Dry and flaking skin, foci on the skin that itch, crack and hurt – these are the symptoms of psoriasis, an unpleasant skin condition. Some suffer from it on a daily basis, others encounter it only a few times a year. Find out what causes psoriasis, what makes it worse and how to take care of affected skin.
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Psoriasis is a non-infectious, inflammatory skin condition that affects about 2–3 % of the population. While the entire skin renews naturally in 4 weeks, psoriasis speeds this process up to about 4 days. Immature skin cells pile up quickly in the affected areas, and then peel off. Visible flake foci appear, and the skin is red and itchy.
What does the onset of psoriasis look like? At the beginning, the symptoms are not specific –dry and itching skin or slight swelling and redness. As soon as the condition fully breaks out, though, typical symptoms appear: particularly visibly red dry foci with white or silver flakes, itching, and redness of the area. Dry skin can crack and bleed.
We classify psoriasis as an autoimmune disease, but its exact cause is unknown. Heredity definitely plays an important role. An inherited genetic predisposition on its own is not enough for psoriasis to develop though.
External and internal triggering factors are crucial too, for example:
Whether psoriasis is caused by stress, or comes as an unwanted gift inherited from your parents, the right treatment and care for the skin affected can alleviate the symptoms.
There are several forms of psoriasis you can come across. Symptoms of some forms are also very different to the common ones.
Psoriasis is only seldom diagnosed in babies. Most often it gets confused with other skin conditions such as eczema or seborrheic dermatitis. If you notice any changes on your child's skin, though, it's advisable to consult a doctor. Psoriasis can appear in all age groups and does not avoid children.
Because psoriasis is not just a matter of aesthetics, it's important to visit the doctor or dermatologist who will prescribe the right treatment. It usually depends on the current state and size of the foci. How to treat psoriasis:
Apart from the right treatment, everyday skin care and adjustment of habits are important too. A few small changes are enough to keep psoriasis symptoms under control.
Use gentle soaps and washing oils suitable for atopic people or intended directly for patients with psoriasis. They will help you hydrate your skin without irritating it. Lukewarm baths with Epsom salt or Dead Sea salt and oat baths are suitable too.
Get a special psoriasis shampoo that contains active ingredients for removing flakes from the hair (urea, salicylic acid), soothing ingredients (aloe vera, allantoin) and ingredients for pliability (glycerine, coconut oil). Use the shampoo according to the instructions for use as it usually needs to be left on for longer.
Upon washing and a few times during the day, apply suitable psoriasis oils, creams and ointments to your skin. Avoid products containing perfumes and alcohol. Put your trust into shea butter, olive and hemp oil as well as the above-mentioned urea and salicylic acid.
If red foci appear and are getting worse or do not react to standard creams, it's advisable to see a dermatologist. Early psoriasis diagnosis and suitable treatment can alleviate the symptoms and improve the quality of life.
Psoriasis is not easy to tackle, but persistence, appropriate treatment and support of your surroundings can help you handle it successfully. And Notino is with you, offering a wide selection of psoriasis creams and shampoos which will help you reduce psoriasis symptoms and relieve the unpleasant itching.
