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Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the body's immune system mistakes healthy cells for dangerous substances.
It is a common skin condition that causes red patches of inflamed skin with silver-white scales, often on the elbows and knees, but also commonly affects the scalp, face and folds of skin (such as the back of your knees and elbows).
Skin cells typically grow deep inside the skin, and about once a month they rise to the surface. This process is accelerated in those suffering from psoriasis, which causes a build-up of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin.
In some severe cases of psoriasis, dermatologists may recommend medication and injections, which alter the immune response of the body, therefore suppressing the outbreak.
Whatever your personal requirements, you can rest assured that we will provide the leading consultants and techniques for your treatment at our state-of-the-art, purpose-built, central London facility in Chelsea.
We have invited a selection of the country's very best consultants to join us at the Cadogan Clinic so that you can be sure that whatever the nature of your treatment, you will be seeing one of the top practitioners in the country.
Dr Kristina Semkova
Specialist Dermatologist
Dr Kristina Semkova is a fully qualified Specialist Dermatologist, registered with the General Medical Council...
See Full ProfileDr. Christos Tziotzios
Dermatologist / GMC: 7016972
Dr Christos Tziotzios specialises in scalp, hair and nail disorders, alongside his general medical dermatology practice...
See Full ProfileDr. Amélie Seghers
Consultant Dermatologist / 7068685
Dr Amélie Seghers is a consultant dermatologist who sees adults and children of any age with all kinds of dermatological conditions....
See Full ProfileThe main symptoms of psoriasis are
The most common form of psoriasis is plaque psoriasis, and occurs in roughly 80-90% of cases. This manifests in raised, thickened, silvery skin in plaques of various sizes, with smaller plaques joined together to form larger plaques. Itchiness is a common feature of plaque psoriasis. Scratching it will make your symptoms worsen.
The other 10% - 20% of cases can be one of:
Most commonly psoriasis forms in the following areas of the body:
That said, depending on which type of psoriasis is present, psoriasis can appear almost anywhere in the body and even be generalised across the entire surface of the body's skin.
Psoriasis is a chronic disease that flares up and subsides intermittently. While there is no cure for psoriasis (the condition cannot be eradicated completely) there are many ways to manage the symptoms.
Treatments to manage symptoms include:
Topical treatments and light therapy are typically reserved for milder instances of psoriasis. Medication is typically used in the strongest cases, when psoriasis has not responded adequately to these first two treatments.
A bespoke treatment plan will be devised by your consultant dermatologist at your consultation to most effectively combat and control your condition.
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Why Do People Have It?
The benefits of treatment for psoriasis include:
Psoriasis is common and affects roughly 2% of the population.
The exact causes of psoriasis are not fully known or understood. That said, genetics, the immune system and environmental factors are all known to play a part.
The following factors are understood:
The following environmental triggers are also indicated for psoriasis flare-ups:
Testimonials
I was seen by Dr Catherine Borysiewicz about some long standing skin conditions. I am delighted with her diagnosis and the treatment plan has made a huge impact on my skin health in the time since. I would definitely recommend
The Cadogan Clinic and my consultants Dr Granite and Dr Sadideen are truly experts in their field, and have looked after all my skincare concerns and needs. I highly recommend then and would never go see anyone else! I cannot recommend them enough.
I had a wonderful experience at the Cadogan Clinic. I immediately felt taken care of by my friendly patient advisor and I was supported the whole way through my course of treatments. My skin is no longer struggling with acne and scarring thanks to Dr Griffiths. Each time I left the clinic after an appointment my confidence had been boosted and I am doing much much better with myself now.
I was deeply impressed with the service and professionalism of Cadogan Clinic. I saw a lovely dermatologist - Dr Seghers - who really put me at ease and who I will most definitely visit again. Staff were so friendly, reception left no question unanswered. I will definitely be recommending to family and friends
I am very pleased with the extremely efficient help and advice I received from Cadogan Clinic recently when I was worried about a skin problem. I was impressed with how quickly and efficiently my friendly patient advisor was able to reassure me and expedite a consultation with Dr Semkova. I highly recommend the clinic and the very professional team who work there.
I was delighted with the service, right from making a telephone booking to attending the Clinic for my dermatology appointment with the knowledgeable Dr Tsiotsios. Staff are also very friendly and knowledgeable.
You will meet with one of our highly trained dermatologists at the Cadogan Clinic on Sloane Street, Chelsea for an in-person assessment of your skin.
Your consultant will discuss the following with you at this consultation:
3 Easy Steps
What causes Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition of the skin which affects 2% of the population and causes an increase in the rate of the cell turnover.
The normal rate of cell turnover is around a month but in psoriasis, it can be as little as 3-4 days. This causes a build-up of skin cells which cannot be shed normally and typically presents as well-demarcated pink or red plaques with a superficial silvery scale.
The plaques tend to be symmetrical and most often occur on the knees, elbows and shins but can occur anywhere on the body. The scalp and flexures of the axillae (armpits) and groin may also be affected. Psoriasis can also affect the nails which classically have tiny depressions or pits and with separation of the distal nail margin from the underlying nail plate and may be associated with arthritis (joint pains).
Psoriasis is due to an immune system dysfunction and is not something you can catch nor is it contagious. It is mediated by T-cells, a class of white blood cells which usually fend off attacks from viruses and bacteria, but with psoriasis the T-cells attack the healthy skin stimulating the increased production of new skin cells and causing inflammation.
The cause of the T-cell malfunction is thought to be a genetic predisposition and environmental factors. There is often a positive family history of psoriasis and the environmental causes include:
+ Infection: especially a streptococcal sore throat which can trigger the onset of psoriasis and precede subsequent flares
+ Stress: this can trigger or aggravate psoriasis
+ Medication: prescribed medication for high blood pressure such as beta blockers can be associated with psoriasis as can Lithium and stopping strong oral or topical steroids
+ Alcohol: excess alcohol intake is associated with bad psoriasis.
+ Obesity
+ Smoking
+ Trauma: psoriasis plaques localize to areas of skin trauma such as a scar. The medical term for this is called Koebnerisation.
Psoriasis is a chronic disease that flares and subsides intermittently over life. While there is no cure for psoriasis (meaning the condition cannot be eradicated completely so a future flare-up never occurs), there are many ways to manage the symptoms.
When are topical treatments most suitable for psoriasis treatment?
Topical treatment is best suited for mild to moderate cases of psoriasis and consists of creams, ointments or gels. Sometimes topical treatment will be used as a supplement to a larger medical plan for severe psoriasis.
These can include:
+ Emollients or moisturizers to moisturize dry skin, reduce scaling and relieve itching. These are first-line treatment and can be used with other psoriasis treatments.
+ Topical steroids work by reducing skin inflammation. Mild strength topical steroid creams can be useful for flexural and facial psoriasis but their use needs to be monitored as they can cause skin atrophy (thinning ) if overused.
+ A topical steroid with a Vitamin D analogue such as Dovobet is a good treatment for plaque psoriasis on the body
+ Vitamin D analogues such as calcipotriol can be used on the face and for flexural psoriasis, help regulate the immune response to slow down the rate of cell turnover
+ Coal Tar slows down the rate of cell turnover and has been a treatment for psoriasis for many years but has a distinctive smell, stains clothes and is now mostly used for widespread small plaque psoriasis or guttate psoriasis characterized by widespread small patches of inflamed skin.
+ Dithranol is another well-established treatment for thick plaques of psoriasis on the limbs. It is now mostly used with a short contact regime of gradually increasing concentrations of Dithrocream. It also stains clothes.
+ Calcineurin inhibitors such a Tacrolimus or Pimecrolimus originally developed to treat eczema and used on the face and for flexural psoriasis.
When is light therapy most suitable for psoriasis treatment?
Psoriasis often improves in the summer and on exposure to sunlight.
Light Therapy, also known as phototherapy, harnesses the power of ultraviolet light often in combination with topical treatment if topical treatment alone has not been effective.
Types of light therapy for psoriasis include:
+ Narrowband ultraviolet B
+ Psoralens plus ultraviolet A or PUVA which combines a light-sensitizing medication with ultraviolet light treatment.
When are oral or injected medications most suitable for treatment?
Systemic treatment for psoriasis through medication is typically reserved for severe cases or those which have not responded to topical treatments with phototherapy. This is because medication to treat psoriasis are accompanied by potentially severe side effects.
Your doctor may prescribe a psoriasis medication for a short burst and supplement with other treatment types. It is important to discuss a medication plan thoroughly with your doctor.
Psoriasis medications are either taken orally via pill or by injection. Types of these medications include
+ Methotrexate (oral pill)
+ Cyclosporin(oral pill)
+ Biologics (injections)
Does drinking cause psoriasis?
Research indicates that drinking alcohol is a common trigger for psoriasis, and can increase the likelihood of a flare-up in an individual disposed to psoriasis.
This is not always the case, however, and psoriasis can be triggered by a variety of other emotional, environmental and medical factors.
It is also true that people who do not drink alcohol can suffer from psoriasis.
Is psoriasis genetic?
There is evidence that psoriasis is genetic and it is common that psoriasis sufferers also have family members who suffer from the condition.
This is a very common disorder, however, impacting roughly 2% of the population and variety of other causes are also known to be associated beyond genetics, including an array of environmental and medical causes.
Is psoriasis contagious?
Psoriasis is not contagious. It is caused by an over active immune system, so cannot be given to somebody else.
Is psoriasis dangerous?
Typically psoriasis is not dangerous when experienced in mild form.
That said, psoriasis can be a very dangerous condition, particularly when symptoms are generalised (as opposed to localised) and very severe.
If you suffer from psoriasis you should seek a professional medical opinion.
Will psoriasis go away on its own?
Psoriasis is a chronic condition. Whilst symptoms may go into remission of their own accord, without proper treatment and control, it is unlikely that they will go away permanently
Is there a cure for psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic condition. There is no cure for psoriasis. Some treatments can control the condition permanently, or even prompt long remissions.
But since psoriasis is linked to genetic makeup, we do not have a permanent cure for the disease
Is my psoriasis treatment permanent?
Whilst your results may essentially prove permanent, treatments are only able to control the disease and are not able to fully cure it.
It will not be known at the outset whether your treatment is able to deliver permanent results for you
How can I tell the difference between psoriasis and eczema?
It is often difficult for an untrained eye to tell the difference between the two conditions.
You will need to seek a professional medical opinion from a trained dermatologist to understand your skin condition if you are unsure
The Cadogan Clinic is based at 120 Sloane Street in Chelsea, just off Sloane Square and the Kings Road.
We are accessible by all major bus routes that pass through Sloane Square and Sloane Street, as well as Sloane Square tube station.
We are just a 5 minute walk northwards up Sloane Street once you have arrived at Sloane Square.
Local pay parking is available just around the corner from the Clinic on Cadogan Gate, Cadogan Square and Cadogan Gardens. Our local residential parking zone is the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea.
Address: 120 Sloane Street, Chelsea, London, SW1X 9BW
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