Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes red, flaky, crusty patches of skin covered with silvery scales. Psoriasis patches usually appear on elbows, knees, scalp and the lower back, but can appear anywhere on the body. 

Your skin goes through a constant cycle of creating new skin cells which gradually move towards the surface where they replace older skin cells, causing them to shed and fall off. This process usually takes place over 3-4 weeks. In psoriasis, skin cells on the surface are replaced much quicker than usual, over a period of 3-7 days. This means skin cells that haven’t yet fully matured become exposed to external factors.

The primary cause of this is not known, however it’s thought there may be a genetic link that causes the immune system to attack the premature skin cells.

A lot of people suffer from flare-ups of their psoriasis. This is when their symptoms become temporarily worse and may be due to certain triggers. Common triggers may include:

• Injury to your skin
• Too much alcohol
• Smoking
• Stress
• Hormonal changes
• Certain medication
• Throat infections
• Other immune-related illnesses

About Emollients

It’s recommended that anyone who suffers from psoriasis uses an emollient moisturiser on the affected areas 2 to 3 times every day. This keeps the skin hydrated and helps prevent it from becoming dry and sore. People with mild psoriasis may find that their symptoms are well controlled with daily moisturiser use. 

Emollients are available in a wide range of creams and ointments, including E45 and Epaderm amongst others, which are available to buy without prescription online from Rightdose. 

About Coal Tar

Coal Tar is the oldest known treatment for psoriasis. It’s not known exactly how it works but it has been shown to reduce skin inflammation and itchiness. Products containing coal tar include Psoriderm cream or scalp lotion and Wrights Bath Soap which are available to buy without prescription online from Rightdose.

About Calcipotriol ointment

The Vitamin D analogue Calcipotriol can be used to treat the symptoms of psoriasis. It works by slowing the production of skin cells and helping calm inflammation. 

A thin layer of Calcipotriol ointment should be applied to the affected areas twice a day and gently rubbed into the skin. This can then be reduced to once daily once symptoms are under control. 

Vitamin D analogues can be used alongside steroid creams or on their own. You should not apply Calcipotriol products to more than 30% of your body surface or use more than 15g a day or 100g of ointment and/or scalp solution each week, due to the risk of your calcium levels becoming too high.

About Calcipotriol Scalp Solution

The Vitamin D analogue Calcipotriol can be used to treat the symptoms of psoriasis. It works by slowing the production of skin cells and helping calm inflammation. 

Calcipotriol scalp solution should be applied to the affected areas of the scalp twice a day and gently rubbed into the skin. This can then be reduced to once daily once symptoms are under control. 

Vitamin D analogues can be used alongside steroid creams or on their own. You should not apply Calcipotriol products to more than 30% of your body surface or use more than 15g a day or 100g of ointment and/or scalp solution each week, due to the risk of your calcium levels becoming too high.

About Dovonex Ointment

Dovonex ointment contains the Vitamin D analogue Calcipotriol and can be used to treat the symptoms of psoriasis. It works by slowing the production of skin cells and helping calm inflammation. 

A thin layer of Dovonex ointment should be applied to the affected areas twice a day and gently rubbed into the skin. This can then be reduced to once daily once symptoms are under control. 

Vitamin D analogues can be used alongside steroid creams or on their own. You should not apply Calcipotriol products to more than 30% of your body surface or use more than 15g a day or 100g of ointment and/or scalp solution each week, due to the risk of your calcium levels becoming too high.

Patient information leaflet:

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.981.pdf

About Dovobet gel

Dovobet gel contains both Calcipotriol and the topical steroid Betamethasone. They work together to reduce inflammation and slow the production of skin cells.

Dovobet gel should be applied to the affected areas once daily. It should only be used for up to 4 weeks on the scalp or up to 8 weeks on non-scalp areas. If your symptoms are still flaring up after this time you should speak to your GP before continuing with Dovobet.

If used on the scalp, 1 to 4g of gel should be sufficient to cover the whole scalp each day. 4g is equivalent to one teaspoon of gel.

You should not apply Calcipotriol products to more than 30% of your body surface or use more than 15g a day or 100g of ointment, gel and/or scalp solution each week, due to the risk of your calcium levels becoming too high.

Patient information leaflet:

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.5690.pdf

About Dovobet ointment

Dovobet ointment contains both Calcipotriol and the topical steroid Betamethasone. They work together to reduce inflammation and slow the production of skin cells.

Dovobet ointment should be applied to the affected areas once daily. It should only be used for up to 8 weeks on non-scalp areas. If your symptoms are still flaring up after this time you should speak to your GP before continuing with Dovobet.

You should not apply Calcipotriol products to more than 30% of your body surface or use more than 15g a day or 100g of ointment and/or scalp solution each week, due to the risk of your calcium levels becoming too high.

Patient information leaflet:

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.1609.pdf

About Enstilar Cutaneous Foam

Enstilar is a foam that contains both Calcipotriol and the topical steroid Betamethasone. They work together to reduce inflammation and slow the production of skin cells.

The foam should be applied to the affected areas once daily during flare-ups, for up to four weeks. Once the flare-up is under control, Enstilar foam can then be applied twice a week for long-term maintenance treatment.

The can should be shaken for a few seconds before use. Enstilar should be applied by spraying holding the can at least 3 cm from the skin. The foam should be sprayed directly onto the affected area and rubbed in gently. If used on the scalp, the foam should be sprayed into the palm of the hand then applied to the scalp with the fingertips following the instructions provided.

You should not apply Calcipotriol products to more than 30% of your body surface or use more than 15g a day or 100g each week, due to the risk of your calcium levels becoming too high.

Patient information leaflet:

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.2139.pdf

Side effects

Calcipotriol ointment:

Common side effects (affects 1-10% of the population)

• Itching
• Skin redness/rash
• Burning sensation
• Skin exfoliation

For a full list of side effects, please read the patient information leaflet.

Calcipotriol Scalp solution:

Common side effects (affects 1-10% of the population)

• Itching
• Skin redness/rash
• Burning sensation
• Skin exfoliation

For a full list of side effects, please read the patient information leaflet.

Dovonex Ointment:

Common side effects (affects 1-10% of the population)

• Itching
• Skin redness/rash
• Burning sensation
• Skin exfoliation

For a full list of side effects, please read the patient information leaflet.

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.981.pdf

Dovobet gel:

Common side effects (affects 1-10% of the population)

• Itching
• Skin exfoliation

For a full list of side effects, please read the patient information leaflet.

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.5690.pdf

Dovobet ointment:

Common side effects (affects 1-10% of the population)

• Itching
• Skin exfoliation

For a full list of side effects, please read the patient information leaflet.

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.1609.pdf

Enstilar Cutaneous Foam:

Side effects from Enstilar Cutaneous Foam are uncommon.

For a full list of side effects, please read the patient information leaflet.

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.2139.pdf

The main symptoms of psoriasis are patches of red, dry skin which often appears covered in silver scales. The patches can be itchy and painful in more severe cases of psoriasis.

There are several different types of psoriasis, each with its own symptoms.

• Plaque psoriasis is the most common and is easily identified by red patches on the skin with silvery scales. It can appear anywhere on the body but most common on the knees, elbows, scalp and lower back. In severe cases, the plaques can become cracked and bleed.
• Scalp psoriasis may affect only parts of your scalp or the whole scalp. It looks similar to plaque psoriasis and can cause hair loss in extreme cases.
• Nail psoriasis can cause your nails to develop small dents, become discoloured and grow abnormally. In more severe cases, the nails can come loose.
• Guttate psoriasis appears as small drop-shaped sores on your chest, arms, legs and scalp. It can sometimes develop into plaque psoriasis.
• Inverse psoriasis affects the folds of your skin, such as underarms, groin, buttocks and breasts. It appears as smooth red patches and is often made worse by sweat and friction.

There are a number of other less common types of psoriasis. If you are experiencing any unusual skin symptoms, you should see your GP.