A new study conducted at the University of Manchester has revealed that a new drug can provide hope to thousands of sufferers of the skin condition psoriasis.

The researchers tested the effectiveness of the drug ixekizumab and found that it neutralizes the inflammatory effects of an interleukin, a protein in the skin which carries signals to cells. This particular protein is recognized as one of the causes of psoriasis.

Psoriasis causes raised bumps known as plaques to grow on the skin. These can be flaky, scaly and itchy for sufferers. This condition affects up to three per cent of Brits as well as celebrities including Kim Kardashian, Cara Delevigne and Alan Carr.

The researchers involved 2,500 participants for the trial. Half the participants were given ixekizumab while the other half were given a placebo, or a widely used drug for psoriasis called etanercept.

The findings revealed that the ixekizumab groups outperformed the groups on placebo or etanercept and showed quick and extensive improvements in their condition.

The researchers noted that 40% of participants showed complete clearance of their plaques, while 90% experienced some improvement.

Lead researcher Professor Chris Griffiths, from the University of Manchester said, "What we saw in this trial was not just the physical aspects of the disease clearing up, but people on the new drug also reporting a marked improvement in their quality of life".

Griffiths added that the objective for treating psoriasis has been to reduce the visible symptoms. The new thing is that a realistic goal for all patients is to attain a clear skin, which is being set up by this trial.