Summary
Read the full fact sheet- Psoriasis is an inflammatory condition of the skin, the nails and the joints.
- Psoriasis is not contagious.
- While there is no known cure for psoriasis, it can be controlled with treatment.
On this page
About psoriasis
Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition. It is not contagious. Symptoms include red scaly patches on skin, itchiness and flaking of the skin. The areas most commonly affected are the scalp, elbows and knees, but psoriasis can occur anywhere on the body. There is no cure for psoriasis, but it can be completely controlled with treatment.
Symptoms of psoriasis
Symptoms of psoriasis vary from person to person. The effects may include:
- red scaly patches on scalp, elbows, knees and other parts of the body
- itchiness – however, many people do not feel itchy at all
- shedding of scales of skin.
Types of psoriasis
- plaque psoriasis – the most common form
- pustular psoriasis – a more severe form, which can be painful
- guttate psoriasis – found mostly in children
- napkin psoriasis – characteristically seen in infants between two and eight months of age
- flexural psoriasis – affects body folds and genital areas
- erythrodermic psoriasis – a severe form requiring hospitalisation.
Psoriasis can cause arthritis
For an unknown reason, psoriasis can cause a form of arthritis known as psoriatic arthritis. Symptoms include:
- discomfort, throbbing or swelling in one or many joints
- tenderness in any joint
- pain caused by inflammation in the joints, which stimulates nerve endings.
- The joints most likely to be affected are the last joint in the fingers or toes, the sacrum (lower back), wrists, knees or ankles.
Causes of psoriasis
A number of genes have been associated with different types of psoriasis. If psoriasis runs in your family, infections and certain medications (lithium, beta blockers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and antimalarial medication) can trigger the onset of psoriasis or cause it to flare up. Skin injury and smoking can also make certain types of psoriasis worse.
Treatment of psoriasis
Doctors may prescribe a range of treatments for the relief of psoriasis symptoms including:
- coal tar preparations, cortisone and other prescription creams
- medications such as methotrexate, acitretin, cyclosporin and calcipotriol
- ultraviolet light therapy.
Biologic therapies for psoriasis
Biologic therapies have revolutionised the treatment of psoriasis and greatly improved our understanding of how psoriasis works. As these treatments are expensive, the government only subsidises the cost for patients with severe cases of the disease and where all other treatment options have been exhausted.
Clinical trials for psoriasis
Before a new treatment can be registered in Australia it must undergo extensive testing. Clinical trials are used to determine the safety and effectiveness of new treatments for psoriasis. The regulations governing clinical trials in Australia make the process as safe as possible for clinical trial participants.
People with psoriasis may consider volunteering to participate in a clinical trial. Participation provides volunteers with access to cutting edge treatments that are not otherwise available.
If you are interested in participating in a clinical trial, talk to your doctor.
Get it at the chemist with Chemist Care Now
In Victoria, participating chemists can provide care for more common health needs without the need for a visit to the GP.
A trained pharmacist can assess you in a private consultation room and, where appropriate, provide certain prescription medicines. Consultations are free, however there will be a cost for any medicines supplied.
People aged 18 years and over who have previously been diagnosed with mild plaque psoriasis on their body, arms or legs may be eligible for a resupply of their usual topical corticosteroid to treat a flare-up through Chemist Care Now. You must have previously been prescribed this medicine to treat your psoriasis.
Eligibility criteria apply. A trained pharmacist will assess whether this service is suitable for you.
You will need to see a doctor instead if you:
- are pregnant or planning a pregnancy
- have psoriasis affecting your face, scalp, genitals, palms of your hands or soles of your feet
- have psoriasis that is severe, widespread or affecting a large area of your body
- have psoriasis that appears infected, including redness, pus or weeping skin
- have psoriasis that is causing pain or significant discomfort
- have painful, swollen or stiff joints
- have not responded to your usual topical treatment.
Availability of services varies between participating chemists. To find out more about Chemist Care Now, and find a participating chemist, visit the Chemist Care Now page.
Where to get help
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
