Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is psoriasis contagious?
You cannot catch psoriasis by touching someone with the condition or by sharing towels or eating food prepared by someone with psoriasis. Please see our "What is Psoriasis?" page to find out more about the condition.

2. Is there a cure?
Sadly there is not yet a cure for psoriasis. There are many treatments for the condition (see our treatments page) and research is ongoing – the Psoriasis Association funds research so please join and show your support (become a member).

3. Do I need to moisturise my skin?
Yes yes yes! Moisturisers make the skin feel much more comfortable by decreasing the dryness, scaling, soreness and itching. A moisturising lotion can be cooling to itchy and sore skin, and is absorbed very quickly so is ideal for use in the day time. A moisturising cream or ointment is generally a better moisturiser, but can take longer to absorb into the skin. Rubbing a cream into your skin is not the only way to replace lost moisture, try using an emollient or soap substitute to wash, shower and shave with – contact the office for further information and a full list of moisturisers and emollients.

4. What is the best way to apply my topical treatments?
Moisturisers do not simply just moisturise the skin, they allow the active treatments such as vitamin D analogues and steroid creams and ointments to be absorbed and work more effectively. Apply your moisturiser, and then wait for approximately 30-45 minutes before applying your prescription cream. Use the guide inside the cream or ointment packaging to gauge how much or how little to use. If you have lost this leaflet, you can view it at the following website - http://emc.medicines.org.uk/

5. I’ve tried everything, is there anything new?
Two new scalp products have been launched since 2007. Etrivex, a steroid based shampoo and Xamiol, a steroid and vitamin D based treatment – similar to Dovobet. If you feel that you have exhausted the supplies of topical treatments, do talk to your GP about a referral to see a dermatologist who has more treatments available to them to prescribe. See our treatments page for further information.

6. Will my psoriasis ever go away?
Psoriasis can be a very frustrating condition in that treatments can take weeks and months of perseverance before an improvement is seen. As mentioned above, there is not a cure for psoriasis, but there are many treatments available, from creams and ointments, to UV therapy, tablets and injections. It can take time to find the best treatment for you – but do persevere!

7. How do I get to see a dermatologist?
Whether you wish to see a dermatologist via the NHS or privately you will need a referral letter from your GP. You will then be offered up to five departments to choose from. To find a dermatologist in your area, you may find the following website useful – www.drfoster.co.uk

8. If I change my diet will it help my psoriasis?
Research has been carried out into the role that diet plays on psoriasis, and whilst individual people may find that by eliminating certain foods or taking certain supplements their psoriasis improves, this has never been replicated in larger studies. It is wise for everyone to have a healthy diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables (five portions a day) and to drink plenty of fluids, especially water (around 1.5-2 litres a day).
Alcohol can be particularly drying to the skin – if you drink alcohol try to keep this at moderate levels and remember to moisturise your skin well.

9. I have a special occasion coming up and would like to wear short sleeves, is there any way of covering my psoriasis?
The British Red Cross and the British Association of Skin Camouflage offer excellent services in disguising psoriasis. You will need a referral from your GP or Dermatologist in order to see one of the camouflage specialists, but they will spend time blending the products in order to get the right colour for you personally. The camouflage specialists will also train you so you are able to apply the camouflage yourself which is waterproof so that you can go about your day without worry.

10. I am spending a fortune on prescriptions for various creams for my psoriasis.
If you have to pay for more than three prescription items in three months or 14 items in 12 months you could save money with a pre-payment certificate. In England, a three month pre-payment certificate costs £27.85 and a 12 month pre-payment certificate costs £102.50 – which you can pay for over a 10 month period by direct debit. For more information - www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/1127.aspx
In Scotland, a four month pre-payment certificate costs £17.00 and 12 months costs £48.00. For more information - www.psd.scot.nhs.uk/doctors/prepayment-certificates.html
As of January 2009, prescription pre-payment certificates in Northern Ireland will be £9 for four months and £25 for 12 months. For more information please visit your local pharmacist.