A Good Quality of Life with Psoriasis is Possible

With the classic presentation of psoriasis being skin that is red, inflamed, hardened, scaly, painful and flaky; it is no surprise why psoriasis patients suffer not just physically, but mentally as well when people stare or shun them in public.

However, with the right treatment, the severity of psoriasis and the frequency of flare-ups can definitely be reduced, so that the patient can regain a decent quality of life and go about daily life with relative ease.

At our clinic, Dr Wong Su-Ni is a Consultant Dermatologist with over 20 years’ experience—a large portion of which was dedicated to the research, teaching and treatment of psoriasis in Singapore.

Achieving Improved
Skin Comfort & Appearance
1
See a dermatologist
who sub-specializes in psoriasis and who has dedicated a large part of her career to advocating for patients of psoriasis.
2
Undergo a tailor-made treatment plan
that will give you much-needed relief by targeting inflammation, skin cell growth and healing.
3
Enjoy and maintain your improved skin
by adhering to your newly recommended skincare routine, medication, diet and lifestyle.
With the right psoriasis treatment, healthier skin and an improved quality of life can be attained.

Schedule a consultation at 6733 3629 or drop us a message below for a skin assessment today

What Causes Psoriasis?

Usually when skin cells die, they shed away naturally and gradually that you don’t even notice it, and new skin cells come to the surface. With psoriasis, however, the body speeds up the life cycle of skin cells by up to 10 times.

This means that old cells don’t even have sufficient time to shed while new cells are being rapidly produced, thus they stack on top of each other. This build-up causes thickened plaque patches, which is known as psoriasis.

Psoriasis also appears to be multi-factorial. Many patients have inherited genes that make them more prone to develop psoriasis; however, other factors also seem important in triggering the onset of psoriasis. Known aggravating factors include stress, injury, irritation, infection, climate, hormonal change, drugs, obesity, alcohol and smoking.

How Common is Psoriasis?

It is a very common skin disorder worldwide, and, according to the National Skin Centre is estimated to affect 1-2% of the population in Singapore.

It affects all races, sexes, adults and children alike; though the most common age of onset is the 20s to 30s and the 50s to 60s.

It usually appears on the scalp, elbows, knees, lower back and genitals, though it can appear anywhere on the body, including the fingernails.

Can Psoriasis Affect Other Parts of the Body Besides the Skin?

Yes, psoriasis is increasingly being recognised as a chronic inflammatory disease that is more than skin deep.

15% to 40% of patients may develop inflammation of the joints or arthritis, which is progressively debilitating. The risk is higher in those with a family history of psoriatic arthritis or who have nail psoriasis.

Psoriasis sufferers also have a higher chance of developing diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.

Psoriasis Treatments We Provide

While the specific treatment plan varies from individual to individual, depending on the type and severity of the psoriasis; main treatment options include:

  • Moisturizers
  • Topical creams and ointments
  • Phototherapy with UVA or UVB light
  • Photochemotherapy (PUVA)
  • Oral or injectable medication (for moderate to severe psoriasis, or when joints are involved)
Dr Wong Su-Ni will carefully assess your skin to determine the type of psoriasis you may have, and craft a treatment plan specifically tailored for your needs.

To schedule a consultation, please call us at 6733 3629 or drop us a message here

FAQs
1. Is Psoriasis Contagious?

No, it is neither contagious nor infectious.

It is possible that the gene making one prone to psoriasis is inherited from an affected parent; with a 1 in 10 chance for those with one affected parent, and a 40% chance for those with two affected parents.

There is no cure for psoriasis, but it can be controlled. Dedicated management and proper treatment is key to minimizing flare-ups and reducing severity.

Plaque psoriasis, which is characterized by raised, thickened patches of red skin covered with silvery-white scales; commonly seen on the scalp, knees and lower back.

  • Pustular psoriasis

    Small pus-filled blisters with surrounding redness and swelling of the skin; may be localized to the palms or soles.

  • Erythrodermic psoriasis

    Generalised red, swollen, scaly skin—often a preventable complication of untreated or improperly treated psoriasis.

  • Guttate psoriasis

    Small, drop-like, scaly lesions over the body; commonly seen in children and young adults.

  • Flexural psoriasis

    Smooth red lesions in the folds of the skin; commonly seen in the groin, armpits and under the breast.

  • Palmo-plantar psoriasis

    Red, scaly patches of skin affecting the hands and feet only, and often mistaken for hand and feet eczema.

  • Scalp psoriasis

    Psoriasis localized to the scalp, where it causes profuse dandruff. A proportion of these may develop into psoriasis elsewhere after a few years.

  • Psoriatic Arthritis

    In addition to the skin, psoriasis can also affect the nails and joints.

When your condition is causing you so much discomfort that it is affecting your quality of life, it’s not improving even after you’ve tried self-care methods, and if you start experiencing persistent joint pain and stiffness.

Do you require further assistance?

Send us an enquiry by filling up the form below and we will attend to your request as soon as possible.
Please note that we are unable to provide e-consultations or comment on specific clinical situations.