Covers the management of facial, flexural, and genital psoriasis in primary care. If the person has facial , flexural, or genital psoriasis:. How up-to-date is this topic? On this page Management Basis for recommendation Topical drug treatment Basis for recommendation Referral Basis for recommendation.
If the person has facial , flexural, or genital psoriasis: Offer advice on the nature of psoriasis, and explain that treatment is aimed at control of symptoms rather than cure and that complete clearance of skin lesions may not be possible.
Reassure that it is not an infectious condition, and provide advice on sources of information and support, such as: The Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance PAPAA; website available at www. The Psoriasis Association website available at www. Give general lifestyle advice to reduce the risk of exacerbations, such as advice on: Smoking cessation if appropriate. See the CKS topic on Smoking cessation for more information. Drinking alcohol within recommended limits.
See the CKS topic on Alcohol - problem drinking for more information. Weight loss if the person is overweight or obese. See the CKS topic on Obesity for more information. Offer treatment with topical preparations , depending on the person's preferences, cosmetic acceptability, practical aspects of application, and the site s and extent of psoriasis to be treated.
The British Association of Dermatologists has an information leaflet on Topical treatments for psoriasis. Advise that topical treatments may take several weeks to start to work, and if treatment is stopped suddenly, there may be a risk of relapse. Creams, lotions, or gels are suitable for widespread psoriasis.
