Understand the symptoms of this common autoimmune condition to minimise flare-ups
Red patches
The skin becoming inflamed with red patches indicates plaque psoriasis, the most common form of the condition. It normally appears on elbows, knees or the scalp.
These plaques may also become dry and have a silver scaly appearance. The overproduction of skin cells can make skin thick, leading to itchiness and irritated skin. E45 Non-greasy Emollient Cream is available over-the-counter and can reduce itchiness.
Itching and burning
Itching or burning skin can stem from inflammation caused by the autoimmune condition. A cool compress can provide quick relief from itchiness while medical treatments are available for long-term relief.
Dry or cracked skin
Dry skin tends to show up as an early sign of this skin condition and can lead to cracking, which in turn, causes bleeding.
Regularly moisturise the affected area and avoid potential irritants. Treatments such as Diprobase Cream are effective at targeting dry or flaky skin caused by psoriasis.
Pitted nails
Nail pitting - when small dents or pits form on the surface – is an indicator of nail psoriasis. It impacts appearance and the fragility can make nails crumble in severe cases.
If your nails have changed in appearance or texture, it’s always best to seek further advice from a GP.
Dry or flaky scalp
This is another type of plaque psoriasis that can lead to patches of skin covered in scales and may even cause temporary hair loss in severe cases.
However, over-the-counter shampoos such as Polytar Shampoo can prove useful in reducing dry, scaly skin while protecting against future flare-ups.
• From Dr Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy