Psoriasis isn't just a skin issue; it's a complex autoimmune condition that can significantly impact your daily routine. Affecting more than eight million people in the US, psoriasis is characterized by red, itchy, scaly, sometimes painful patches of skin. While there's no cure, you can manage symptoms in the short and long term to promote healthy, comfortable skin you can feel good in.
What Is Psoriasis?
So, what is psoriasis, exactly? Psoriasis is a long-lasting (chronic) skin condition where the immune system mistakenly speeds up skin cells' growth cycle. This results in cell buildup on the skin's surface, forming thick, silvery scales and red patches that tend to be itchy and sometimes even painful.
What Causes Psoriasis?
While the root cause of psoriasis isn't fully understood, it involves a combination of genetic and environmental factors. They trigger an overactive immune response where T-cells (a type of white blood cell) attack healthy skin cells by mistake. Here are some of the risk factors.
Genetics
A family history of psoriasis increases your risk.
Infections
Certain infections, like strep throat, can trigger or worsen the condition.
Stress
High levels of stress can exacerbate psoriasis symptoms.
Skin Injury
Cuts, sunburns, or other skin trauma can lead to flare-ups.
Lifestyle Factors
Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are linked to increased symptoms.
What Does Psoriasis Look Like?
Symptoms can vary, but common early symptoms of psoriasis and long-term ramifications include:
- Red patches of skin covered with thick, silvery scales.
- Dry, cracked skin that may bleed.
- Itching, burning, or soreness.
- Nail changes, such as pitting or discoloration.
- Swollen or stiff joints (in cases of psoriatic arthritis).
- Small, droplet-shaped lesions.
- Scaling on the scalp.
How Can You Treat Psoriasis?
Effectively managing psoriasis typically involves a multifaceted approach. You play a crucial role in this process—especially by detecting early symptoms. Understanding your condition, consulting your Dermatologist, and making lifestyle changes are key.
Consult Your Skin Health Professional
Psoriasis can sometimes be misdiagnosed. That said, your skin health professional is crucial in accurately diagnosing and differentiating this condition from similar conditions, like eczema or fungal infections. A healthcare professional can also tailor treatments to your specific type of psoriasis, its severity, and how it affects you. In many cases, you may need to adjust treatment over time. Regular Derm visits help ensure your treatment plan is working effectively and allow for timely modifications if needed.
Use Targeted Skin Care Products
Dryness and inflammation associated with psoriasis lead to symptoms such as redness, swelling, and itching. Reducing inflammation and dry patches with consistent, science-backed skin care can alleviate these uncomfortable symptoms, making daily life more manageable. Your esthetician knows your skin, so always consult them before introducing new products into your routine.
Hyaluronic Acid
Psoriasis often leads to a compromised skin barrier. Hyaluronic Acid (HA) helps support and repair this barrier by attracting and retaining essential moisture, enhancing the skin's natural defense mechanisms and improving overall skin health. By boosting skin hydration, HA can also reduce common psoriasis symptoms like scaling and flakiness. Well-hydrated, moisturized skin is less prone to cracking and peeling.
- Product pick: PCA SKIN Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum provides deep, long-lasting hydration on three skin levels. Its proprietary HA-Pro Complex™ also encourages your skin to create its own HA, resulting in long- and short-term hydration.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide, aka Vitamin b3, helps minimize inflammation, improve barrier function, retain moisture, repair skin, and reduce itching and redness.
- Product pick: PCA SKIN's Vitamin b3 Brightening Serum improve your skin's barrier function while reducing skin discoloration and redness on contact. It uses Plankton Extract to brighten the skin and decrease dark spots, which can leave you with a fresh complexion.
Avoid Irritating Ingredients
When managing psoriasis, take caution with ingredients that may worsen irritation or trigger flare-ups. Key ingredients to avoid in your skin care and personal care products include:
- Fragrances
- Alcohol
- Harsh exfoliants
- Sulfates
- Artificial dyes
- Chemical preservatives
Make Lifestyle Tweaks
You can complement your skin care routine with lifestyle changes to gain the upper hand on psoriasis symptoms.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Incorporate foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (think salmon, avocados, and flaxseeds) and antioxidants (found in many fruits and vegetables) to help reduce inflammation. Limit processed and sugary foods, as they can trigger flare-ups. Keeping a food diary can help you identify personal triggers.
Manage Stress
Stress is a common trigger for flare-ups—especially when it comes to early symptoms of psoriasis. Regular exercise, meditation, yoga, and deep breathing techniques can help you manage stress.
Control Smoking and Alcohol Habits
Smoking can worsen psoriasis, and excessive alcohol consumption can interfere with treatment and trigger flare-ups. Quitting smoking and moderating your alcohol intake can make a difference in your skin's quality and overall health.
Get Adequate Sleep
Prioritize quality shuteye each night. Poor sleep can harm your overall health and potentially lead to flare-ups.
Monitor Your Environment
Use a humidifier in dry environments to help keep your skin moist. Also, be mindful of potential environmental allergens that might trigger your psoriasis.
Paving the Way for Your Best Skin
Psoriasis can be challenging, but you can effectively manage your symptoms with the right approach. By working closely with your Derm, making healthy lifestyle choices, and integrating clinically proven skin care products into your routine, you can take significant steps toward your best skin. Invest in improved quality of life and well-being; you're worth it!