Psoriasis treatment, prescription topicals to manage flares and plaques

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition in which skin cells are produced far more quickly than normal, causing them to build up on the surface as thickened, scaly plaques. These are typically red or pink with a silvery scale, and are most commonly found on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back — though psoriasis can appear anywhere on the body.

It tends to come and go in flares, with periods of relative calm in between. Triggers can include stress, infections, certain medicines, skin injury, alcohol and smoking. Psoriasis is not contagious and is not caused by poor hygiene — it is an immune system condition with a strong genetic component.

What causes psoriasis?

The underlying cause is an overactive immune response that speeds up the skin cell lifecycle. Genetic factors play a large role — psoriasis tends to run in families. Environmental triggers can bring on or worsen flares in people who are genetically susceptible. There is also a well-recognised association between psoriasis and other conditions including psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular risk and mental health — which is one reason it benefits from proper clinical management rather than just topical management alone.

How is psoriasis treated?

For mild to moderate psoriasis affecting limited areas of the body, topical treatments are the foundation of management. These typically include a steroid cream or scalp application to reduce inflammation and a vitamin D analogue preparation — applied separately or as a combined formulation — which slows skin cell turnover. Emollients are used alongside to keep the skin moisturised and reduce scaling. Coal-tar-based preparations are sometimes used for thicker plaques, particularly on the scalp.

For more extensive or treatment-resistant psoriasis, other approaches including phototherapy or systemic treatments are available through specialist dermatology pathways. Our online consultation supports the topical management of mild to moderate psoriasis — we will refer you to your GP if your situation needs more than this.

Treating psoriasis with NewGen

NewGen Pharmacy is a GPhC-registered community pharmacy at 245 High Street, Stratford. You complete a confidential consultation describing your psoriasis — the areas affected, severity and any previous treatments — and a UK prescriber assesses the most appropriate topical treatment. Treatment is dispensed and delivered in plain packaging, or you can collect from our Stratford branch. If you are unsure whether your skin condition is psoriasis or something similar such as eczema, our online skin diagnosis service is a useful first step.

When to see your GP instead

See your GP if your psoriasis covers a large area of your body, affects your joints, is not responding to topical treatment, or is having a significant effect on your quality of life — a dermatology referral or systemic treatment may be appropriate. Also see your GP if this is your first psoriasis presentation, if you are pregnant, or if you have other significant health conditions. If we cannot safely manage your situation online, we will explain clearly and point you to the right care.