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Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common skin condition that causes itchy, painful patches of dry, flaky skin. The skin makes new cells faster than usual, and a problem with the immune system is thought to lie behind it. It cannot be cured, but treatment can manage the symptoms. It tends to come in flare-ups rather than staying at a steady level.

Medicines used to treat Psoriasis

Betamethasone Valerate Cream

Betamethasone

0.1%

Betamethasone Valerate Cream contains betamethasone and is used for eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis. It is a cream, available in one strength and several pack sizes. You can compare the price per cream across options.

FromUS$1.63/ creamView

Aristocort

Triamcinolone

4mg

Aristocort tablets contain triamcinolone for inflammatory skin conditions, eczema and psoriasis. A single strength and various pack sizes exist. You can compare the price per tablet across options.

FromUS$0.77/ tabletView

Key points

  • Symptoms often begin between the ages of 15 and 25, or between 50 and 60.
  • Patches can appear in body folds such as the groin and under the breasts, and on the fingernails, where they cause dents and pits.
  • Flare-ups alternate with calmer spells.

What lies behind it

Psoriasis is not contagious. Rapid cell turnover, driven by the immune system, builds patches up. Family history plays a part, and flares can be set off by stress, a skin injury, an infection such as a sore throat, certain medicines, smoking or heavy drinking. Cold, dry weather often makes patches worse, while sunlight often settles them.

Symptoms

Patches are dry, itchy, sore and flaky, forming what look like silvery-white scales. They most often sit on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back.

How it is treated

Treatment depends on how much skin is affected. Limited patches are usually managed with a corticosteroid cream and regular moisturising; Betamethasone Valerate Cream 0.1% is one topical option, and betamethasone is its active ingredient. Aristocort 4mg tablets contain triamcinolone. Widespread psoriasis, or disease that affects the joints, may need medicines acting on the immune system such as methotrexate or ciclosporin, and a specialist may suggest light therapy. Pharmacy partners in India ship orders to Malaysia in discreet packaging.

When to see a doctor

Seek medical advice if patches spread quickly, become painful or look infected, or if you develop stiff, swollen joints, which can signal psoriatic arthritis and is worth treating early. Avoiding scratching, keeping showers lukewarm and noting your own triggers help day to day.

What the sources say

  • It cannot be cured, but treatments are available to help manage the symptoms (NHS).
  • Patches arise because the skin produces more cells than usual, and an immune system problem is thought to be involved (NHS).
  • On white skin, patches are pink or red and turn silvery-white; on brown or black skin they look grey and may leave dark marks once the psoriasis has cleared (NHS).

Further reading

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