Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes the rapid buildup of skin cells. This buildup causes scaling on the skin's surface, with Inflammation and redness around the scales. Typical psoriatic scales are whitish-silver and develop in thick, red patches.

Psoriasis signs and symptoms are different for everyone, although common indicators are red patches of skin covered with thick, silvery scales, small scaling spots, dry skin that may bleed, itching & burning, thickened & ridged nails, and swollen & stiff joints.

Overactive T cells trigger increased production of healthy skin cells, more T cells and other white blood cells, especially neutrophils. These travel into the skin causing redness and sometimes pustular lesions. In addition to this, dilated blood vessels in psoriasis-affected areas create warmth and redness in the skin lesions. The process becomes an ongoing cycle in which new skin cells move to the outermost layer of skin too quickly — in days rather than weeks. Skin cells build up in thick, scaly patches on the skin's surface, continuing until treatment stops the cycle.

Psoriasis Causes

• Infections
• Skin Injury
• Stress
• Smoking
• Heavy Alcohol
  Consumption
• Vitamin D
  Deficiency
• Certain
  Medications

Psoriasis Treatments

While there is no known cure for psoriasis, the Wollongong Dermatology team specialise in the management of symptoms. After meeting with one of our dermatologists, they will assess your symptoms and recommend a personalised treatment plan to reduce inflammation and clear the skin. Treatments can be divided into four main types: creams, phototherapy,   medications and biologics.

Creams and ointments that you apply to your skin can effectively treat mild to moderate psoriasis. When the disease is more severe, creams are likely to be combined with medications or light therapy. Topical psoriasis treatments commonly include corticosteroids, vitamin D analogues, retinoids, calcineurin inhibitors, salicylic acid, tar and anthralin.

Phototherapy, or light therapy, uses specific ultraviolet light wavelengths to treat psoriasis. Phototherapy is typically given 2 to 3 times per week in our office.

Medications are commonly utilised for severe or treatment-resistant psoriasis. Covering both oral or injected medications, this includes retinoids, methotrexate and cyclosporine.

Biologic medications are protein based drugs derived from living cells cultured in a laboratory. They target specific parts of the immune system and they tend to be more effective then systemic medications. We are experts in using biologics to treat severe psoriasis. To qualify for these medications patients must meet the Medicare PBS criteria.

Frequently asked questions