Treatment recommendations vary depending on the type, severity and location of psoriasis, as well as your overall health and individual circumstances.

General Management

Effective psoriasis management begins with a comprehensive assessment and a personalised long-term care plan. During your consultation, your dermatologist will undertake a thorough medical history and skin examination to assess the severity of your psoriasis and identify any associated health conditions that may influence treatment.

General management may include:

• Regular use of emollients to help maintain the skin barrier and reduce dryness
• Identifying and avoiding individual flare-up triggers where possible
• Advice on appropriate skin care and lifestyle measures
• Assessment for associated autoimmune, inflammatory and metabolic conditions that can occur alongside psoriasis
• Ongoing monitoring to optimise long-term disease control

Common Symptoms of Psoriasis

Symptoms can vary depending on the type of psoriasis and the areas affected.

Common symptoms include:

• Red, inflamed patches of skin
• Thickened or scaly plaques
• Dry or cracked skin
• Itching or irritation
• Flaking of the scalp
• Nail changes such as pitting or thickening
• Recurring flare-ups and periods of improvement

If left untreated, psoriasis can significantly impact comfort, confidence and quality of life.

Diagnosing Psoriasis

Accurate diagnosis is important to ensure appropriate treatment and to distinguish psoriasis from other skin conditions such as eczema, fungal infections or dermatitis.

During your consultation, your dermatologist will:

• Review your medical history
• Examine the affected skin
• Assess the severity and extent of involvement
• Discuss any previous treatments and responses

In some cases, further investigations may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis.

Psoriasis Treatment Options

Treatment recommendations vary depending on the type, severity and location of psoriasis.

Management may include:

Topical Treatments

For mild to moderate psoriasis, specially formulated topical treatments can help reduce inflammation, scaling and discomfort.

Phototherapy

Controlled ultraviolet light treatment may be recommended for more widespread psoriasis or when other treatment approaches have not provided adequate control. Phototherapy has been used for many years and remains an effective option for suitable patients.

Ongoing Management

Psoriasis is typically a chronic condition that requires ongoing monitoring and adjustment of treatment over time. Our dermatologists work closely with patients to develop sustainable management strategies aimed at reducing flare-ups and improving long-term skin health.

Systemic Therapies

For moderate to severe psoriasis, or when topical treatments alone are insufficient, systemic medications may be recommended. These treatments work throughout the body to help reduce inflammation and control disease activity.

Systemic therapies may include immunosuppressive tablets or oral retinoid medications, with treatment carefully selected based on your individual circumstances and monitored by your dermatologist.

Biological Treatments

Biological therapies are advanced treatments that target specific parts of the immune system involved in psoriasis. For eligible patients with moderate to severe psoriasis, biologic medications can provide significant improvements in disease control, reduce flare-ups and improve quality of life.

Your dermatologist will assess whether biological therapy is appropriate based on the severity of your psoriasis, previous treatment response and current eligibility criteria.

Why Choose Dermatology North Sydney?

At Dermatology North Sydney, we provide specialist dermatological care backed by the latest evidence and clinical expertise.

Our patients benefit from:

• Specialist dermatologist assessment
• Individualised treatment plans
• Evidence-based management strategies
• Care for mild through to complex psoriasis
• Ongoing support and follow-up

We are committed to helping patients achieve better control of their psoriasis and improved quality of life.