Psoriasis Treatment in London: A 2025 Guide for Clearer Skin
Psoriasis can be unpredictable — weeks of calm followed by sudden flares on the scalp, elbows, knees or across the trunk. The good news: modern dermatology offers precise, step‑wise options that can bring skin and scalp back under control. This 2025 guide explains our consultant‑led approach in Maida Vale, serving Central London, St John’s Wood and Paddington.
Psoriasis Care in Central London — Book a Consultant Review
Personalised plans for plaque, guttate and scalp psoriasis with medical skincare and phototherapy in Maida Vale.
Call Us Book ConsultationWhat Is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is an immune‑mediated condition that speeds up skin cell turnover, creating thick, scaly plaques and variable redness. It is not infectious. Common subtypes include plaque psoriasis, guttate psoriasis (often after throat infections), and scalp psoriasis. Nail pitting and joint pain may indicate psoriatic arthritis.
Learn more on our condition page: psoriasis overview.
First‑Line Treatments (Skin & Scalp)
Targeted Topicals
Evidence‑based starting options include vitamin D analogues, topical corticosteroids, and combination gels or foams — especially effective for the scalp when paired with medicated shampoos and short contact therapies.
Scalp Strategy (That Actually Fits Real Life)
- Medicated shampoo (e.g., keratolytic/antifungal) 2–3× weekly
- Potent steroid lotion/foam in short courses for flares
- Weekly keratolytic oils or gels to soften adherent scale before washing
Phototherapy: When Creams Aren’t Enough
For widespread plaques or stubborn sites (scalp, shins), UVB phototherapy can calm inflammation and reduce scaling with predictable safety when delivered in a controlled medical setting. We select wavelength, dose and schedule to your skin type and lifestyle.
Systemic & Advanced Options
If topical therapy and phototherapy don’t achieve control, we consider systemic treatments. Choice depends on disease severity, locations, comorbidities and preferences:
- Traditional agents (carefully monitored)
- Biologic therapies for moderate–severe disease
- Small‑molecule options when appropriate
Your plan is staged and safety‑checked at every step, with blood monitoring where required and clear guidance on vaccination and infection risk.
Guttate vs Plaque Psoriasis — Why It Matters
Guttate psoriasis often appears as numerous, small “raindrop” lesions days to weeks after a streptococcal throat infection and may respond particularly well to UVB. Plaque psoriasis is more chronic and benefits from a longer‑term maintenance plan to prevent relapses.
Lifestyle & Skin Routine That Support Remission
- Emollients daily to reduce scaling and itch
- Gentle keratolytics (salicylic, urea) for plaque softening
- Trigger management: stress, alcohol excess, smoking
- Screen for metabolic syndrome; maintain healthy weight and sleep
When to See a Consultant Dermatologist
Book a specialist review if plaques are rapidly worsening, affecting the face, genitals or nails, if scalp psoriasis disrupts sleep/work, or if you have joint pain or stiffness suggestive of psoriatic arthritis.
Ready to begin? Explore our consultant‑led psoriasis treatment service.
Take Control of Plaque & Scalp Psoriasis in London
Consultant dermatologist care near Paddington and St John’s Wood with topical optimisation, UVB and advanced options.
Call Us Book ConsultationFAQs: Psoriasis Treatment London
Is psoriasis curable?
There’s no permanent cure, but modern therapies can achieve clear or almost clear skin for many patients and maintain remission.
How long does UVB phototherapy take to work?
Most patients see improvement within 4–6 weeks of a structured course. Maintenance plans help prolong results.
What’s different about scalp psoriasis?
Hair makes medication delivery harder. We use foams, lotions and keratolytic pre‑treatments to lift scale and improve penetration.
When should I worry about psoriatic arthritis?
Persistent morning stiffness, swollen fingers/toes or joint pain warrant assessment. Early referral protects joints and function.
Can stress trigger flares?
Yes. Stress management, sleep hygiene and regular exercise are part of an effective, long‑term plan.
