We offer two main types of treatment: topical steroids and topical steroids combined with vitamin D compounds. The treatments come in the form of gels, ointments, creams or foams, depending on where they’re meant to be used. We’ll help you find the treatment and strength that’s right for you.

You apply topical steroids with clean hands directly onto the areas of inflamed skin. Most people will need to apply it as directed for one to two weeks.

It’s absolutely vital that you keep your skin well moisturised by using an emollient cream or ointment with your treatment. Liberal amounts of regular moisturiser is crucial for managing psoriasis, no matter what other treatments you’re using.

When used as prescribed, topical steroids have few side effects. In some cases, the long-term use of steroid creams and ointments can make your skin thinner and inflamed. Treatments that contain vitamin D can also cause itching, burning and dryness where they’re applied.

For the full information of a medicine’s side effects and how to use it, it’s important to read the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with your medicine.

You must only use topical steroids for short periods of time to get your symptoms under control unless told otherwise by the clinician. When used for too long, your body can start to rely on these steroids instead of making its own.

It’s also important that you tell us which other medicines you’re taking — whether they’re prescription or medicines you’ve bought without a prescription. You must also tell us of any other conditions you live with. We need to know so that we can prescribe a suitable treatment for you.