Stress can exacerbate psoriasis, as can heavy drinking and smoking. Cold weather and the dryness caused by central heating often worsens the condition. Treatment strategies Treatment aims to induce remission, prevent recurrence, relieve symptoms and improve function. A spectrum of therapies is required as the disease affects each patient differently and there can be a variable response to any particular agent. Newer therapies are getting patients away from the cumbersome coal tar and dithranol.
Psoriasis treatments tend to be divided into topical and systemic therapies.
Treatment is usually initiated by a dermatologist. There is evidence that they also reduce inflammation and proliferation. Sometimes, in mild disease, an emollient is all that is required. Salicylic acid is often used, starting at a concentration of 2 per cent and increasing if necessary up to 6 per cent. It can sometimes cause irritation and rarely, if large areas are treated, salicylate toxicity.