Plaque Psoriasis Protocol
topical corticosteroids plus calcipotriol with severity-staged escalation
Topical calcipotriol-betamethasone foam or ointment for limited plaque disease, NB-UVB phototherapy at 311 nm three times weekly for 24-36 sessions for moderate disease, conventional systemics (methotrexate 15-25 mg/week, cyclosporine 3-5 mg/kg/day, apremilast 30 mg BID) and biologics (secukinumab, ixekizumab, risankizumab) for moderate-to-severe disease per IADVL Psoriasis Consensus 2018. Co-morbidity screen for psoriatic arthritis and metabolic syndrome at every visit.
Indian psoriasis prevalence per Dogra S et al (Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 2010) ranges 0.44-2.8% with monsoon-onset flares well documented in coastal-Kerala cohorts. The IADVL Psoriasis Consensus 2018 calls for early biologic transition in PASI>10 or BSA>10% with metabolic-syndrome co-morbidity. At our Kollam clinic, the workup includes PASI + DLQI scoring, joint examination for psoriatic arthritis, fasting glucose, lipid panel, LFT, hepatitis-B and TB screen before starting systemic therapy. NB-UVB phototherapy is available on-site for moderate-severity cases.
DermaVue Kollam manages psoriasis through evidence-based PASI-scored protocols delivered by IADVL-registered MD DVL dermatologists. A 2024 IJDVL survey found 88 percent of Indian dermatologists would prescribe biologics more frequently if cost barriers were reduced; DermaVue stocks adalimumab biosimilars to address this gap. PASI 75 response is typically achieved by week 12-16 with IL-17 or IL-23 inhibitors, and many patients reach PASI 90-100 clearance. The Kollam clinic is rated 4.9 stars across 370+ Google reviews and applies climate-adapted protocols accounting for Kerala humidity (60-80 percent) and coastal hard-water exposure (TDS up to 2,250 mg/L) that can irritate psoriatic skin barriers.
topical corticosteroids plus calcipotriol with severity-staged escalation
medicated shampoos, topical solutions and dermoscopy to differentiate from seborrhoeic dermatitis
onycholysis and pitting management with topical and intralesional therapy
for moderate plaque, guttate and scalp psoriasis
IL-17 inhibitors (secukinumab, ixekizumab), IL-23 inhibitors (guselkumab, risankizumab), TNF-alpha (adalimumab biosimilar)
for moderate-to-severe disease with regular liver and renal monitoring
vitamin D analogs and calcineurin inhibitors for long-term sensitive-site control
post-streptococcal trigger evaluation and rapid-onset protocol
antifungal monitoring during June-October secondary-infection risk window
dermoscopy-based diagnosis to avoid worsening misdiagnosed cases
Board-certified dermatologists walk through the clinical approach — watch before your first visit.
Dr Jayalekshmi J and Dr Arunima A both hold the MD DVL postgraduate qualification and own every file together. Continuity of care is the default, not a tagline.
Dermatology, Cosmetology, Medical Dermatology
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Treatment follows a severity-based protocol using PASI scoring. Mild cases receive prescription topicals (corticosteroids plus vitamin D analogs), moderate cases may need narrowband UVB phototherapy or methotrexate, and severe cases are evaluated for biologic immunotherapy (IL-17, IL-23, TNF-alpha inhibitors). Every plan accounts for Kollam humid climate and your specific psoriasis type.
Humidity above 60 percent actually reduces dryness-related flares, which is beneficial. The risk in Kollam climate is secondary fungal infection on psoriatic plaques, especially during monsoon. Our protocols include antifungal monitoring during the June-October period. Hard water (TDS up to 2,250 mg/L) in coastal zones can also irritate psoriatic skin.
Consultation is Rs.300. Topical treatment costs vary by medication. Phototherapy sessions are available with package pricing. Biologic therapy is the most significant investment and costs depend on the specific drug, dosing frequency, and available biosimilars. We discuss all options and costs transparently during your first consultation.
Yes. DermaVue Kollam offers IL-17 inhibitors (secukinumab, ixekizumab), IL-23 inhibitors (guselkumab, risankizumab), and TNF-alpha inhibitors (adalimumab biosimilar). These are the same biologics dispensed at major medical centres across South India. An IJDVL survey found 88 percent of Indian dermatologists would prescribe biologics more frequently if cost barriers were reduced.
Scalp psoriasis itself does not destroy hair follicles, so hair typically regrows once inflammation is controlled. Chronic, untreated scalp psoriasis can cause temporary thinning from persistent inflammation. Early treatment with medicated shampoos and topical solutions prevents this. Dr. Arunima A uses dermoscopy to differentiate scalp psoriasis from seborrheic dermatitis.
Psoriasis produces well-defined, thick, silvery-scaled plaques driven by immune overactivity. Eczema causes less-defined, intensely itchy patches that may weep or crust. Dermoscopy can distinguish them precisely. Treatment pathways differ significantly and using the wrong treatment worsens either condition.
Most patients see measurable improvement within 4-8 weeks. A PASI 75 response (75 percent clearance) is typically achieved by 12-16 weeks with IL-17 or IL-23 inhibitors. Some patients achieve near-complete clearance (PASI 90-100). Results are sustained with ongoing maintenance dosing.
Mineral-heavy water common in Kollam coastal zones where groundwater TDS exceeds 2,000 mg/L can irritate psoriatic skin and disrupt the skin barrier. Using filtered water for bathing and applying emollients immediately after washing can reduce flare frequency.
No. Psoriasis is an immune-mediated condition with genetic and environmental triggers. It cannot spread through touch, shared items, or close contact. This is one of the most common misconceptions our patients from Kollam ask about. Psoriasis prevalence in India ranges from 0.44 to 2.8 percent of the adult population.
Yes. Vitamin D analogs, calcineurin inhibitors, and biologic therapies provide steroid-free management options. For moderate-to-severe disease, biologics target specific immune pathways without the side effects of prolonged steroid use. Dr. Jayalekshmi J builds steroid-sparing regimens when appropriate.
₹300 consultation · same-day slots available · Kavanad clinic open Mon–Sat 10 AM – 7 PM, Sun closed.