CONCERNS: Psoriasis
Updated: Aug 7, 2019
So what exactly is Psoriasis and what causes it?
Psoriasis is a long lasting autoimmune disease characterised by patches of abnormal skin. These skin patches are typically red, dry and itchy, and scaly. Psoriasis varies in severity from small, localised patches to complete body coverage. Injury to the skin can trigger psoriatic skin changes at that spot, which is known as the Koebner phenomenon. The disease affects two to four percent of the population with men and women being affected with equal frequency. The disease may begin at any age, but typically starts in adulthood. There are five main types of psoriasis as set out below:
Plaque Psoriasis
This makes up about 90 percent of cases. It typically presents as red patches with white scales on top. Areas of the body most commonly affected are the back of the forearms, shins, navel area, and scalp.
Guttate Psoriasis
Presents as drop shaped lesions.
Inverse Psoriasis
Forms red patches in skin folds.
Pustular Psoriasis
Presents as small non-infectious pus-filled blisters.
Erythrodermic Psoriasis
Occurs when the rash becomes very widespread, and can develop from any of the other types.
Fingernails and toenails are affected in most people with psoriasis at some point in time. This may include pits in the nails or changes in nail colour. Psoriasis is generally thought to be a genetic disease that is triggered by environmental factors. In twin studies, identical twins are three times more likely to be affected compared to non-identical twins. This suggests that genetic factors predispose to psoriasis. Symptoms often worsen during winter and with certain medications, such as beta blockers or NSAIDs. Infections and psychological stress can also play a role. The underlying mechanism involves the immune system reacting to skin cells.
How can Psoriasis be treated?
There is no cure for psoriasis; however various treatments can help control the symptoms. These treatments include steroid creams, vitamin D3 cream, ultraviolet light and immune system surpassing medications, such as methotrexate. About 75% of cases can be managed with creams alone.
Many people struggle to find products to put together a skin care routine or to supplement stronger/ prescribed products. Given the characteristics o psoriasis you should look to put together a routine with products which have the following qualities:
Itch Relieving to reduce the risk of scratching and the resulting damage to the skin barrier and/ or infection.
Anti-Inflammatory to reduce redness and irritation.
Skin Barrier Repairing i.e. contain; cholesterol, ceramides and/or essential fatty acids to help rebuild the damaged skin barrier.
Moisture Boosting i.e. contain humectants such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin which bind water to the upper layers of the skin.
Contain Indigo Leaf which is one of the few natural ingredients where scientific testing has taken place specifically on its positive impact towards improving the symptoms associated with psoriasis.
Which products could help to combat the condition?
Bloomtown
'The Spring' Range of products containing indigo leaf
Bloomtown have a wonderful unscented range of products called 'The Spring' most of which contain indigo leaf. Indigo leaf has been shown to have a positive impact on the symptoms associated with psoriasis due to its tendency to inhibit the growth of keratin producing skin cells and its ability to aid the repair of the skin barrier.
Odylique
Repair Lotion
Originally created by Margaret, the founder of Odylique, as a moisturiser for her own and her family’s eczema prone skin Repair Lotion is a lightweight cream which calms distressed, dry and itchy skin on your face or body. The product contains the following beneficial ingredients:
Chamomile
Rich in flavonoids, instantly reducing oxidative stress and soothing skin inflammation.
Chickweed
Great at relieving itching.
Hypericum (St John's Wart)
Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of this herb work on the skin to offer some relief from these irritating skin conditions.
Calendula
Calming and anti-inflammatory helping to reduce redness and irritation and leaving a soothing, protective barrier on the skin to maintain moisture levels and aid wound healing.
Aloe Vera
Rich in mucopolysaccharides, giving it excellent soothing, healing and moisturising properties.
Lyonsleaf
100% Natural Calendula & Marshmallow Balm
An unfragranced balm from Lyonsleaf made with pure plant oils, beeswax, home grown herbs and nothing else. Great for those with dry and dehydrated skin particularly for those with inflamed skin but may be a bit heavy for those who are dehydrated but oily. Some of the beneficial ingredients include:
Calendula Flower and Marshmallow Root Extract
Calming and anti-inflammatory helping to reduce redness and irritation and leaving a soothing, protective barrier on the skin to maintain moisture levels and aid wound healing.
Babassu Oil
Calms redness and itchy inflamed skin.
Borage (Starflower) Oil
An amazing skin regenerator due to its gamma Linoleic acid (GLA) content. It is great for smoothing the complexion and moisturising the skin. In addition it reduces inflammation.
Avocado Oil
Hydrating and vitamin-replenishing.
Rosehip Oil
For skin smoothing and cell-renewal.
the Konjac Sponge company
Range of Konjac Sponges Infused with Bamboo Charcoal
As one of the symptoms of psoriasis can be a build up of skin cells in plaques it is important to incorporate products with exfoliating properties into your routine in order to remove the top layer and reveal fresher skin beneath. This should not be done excessively as you may disrupt the function of the skin barrier resulting in irritation.
Someone with psoriasis is likely to benefit from the use of a konjac sponge on a daily basis as this has a gentle abrasive quality which will not disrupt the skin barrier on inflamed skin. Skind stock both face and body sponges infused with bamboo charcoal. Brought to you by The Konjac Sponge Company they provide gentle exfoliation with purifying anti-bacterial properties, perfect for those dealing with psoriasis.
View The Konjac Sponge Company
Green People
Hand & Body Lotion
Brought to you by Green People this easily absorbed hand and body lotion for very sensitive skin contains a moisture-retaining complex to soothe and revitalise whilst being rich in organic plant oils to support natural skin health. Some of the beneficial ingredients which this product contains are:
Evening Primrose
A rich source of Gamma Linoleic Acid (GLA) which is known to reduce skin inflammation. It also supports collagen and elastin structures within the skin.
Perilla
High levels of omega 3 fatty acids. retains moisture within the skin to prevent dryness. A great antioxidant with repairing and soothing actions.
Squalane from Olives
Conditions and moisturises the skin, reducing water loss and restoring skin suppleness and elasticity.
Shea butter
Rich in vitamins A and E and essential fatty acids. Has excellent moisturising and nourishing properties. Protective and healing for dry skin. High levels of phytosterols promote cell growth.
Here at Skind we are constantly looking to improve our product line-up and feedback on the effectiveness of our products is key. Should you decide to try out any of the products above or on www.skind.co.uk please do let us know how you get on by dropping us a line at info@skind.co.uk
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