Treatment Of Psoriasis - Psoriasis & Skin Clinic - Gosford, Central Coast
Psoriasis is a hereditary complex disorder of a chronic inflammatory nature, which is characterised by a development of red, scaly and thickened areas of skin. This can be a lifelong condition.
The exact cause is unknown and should be treated not purely as a skin disease. Whilst the skin is the most visible expression of the disorder it may be associated with other conditions such as psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular disease, obesity, insulin resistance, mental health issues, inflammatory bowel disease and other immune-related conditions.
Psoriasis affects about 6.6% of the Australian population and has a significant impact on quality of life. Psoriasis is NOT considered a life-threatening disease though the social and psychological impact is considerable including elevated levels of anxiety, depression, and worry.
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Psoriasis is a genetic condition which to date is incurable. The Psoriasis & Skin Clinic, Gosford targets clearing the skin lesions and helping patients into remission where symptoms can be managed. Knowing your triggers goes a long way to downregulating acute onsets and managing long term.
Psoriasis symptom treatment may take approximately 6-12 weeks, depending on the severity of your condition, the length of time you have suffered and your ability to keep strictly to a protocol that we recommend.
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Primary triggers start or activate psoriasis
Streptococcal tonsillitis ('Strep throat') and other infections
Injuries such as cuts, abrasions, or sunburn
Stopping oral steroids or strong topical corticosteroids, often referred to as steroid withdrawal rebound
Other environmental factors such as a stressful event
Secondary triggers (lifestyle, dietary and chemical exposure) continue to exacerbate psoriasis
Sun exposure in ~10% of psoriasis patients (sun exposure is more often beneficial)
Obesity, smoking, or excessive alcohol
Medications such as lithium, beta-blockers, antimalarials, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, terbinafine or immunotherapy
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There are at numerous types of psoriasis types which present with different symptoms:
Plaque (Chronic Psoriasis Vulgaris)
This is the most common type of psoriasis, affecting 80% of sufferers. It presents as dry, red, raised lesions, covered in silvery white scales. It usually appears on the elbows, knees, scalp, or lower back, although it can be found anywhere on the body, including the genitals. Appearance can vary depending on skin colour, ranging from pink on lighter skin to brown, purple, or grey on darker skin.
Pustular
This form of psoriasis develops quickly. It takes the form of little blisters filled with pus (pustules) and is normally found on the hands, feet, and fingertips. The blisters appear just hours after the skin becomes red and tender and can be very itchy and painful.
Nail (Psoriatic Nails, Psoriasis Nails, Fungal Nails)
This type of psoriasis affects the nails in approximately 5% of psoriasis sufferers. It can start before any skin symptoms appear. The nail plate may be pitted with small surface depressions and discoloration (yellowish – white). Often there is a thick build‐up of keratin under the nails. This causes the nails to lift and separate from the nail bed. Nails are often brittle and can easily break.
Guttate
This type of psoriasis usually appears suddenly, often following a viral or bacterial infection such as streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat). It appears as small, water/drop shaped red spots on the trunk, arms, legs, and scalp. The spots are not flaky and not as thick as typical plaques are. This type of psoriasis more commonly affects children and young adults.
Palmo-Plantar (Hand Psoriasis, Foot Psoriasis)
This type of psoriasis affects the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. It can appear as dry and thickened skin, silvery in appearance or in the pustular form.
Flexural (Inverse Psoriasis, Genital Psoriasis)
This type of psoriasis is only found in the folds and creases of the body. It tends to be smooth and moist in appearance.
Erythrodermic
This is the least common but most severe form of psoriasis. It results in inflammation, itching and a painful red rash that may peel. It often covers the entire body and is sometimes accompanied by chills and fevers. Erythrodermic psoriasis can be triggered by severe sunburn, withdrawal from systemic treatment or any other form of psoriasis that is not well managed. People with this type of psoriasis should seek immediate medical attention because it can lead to dangerous protein and fluid loss, swelling, severe pain and itching.
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Reduction in Symptoms: Patients often experience a reduction in symptoms such as redness, itching, inflammation, and pain, leading to more comfortable and manageable skin conditions.
Improved Skin Appearance: Visible changes in the appearance of the skin with less plaque, scaling and redness.
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Patients reported a 40% good improvement and a 16.6% very good improvement whilst using the topical cream according to a 2016 study. Another study stated resolution of lesions were 75% - 100%.
Fioranelli M;Hercogovấ J;Gianfaldoni S;Chokoeva AA;Tchernev G;Wollina U;Tirant M;Novotny F;Roccia MG;Maximov GK;França K;Lotti T (2016). Clinical evaluation of the effectiveness of Dr Michaels® (also branded as Soratinex®) products in the topical treatment of patients with plaque psoriasis. Journal of biological regulators and homeostatic agents, [online] 30(2 Suppl 3).
França K;Novotny F;Hercogovấ J;Fioranelli M;Gianfaldoni S;Chokoeva AA;Tchernev G;Wollina U;Tirant M;Roccia MG;Lotti T (2016). Efficacy and safety of Dr Michaels® (Soratinex®) product family for the topical treatment of psoriasis: a monitored status study. Journal of biological regulators and homeostatic agents, [online] 30(2 Suppl 3)
Take Control of your Psoriasis
Treating psoriasis requires a comprehensive approach that addresses primary and secondary triggers both internally and externally.
My approach is straightforward, offering an incremental holistic approach that is customised for the personalised treatment of your skin condition
My approach is based on Prof. Tirant’s method, which has been used by practitioners around Australia and Europe for a number of years, achieving very significant treatment success rates.
I have further developed on this method, to
1. Address the triggers which activate and exacerbate episodes (diet, hormonal, stress and lifestyle-related)
2. Treat the symptoms with topical application to relieve physical symptoms from Professor Michael Tirants' range
3. Support the body internally with targeted natural-based “Practitioner Only” medicines
4. Establish long-term solutions to help patients manage their conditions
My Method
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Using differential diagnosis techniques, I assess your skin's condition
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I identify the primary triggers that initiated your condition.
I also attempt to identify all the secondary triggers that exacerbate your condition.
These may be present in your environment or related to your lifestyle and / or your diet.
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I develop a customised treatment plan to bring your skin condition symptoms under control.
There are usually a number of variants in an individual's skin conditions.
As a result, I can have vastly different treatment plans for people suffering from the same condition.
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I treat your symptoms and address your triggers to help you work towards a long term remission of your skin complaint.
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I develop a maintenance program to support you in achieving long term remission, if required.
How to engage
Initial Consultation
In person or Telehealth
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Up to 45-minutes inclusive of admin & medication preparation.
I will develop a customised treatment plan and walk you through it.
I will prepare and supply you with medications and topicals as per your treatment plan.
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$ 100
*Private billing only - no Medicare applicable
**Medicines and topical applications are additional to the consultation fee.
Review Consultation
In-person or Telehealth
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Up to 30-minutes inclusive of admin & medication preparation.
I will review the results of your treatment since the prior visit.
I will tweak or switch your medications and topicals depending on the milestones achieved.
If required, I will supply you with replacement medications and topicals.
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$ 55
*Private billing only - no Medicare applicable
**Medicines and topical applications are additional to the consultation fee.
Medications & Topicals
Accessible by patients only
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Your treatment plan is valid for upto 6-months and determines what you can order for replenishment.
If your symptoms have changed, please arrange for a review consultation.
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The cost will vary depending on your order.
You can pick up your order from the clinic (no additional fee)
or
arrange for delivery to your home ($15.00 delivery costs are applicable)