Private Psoriasis Treatment in London at Skinhorizon Clinic

Psoriasis is driven by an overactive immune response that speeds up skin cell turnover, leading to raised, red plaques with silvery scale. It often appears on elbows, knees, scalp and trunk, but any site can be involved — including nails (pitting, onycholysis) and skin folds (inverse psoriasis). Triggers include infections, stress, certain medications, skin injury (Koebner phenomenon) and alcohol or smoking. Around a third of patients report family history. Some develop joint pain or stiffness suggestive of psoriatic arthritis — which we actively screen for and co-manage via referral where indicated.

Differential diagnoses we consider include seborrhoeic dermatitis, eczema and fungal/other skin infections. Accurate diagnosis ensures you receive the right treatment at the right strength.

• Consultant dermatologist review: distribution, severity, nail involvement, impact on sleep/work/sport.
• Triggers & history: recent infections, stress, medications, smoking/alcohol, skin injury; screening for metabolic comorbidities where relevant.
• Scalp & nail assessment: tailored regimens for thick scale, hair-bearing skin, and nail dystrophy.
• Psoriatic arthritis screening: questions about early-morning stiffness, swollen digits or heel pain; referral pathway if positive.
• Diagnostics: usually clinical; dermoscopy may help in nails/scalp; skin biopsy only if atypical.

1. Consultation & Diagnosis: confirm psoriasis subtype; rule out mimics (eczema, seb derm, tinea).
2. Written Plan: anti-inflammatory and scale-care by site, frequency and duration; taper steps to prevent rebound.
3. Adjunctive UVB: offered when plaques are extensive or recalcitrant.
4. Escalation Pathway: systemic therapy when indicated, with clear monitoring and safety counselling.
5. Review: outcomes tracked (PASI/body surface, itch, sleep); plan refined over time.

• Scalp psoriasis: scale-softening routines + suitable anti-inflammatory vehicles (foams/solutions).
• Palmoplantar: thicker plaques need tailored keratolytic strategy before anti-inflammatories.
• Inverse/flexural/genital: lower-potency agents and careful supervision for sensitive sites.
• Nail disease: patient education on timelines; combination topical/systemic pathways.
• Psoriatic arthritis: screening and referral where joint symptoms suggest inflammatory arthritis.
• Pregnancy/breastfeeding: safety-prioritised regimens; UVB can be helpful when appropriate.

Practical changes can reduce flares: lukewarm short showers, fragrance-free cleansers, moisturise within 3 minutes of bathing, avoid harsh scrubbing, protect skin from trauma (e.g., careful shaving), manage stress and sleep, and limit alcohol/smoking. Treat infections promptly; discuss medication changes with your clinician.

For scalp, soak and lift thick scale before applying anti-inflammatories; for nails, keep nails trimmed and avoid repeated trauma.

We prescribe the least-burdensome effective plan. Topicals are generally safe when used as directed; we monitor for irritation or thinning in sensitive areas. UVB phototherapy is delivered with protective protocols to minimise risks. Systemic treatments require baseline screening and ongoing monitoring; we will explain benefits, risks and alternatives so you can make an informed decision.

A steady routine supports comfort, reduces scaling, and helps prescription treatments work better. Use soap-free cleansers, moisturise within 3 minutes of bathing, and avoid harsh scrubbing or fragranced products on active plaques. Always follow your clinician’s written plan for any prescription topicals.

Morning (AM)

• Cleanse (soap-free): CB Dead Sea Cleansing Bar • CB Calendula Cleansing Bar • CB Reparing Cleansing Bar
  Lift sweat and daily build-up without stripping; avoid very hot water.
• Moisturise (seal hydration): DP Exo-Skin Moisturiser 30ml • CF body hydrating cream 200 ml
  Apply generously over plaques and surrounding skin to soften scale and reduce itch.
• Daily sun protection (face/neck/hands): CF SPF Clear / CF SPF Gold / CF SPF Bronze
  SPF helps protect skin and limit post-inflammatory pigment change; choose preferred finish.

Evening (PM)

• Cleanse (lukewarm water): CB Dead Sea Cleansing Bar or CB Reparing Cleansing Bar
• Replenish & comfort: DP Exo-Skin Moisturiser 30ml • JD Masque Réparateur – Repairing Mask for Dry Skin (1–2×/week on very dry, non-broken skin)
  Layer moisturiser while skin is slightly damp (“soak & seal”).

Scalp Support

• Gentle cleanse: DP Exo-Grow All-in-One Shampoo
  Massage gently; avoid nail scratching. Lift thicker scale first as advised by your clinician, then apply any prescribed scalp treatments.

Hands, Body & Nails

• Hands: cleanse with CB Calendula or CB Reparing; re-apply DP Exo-Skin or CF body hydrating cream after each wash.
• Body: moisturise twice daily (more often in winter). Clothing that rubs plaques can worsen Koebnerisation — choose soft layers.
• Nails: keep nails short; avoid repeated trauma. Discuss tailored nail plans with your clinician.

On Flare Days

• Dial up moisturising: apply DP Exo-Skin Moisturiser more often, especially after bathing.
• Follow your written flare plan: use prescribed topicals by site and schedule; do not over-treat delicate areas.
• SPF still matters: use CF SPF Clear/Gold/Bronze on exposed skin; avoid sunburn which can trigger new plaques.

Patch-test any new product behind the ear or on an unaffected area for 24 hours. If you have very sensitive skin or allergies, tell us so we can tailor a safe product list for you.