​Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition in which both genetic and environmental factors play a role. It is thought to affect your immune system, causing your skin cells to grow and build up too quickly on the surface of your skin. Normally, skin cells grow and replace old skin cells every three to four weeks. However, psoriasis hastens the process and stimulates the replacement within three to seven days. This rapid build-up results in thick, flaky and crusty red patches of skin (plaques) that are covered with silvery looking scales. Psoriasis can usually appear around your knees, elbows, hands, feet, scalp and lower-back.

Although psoriasis most commonly occurs in adults, it can affect children and teenagers as well. Currently, the exact cause of psoriasis is not known. Psoriasis is not contagious, and it cannot be contracted through physical contact with someone who has it. However, at times it has been noted that psoriasis can run in the family; so it is possible you may have inherited the skin condition at birth. Psoriasis can sometimes affect the nails and it can be a sign of psoriatic arthritis, one of the most debilitating types of arthritis if not treated early. Although there is currently no permanent cure for psoriasis, ​​there are a number of treatment options that your doctor will be able to suggest that will help keep your skin cleared up of psoriasis.

When to seek expert advise

If you experience any of the symptoms associated with psoriasis, it is important that you consult a medical expert from the Teeth and Skin Service Line at The Aga Khan University Hospital to further advise you on how to treat your symptoms. An early treatment can help keep the skin condition under control and prevent it from worsening.

If you have been diagnosed with psoriasis and are being treated for it, you should contact your doctor and especially if your condition is worsening and causing you pain and discomfort.  You should also seek advice if you are suffering from any side effects of medication, including fever, vomiting, chills or fever, or are experiencing an extreme and unusual flare-up.

The internationally trained doctors at The Aga Khan University and Hospital are specialized to provide expert advice on the best form of diagnosis and treatment for your particular symptoms and situation.​​