Psoriasis
Overview
Psoriasis is a long-term (chronic) inflammatory skin condition that causes red crusty patches to appear on the skin, which can look like they are covered in silvery scales. It can be aesthetically bothersome and feel uncomfortable, but it is not infectious. Symptoms can come and go and may range from mild to severe. Some people identify triggers such as stress, which worsen their condition. Psoriasis can be managed well but cannot be cured.
It can appear anywhere on the body, including the scalp, hands, elbows, feet, and genitals. It can also cause pain in the joints.
Psoriasis is a condition that affects the immune system. When someone has psoriasis the rate at which their outer skin layer is replaced speeds up. It normally takes 21-28 days to replace skin cells. In psoriasis this can happen in just a few days. Consequently, the skin cells can collect on the surface of the skin and appear as raised, flaky patches.
Symptoms
Psoriasis affects around 3% of people and can appear at any age, but is most common between the ages of 11 and 45. It sometimes runs within families.
Diagnosis
Psoriasis is mostly diagnosed during a clinical examination. After a consultation, your dermatologist will examine your skin to assess and grade the condition. They will thereafter discuss all available management options, to help you make the best choice for your treatment.
Treatment
The way psoriasis is treated will vary depending on its location, type, and severity.
The traditional initial treatments include topical agents such as steroid and vitamin D creams, coal tar or salicylic acid lotions (keratolytics). It is also important to keep skin moisturized by using perfume-free shower gels and moisturizers.
Regulated sun exposure can be beneficial for psoriasis. However, sun exposure should take place in moderation and according to your dermatologists’ guidelines.
In more severe cases, your dermatologist may recommend you take immunosuppressive medicines (conventional or targeted) that will reduce your skin cell production. This option is discussed in detail before the treatment starts and you will be thereafter closely monitored by your dermatologist.
Often, treatment will include a combination of these approaches.
Studies have shown that people with psoriasis are more prone to high blood pressure, raised cholesterol and heart disease, so it is also advisable that you are closely monitored by your GP.
Why GMI
At the GMI, a dedicated team of highly specialized and sub-specialized dermatologists will address your skin concerns, guiding you through your entire journey, from your consultation and diagnostic work-up to your treatment and post-treatment care.
The GMI team will never offer a simple “one size fits all” approach to any patient. We believe each patient’s case is as individual as they are, and strive to find the best treatment plan for each of our patients, taking their case and diagnosis, their lifestyle, and choices into account. To determine the best course of action, each patient’s case is discussed in a multidisciplinary board, where indicated, where several experts with different specialties come together to create your comprehensive treatment plan.
We have invested in advanced technology for the early diagnosis, monitoring, and management of your skin condition. Some of these include digital dermoscopy, artificial intelligence mole mapping, laser treatments as well as tools used in minimally invasive approaches. Any further investigation you may require can also be performed at the GMI, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scans and positron emission tomography / computed tomography (PET / CT), , histopathology (for biopsies) or blood investigations done in our laboratory, and more.
Our specialized doctors offer a full spectrum of treatment options including minimally invasive procedures, skin surgery, laser treatments, but also radiotherapy, brachytherapy, and advanced systemic therapies, and new treatments such as immuno/chemo-therapy treatments for advanced cases.
We believe each of our patients is more than their diagnosis. We therefore offer dedicated teams supporting our patients by offering more than just expert medical care, through a wholistic approach. These services include psychological help, integrative medical services (including yoga classes, and acupuncture) physiotherapy, and rehabilitation services, as well as a GMI Patient Advocacy Program.
Adhering to our passion for innovation, and desire to progress the medical field, the GMI Department of Dermatology both initiates and participates in several clinical trials in which the most modern and advanced treatment concepts are tested.
