Embarrassing Illnesses

We asked Dr Mark Goodfield, consultant dermatologist at Leeds General Infirmary, what he'd want to know if he was diagnosed with psoriasis.

Does psoriasis run in families?

Psoriasis is a genetic condition, but it's complicated. There's no simple pattern of inheritance, but within a family you will often find a number of people affected.

Is it infectious?

You can't catch psoriasis. Although there may be other members of your family who have it, you won't have given it to them. And if you have psoriasis, you can't pass it on to partners or friends.

What's the treatment?

You start off with a simple topical treatment, a cream or ointment applied to your skin. Old-fashioned tar preparations are used but they're a bit messy and smelly (see 'Treatment' section for more information).

If topical treatments don't work, the next thing to try is ultraviolet (UV) light therapy. However, UV treatment does increase your risk of getting skin cancer. The more UV you receive, the greater your risk of getting skin cancer.

If your psoriasis returns quickly after UV treatment, you can be moved on to an oral treatment.

What happens if these treatments fail?

If you have severe psoriasis and the usual treatments don't work, your doctor may try a 'biologic' treatment. Biologics are a new group of drugs for psoriasis. They contain antibodies directed against the chemicals or cells that cause inflammation in the skin. They are given either as an infusion (a drip) or injection, once or twice a week.

Is psoriasis associated with any other illnesses?

Around 10 to 25% of patients with psoriasis will have significant joint problems directly related to the condition (see the 'What happens?' tab for more information).

Will I have to live with my psoriasis forever?

Not necessarily. Psoriasis is unpredictable and often it gets better by itself. So, for a number of patients, it will just go away.