CONCERNS: Psoriasis

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.

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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. 

View Bloomtown

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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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