Psoriasis Management Online

About psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated skin condition that causes red, scaly patches on the skin. The most common form is plaque psoriasis. Severity varies widely, from a few small patches to extensive involvement. Psoriasis can also affect nails and joints (psoriatic arthritis).

Management depends on severity and may include topical treatments, phototherapy, and systemic medications prescribed by dermatology specialists. Lifestyle factors such as stress, smoking, alcohol, and infections can influence flares.

How a telehealth GP can help

A NewDoc GP can review your symptoms and skin, prescribe topical treatments where clinically appropriate, and provide a dermatologist referral for more extensive disease or when systemic treatment is being considered. Your GP can also review joint symptoms that may suggest psoriatic arthritis and refer to rheumatology if indicated.

Risk factors for psoriasis

Psoriasis has a strong genetic component. People with a parent or sibling with psoriasis are at increased risk. It can occur at any age but often first appears between 15 and 35, with another peak in later adulthood. Both men and women are affected.

A number of factors may trigger or worsen flares: strep throat infections, stress, skin injury or friction, certain medications, smoking, heavy alcohol use, and cold dry weather. People with psoriasis may also be at higher risk of related conditions such as cardiovascular disease (including heart disease, stroke, and peripheral arterial disease), metabolic syndrome, and inflammatory bowel disease. Your GP may discuss general health screening as part of your care.

Treatment options for psoriasis

Treatment depends on the type, distribution, and severity of your psoriasis. For mild to moderate plaque psoriasis, topical treatments are often first-line. These may include topical corticosteroids, vitamin D analogues, coal tar preparations, and emollients. Your GP will choose a regimen suited to the body area affected.

For more extensive or resistant disease, a dermatologist may consider phototherapy (narrowband UVB) or systemic treatments such as oral therapies or biologic agents. These are prescribed and monitored through specialist care.

If you have joint symptoms suggestive of psoriatic arthritis, your GP can arrange blood tests and a rheumatology referral where clinically appropriate.

When to see a specialist about psoriasis

A GP can manage many milder presentations of psoriasis with topical treatment. A dermatologist referral is usually appropriate in a few situations: extensive or severe disease, psoriasis that is not responding to topical therapy, less common forms (pustular or erythrodermic), or when systemic or biologic therapy is being considered.

Joint symptoms suggesting psoriatic arthritis warrant a rheumatology referral. If psoriasis is affecting nails prominently, or involving sensitive areas such as the scalp, face, or genitals, specialist input can also be helpful. Your GP will coordinate care and arrange referrals as needed.

Tips for managing psoriasis

Daily moisturising with an unscented emollient can reduce itch and scaling. Apply generously after bathing to lock in moisture. Lukewarm showers and gentle cleansers are usually better tolerated than hot water and soaps. Pat the skin dry rather than rubbing.

Stress management, adequate sleep, and regular physical activity may help reduce the frequency of flares. Not smoking and limiting alcohol may also support disease control and general cardiovascular health.

Psoriasis can affect mood, self-esteem, and quality of life. If it is impacting your wellbeing, your GP can discuss a Mental Health Treatment Plan to support access to psychology sessions, alongside skin-directed care.