and even to the joints, resulting in a condition known as psoriatic arthritis. Recognising the specific pattern and intensity of symptoms is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.

Causes of Psoriasis

Understanding psoriasis causes involves looking at a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune system factors. At its core, psoriasis is an autoimmune condition, meaning the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells. This abnormal immune response speeds up the skin cell turnover process, resulting in the characteristic plaques and scaling. If you're wondering what causes psoriasis, the answer is complex and often involves more than one contributing factor.

Genetics play a significant role - many people with psoriasis have a family history of the condition, though not everyone with a genetic predisposition will go on to develop it. Environmental factors often act as triggers. Common triggers include stress, which can provoke or worsen flare-ups, as well as certain infections, like streptococcal throat infections, which are especially linked to guttate psoriasis. Weather changes, particularly cold, dry climates, can also aggravate symptoms. Additionally, skin injuries, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and some medications have all been identified as potential triggers for people with an underlying susceptibility to psoriasis.

Types of Psoriasis

There are several types of psoriasis, each with distinct characteristics, triggers, and symptoms. Although all forms involve a psoriasis rash, the location, severity, and appearance can vary significantly. Understanding the different types of psoriasis helps patients and healthcare providers make informed decisions about treatment and long-term management.

Plaque Psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of the condition, accounting for around 80 to 90 percent of all psoriasis cases. It causes raised, inflamed areas of skin known as plaques, which are typically covered with a thick layer of silvery-white scale. These plaques often appear on the elbows, knees, lower back, and scalp, though they can occur anywhere on the body. The psoriasis rash associated with plaque psoriasis can be intensely itchy and may cause discomfort or cracking of the skin, especially during flare-ups. Patients with this type often experience cycles of remission and recurrence, with symptoms worsening in response to common triggers like stress, illness, or cold weather. In some cases, plaque psoriasiscan also affect the nails, leading to discolouration, pitting, or thickening.

Guttate Psoriasis

Guttate psoriasis is the second most common type and often develops suddenly, particularly in children or young adults after a streptococcal throat infection. The psoriasis rash in guttate form appears as small, red, drop-like spots scattered across the trunk, limbs, and occasionally the scalp. These lesions are typically finer and less scaly than those seen in plaque psoriasis, but they can still be itchy and uncomfortable. Unlike the chronic nature of plaque psoriasis, guttate psoriasis may resolve completely after a single episode or evolve into another form of psoriasis over time. Early treatment and managing triggers such as infections can help reduce the likelihood of recurrence.

Inverse Psoriasis

Inverse psoriasis affects areas of the body where skin touches skin, such as the armpits, groin, under the breasts, and around the genitals. This type of psoriasis presents as smooth, shiny, red patches of inflamed skin without the thick scaling typical of other types of psoriasis. Because of the moist environment in skin folds, inverse psoriasis is often aggravated by friction, heat, and sweating, making it particularly uncomfortable. The affected areas may feel sore or irritated, especially during physical activity. Patients with inverse psoriasis may be more prone to fungal or bacterial infections due to the sensitivity of the skin in these regions, which requires careful hygiene and tailored treatment.

Pustular Psoriasis

Pustular psoriasis is a rare and more severe form of psoriasis that causes the rapid appearance of painful red skin topped with white or yellow pustules filled with non-infectious pus. These pustules can cluster on the palms and soles (known as palmoplantar pustulosis), or spread across large areas of the body. Generalised pustular psoriasis may also be accompanied by fever, chills, fatigue, and a general feeling of being unwell. Because of its potentially serious systemic effects, pustular psoriasis often requires urgent medical attention. Patients experiencing symptoms of this type should consult a dermatologist immediately to avoid complications.

Erythrodermic Psoriasis

Erythrodermic psoriasis is the rarest and most severe of all the types of psoriasis. It causes widespread inflammation and intense redness of the skin, which may peel off in large sheets. The psoriasis rash in this form can cover most of the body and may be associated with extreme itching, burning, and pain. Because this type affects the skin’s ability to regulate temperature and retain fluids, it poses a risk of dehydration, infection, and serious systemic complications. Erythrodermic psoriasis is considered a medical emergency and often requires hospitalisation. It can be triggered by poorly controlled plaque psoriasis, sudden withdrawal from systemic treatments, or severe sunburn. Patients with this condition need immediate care from experienced dermatology specialists to stabilise symptoms and restore skin health.

Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Effective psoriasis treatment begins with an accurate diagnosis, followed by a tailored approach that may include topical therapies, light-based treatments, oral medications, or lifestyle modifications. The best outcomes are achieved when patients understand the full range of types of psoriasis treatment available and work closely with a qualified dermatologist.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing psoriasis typically involves a thorough physical examination by a dermatologist. The appearance of the skin is often enough to confirm the condition, especially when there are visible plaques, scales, or a distinct psoriasis rash. In some cases, a skin biopsy may be performed, where a small sample is taken and examined under a microscope to rule out other skin disorders such as eczema or fungal infections. Dermatologists will also take a detailed medical history, asking about family history, recent illnesses, or known triggers. Identifying the specific type of psoriasis is essential, as it directly influences the choice of psoriasis treatment.

Topical Treatments

The treatment for psoriasis is not currently provided at the clinic.

For many patients, the first line of psoriasis treatment includes topical therapies such as creams, ointments, or gels applied directly to the affected areas. Common psoriasis cream options include corticosteroids, which reduce inflammation and itching, and vitamin D analogues like calcipotriol, which help slow down skin cell production. Coal tar preparations and salicylic acid are also used to soften scales and ease discomfort. These treatments are especially useful for mild to moderate psoriasis, or as supportive care alongside more intensive therapies. Choosing the right psoriasis cream depends on the location, severity, and sensitivity of the skin.

Phototherapy

Phototherapy involves controlled exposure to natural or artificial ultraviolet (UV) light to slow the rapid skin cell turnover associated with psoriasis. This form of psoriasis treatment is particularly effective for widespread or stubborn plaques that haven’t responded well to topical agents. The most common method is narrowband UVB therapy, which targets specific areas with minimal side effects. Phototherapy helps reduce scaling, inflammation, and pruritus, and may lead to significant periods of remission. Treatment is usually administered in a clinic several times per week under supervision to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Systemic Treatments

For moderate to severe psoriasis, or cases involving psoriatic arthritis, systemic treatments may be recommended. These include oral medications like methotrexate, ciclosporin, or acitretin, which work throughout the body to suppress the overactive immune response. In recent years, biologic therapies have transformed the landscape of psoriasis treatment. Biologics are injectable drugs that target specific immune pathways responsible for inflammation, offering precise and often highly effective control of symptoms. Because these medications can affect the immune system, regular monitoring and specialist supervision are essential. These advanced options are typically used when other types of psoriasis treatment have not provided adequate relief.

Home Remedies and Lifestyle Changes

In addition to medical psoriasis treatment, patients can benefit greatly from home-based strategies and lifestyle changes. Maintaining a healthy diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, such as oily fish, fresh vegetables, and whole grains, may help reduce flare-ups. Managing stress through mindfulness, exercise, or therapy is crucial, as stress is a known trigger for many people living with psoriasis. Skincare also plays a vital role. Using gentle, fragrance-free moisturisers, avoiding harsh soaps, and keeping the skin hydrated can all reduce irritation and support healing. Stopping smoking and moderating alcohol intake can further improve treatment outcomes and overall skin health. The treatment for psoriasis is not currently provided at the clinic. Learn more about dermatology services at Newry Private Clinic.