Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory disease in which keratinocytes multiply far too quickly. Normally, skin cells take about 28–30 days to renew; in psoriasis this cycle speeds up to just 3–4 days. Immature skin cells pile up, forming the thick, red plaques covered with characteristic silvery-white scale. The disease is closely linked to genetics and to dysregulation of the IL-23/IL-17 immune axis.
At Haute-Derma, our goal is the greatest possible improvement in PASI (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index), helping patients regain smooth skin and their confidence.
Specialist Diagnosis of Psoriasis
Identifying the exact clinical type guides the choice of treatment:
- Full clinical examination: Measuring the body surface area (BSA) involved and looking for specific signs such as the Auspitz sign (tiny bleeding points when scale is removed).
- Dermoscopy: Looking for dotted and globular vessels evenly spread over a pinkish-red background, an important clue to psoriasis.
- Nail and joint check: Screening for nail pitting, nail separation or painful, swollen joints to catch psoriatic arthritis early.
- Skin biopsy: Performed when psoriasis needs to be told apart from other scaly rashes, looking for hyperkeratosis, parakeratosis and Munro microabscesses.
- Laboratory tests: Checking systemic inflammatory markers and liver and kidney function, and screening for related conditions such as metabolic and cardiovascular disease.
Managing and Treating Psoriasis at Haute-Derma
We use a stepwise, personalized treatment model based on severity:
- Topical therapy: Potent topical corticosteroids combined with a vitamin D3 analog (calcipotriol) or anthralin to slow down cell proliferation.
- Phototherapy (NB-UVB): Narrowband ultraviolet B light suppresses the inflammatory T cells in the skin. It is a safe and effective option for widespread psoriasis.
- Systemic immunosuppressants: Conventional oral medicines (such as methotrexate or cyclosporine) for moderate to severe psoriasis.
- Biologic therapy: The most advanced psoriasis treatment available today. These targeted injections act directly on cytokines such as TNF-alpha, IL-17 or IL-23 and can clear the skin almost completely (PASI 90–100) with few systemic side effects.
- Managing related conditions: Nutrition advice, weight management and psychological support to reduce stress-triggered flares.
