Further research is currently being carried out on a vaccine, which appears to provide a treatment for the skin condition psoriasis.

The vaccine, which was developed in New Zealand, has already been tested on a small number of patients with psoriasis. In a quarter of the cases, the psoriasis disappeared, while half of the participants saw an improvement in their condition.

The benefits lasted around 18 months. However, the researchers involved are unsure how the vaccine works, therefore a larger study is currently taking place.

The results of the study appear in the latest edition of 'New Scientist'.

Around 2% of the Irish population have psoriasis. It is a skin condition that affects both men and women of any age, causing a red, thick, dry build-up of the outer layer of the skin. These red patches are covered by silvery white scales. Psoriasis can affect any part of the body.