Psoriasis Awareness Month : Psoriasis: Causes, Triggers and Treatments

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis happens when skin cells renew themselves too quickly. It usually takes up to 28 days for newly formed skin cells to rise to the surface of the skin and separate from healthy tissue, but in psoriasis, it takes just two to six days.

There are several different forms of psoriasis but usually, it appears as red scaling patches which, when scraped or scratched, show fine silvery scales. These patches may affect just a few small areas of the body or they may be very extensive. Psoriasis is most common on the knees, elbows, and scalp, but can appear anywhere on the body.

Types of Psoriasis

There are many types of psoriasis including Guttate, Plaque, Pustular, Psoriatic Arthritis, and Flexural Psoriasis which can affect most areas of the body including the scalp Nails, both fingernails, and toenails.
Psoriasis is a condition that runs in families but the exact way in which the disease moves from generation to generation has not yet been established. Exposure to certain stimuli (such as a streptococcal infection in the throat, alcohol, medicines, and local irritation) or damage to the skin, may cause an outbreak of psoriasis in people who have this genetic predisposition.

The condition is chronic, lasting for many years. Most people have periods when symptoms are minimal or the skin is normal but then it flares up again. Psoriasis is an upsetting condition because it can be uncomfortable and itchy and it can make you feel self-conscious about the way you look.

What can trigger psoriasis?

• Stress

• Skin injury, such as a cut or bad sunburn

• Infection, such as strep throat

• Some medications, including lithium, prednisone, and hydroxychloroquine

• Weather, especially cold, dry weather

• Tobacco

• Alcohol (heavy drinking)

These triggers can also cause psoriasis flare-ups. Different people have different triggers. For example, periods of intense stress may trigger your psoriasis but cold weather may not.

That’s why it’s so important for people who have psoriasis to know what triggers their psoriasis. Avoiding triggers can reduce psoriasis flares. 

Treating Psoriasis

Moisturisers:

There is no present cure for psoriasis, but there are a number of drugs and treatments that can relieve and control psoriasis, often for long periods of time.
It does help to use skin moisturisers to prevent skin drying and cracking. They soften hard skin and plaques and may reduce scaling and itching. There are many different brands of moisturising creams and ointments. A moisturiser may be all that you need for mild psoriasis. Using a moisturiser may also mean that other topical treatments can be more effective. However, apply the emollient first and allow plenty of time for it to be absorbed into your skin before applying any other treatment. Moisturisers can also be used in place of soap when taking a bath or shower as soap can dry and irritate your skin.

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Alhydran is a medical hydrating cream that can treat psoriasis.  It's designed to restore the skin's moisture balance and protect new skin, which can help reduce dryness, itching, and flaking. Some say they've seen results from Alhydran after just a few hours or a week of use.

Neostrata Bionic lotion is clinically shown to improve dryness, redness and flaking associated with eczema and psoriasis. 
This intensely nourishing lotion soothes and calms irritation and can be used on the face and body.

Treatments:

You might need to try different treatments or a combination of treatments before finding one that works. 

Atopiclair Cream is a non-steroidal cream for eczema, psoriasis & itchy skin. Soothes discomfort,  provides 72-hour hydration & supports healing.

Atopiclair is a topical treatment designed to alleviate the symptoms of dryness, redness, and discomfort associated with Psoriasis, exerting three primary effects: hydration, anti-inflammatory action, and reduction of irritation and itching.

It contains Hyaluronic acid and Shea Butter: Helps provide physiological lipids and intense hydration, which repair the skin barrier. Vitis vinifera, Telmesteine, Vitamin E , Vitamin C : Has strong antioxidant effect, helps to strengthen the skin barrier. Glycyrrhetinic acid, extracted from licorice root, has a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect.

Its gentle yet effective formula makes it suitable for daily use, even on sensitive areas. This treatment option is particularly beneficial for those seeking a non-invasive, easy-to-use solution that addresses the dryness, redness, and discomfort associated with this condition.

The  MEDOVIE 3HX Derma Cream has been clinically proven to comfort chronic skin conditions and the skin of people who have psoriasis. It contains a 3HX formula for managing the redness, dryness, and irritation that occur on the skin. It is designed to be easily absorbed by the skin.

Medovie combines traditional Chinese medicine and advanced scientific research to develop safe, natural, and effective dermatological products for those with chronic skin conditions as well as for those with skin prone to psoriasis and eczema.

Medovie has dedicated its efforts into extensive clinical studies with hundreds of subjects to develop the ground-breaking 3HX™ formula 96% natural and proven to have positive and recognisable results to chronic skin conditions.

Scalp:

DCL SA Scalp Therapy Shampoo

A fresh, clear exfoliating scalp therapy formulated with maximum strength salicylic acid to help shed dead cells to relieve the itching, scaling and flaking of dandruff, psoriasis of the scalp and seborrheic dermatitis.

MEDOVIE 3HX Scalp Care Shampoo

Clinically tested to comfort and reduce visible redness, dryness or flakiness on the scalp. 

This shampoo is free of sulfates, parabens, and artificial fragrances—all ingredients that can exacerbate psoriasis symptoms.

Users with moderate to severe psoriasis should consider pairing with Medovie's 3HX Scalp Lotion.

Even more, it has the National Psoriasis Foundation seal of approval, signifying it's safe and effective for mild psoriasis. The active ingredients include three herbal remedies: Lonicera japonica, Rheum tanguticum, and Rehmannia glutinosa. Together, these extracts break down dead skin cells, promote moisture, and activate healthy scalp and hair growth.

The treatment advised by your doctor may depend on the severity, site, and type of psoriasis. Also, one treatment may work well in one person but not in another. Unless psoriasis is very severe, treatment tends to start with topical treatments. (Salicylic acid, coal tar, steroids, vitamin D, Dithranol). This means treatments that can be applied directly to the skin, such as creams or ointments. If these treatments are not successful, you will usually be referred to a skin specialist for advice about other treatments such as drug and light treatments.

Visit the Psoriasis Association's website for further information.

To learn about Seborrhoeic Dermatitis, read our skincare guide, How to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis written by Dermacare's aesthetics experts.