Q: I am a 32 years old male suffering from psoriasis on my knees, elbows, fingers, palms and it affects 20% of my body. I don’t take any oral medication. I do apply coal tar and salysilic acid ointment. It softens the skin only. I am getting into depression gradually with the progression of the disease. How can psoriasis be permanently cured? I don’t want it to spread it to other parts of my body. I do yoga regularly.

A:You need to be considered for either phototherapy or systemic therapy or combination of both. Only topical therapy for psoriasis affecting more than 20% surface area may not be suffice. Your psoriasis surely can be controlled. Winter season do aggravate this.