Thick red patches, scaly skin, and persistent itching that flares up despite your best efforts? Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting nearly 3% of Canadians, and it can significantly impact quality of life and self-confidence. At Virtuel MD, our CMQ-certified physicians assess your symptoms via video, adjust your treatment, and provide follow-up care online. All without travel or waiting in a clinic.
See a doctor today to better control your psoriasis and improve your quality of life.
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, significantly accelerating their renewal cycle. Normally, skin cells are renewed in 28 to 30 days. In psoriasis, this cycle is reduced to 3 to 5 days, causing an accumulation of cells on the skin's surface and the formation of characteristic plaques.
The different types of psoriasis:
Plaque psoriasis, or common psoriasis, is the most frequent form, representing about 80 % of cases. It manifests as well-defined red plaques covered with silvery scales, mainly on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back.
Scalp psoriasis can affect only this area or be part of a more widespread psoriasis. It causes abundant scales that can be mistaken for severe dandruff.
Inverse psoriasis affects skin folds like the armpits, groin, and under the breasts. It appears as smooth, red patches without significant scales due to the moisture in these areas.
Nail psoriasis affects the fingernails and toenails, causing pitting, thickening, and discoloration of the nails.
Triggers
Environmental and behavioral factors: stress, bacterial or viral infections, skin injuries, certain medications such as beta-blockers or lithium, alcohol, smoking, and hormonal changes.
Genetic factors: Psoriasis has a strong hereditary component. If a parent suffers from it, the risk is significantly higher.
Important to know:
Psoriasis is not contagious. It is a systemic disease that can be associated with other conditions such as psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and depression. Regular medical follow-up not only allows for the control of skin symptoms but also for the monitoring of these associated conditions.
Our doctors at Virtuel MD can assess your symptoms via video and prescribe a suitable treatment to effectively manage your flare-ups.
Patches of red, thick, raised skin covered with white or silvery scales. They most often appear on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back.
Itching of varying intensity, which can be severe during flare-ups. Some plaques may be painful, particularly when they crack or bleed.
Accumulation of dead cells forming thick scales that detach easily, potentially causing significant social discomfort.
Nails with small pitting depressions, yellowish or brownish discoloration, thickening, or separation from the nail bed.
Joint pain, stiffness, or swelling could indicate psoriatic arthritis, a complication of psoriasis requiring specific medical evaluation.
Find essential information about Psoriasis in our FAQ. For a personalized diagnosis and appropriate treatment, consult a doctor online today.
Psoriasis is a chronic disease that cannot be completely cured, but it can be very well controlled with appropriate treatment. Many people experience long periods of remission during which symptoms are minimal or absent. The goal of treatment is to reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups.
Our doctors can prescribe topical corticosteroids for flare-ups, vitamin D analogues like calcipotriol, emollients and moisturizers for daily maintenance, treatments for scalp psoriasis, and refer to systemic or biologic treatments if necessary.
Yes, moderate sun exposure can improve psoriasis symptoms for some people. However, sunburn can actually trigger a flare-up. It's important not to overexpose yourself and to protect unaffected areas with sunscreen.
Some people report improvement with an anti-inflammatory diet rich in omega-3s, fruits, and vegetables, and low in alcohol and processed foods. Weight loss may also improve symptoms in overweight individuals.
Yes, psoriasis has a strong genetic component. About one-third of people with psoriasis have a family member who also suffers from it. However, having genes that predispose you to psoriasis does not necessarily mean you will develop the condition.
A virtual medical consultation with Virtuel MD starts at $139$. Our doctors assess your symptoms via video, prescribe appropriate treatment, and provide regular follow-up, all from the comfort of your home.
Absolutely. All your medical consultations and data are protected and stored in Canada, in compliance with Bill 25 and PIPEDA.
Consult quickly, in complete confidentiality, from the comfort of your home. Our healthcare professionals are here to support you with attentiveness, expertise and care.
© 2026 VirtuelMD.COM. All right reserved
