Skin on the body
SKIN
Psoriasis may affect areas such as the elbows, knees, trunk or elsewhere. The extent can vary greatly between people.
01 — PSORIASIS · Psoriasis
Psoriasis
should not be seen as
simply dry skin
or irritation
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition. Its appearance, location and impact vary from person to person. Care should begin with an assessment before deciding which approach suits your circumstances.
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition whose appearance, location and impact vary from person to person.
This page provides general information for understanding, not a diagnosis or individual treatment advice.
Psoriasis
is more than dry, flaky skin
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition involving the immune system. Its appearance, location and symptoms can differ between people and may change over time.
Psoriasis does not have a single cause, and it is not caused by something the person has done wrong.
A chronic condition
Care often takes a long-term view rather than seeking a one-off fix.
It can differ between people
In its location, appearance, extent and impact on daily life.
Symptoms can change over time
There may be quieter periods and times when symptoms become more noticeable.
Similar-looking skin concerns
may need different assessments
Red
Itchy
Dry
Flaky
These words can describe several skin conditions, including psoriasis.
Dry, red, itchy or flaky skin does not always reflect the same problem. Appearance alone may not be enough to decide which direction care should take.
Psoriasis should be assessed in the context of the condition itself, rather than viewed simply as dry or sensitive skin.
Assessment
looks beyond the location of a rash
Factors a doctor may consider together to understand the overall picture before planning care.
-
01
Skin appearance and location
What is visible on the skin and which areas are affected.
-
02
The extent of affected skin
Whether changes are limited to one area or spread across several.
-
03
Symptoms you experience
Such as itching, pain or skin discomfort.
-
04
Nails
Whether there are any accompanying nail changes.
-
05
Joint symptoms, if present
Information to share with your doctor from the start.
-
06
Your history and previous care
What you have used, the care you have received and how your skin responded.
-
07
Relevant health factors
Health factors that may influence care planning.
-
08
Impact on daily life
Sleep, work, daily activities and what concerns you most.
Not every factor is relevant to everyone, and not everyone needs the same steps. What the doctor prioritises depends on the findings at each assessment.
Psoriasis
can take different forms
in different areas
Psoriasis can affect different areas of skin and, in some people, the nails. Its appearance may vary from one area to another.
Scalp
SCALP
Some people have scalp symptoms, which can be difficult to distinguish from other scalp concerns by appearance alone.
Nails
NAILS
Psoriasis can affect the nails in some people. If you notice nail changes, mention them during your assessment.
The affected areas and structures are part of the information considered during assessment.
You do not need to classify your symptoms beforehand. These features may occur, but a diagnosis should be based on a doctor’s assessment.
The same diagnosis
does not mean
the same starting point for everyone
Assess first
ASSESS FIRST
Then decide
THEN DECIDE
The appropriate approach may differ even for the same condition. Factors that may influence decisions include:
- Appearance
- Extent
- Location on the body
- Symptoms you experience
- Nails and joints
- Previous care
- Health context
- What matters to you
This page does not specify treatments, medicines or a number of sessions. These should follow an individual assessment, rather than the name of a condition alone.
Psoriasis
can have quieter periods
and times when symptoms change
Psoriasis symptoms can change over time. Care does not end with the first decision and may involve follow-up and periodic review.
Observe
How your skin has been recently and what has changed.
Follow up
Review the response to the care plan, as appropriate for each person.
Review
Consider whether the current approach still suits what is happening now.
Adjust as circumstances change
If symptoms, affected areas or your priorities change, the care plan may need to change too.
SITA CARE SYSTEM
Follow-up and review are part of the same clinic-wide care system: listen, assess, plan, follow up and review.
Explore the SITA Care System →
The goals of care
go beyond the idea of a “permanent cure”
Psoriasis is a chronic condition, and the care approach depends on each person’s circumstances.
A more useful conversation considers what is happening with your skin today, which parts of your life are affected and what should take priority.
- 01 What is happening with your skin today?
- 02 Which parts of your life are affected?
- 03 What should take priority?
Care begins with assessment,
rather than choosing a treatment
on your own
-
01
A doctor carries out the assessment
-
02
Your individual circumstances are considered
-
03
Plan an appropriate approach
-
04
Follow-up and review are available
-
05
If a concern falls outside the scope of care
Your doctor will consider the appropriate next steps.
Frequently asked questions
about psoriasis
Is psoriasis contagious?
No. Psoriasis does not spread through touch, close contact or sharing everyday items.
Does dry, flaky skin mean I have psoriasis?
Not necessarily. Dry, red or flaky skin can occur in several conditions that look similar. A doctor’s assessment helps clarify what the changes relate to and which direction care should take.
Does psoriasis only affect the skin?
Not always. As well as the skin and scalp, psoriasis may affect the nails, and some people may also have joint symptoms. Share these symptoms with your doctor.
Should I tell my doctor about joint pain or stiffness?
Yes. Joint pain, swelling or stiffness helps your doctor consider whether further assessment or care is needed, even though joint symptoms can have many causes.
Can psoriasis be permanently cured?
Psoriasis is a chronic condition, with quieter periods and times when symptoms change. Care often focuses on managing symptoms and reducing the long-term impact on daily life. Approaches and responses vary between individuals.
Can I have an assessment if I have been treated elsewhere?
Yes. What you have used, the care you have received and how your skin responded are important parts of the assessment. You are welcome to bring the names of products or medicines you have used.
11 — Start with an assessment
If symptoms keep returning
or you are unsure what you are seeing
You do not need to diagnose yourself or choose a treatment before coming in.
Start by telling us how your skin is now, what care you have received and whether you have any other symptoms.
Contact the clinic
If you have received care before, you are welcome to bring the names of products or medicines you have used.