Treatment for Psoriatic Disease
Understanding your options in NHS care (England and Wales)
If you have been diagnosed with psoriatic disease — or are waiting for a diagnosis — it’s natural to have questions about treatment. Many people feel unsure about what options are available, how decisions are made, and what to expect over time.
This page explains the main types of treatment used in NHS care, how treatment plans are decided, and why treatment may change as your needs change.
What is the aim of treatment?
Treatment for psoriatic disease aims to:
reduce inflammation in the body,
improve symptoms such as skin plaques, joint pain and stiffness,
help protect long‑term health and joint function,
support quality of life and daily activities.
There is no single treatment that works the same way for everyone. Treatment plans are individual, and it can take time to find what works best for you.
How treatment decisions are made
Healthcare professionals consider several factors when discussing treatment options, including:
the type and severity of your symptoms,
whether skin, joints, nails or fatigue are affected,
how symptoms affect daily life, work and wellbeing,
previous treatments you may have tried,
your preferences and any concerns you have.
Treatment decisions should be made together with you, so it’s important to ask questions and share what matters most to you.
Types of treatment you may be offered
Topical treatments
These are creams or ointments applied directly to the skin.
They may include treatments that reduce inflammation, such as steroid creams, or treatments that help slow skin cell turnover.
Topical treatments are often used when psoriasis affects limited areas and may be used alone or alongside other treatments.
Phototherapy
Phototherapy uses carefully controlled ultraviolet light and is usually provided in hospital or specialist clinics.
It may be recommended when topical treatments haven’t helped enough or when psoriasis affects larger areas of skin.
Tablets and other systemic treatments
Systemic treatments work throughout the body rather than just on the skin.
This group includes tablet treatments that help reduce inflammation and may be offered when symptoms are more widespread or affect joints as well as skin.
These treatments usually require monitoring and regular review.
Injectable treatments
Some people are offered injectable treatments, including biologic medicines, which target specific parts of the immune system involved in inflammation.
These treatments are prescribed by specialists and may be considered when other treatments haven’t worked well enough or when symptoms are more severe.
Being offered a particular type of treatment does not mean your condition is “severe” — it reflects how your symptoms affect you and what is most appropriate at that time.
Treating skin and joint symptoms together
Psoriatic disease can affect the skin and joints at the same time, even if one set of symptoms feels more noticeable.
Some treatments help both skin and joint symptoms, which is why dermatology and rheumatology teams may work together to support your care.
Monitoring and adjusting treatment
Psoriatic disease can change over time, and so can treatment needs.
It’s common for:
treatments to be adjusted,
doses to change,
or different options to be tried if symptoms change or a treatment stops helping.
Regular reviews help ensure treatment continues to meet your needs.
Safety, monitoring and side effects
Some treatments require routine checks, such as blood tests or reviews, to make sure they are working safely.
You should always:
tell your healthcare team about new symptoms or concerns,
ask questions if you’re unsure why monitoring is needed,
report side effects rather than stopping treatment without advice.
Supporting someone on treatment
If you are supporting someone with psoriatic disease, treatment can affect daily routines, emotions and energy levels.
Support can include:
helping with appointment preparation,
understanding that treatments may take time to show benefits,
offering reassurance during periods of adjustment or uncertainty.
Finding support from others who understand
Many people find it helpful to connect with others living with psoriatic disease while starting or changing treatment.
Peer support spaces can provide:
reassurance and shared experiences,
practical insights from people on similar journeys,
emotional support alongside medical care.
You can find out more about Psoriatic Disease UK’s peer support spaces on our Get Support page.
Key points to remember
Treatment is tailored to each individual.
It may take time to find the right approach.
Adjustments are a normal part of care.
You have a role in treatment decisions.
Support is available alongside medical treatment.