Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic, non-contagious skin condition affecting between 1% and 2% of the populations of industrialized countries (Russo et al., 2004). It is characterized by lesions of skin which are inflamed, itchy and scaly. Severity can range from lesions on the elbows alone to extensive body coverage. The most common form of psoriasis is chronic plaque, characterized by lesions round in shape, a few centimetres in diameter, raised and covered in a silvery scale. Any part of the skin may be affected including the scalp. Psoriasis can also result in pitting, discolouration and separation from the nail bed of both finger and toe nails. In addition, 1 in 20 psoriasis sufferers have psoriatic arthritis of the joints. Many people with psoriasis experience the Koebner phenomenon in which lesions occur in areas where there has been skin trauma or injury, such as a cut, an injection site or burn.

The severity of psoriasis is rarely static. The majority of individuals cycle between differing levels of severity throughout their lifetime, experiencing ‘spontaneous’ remissions and flare-ups during the course of their condition. There is no cure for psoriasis and instead treatment is aimed at reducing symptoms and improving the appearance of the skin. Medical treatments include topical ointments and creams, phototherapy and systemic treatments. These can be unpleasant to use and time-consuming, often involving frequent hospital visits.