Psoriasis Explained

Please read the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) before taking SOTYKTU^® (deucravacitinib).

As a person with psoriasis, you will be aware that it is a condition that affects the skin. But you will also know that it is far more than this. Psoriasis affects people both physically and mentally and may impact one person differently to another. It can even affect the same person differently one year to the next. So having psoriasis means facing unique challenges that go beyond patches of itchy or raised skin. On this page we would like to look at some of the challenges and help put your treatment in context.

Psoriasis is caused by the immune system

With psoriasis, changes to the skin are caused by the person’s own immune system. Certain immune cells become triggered and overactive. In a normal situation these cells fight infections, but for reasons that are not yet clear, in psoriasis the immune cells act on the skin. This can lead to a rapid growth of skin cells and the formation of plaques. We describe conditions where the immune system fights its own body, as an autoimmune disease.

Treatments in context

There are different approaches to treating psoriasis. Some treatments could alleviate symptoms, others attempt to stop or slow the action of the immune system on the skin to stop symptoms occurring. SOTYKTU acts on part of the immune system, and you can read more about this on the SOTYKTU and YOU page.

Psoriasis can affect anywhere on the outer surface of the body

The immune system has access to almost all areas of the body, so it can affect any part of the skin or nails. For many people this can be in areas that uncomfortable or embarrassing to talk about. There are various types of psoriasis including:

Plaque
psoriasis

Nail
psoriasis

Some areas of the body can be
harder to treat than others

Psoriasis that affects the nails, scalp, soles of the feet and palms of the hands can be trickier to treat than plaque psoriasis, for example.

Treatments in context
Some treatments will work more effectively against certain forms of psoriasis than other treatments. You should therefore be sure to mention all areas of your body that are impacted by psoriasis to your dermatology care team.

Psoriasis is linked to other conditions

One of the main conditions associated with psoriasis is Psoriatic Arthritis, a form of inflammatory arthritis that affects joints, such as the knees, or those in the hands and feet. Having psoriasis does not mean you will get Psoriatic Arthritis but it does raise the risk of developing the condition.

Treatments in context
Some treatments are indicated to treat both psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis, others are just for psoriasis. Be sure to mention to your dermatology care team if any joints start to feel painful, stiff, or tender, if your fingers swell, or you notice changes to your nails.

Psoriasis is different for each person

For some people, psoriasis will only have a minor impact on their day-to-day life, but for others the impact can be significant. Many aspects of our everyday life can be disrupted by psoriasis, including employment, relationships, sleep and choice of clothes. It can therefore, understandably, affect our mental health. If you think this is the case for you, please speak to your dermatology care team.

Treatments in context
Treatments for psoriasis are taken in different ways. Some are creams and ointments, some are tablets, some are injections. How your treatment is administered can also impact your day-to-day life, so you should discuss what is most appropriate for you with your dermatology care team.

References

NHS. Psoriasis. Overview. Available at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/psoriasis/ (Accessed April 2025);

NHS. Psoriasis. Treatments. Available at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/psoriasis/treatment/ (Accessed April 2025);

Psoriasis Association. About psoriasis. Available at https://www.psoriasis-association.org.uk/about-psoriasis (Accessed April 2025);

Psoriasis Association. About psoriatic arthritis. Available at https://www.psoriasis-association.org.uk/about-psoriatic-arthritis (Accessed April 2025);

British Skin Foundation. Psoriasis. Available at https://knowyourskin.britishskinfoundation.org.uk/condition/psoriasis/ (Accessed April 2025).

Psoriasis explained

Psoriasis is caused by the immune system

Psoriasis can affect anywhere on the outer surface of the body

Some areas of the body can be harder to treat than others

Psoriasis is linked to other conditions

Psoriasis is different for each person

Some areas of the body can be
harder to treat than others