Psoriasis

Locations

Contact

Outpatients appointments
020 3313 5000

Visitor Information

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Visiting

Psoriasis is a common chronic skin condition that causes raised, red, scaly patches to appear on the skin. Genetics and alterations in the immune system contribute to an increased production of skin cells, which leads to the development of psoriasis patches. Commonly affected areas include the elbows, knees, and scalp, although any part of the body can be affected. Psoriasis can have a profound effect on patients’ quality of life.

Arthritis can be a complication of psoriasis. Psoriasis is associated with other medical conditions, including diabetes mellitus, heart disease, and depression.

Treatments we offer

A number of treatments are available for psoriasis, including:

Topical therapy

  • Moisturisers (emollients)
  • Topical steroids
  • Topical vitamin D analogues

Phototherapy

If topical treatments have had little effect, your dermatologist may refer you for phototherapy treatment at St Mary’s Hospital in our nurse-led phototherapy and day care treatment unit. During a phototherapy treatment, your skin will be exposed to ultraviolet light.

  • Ultraviolet light is either given as UVA or UVB, which are different wavelengths of normal sunlight. Specialist phototherapy machines administer ultraviolet light through fluorescent tubes
  • Treatment with UVA is helped by taking a medication known as a psoralen – a combination known as PUVA therapy
  • Treatment with UVB does not need tablets.
  • Most people will attend the clinic two to three times a week and a complete course of treatment will normally involve 15 to 30 visits. The amount of time you spend in the machine will gradually be increased – starting with just a few seconds, rising up to a few minutes depending on how your body responds
  • Our phototherapy nurses will review the effectiveness of the treatment each time you visit

Oral medication

  • Oral retinoid (acitretin)
  • Oral immunosuppressants (methotrexate, ciclosporin)
  • Others (apremilast, dimethyl fumarate)

Injectable biologic treatments

  • For the most severe forms of psoriasis, injectable biologic treatment may be needed This is provided in a specialist psoriasis clinic at St Mary’s Hospital
  • Injectable biologic medications reduce inflammation by targeting specific components of the immune system. They are usually given as an injection into the skin.
  • Various tests are needed before starting a biologic medication, and regular blood test monitoring is required while receiving treatment. Patients are taught how to correctly administer the medications by a nurse, and are then expected to independently self-inject at home

Clinics

Patients with psoriasis are seen in our dermatology clinics at Charing Cross, Hammersmith and St Mary’s hospitals. Phototherapy, and a specialist clinic providing biologic therapy for severe psoriasis, are held at St Mary’s Hospital.

Phototherapy and day treatment unit

Address

Mint Wing
Entrance F
St Mary’s Hospital
Praed Street
London W2 1NY

Hours

Clinic hours vary – please check appointment letters for details.

Contact information

Phone: 020 3312 7993

Dermatology clinic at Charing Cross Hospital

Address

Dermatology clinic
Outpatients department
First floor
Charing Cross Hospital
Fulham Palace Road
London W6 8RF

Hours

Clinic hours vary – please check appointment letters for details.

Contact information

Phone: 020 3311 7103

Dermatology clinic at Hammersmith Hospital

Address

Dermatology clinic
Outpatients department
Ground floor, desk B
Hammersmith Hospital
Du Cane Road
London W12 0HS

Hours

Clinic hours vary – please check appointment letters for details.

Contact information

Phone: 020 3313 3264

Dermatology clinic at St Mary’s Hospital

Address

Dermatology clinic
Outpatients department
First floor, desk B
St Mary’s Hospital
Praed Street
London W2 1NY

Hours

Clinic hours vary – please check appointment letters for details.

Contact information

Phone: 020 3312 7993

Patient information

We provide help and support on different aspects of treatment for patients who have been referred to our psoriasis service.

Before your appointment

Please bring along any medications, creams or topical treatments you are currently using on the skin. Please also remember to check your appointment letter for anything specific you have been asked to take with you. In addition, it would be helpful if you could bring the following:

  • Your full address and telephone number(s)
  • Your appointment card and appointment letter
  • Your GP’s name and address
  • Money to pay for any prescriptions, or an exemption card
  • A list of questions you may want to ask your consultant

During your appointment

Your appointment will include an examination. Psoriasis is usually easy to recognise and skin biopsies are rarely needed. If a sore throat has triggered an attack of psoriasis, your doctor may take a swab from your throat to see if a bacteria known as beta-haemolytic streptococci is present.

Please note: Medical students may be present for some appointments. If you do not wish to have them in the room please let the nurse or doctor know and the students will be asked to step outside.

After your appointment

Following your examination, the doctor will agree a course of suitable treatment based upon a number of factors including the severity of your psoriasis, the effectiveness of previous treatments and your medical history.

Treatments may include creams and ointments; phototherapy; oral medicines; and injected biological treatments.

Most patients will be invited to return to the general dermatology clinic on a routine basis so their condition can be monitored and the course of treatment can be reviewed by a dermatologist.

Further online resources