ThanksDoc
Sign in
Skip to content

Psoriasis

Thick, scaly plaques, often on elbows, knees, and scalp. A long-term, treatable condition.

Speak to a GP about psoriasisFrom £79

In short

Psoriasis is a common, long-term skin condition that's very treatable. Most cases are controlled with topical treatments, and a GP can also spot joint involvement and refer for advanced care when needed.

Overview

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated condition that speeds up skin cell turnover, producing thick, scaly plaques, most often on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back. It's long-term and tends to flare and settle. It isn't contagious, and some people also develop psoriatic arthritis. A range of effective treatments exists, from creams to specialist therapies.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

  • Raised patches of skin with silvery-white scale
  • Commonly on elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back
  • Itching or soreness
  • Cracking or bleeding over joints
  • Nail changes (pitting, thickening)
  • Sometimes joint pain (psoriatic arthritis)

When to act

When to see a doctor

Book a GP if you have a persistent scaly rash, your psoriasis is flaring or not controlled, it affects your scalp or nails, or you have new joint pain. Seek urgent help for a sudden widespread red, peeling, or pustular rash with feeling unwell.

When to seek urgent help

Seek urgent help if

  • A sudden widespread, bright red, peeling rash with feeling unwell (possible erythrodermic or pustular psoriasis, seek urgent care)
  • Fever with a rapidly spreading pustular rash
  • New joint pain and swelling with your psoriasis (assess for psoriatic arthritis)

Call 999 for life-threatening emergencies or NHS 111 for urgent non-emergency advice.

Treatment

How a private GP can help

  • Assessment of the type and extent of psoriasis
  • Prescription of topical treatments (vitamin D analogues, steroids, or combinations)
  • Scalp treatments where needed
  • Advice on emollients, triggers, and lifestyle
  • Screening for joint symptoms (psoriatic arthritis)
  • Referral to dermatology for widespread or resistant disease, or for phototherapy and systemic treatments

What we don't do

  • Phototherapy and systemic or biologic treatments (dermatology)
  • Specialist management of psoriatic arthritis (rheumatology)

Pricing

What it costs

An online consultation about psoriasis starts at £79 for a 20-minute video appointment. In-pharmacy consultations are £129 and home visits are £189. Your consultation includes one private prescription if appropriate, and a sick note for work if needed. You pay the pharmacy separately for any medication.

See full pricing breakdown

FAQ

Common questions about psoriasis

Is psoriasis curable?
There's no cure, but it's very treatable. Most people control it well with topical treatments, and more advanced options exist via dermatology for severe cases.
Is psoriasis contagious?
No. Psoriasis is an immune-driven condition, not an infection, and can't be passed to others.
What triggers flares?
Stress, skin injury, infections, certain medicines, smoking, and alcohol can trigger or worsen psoriasis. Managing these helps.
Can psoriasis affect my joints?
Yes. Some people develop psoriatic arthritis, with joint pain and swelling. Tell your GP about any joint symptoms, as early treatment protects the joints.
See all conditions we can help with

Ready to talk to a GP about psoriasis?

Message Emily on WhatsApp or book online in under 90 seconds. UK-registered doctors, available today.

Start on WhatsApp

7 days a week · 08:00–22:00 · WhatsApp or email