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MEDICAL INFORMATION
Psoriasis Key Facts

September 17, 2025 (Current Version)
September 3, 2025
June 10, 2024
Psoriasis is a condition that appears as scaly patches on your skin and is thought to be caused by problems with the immune system. There is no specific cure for psoriasis, but lifestyle changes can help manage the symptoms. Here, we will take a closer look at the causes, symptoms, types and treatment options available for psoriasis.
What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a skin disease thought to be caused by an overactive immune system, that results in the rapid growth and build up of skin cells. Psoriasis appears as plaque on the skin, most commonly between the ages of 15 and 25. It is not however contagious and can not be passed directly, from person to person.
Types of Psoriasis
There are many types of psoriasis, each with its own symptoms, affecting different areas of the body.
- Plaque Psoriasis: This is the most common type of psoriasis, making up 80% of cases according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Symptoms include dry, red skin lesions covered in silver scales. Plaque psoriasis may appear anywhere on your body but normally appears on the knees, elbows, scalp or lower back. In the most severe cases, skin may crack and bleed around the joints
- Guttate Psoriasis: This appears as drop-shaped sores, less than 1cm, on your arms, legs, chest, or scalp. Some people may develop plaque psoriasis. Guttate Psoriasis may occur after a strep throat infection and is more prevalent in children, teenagers and young adults
- Pustular Psoriasis: Characterized by pus-filled blisters surrounded by red skin, primarily affecting the hands and feet. Pustular psoriasis is a rarer type of psoriasis. Different types of pustular psoriasis affect different parts of the body
- Inverse Psoriasis: These appear as large smooth red patches in skin folds, beneath the armpits, breasts, between the buttocks or groin. This is made worse by sweating and friction
- Erythrodermic Psoriasis: A rare and severe form of psoriasis that covers large areas of the body and requires immediate medical attention. Erythrodermic Psoriasis causes discolouration of the skin and the shedding of scales on sheets. It may be triggered by bad sunburn, certain medications, infections, and stopping psoriasis treatment
- Scalp Psoriasis: This can occur on all or part of the scalp. Symptoms may include red patches of skin with thick silvery-white scales. Scalp psoriasis can feel extremely itchy, or cause no discomfort at all. In more serious cases it can cause hair loss. This, however, is usually only temporary
- Nail Psoriasis: Nail psoriasis affects about half of all people with psoriasis, causing your nails to become discoloured, develop tiny dents or pits, or grow abnormally. Nails can become loose and detach from your nail bed. In more severe cases, your nails may crumble
- Palmoplantar Pustular Psoriasis causes pustules to appear on the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet. They appear as circular brown, scaly spots, which peel off
- Acropustulosis: Pustules appear on your fingers and toes, then burst, leaving bright red areas, which may ooze or become scaly. Acropustulosis may also lead to painful nail deformities
- Erythrodermic Psoriasis is a rare type of psoriasis, affecting nearly all the skin on your body. It causes intense itching or burning and can also cause you to lose fluids and proteins, causing you to develop infections, dehydration, malnutrition, hypothermia and heart disease
Symptoms of Psoriasis
Symptoms can vary based on the individual and the type of psoriasis. Symptoms include:
- Inflamed patches of skin covered in scales
- Itching, burning, or stinging
- Dry, cracked skin that may bleed
- Nail abnormalities, such as pitting or ridges
- Joint pain and stiffness
Symptoms range from mild to severe and may come and go in cycles. Speak to a healthcare professional for a diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan.
Causes of Psoriasis
Psoriasis is classed as an autoimmune disease. The exact trigger is not fully understood, but it is thought that genetics and environmental factors play a major role.
- Genetics: Family history of psoriasis increases the likelihood of developing the condition. Certain genes related to immune system function are thought to contribute to the development of psoriasis
- Immune system dysfunction: In individuals with psoriasis, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, leading to inflammation and rapid cell turnover
- Environmental factors: Infections, such as streptococcal infections, can trigger or exacerbate psoriasis symptoms. Other factors, such as stress, skin injuries, smoking, and obesity, may also contribute to the development or worsening of psoriasis
- Other medications: Beta blockers, other high high blood pressure drugs, antimalarials, lithium and other mood stabilizers, NSAIDs and antibiotics
Who is at risk?
Certain factors may increase the risk of developing psoriasis and flare-ups. These include:
- A family history of psoriasis
- Age, with it being most common between the ages of 15 and 25
- Psoriasis is more common in certain ethnic groups, with higher rates in those of European descent
- Smoking, obesity, and certain medications can all increase the risk of developing psoriasis
Diagnosing Psoriasis
Your healthcare provider will carry out a physical examination and review your medical history. They may also carry out a skin biopsy to confirm your diagnosis. You should let your healthcare provider know about any family history of psoriasis, or of any other risk factors that make your symptoms worse.
Treatment options for Psoriasis
The choice of treatment will depend on the type of psoriasis and how severe it is, as well as age, general health, and personal preferences. Mild psoriasis can be treated with creams or ointments such as Fucibet or Dermovate, while moderate and severe psoriasis may need treatment with tablets, injections, or phototherapy. Treatment options include:
- Topical treatments: Vitamin D creams, topical corticosteroid (steroid) ointments, and lotions containing retinoids (vitamin A derivative) applied directly to the affected skin to reduce inflammation and promote healing
- Phototherapy (light therapy): Controlled exposure to ultraviolet light to slow down skin cell turnover and reduce inflammation. Psoralen plus ultraviolet-A radiation (PUVA) combines psoralen with ultraviolet light
- Systemic medications: Prescription medications that target the immune system, (such as methotrexate, acitretin) and reduce inflammation throughout the body
- Biologics and small molecule inhibitors: Advanced therapies (etanercept, adalimumab) that specifically target molecules involved in the immune response, providing targeted relief from psoriasis symptoms
- Lifestyle modifications: Adopting healthy habits, such as managing stress, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding psoriasis triggers, can help improve symptoms and overall well-being
It is important to work closely with a healthcare provider to develop an individualized treatment plan that best suits your needs.
Lifestyle changes for Psoriasis management
In addition to medical treatments, certain lifestyle changes can help manage psoriasis symptoms and improve overall well-being. These include:
- Moisturizing the skin
- Avoiding common triggers
- Practicing good skin hygiene
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Managing stress
- Protecting the skin from excessive sun exposure
Psoriasis and mental health
The nature of the condition can lead to embarrassment, self-consciousness, and low self-esteem and people with psoriasis may be at a higher risk of mental health conditions. It is important to seek support from mental health counselors or support groups.
Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis
Up to a third of people with psoriasis will develop psoriatic arthritis. Symptoms include inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the joints, as well as skin and nail changes.
Treatment options include medications to reduce the inflammation, physical therapy and lifestyle modifications, and a combination of dermatologists, rheumatologists, and other healthcare providers is often needed to manage both conditions effectively.
Conclusion
By understanding the causes, types, symptoms and treatment options available for psoriasis, individuals can develop plans to manage this skin condition.
If you think you have psoriasis and its associated symptoms, speak to your doctor for a diagnosis and advice on the most appropriate treatment for your condition.
Sources
- NHS psoriasis
- WebMD – Psoriasis
- Cleveland Clinic – Psoriasis guide
- Psoriasis.org – About Psoriasis
- NIH – Psoriasis
Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
Related Articles
Service Guide
Everything You Need to Know About Getting Treated Privately for Psoriasis
What does the Get Treated Privately service for Psoriasis do?
The Get Treated Privately service is a private prescribing service which is designed for adults aged 18 years and over, who are experiencing health issues and who would like to receive a fast-track assessment and if applicable, a treatment plan from a qualified prescribing clinician. Treatments for Psoriasis are dispensed and delivered to your home or workplace from our regulated online pharmacy.
Is this a safe Psoriasis prescribing service?
Yes. Our formulary of medications prescribed for Psoriasis are controlled, governed, and continuously risk-assessed by our Medical Director, Dr Ihtesham Sabri. Unlike other prescribing services which operate using faceless questionnaires, our Psoriasis prescribing service is conducted through remote video consultations, also known as synchronous consultations. This builds patient safety and prescribing appropriateness into our service, ensuring our prescribing clinicians can be satisfied with who and what they are treating. There is no guarantee of supply of medications, and any prescriptions supplied are at the sole discretion of our clinician prescriber. There is no charge for the Psoriasis consultation.
What is a prescribing clinician and is it safe for me to use them on the NowPatient platform?
Our prescribing clinicians are board-certified pharmacists, nurses, or doctors who can also prescribe any medicine for any medical condition, subject to accepted accreditation and good clinical practice. They are all registered with their respective regulatory bodies. For example, a pharmacist independent prescriber is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). Each prescribing clinician undergoes an extensive background check including a disclosure and barring service check (DBS). In addition, they undergo a rigorous license verification process. When you book an appointment with our prescribing clinicians you will see their full name, license number, and any specialized credentials they have.
Is the service available worldwide?
Yes, you can get treated privately for Psoriasis worldwide.
Do I need to pay for this service?
Yes. This is a private service. You do not need to pay for the consultation. You only pay for the cost of the Psoriasis treatment that you are prescribed.
How do I book a consultation?
Once you have logged into your account, you will need to navigate to the Get Treated Privately service card which is located as a service item on the dashboard.
Using the action button on the service card, you can select one of the following – ‘Search Treatments’ or ‘Search Conditions’. From here you can search for Psoriasis.
Depending on the search type and the product/condition that you would like to get treated, you will be taken to a consultation booking screen. Follow the simple steps to complete your booking. During the booking confirmation, you will be able to select a date and time that is convenient for you, along with the preferred language and gender of the prescribing clinician you wish to choose. You will then see a list of all available expert clinicians who are trained to assess the medication or condition chosen. Once you have confirmed your booking, you will see a summary of the appointment including preliminary information about the consultation. At this point, you will also be able to add a reminder to your calendar. Always ensure your account health profile is up to date before any consultation. This ensures that our clinicians have the most up-to-date information about your current health status and anything that may influence their prescribing decisions. You will receive a push notification, SMS notification and email reminding you of your consultation, 30 minutes before the virtual consultation is due to start.
Depending on certain medications which require our clinicians to have your up-to-date blood pressure readings, you may be required to submit a virtual blood pressure check, using your smartphone or device. We will provide you with full instructions, when this is required.
What happens during the remote video consultation?
During the consultation, the clinician will ask you a series of questions that will allow the clinician to assess your condition and potential treatment options for Psoriasis. At the end of the consultation, the clinician will decide which treatment options are safe and suitable option for you.
If it is, the clinician will discuss the treatment option, so that you can jointly agree on the treatment plan. Once you have jointly agreed on a treatment plan, the clinician will issue a prescription treatment for your Psoriasis which will be available in your Cart at the end of the consultation.
Also, with your consent, the clinician may wish to inform your doctor of the treatment that was prescribed. We recommend that you agree to this since your doctor is responsible for your overall care and they should have a record of this consultation and medication prescribed. In addition, our clinician may take the opportunity to advise you on your overall health including advice on healthy living or stop smoking.
What happens at the end of the Psoriasis consultation?
At the end of the consultation, you will receive a notification which will summarise the outcome. It will also advise you if any referrals were made to your doctor, along with any other advice that was given to you by the clinician.
If a referral letter was issued to your doctor, you will be able to view a copy of this in the ‘Documents’ section of the dashboard.
If you were prescribed a treatment, it will now be available in your Cart.
When you go to your Cart, you will be able to select the treatment, checkout and make payment. Once the checkout is complete, your prescription order will be sent to our regulated online pharmacy for processing.
What if the prescriber does not prescribe a treatment for Psoriasis?
We operate a safe prescribing service. This means that our prescribing clinicians always exercise their clinical judgment when prescribing . Unfortunately, we do not operate a self select service where you can choose a medication and simply buy. If the clinician that sees you does not prescribe anything, then you will not be charged.
Will I get status updates for my order?
Yes. When your Psoriasis treatment is approved, and after you have checked out and paid for your order, we will keep you fully updated with the status of your order. Every time the status of your order changes, you will be notified immediately. These notifications will appear in the ‘Notification Feed’ section on the dashboard.
How will my Psoriasis treatment be delivered?
All orders are shipped in discreet and unmarked packaging. This means it is suitable for delivery wherever you require (home, work, or a neighbour).
For thermo-sensitive orders (e.g. Insulin or weight loss injections) we use cold chain-validated packaging. Your parcel will normally receive an estimated delivery window from the courier on the day of delivery.
For your protection and safety, your first order can only be delivered to the address that is registered with NowPatient. Future orders can be delivered to any other address, for example, your workplace.
Do you ship cold-chain or temperature sensitive products?
Yes. We use a specialist courier service for all thermo-sensitive deliveries. This is to ensure that cold chain integrity is always maintained and thus the product quality, safety and efficacy.
Learn more about how we handle the delivery of temperature sensitive products.
Where do you deliver?
We currently deliver to all postcodes/zipcodes worldwide. Some postcodes in rural areas may have a slightly longer delivery time.
When will my order arrive?
We aim to ship all orders placed Monday – Friday before 3pm on the same day. Orders placed outside these times will be shipped the next working day. All deliveries are shipped by Royal Mail, which delivers Monday through Saturday in the UK. For deliveries outside of the UK, please check with your national postal service for accurate delivery days.
Our delivery options have the following delivery times:
- UK – Royal Mail Tracked 24 & Signed for Delivery – Next day delivery
- Europe – Royal Mail Tracked – Typical delivery of 3-5 working days
- Worldwide – Royal Mail – Typical delivery of 5-7 working days. If a tracked option is available for your country via Royal Mail, this service will be applied.
What should I do if my order has not arrived?
Delivery is normally made promptly after your dispatch notification is received. You can check the tracking details of your Psoriasis order in the ‘Notification Feed’ section of the dashboard, at any point after dispatch.
Unfortunately, packages can sometimes get lost in the delivery system. If after 10 days you have not received your delivery, please contact us and we will do all we can to resolve the problem.
Can you prescribe GLP-1 weight loss injections?
Yes. However, with GLP-1 weight loss medications, the license requires that there are support resources put in place as part of the plan including coaching for a healthy lifestyle, exercise, and diet. Our clinicians will discuss this with you, if you are prescribed this type of treatment.
You can learn more on our Weight Loss Programs feature page.
What’s included with my order?
If you are ordering a treatment for Psoriasis, your order will contain your medication only.
If you are ordering weight loss injections, your order will contain:
- Your prescription of pre-filled weight loss injection pens
- Needles
- Sharps bin for safe disposal of needles (if ordered as part of the bundle)
Can I reorder my medication, if I have already been prescribed a course?
Yes. However, as a responsible prescribing service, we do not issue more than one monthly cycle of medication at a time.
This means that, if you would like to reorder, you will need to rebook a consultation.
This is important, because it allows our clinicians to keep track on the progress of your treatment plan and ensure that the medication remains safe and effective for you.
What is the earliest I can reorder my medication or treatment?
14 days after you have received your first monthly supply of medication, we will send you a notification to advise you that you are eligible to reorder your medication. To ensure that we are able to safely prescribe the Psoriasis medication for the next supply, you will need to rebook a consultation.
This ensures that our clinician can check in on your treatment plan and ensure it is working as intended and continues to be safe, suitable and appropriate for you.
How do I reorder my Psoriasis?
When you are eligible to reorder your next Psoriasis prescription, we will send you a notification reminder. This notification reminder will request that you book a consultation with a NowPatient Clinician.
You should book a suitable time and date for the consultation.
At the end of the consultation, the clinician may advise you to either
- Stop the treatment
- Stay on the current dose
- Increase the dose
If our clinician deems it safe for you to continue the medication used to treat Psoriasis, the prescription will be added to your cart, from where you can checkout.
Delivery will be made in line with our delivery timescales.
As a responsible prescribing service, we will always monitor your Psoriasis treatment plan to ensure that it remains safe, effective and suitable for you.
How do I reorder weight loss medication?
Our weight loss programs are built to closely monitor treatment progress and safety. Please refer to the Weight Loss Programs Service Guide that explains how you can reorder or step edit your dose.