Psoriasis — managed by dermatologists, not concealed
A chronic immune-mediated condition affecting 2–3% of Indians, treated with evidence-based protocols at DermaVue's 7 clinics across Kerala & Tamil Nadu.
7 clinics · Kerala & Tamil Nadu · ₹300 consultation
Understanding Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly speeds up skin cell production, causing thick, scaly patches that itch, crack, and sometimes bleed. It is not an infection, not caused by poor hygiene, and cannot be passed to another person. In India, over 30 million people live with psoriasis, yet stigma and misinformation cause many to delay treatment for years. DermaVue dermatologists use a stepwise approach — combining topical therapy, phototherapy, systemic agents, and biologics — tailored to disease severity, body surface area, and each patient's quality-of-life impact.
Psoriasis vulgaris (ICD-10: L40.0) is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory dermatosis characterised by well-demarcated, erythematous plaques with silvery-white micaceous scale, reflecting accelerated epidermal turnover from a normal 28-day cycle to 3–5 days. Pathogenesis centres on dysregulated Th1/Th17 axis activation — IL-17A, IL-23, and TNF-α drive keratinocyte hyperproliferation, angiogenesis, and neutrophilic infiltration forming Munro microabscesses.[1] The Auspitz sign (pinpoint bleeding on scale removal) and Koebner phenomenon (lesions at trauma sites) are pathognomonic clinical features. Comorbidity burden is significant: psoriatic arthritis (up to 30%), metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and depression require integrated management. Indian Fitzpatrick IV–VI phototypes frequently present with post-inflammatory hyper- or hypopigmentation at resolving plaques, complicating cosmetic outcomes.
What does Psoriasis look like?
Symptoms range widely in severity. Identifying which type you have determines the right treatment.
Red Scaly Plaques
Intense Itching & Burning
Scalp Involvement
Nail Changes
Skin Cracking & Bleeding
Joint Pain & Stiffness
Post-Inflammatory Pigment Changes
Emotional & Social Impact
What actually causes Psoriasis?
Multiple factors act together — understanding them helps prevent recurrence after treatment.
Genetic Predisposition
Immune Dysregulation (Th17/IL-23)
Stress & Psychological Triggers
Infections (Streptococcal & Viral)
Obesity & Metabolic Syndrome
Medications & External Triggers
Kerala-Specific Climate Factors
- 2–3% of India's population — over 30 million people — live with psoriasis, yet fewer than 40% receive dermatologist-led care
- Bimodal age onset: early-onset (16–22 years, HLA-Cw6+) and late-onset (55–60 years) — early-onset tends to be more severe and familial
- Men and women are equally affected, but women report greater quality-of-life impact due to cosmetic and social stigma in South India
- Kerala & South India show higher reported prevalence partly due to better dermatology access — but monsoon humidity and stress are genuine aggravators
- Fitzpatrick IV–VI skin types develop prominent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation at resolving plaques, creating a cosmetic burden even after disease control
What happens at your DermaVue consultation?
A structured clinical assessment — not a quick glance and a prescription pad. Here's exactly what to expect.
Clinical Examination & PASI Scoring
Nail & Joint Assessment
Differential Diagnosis Workup
Comorbidity & Metabolic Screening
Personalised Treatment Protocol
Psoriasis treatments we offer
All procedures by board-certified MD DVL dermatologists. US-FDA approved equipment. No technician-only protocols — ever.
Topical Therapy
Narrowband UVB Phototherapy
Systemic Medications
Biologic Therapy
Excimer Laser (308 nm)
PRP & Adjunctive Therapies
Chemical Peels for Residual PIH
Your Psoriasis treatment timeline
Results are gradual, progressive, and lasting with the right protocol.
Watch: Psoriasis treatment at DermaVue
Our dermatologists explain diagnosis, treatment options, and what to expect.
Understanding Psoriasis — Causes and Treatment
Frequently asked questions about Psoriasis
No, psoriasis is absolutely not contagious. It cannot be transmitted by touching, sharing clothes, swimming together, or any form of physical contact. Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition driven by genetic and immune factors — not by any bacteria, virus, or fungus. The widespread misconception in Indian society that it spreads by touch causes significant social stigma and must be corrected.
Psoriasis is a chronic condition — there is currently no permanent cure. However, modern treatments including biologics, phototherapy, and systemic agents can achieve near-complete clearance (PASI 90–100) and sustained remission for extended periods. With proper dermatologist-led management, most patients achieve excellent disease control and quality of life. Flares can be minimised through trigger avoidance, stress management, and maintenance therapy.
Common triggers in Kerala include monsoon humidity causing sweat irritation at flexural sites, stress — the most frequently reported trigger — streptococcal throat infections (especially in children), abrupt withdrawal of self-prescribed steroid creams, alcohol consumption, and weight gain. Kerala's climate is a double-edged sword: moderate sun exposure helps psoriasis, but high humidity and monsoon dampness can worsen flexural and intertriginous involvement.
DermaVue consultation fee is ₹300 at most branches. Topical treatment costs ₹500–2,000 monthly depending on medications prescribed. Narrowband UVB phototherapy sessions range ₹800–1,500 per session. Systemic medications like methotrexate are affordable at ₹200–500 monthly; biologics are significantly more expensive. Complete cost transparency is provided at your first consultation — treatment plans are matched to both disease severity and budget.
Up to 30% of psoriasis patients develop psoriatic arthritis — inflammatory joint disease causing pain, stiffness, and swelling in fingers, toes, spine, or larger joints. Nail psoriasis is a strong predictor of future joint involvement. Early detection through screening at every dermatology visit is critical because untreated psoriatic arthritis can cause irreversible joint damage. DermaVue dermatologists screen for joint symptoms at every review.
While some Ayurvedic formulations may offer symptomatic relief, there is no high-quality clinical evidence supporting long-term disease modification with alternative therapies alone. The risk is that patients delay evidence-based treatment, allowing disease progression and joint damage. DermaVue dermatologists recommend an evidence-based primary treatment plan, and patients may use complementary approaches alongside — not instead of — proven therapies.
Stop managing Psoriasis.
Start clearing it.
Board-certified MD DVL dermatologists across 7 clinics in Kerala & Tamil Nadu. WhatsApp for instant appointment. Consultation ₹300.
₹300 consultation · No hidden charges · 7 locations