Psoriasis, a widespread skin condition affecting roughly 3% of Britons, often goes unnoticed due to a lack of awareness about its symptoms and treatments. As Psoriasis Awareness Month is observed in August, Dr Donald Grant, a GP and senior clinical advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, sheds light on the key indicators of psoriasis, stressing the importance of recognising them for timely intervention.
Dr Grant said: “Psoriasis is an extremely common autoimmune condition that cannot be prevented. It comes in many forms and leaves skin itchy, irritated and inflamed.”
He continued: “Understanding the telltale signs of psoriasis is vital for ensuring early treatment is provided to minimise flare-ups, but what are the common signifiers of this condition? Let’s take a look in further detail.”
Signs of psoriasis to know
One of the primary symptoms, according to Dr Grant, is the emergence of red patches on the skin, indicative of plaque psoriasis, which predominantly manifests on elbows, knees, or the scalp, though it can appear elsewhere on the body.
“These plaques may also become dry and have a silver scaly appearance. The overproduction of skin cells can make skin thick and dry, leading to itchiness and irritated skin. E45 Non-greasy Emollient Cream is available over-the-counter and can reduce itchiness, soothing skin and leaving it smoother.”
Dr Grant has issued a stark warning about common skin issues, stating: “It’s important for people to understand that while itching and burning on the skin is common during summer – as a sign of sunburn – it’s also a massive indicator of psoriasis. Affected areas can quickly become irritated during flare-ups and this sensation can come before visible changes in the skin.
“Itching or burning skin can stem from inflammation caused by the autoimmune condition. To manage symptoms, a cool compress can reduce burning and provide quick relief from itchiness while medical treatments are available for long-term relief.”
When it comes to dry or cracked skin, Dr Grant advises caution, reports Gloucestershire Live: “During summer, dry skin is fairly normal with the rise in temperatures. Despite this, I recommend keeping a close eye on dry or cracked skin as it can be a telltale sign of psoriasis. Dry skin tends to show up as an early sign of this skin condition and can lead to cracking, which in turn, causes bleeding. This can massively affect confidence while also being painful to manage.
“To prevent cracking, I suggest regularly moisturising the affected area and avoiding potential irritants. If dry skin or cracking persists, it’s best to seek medical advice to get more clarity on the treatments available to you. Treatments such as Diprobase Cream are effective at targeting dry or flaky skin caused by psoriasis.”
He also highlighted concerns regarding pitted nails.
Dr Grant highlighted: “Nail psoriasis is a common type of skin condition affecting around half of those suffering from psoriasis, according to the NHS. An indicator of nail psoriasis is nail pitting – when small dents or pits form on the surface of fingernails or toenails. It impacts appearance and the fragility can make nails crumble in severe cases.
“Pitted nails can impact work and social lives, making writing or typing challenging while affecting people’s confidence. If your nails have changed in appearance or texture, it’s always best to seek further advice from a GP.”
Dr Grant also mentioned dry or flaky scalp: “Lastly, changes in the scalp, such as dry or flaky skin, is a massive sign of scalp psoriasis. This is another type of plaque psoriasis that can lead to patches of skin covered in scales and may even cause temporary hair loss in severe cases.
“However, over-the-counter shampoos such as Polytar Shampoo can prove useful in reducing dry, scaly skin while protecting against future flare-ups. The active ingredient, coal tar solution, speeds up the shedding of dead skin cells and should be used for around 4 weeks to reduce symptoms.
“Overall, psoriasis comes in many forms and signs of the condition can appear all over the body, including elbows, knees or the scalp. By understanding the telltale signs, people can quickly access medical advice or over-the-counter treatments to help reduce the severity of flare-ups.”
Dr Grant, who earned his medical degree in Bristol in 1985, has amassed a wealth of clinical experience as a GP in the Bristol area. He has a special interest in orthopaedic medicine.