Treatments for Psoriasis

There is no cure for psoriasis, but it can be treated and managed.

Psoriasis is unique to each individual, and a treatment that works for one person doesn’t necessarily work for another. Because of this, treating psoriasis can be a process of trial and error, and it can be frustrating.

There may be times when your psoriasis gets you down, and when it can be hard to be motivated to use any treatment at all. However, it’s important that you regularly see your doctor to review your condition, and be honest about your treatment. It’s the best way of making sure you get to try as many treatments as possible, and find one that makes a difference to you.

Treatments from a GP

Most people with psoriasis start their treatment under the guidance of a General Practitioner (GP). Psoriasis treatment usually starts with topical (applied to the skin) treatments, which can come in different formulations (creams, ointments, gels, etc) and have different active ingredients. Click on the links below to find out more about the main topical treatments.

Moisturisers and emollients

Vitamin D based topicals

Topical steroids

Coal tar preparations

Dithranol preparations

Calcineurin inhibitors

Treatments from a Dermatologist

If psoriasis is severe, or if various types of topical treatments don’t work, a GP should provide a referral to a Dermatologist. Click on the links below to find out more about the treatments available from a Dermatologist.

Ultraviolet light therapy

Systemic treatments

Biologic treatments

Preparing for a virtual consultation

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Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we know that more people than ever are having their healthcare appointments held by telephone or video. For many, this is a completely new experience and it can be a little disconcerting having to rely on technology when you’re used to seeing your doctor or nurse face-to-face. While many aspects of a virtual appointment will be the same as in-person, others (including the technology itself) will be different, which is why we’ve put this resource together.

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The tips have been divided into two sections: those to bear in mind in advance of your appointment; and those to consider during the appointment itself. We hope they will be helpful, whether your next appointment is with a GP, nurse, dermatologist or rheumatologist. If you have any tips of your own that you think we should add to the resource, please do get in touch and let us know.

Click here to view the top tips resource