Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease. The disease affects skin and there are 5 types of psoriasis-plaque, Inverse, Erythro-dermic, Pustular and Guttate.
We specialise in diagnosing the disease and understand that each different type will require different treatment modalities.

The disease may progress to involve the joints (psoriasis arthritis).
1. Topical medication:
In case of mild psoriasis the treatment mainly comprises of creams, lotions and ointments.
Emollients/ Moisturisers: These help to combat the dryness and itching.
Topical steroids: Steroid creams/ointments are required to control the disease. These are generally combined with salicylic acid to increase their penetration through the thick skin. Their long term use however needs to be monitored by a dermatologist.
Tar: Tar creams or ointments have been in use for a long time and definitely are beneficial.
Other medications: Calcipotriol, Calcitriol, Tazarotene, Tacrolimus and Pimecrolimus can be preferred in different case scenarios.
Shampoos: A medicated tar based shampoo may be used along with to a steroid and salicylic acid based scalp lotion.
2. Oral medication
There are various medicines which can be used in case of severe disease or psoriasis not responding to other therapies. These have to be taken under the supervision of a Dermatologist. Constant monitoring is required in most cases. Methotrexate, Acitrtin, Cyclosporine etc are a few oral medicines which can be prescribed.
The risks and benefits of these therapies are discussed in detail during consultation.