A GP has expressed his shock at a patient's dry, scaly leg as chunks of skin fall to the floor, branding it the "worst case of psoriasis he's ever seen".

The man's face is red raw and flaky and the condition is so severe the skin on his leg has been reduced to powder.

3 Ryan's face is left red and flaky from psoriasis Credit: Array

Ryan suffers from psoriasis and arthritis, both problems cause him pain and discomfort on a daily basis.

He appeared on last night's episode of Channel 5's GPs Behind Closed Doors, desperately trying to find a treatment that eases his problem.

He tells Dr David Ward that his psoriasis is getting worse and his arthritis is playing up, particularity in his knees.

But it is when Ryan pulls up his trouser leg to let the doctor examine his knee that the full extent of his skin condition is revealed.

As he drags the clothing up his leg, dry skin falls off like powder, his leg appearing like it is covered in plaster due to a build up of crusty patches of skin.

3 Dr David Ward said Ryan's case is probably the worst he has ever seen Credit: Array

Dr Ward said: "Ryan has a very severe case of psoriasis, probably the worst that I have, personally, ever seen.

"Linked with that he also has a type of arthritis which is related to the psoriasis.

"Both of these conditions are caused by an autoimmune problem, so his own immune system is reacting against his skin, in particular, for his psoriasis and against the joints for his arthritis."

And Ryan isn't alone in his suffering.

Psoriasis affects around two per cent of the UKs population.

It is a skin condition that causes red, flaky, crusty patches of skin covered with silvery scales.

It can start at any age, but is more common in adults under 35.

3 The condition is so bad that the skin on his leg has been reduced to powder Credit: Array

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The patches on the skin normally appear on elbows, knees, scalp and lower back, but can spread to other parts of the body.

In most cases they only affect small patches of skin but in more severe cases, like Ryan's, it can have a severe impact on he suffer's quality of life.

The condition has gained widespread media attention lately after Kim Kardashian admitted to suffering from it.

This week she revealed her long-running battle with the condition has worsened since her robbery ordeal in Paris and had even spread to her face.

What is psoriasis? Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes red, flaky, crusty patches of skin covered with silvery scales. These patches normally appear on your elbows, knees, scalp and lower back, but can appear anywhere on your body. Most people are only affected with small patches. In some cases, the patches can be itchy or sore. It affects around two per cent of the UK population. Why does it happen? People with psoriasis have an increased production of skin cells. Skin cells are normally made and replaced every three to four weeks, but in psoriasis this process only lasts about three to seven days. The resulting build-up of skin cells is what creates the patches associated with psoriasis. It is thought to be a problem with the immune system and can run in families. How is it treated? There's no cure for psoriasis, but a range of treatments can improve symptoms and the appearance of skin patches. n most cases, the first treatment used will be a topical treatment, such as vitamin D analogues or topical corticosteroids. Topical treatments are creams and ointments applied to the skin. If these aren't effective, or your condition is more severe, a treatment called phototherapy may be used. Phototherapy involves exposing your skin to certain types of ultraviolet light. In severe cases, where the above treatments are ineffective, systemic treatments may be used. These are oral or injected medicines that work throughout the whole body. Source: NHS

Although in most cases psoriasis is a minor irritation, it can have a significant impact on quality of life for those who suffer severely wit the condition.

Some sufferers have low self-esteem or could develop tenderness, pain and swelling in the joints as Ryan has.

It is best to speak to a GP about the effects of the condition and any concerns you may have.

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