Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition which causes thick red scaly rashes, often on the scalp, elbows, knees, body and face. Sometimes, psoriasis can also cause unsightly thickened nails, and painful joint inflammation.
Because of the persistence of these thick rashes, psoriasis can cause significant
distress and embarrassment, and also affects quality of life. Both genetic and environmental factors are understood to play a role in the development of psoriasis. Common triggers can include stress, alcohol, smoking, infections and certain medication.
Psoriasis is now known to be not just a skin condition, but with significant association with underlying diabetes, hypertension and high lipid level. It is therefore important to recommend annual health screening for people with psoriasis.
Treatment for Psoriasis
The aim of treatment is to achieve clearance of the skin rashes
Topical treatment
Topical steroid creams, coal tar and vitamin D based creams can be directly applied to the skin and scalp to treat mild to moderate psoriasis.
Phototherapy
Ultraviolet light at specific wavelength can used to treat psoriasis on the body, and hands feet thick rashes.
Oral medication
Certain drugs (methotrexate, acitretin, ciclosporin) can be used to control the immune system to treat moderate to severe psoriasis. Regular blood tests are necessary to monitor for any side effects from these oral immunosuppressants.
Biologic injection
There are many choices of biologic injections with good safety profile which are increasingly being used to treat extensive psoriasis, some with excellent clinical response and good clearance of rashes. Biologic treatment can control specific part of the immune system involved in psoriasis, and some medication can also treat painful psoriatic arthritis.
DISCLAIMER:
The information written and published on this website is not intended to substitute the recommendations of a trained professional and does not replace a professional consultation.
It is advisable to undergo a formal consultation to help establish a relationship between the doctor and yourself, accurately determine your concerns/problems, and get the appropriate treatments for them.
It is also imperative to note that the contents of the website with respect to treatments, results and pricing can vary from individual to individual, and can only be accurately determined by the doctor upon diagnosis.
Do note that all medical treatments will only be administered upon proper consultation, with the requirement that patients be above 21 years of age to provide legal consent.
Medical Dermatology
Meet your Dermatologist
Dr Tay Liang Kiat
Dermatologist
Dr Tay Liang Kiat is a fully accredited Dermatologist who specialises in skin cancers, Mohs micrographic surgery, dermatologic and nail surgery, aesthetic dermatology and laser procedures. With more than 20 years of clinical experience, he also manages other aspects of general ambulatory and inpatient dermatology, including eczema, psoriasis, acne, urticaria, hair loss, children skin issues and other complex medical dermatology. In addition, he has expertise in the use of the latest immunotherapy (biologics) treatment for severe eczema, psoriasis and urticaria.
