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.   

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 

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. 

• 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.   

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)