Psoriasis is a long-term immune condition, not an infection and not contagious. It can't be cured permanently, but it can be controlled: most patients reach clear or almost clear skin with the right treatment.
Dr. Adhyatm Bhandari Jain trained at PGIMER Chandigarh, where he carried out original research on psoriasis, and was Assistant Professor and Officiating Head of Dermatology at AIIMS Bhopal. He treats every form of psoriasis, from mild plaques to severe pustular disease needing biologics.
Psoriasis looks different on different parts of the body. Getting the type right decides the treatment.
The most common type: raised red patches with silvery scale on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back.
Thick scale on and beyond the hairline, often mistaken for severe dandruff.
Pitting, yellow-brown discolouration or nails lifting from the nail bed.
Small drop-shaped spots that appear suddenly, often after a throat infection, common in children and young adults.
Smooth red patches in skin folds: armpits, groin and under the breasts.
Thick, cracked, painful skin on the palms and soles that can affect work and walking.
Sterile pus bumps, either on the hands and feet or, in generalised pustular psoriasis (GPP), across the body with fever. GPP needs urgent care.
Redness over most of the body with shedding and chills. A medical emergency.
Up to a third of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis. Joint pain, swelling or morning stiffness should be checked early, as joint damage can be prevented.
Stress
Throat and other infections
Smoking and alcohol
Injury to the skin, including scratching (the Koebner phenomenon)
Cold, dry weather
Some medicines, such as lithium, certain blood-pressure tablets and antimalarials
Stopping oral steroids suddenly
We measure how much skin is affected and how severe it is, using the PASI score and body surface area, and check your scalp, nails and joints.
Psoriasis is linked with diabetes, high blood pressure, raised cholesterol and heart disease, so we screen for these as part of care.
We also ask how psoriasis affects your sleep, work, relationships and mood. That shapes how aggressive treatment should be, not just the look of the skin.
Treatment is stepped up only as far as your psoriasis needs, and stepped down once it is controlled.
Topical steroids, vitamin D analogues such as calcipotriol, and combinations of the two; salicylic acid and coal tar for thick scale; tacrolimus for the face and skin folds. Enough for most mild psoriasis.
Narrow-band UVB (NB-UVB) light sessions, usually two to three times a week, for psoriasis covering larger areas.
Methotrexate, cyclosporine, acitretin and apremilast for moderate to severe disease, with blood tests to monitor safety.
Injectable medicines that block the specific immune signals behind psoriasis (TNF, IL-17, IL-23). Some are given every 12 weeks once started, and lower-cost biosimilars are now available in India.
Published studies from PGIMER Chandigarh, including the impact of childhood psoriasis on parents and caregivers.
Bhandari A, Narang T, Panjiyar R, Dogra S, Handa S. Assessing the impact of childhood psoriasis on parents/caregivers using FDLQI. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2025;91:287-293.
Narang T, Sharma A, Bhandari A, Handa S, Dogra S. SARS-CoV-19 and Generalised Pustular Psoriasis: A Lethal Combination. Indian J Dermatol. 2023;68:726.
Bhandari A, Narang T, Subburaj K, Dogra S, Handa S. Effect of COVID-19 Vaccination on Disease Severity in Stable Plaque Psoriasis. Cutis. 2023;112:137-138.
Narang T, Bhandari A, Mehta H, et al. Effect of Lockdown Due to COVID-19 on Health and Lifestyle of Psoriasis Patients. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2022;13:625-628.
“He is an incredible doctor! Extremely kind and considerate. He aptly treated Psoriasis. My mom was struggling since months with it, we saw 2 other dermats but nothing helped. In just 2 days his medicines gave her relief. We are lucky to have a doctor like him in Bhopal. 10/10 recommended ✨”
“My psoriasis flares are recurring and I always needed to consult dermatologist regularly where Dr. Adhyatm Bhandari sir have been of great help, not only he gives the best psoriasis treatment he also guide in an exceptionally clear manner. He boost my confidence to fight from a life long disease. Thanks for your guidance and support.”
There is no permanent cure yet, and any clinic promising one should be treated with caution. Psoriasis can, however, be controlled very well. With the right treatment most patients reach clear or almost clear skin and stay that way for long periods.
No. Psoriasis is an immune-mediated condition. It cannot spread by touch, sharing food or living together.
Yes. Several biologics are given once every 12 weeks after the first doses. Whether one suits you depends on how severe your psoriasis is, other health conditions, screening tests such as for tuberculosis, and cost.
A dermatologist (skin specialist) with experience in moderate to severe psoriasis and biologics. If you have joint pain or morning stiffness, a rheumatologist may also be involved, as psoriatic arthritis needs early treatment.
Yes. Childhood psoriasis is common and is often triggered by throat infections. Treatment is adjusted for age, and the impact on the whole family is part of the care plan.
Not on your own. Stopping some medicines suddenly, especially oral steroids, can cause a severe flare. Your dermatologist will reduce treatment step by step.
Losing excess weight, stopping smoking and cutting down alcohol all improve psoriasis and help treatment work. No single food cures it.
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This page is general information and not a substitute for a consultation. Medicines mentioned need a prescription and monitoring by a doctor.