Psoriasis is a long-term, immune-related skin condition where skin cells build up too quickly, forming thick, scaly, often silvery patches. It is not contagious, and while it cannot be permanently cured, it can be controlled very well.

Can psoriasis be cured permanently?

There is no permanent cure for psoriasis, but it can be managed extremely well. With the right treatment and trigger control, most people achieve long periods of clear or near-clear skin.

Is psoriasis contagious?

No. Psoriasis is not contagious - you cannot catch it from, or pass it to, anyone. It comes from your own immune system speeding up skin-cell turnover.

What causes psoriasis?

Psoriasis is driven by an overactive immune system, combined with genetics. Flare-ups are then set off by triggers such as stress, infections, skin injury, cold weather, smoking and alcohol.

What triggers psoriasis flare-ups?

Common triggers include stress, infections (such as a sore throat), skin injury or sunburn, certain medications, cold dry weather, smoking and alcohol. Identifying your personal triggers helps keep flares to a minimum.

Is psoriasis an autoimmune disease?

Yes. Psoriasis is an immune-mediated condition - the immune system mistakenly speeds up the skin-cell cycle, causing the build-up of plaques. This is why it tends to be long-term and flares from time to time.

How is psoriasis treated?

Treatment depends on the type and severity. Most people start with moisturisers and topical treatments to calm plaques and slow skin-cell build-up; more widespread or stubborn psoriasis may need additional medical treatment, with onward referral where appropriate.

Can psoriasis spread to other parts of the body?

Psoriasis cannot spread to other people, but it can appear in new areas of your own skin during a flare - commonly the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back. Good control reduces how often this happens.

Is psoriasis chronic, or will it go away?

Psoriasis is a chronic (long-term) condition that tends to come and go. It may clear for long stretches, but it is not usually permanent in one episode - ongoing management gives the best long-term control.

Does scalp psoriasis cause hair loss?

Scalp psoriasis does not directly cause permanent hair loss, but heavy scaling and scratching can lead to temporary thinning or shedding. Treating the scalp helps the skin - and your hair - recover.

What is scalp psoriasis?

Scalp psoriasis causes thick, scaly, sometimes itchy patches on the scalp, often extending to the hairline, forehead or behind the ears. It is common and treatable with scalp-specific treatments.

What is the difference between eczema and psoriasis?

Both cause red, scaly skin, but psoriasis tends to form thicker, silvery, well-defined plaques and is less itchy, while eczema is usually very itchy and may weep or crust. A doctor can confirm which you have and treat it correctly.

Is psoriasis linked to other health conditions?

It can be. Some people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis (joint pain and stiffness), and psoriasis is associated with other conditions too. If you have joint symptoms, mention them so they can be assessed.

It can be. Psoriasis is often less itchy than eczema, but many people do experience itching, soreness or a burning feeling, especially during a flare. Treatment helps relieve this.

Do I need a referral, and where can I get psoriasis treatment?

No referral is needed. We treat psoriasis across Penang, Kedah, Perak and Kuala Lumpur - book directly at your nearest location.

Psoriasis Treatment Malaysia | Plaque & Scalp Psoriasis | DSH

Skin Treatment

Psoriasis Treatment Malaysia

Lasting control for plaque, scalp and other types of psoriasis — calming flare-ups and keeping your skin clearer for longer. Non-laser, non-aesthetic medical skin care from Primary Care Doctors Focused on Skin Health, across Penang, Kedah, Perak and Kuala Lumpur.

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About Psoriasis

Calmer Skin, Long-Term Control

Psoriasis is a long-term, immune-related condition that causes thick, scaly patches of skin. It cannot be permanently cured, but with the right approach it can be controlled extremely well — and most people enjoy long stretches of clear or near-clear skin.

Our doctors are fully registered medical practitioners — Primary Care Doctors Focused on Skin Health — who diagnose and manage psoriasis with non-laser, non-aesthetic medical skin care. Looking for psoriasis treatment in Penang, Kedah, Perak or Kuala Lumpur? The same care applies at every location.

Know the Difference

Psoriasis vs Eczema — What's the Difference?

Both cause red, scaly skin and are easy to confuse — but they are different conditions, treated differently.

Psoriasis

An immune-related condition forming thick, well-defined, silvery plaques - often on the elbows, knees and scalp. Usually less itchy than eczema.

Eczema

Linked to a weakened skin barrier and allergies. Tends to be very itchy, with weeping or crusting and less defined edges.

Getting the Right Diagnosis

Because they overlap, an assessment by your doctor is the most reliable way to know which you have and treat it correctly.

Plaque Psoriasis

The most common type - raised, red patches covered with thick, silvery scales, often on the elbows, knees and lower back.

Scalp Psoriasis

Scaly, sometimes itchy patches on the scalp and hairline, ranging from mild flaking to thick crusting.

Guttate Psoriasis

Small, drop-shaped spots that often appear suddenly, frequently triggered by an infection such as a sore throat.

Inverse Psoriasis

Smooth, red, inflamed patches in skin folds - under the arms, breasts or groin - made worse by friction and sweat.

Nail Psoriasis

Pitting, thickening, discolouration or lifting of the nails, which often occurs alongside skin psoriasis.

Pustular & Severe Psoriasis

Less common, more serious forms with pus-filled spots or widespread redness - these need prompt medical care.

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Treat the Root Cause, Not Just the Symptoms

We believe that lasting improvement begins with identifying why the condition occurs. Our doctors take time to understand your medical history, lifestyle, and environmental factors. When necessary, investigations such as blood tests or allergy testing may be recommended to help identify potential triggers, allowing treatment to target the underlying cause rather than simply suppressing symptoms.

Personalised, Safe & Effective Treatment

Every patient's skin is unique. We develop an individualised treatment plan based on your specific condition, which may include:

Customized topical formulations
Safe and gradual tapering regimens
Targeted occlusion techniques and adjunctive therapies
Practical skincare recommendations

Our priority is always to provide treatment that is safe, effective, evidence-based, and affordable.

Continuous Follow-Up for Long-Term Control

Skin conditions often change over time, and treatment should evolve accordingly. Our doctors monitor your progress closely and adjust your treatment plan whenever necessary to achieve better control, minimise relapses, and deliver lasting results.

Professional Medical Advice Without Hard Selling

Your health always comes first. We do not believe in unnecessary treatments or expensive product sales. Every recommendation we make is based on your medical needs, with the goal of providing the most appropriate and beneficial care for your condition.

Empowering Patients Through Education

Successful treatment is a partnership between doctor and patient. We believe that helping you understand your condition is just as important as prescribing the right medication. Our doctors will explain:

Why your skin condition occurs or recurs
How to reduce triggers and prevent flare-ups
How to care for your skin correctly
What to expect throughout your treatment journey

Because when patients understand their condition, they are better equipped to achieve healthier skin and enjoy long-term results.

Treatment Options

Psoriasis Treatment Options Explained

Psoriasis care is about calming flares and keeping skin under control long term - tailored to your type and severity.

Topical Treatments

Moisturisers and prescription, medical-grade creams to soften scales, slow skin-cell build-up and calm redness - the foundation of psoriasis care.

Personalised Medical Treatment

For more widespread or stubborn psoriasis, additional medical treatment may be recommended, tailored to your severity, triggers and medical history.

Ongoing Management & Triggers

A long-term plan with trigger and lifestyle advice to keep flares infrequent - with onward referral for severe psoriasis or joint involvement.

Self-Care

Living Well with Psoriasis

Alongside treatment, these habits help keep flare-ups under control.

Moisturise daily. Regular emollients soften scales, reduce itching and help prevent cracking.
Know and manage your triggers. Stress, infections, skin injury, smoking and alcohol can all set off flares.
Be gentle with your skin. Avoid harsh scrubbing or picking at scales, which can worsen plaques.
Get a little sunlight - in moderation. Some sun can help, but sunburn makes psoriasis worse, so protect your skin.
Look after your overall health. Not smoking, limiting alcohol and managing stress all support better control.
Stick with your plan. Psoriasis is long-term, so consistent treatment gives the best results.

Know the Signs

When to See a Doctor

Book an appointment if...

Your psoriasis is not improving with over-the-counter products, is spreading or worsening, is affecting your sleep or confidence, or you develop joint pain and stiffness.

Seek prompt care if...

You have widespread redness and peeling skin, pus-filled spots over large areas, or feel unwell with a fever - these more severe forms of psoriasis need urgent medical attention.

After years of flare-ups, my plaques are finally under control. The doctor explained my triggers and built a plan that actually works for me.

Lim S.

Greelane · Penang

My scalp psoriasis was relentless. The right treatment cleared the scaling and the constant itch - such a relief.

Devi A.

Sungai Petani · Kedah

Honest, clear advice about living with psoriasis long term, not just a quick cream. I finally feel in control of it.

Bryan K.

Kuala Lumpur

Common Questions

Psoriasis FAQs

The questions patients ask us most about psoriasis.

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Psoriasis is a long-term, immune-related skin condition where skin cells build up too quickly, forming thick, scaly, often silvery patches. It is not contagious, and while it cannot be permanently cured, it can be controlled very well.
There is no permanent cure for psoriasis, but it can be managed extremely well. With the right treatment and trigger control, most people achieve long periods of clear or near-clear skin.
No. Psoriasis is not contagious - you cannot catch it from, or pass it to, anyone. It comes from your own immune system speeding up skin-cell turnover.
Psoriasis is driven by an overactive immune system, combined with genetics. Flare-ups are then set off by triggers such as stress, infections, skin injury, cold weather, smoking and alcohol.
Common triggers include stress, infections (such as a sore throat), skin injury or sunburn, certain medications, cold dry weather, smoking and alcohol. Identifying your personal triggers helps keep flares to a minimum.
Yes. Psoriasis is an immune-mediated condition - the immune system mistakenly speeds up the skin-cell cycle, causing the build-up of plaques. This is why it tends to be long-term and flares from time to time.
Treatment depends on the type and severity. Most people start with moisturisers and topical treatments to calm plaques and slow skin-cell build-up; more widespread or stubborn psoriasis may need additional medical treatment, with onward referral where appropriate.
Psoriasis cannot spread to other people, but it can appear in new areas of your own skin during a flare - commonly the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back. Good control reduces how often this happens.
Psoriasis is a chronic (long-term) condition that tends to come and go. It may clear for long stretches, but it is not usually permanent in one episode - ongoing management gives the best long-term control.
Scalp psoriasis does not directly cause permanent hair loss, but heavy scaling and scratching can lead to temporary thinning or shedding. Treating the scalp helps the skin - and your hair - recover.
Scalp psoriasis causes thick, scaly, sometimes itchy patches on the scalp, often extending to the hairline, forehead or behind the ears. It is common and treatable with scalp-specific treatments.
Both cause red, scaly skin, but psoriasis tends to form thicker, silvery, well-defined plaques and is less itchy, while eczema is usually very itchy and may weep or crust. A doctor can confirm which you have and treat it correctly.
It can be. Some people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis (joint pain and stiffness), and psoriasis is associated with other conditions too. If you have joint symptoms, mention them so they can be assessed.
It can be. Psoriasis is often less itchy than eczema, but many people do experience itching, soreness or a burning feeling, especially during a flare. Treatment helps relieve this.
No referral is needed. We treat psoriasis across Penang, Kedah, Perak and Kuala Lumpur - book directly at your nearest location.

Start Your Skin Journey

Take Control of Psoriasis

Book an appointment at your nearest DSH location. No referral needed — just bring your questions.

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