Psoriasis, an autoimmune condition, leads to rapid growth of skin cells. Thick, scaly patches are formed on the skin. This condition of the skin makes us feel uncomfortable and emotionally distressed. One can manage symptoms and maintain skin health effectively by following skin care right skincare regimen products. In this blog let us understand how psoriasis occurs and the ways to prevent it with the skincare products available.
Understanding Psoriasis: How and Why, It Occurs
In an autoimmune system, the immune system of a body mistakenly attacks the healthy skin cells. This leads to overproduction of skin cells that accumulate on the surface of the skin. The immune system must attack our body instead of defending its own system. In such circumstances, the body’s immune system is more active than it normally should be and damages its own healthy tissues and cells. It’s a chronic disease, where one has to manage this condition for the rest of their life.
Psoriasis is one such kind of disease where itchiness prevails with discomfort. Plaque psoriasis is the most common among Psoriasis, where thick scales form on the skin surface. The scales are formed unexpectedly where there’s no cure apart from managing it.
Let us understand why Psoriasis Occurs
Genetics
Psoriasis often is inherited from our parents and ancestors. If a close relative has psoriasis, then chances of developing psoriasis increase in you.
Immune System Dysfunction
This occurs when our immune system does not work properly. With this we often get sick more often leading to inflammation and swift turnover of the skin cells.
Environmental Triggers
External factors that trigger psoriasis include Infections
- Strep throat or skin infections provoke flare-ups.
- Stress – Stress worsens triggers and worsen the symptoms.
- Weather Conditions – Weather Conditions like cold and dry weather causes dry skin, and humid conditions worsen the skin inflammation.
- Skin Injuries – Skin injuries like cuts and scrapes can trigger psoriasis and flare ups.
Lifestyle Factors
Present day people are attracted more towards the junk food in their everyday life with odd timings of eating. Smoking and alcohol consumption also add up to the lifestyle factors. Avoiding these lifestyle factors and adopting a lifestyle with balanced food with fruits and vegetables gives the nutrition required for the skin and the body. An unhealthy lifestyle can also cause psoriasis with increased flare-ups.
How To Prevent Psoriasis Flare-Ups
There is no sure for the autoimmune disease psoriasis. The only solution is to manage the symptoms effectively.
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Identify and Avoid Triggers
Maintain a track of flare-ups that trigger as this can help us to avoid the factors that exacerbates the skin condition.
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Manage Stress
Managing stress in one’s life plays a vital role in handling many skin and body related concerns. Performing yoga and deep breathing exercises helps reduce the flare-ups related to emotional stress.
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Maintain Healthy Weight
Obesity welcomes many health issues, and this can worsen the psoriasis. Consume a balanced diet with exercise can help manage our weight.
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Practice Good Skin Care
Follow a regular skincare regimen which are formulated for sensitive skin. These can keep the skin hydrated and reduce the irritation.
Essential Skincare Products for Managing Psoriasis
Pick the skincare products that soothe and keep the skin hydrated when suffering with Psoriasis. Let us understand them
Moisturizers
Pick the moisturizers that shield our skin with thick, emollient creams or ointments provide long lasting moisture and keep the skin hydrated. Look for ingredients
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Petrolatum
They form a strong barrier which prevent moisture loss from the body. -
Urea
Its often helps to soften and hydrates the thickened skin for its hydration.
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Glycerin
Humectant draws moisture into the skin and keeps its hydrated.
- Corticosteroids
They are anti-inflammatory creams or ointments that reduce skin redness and itchiness.
Vitamin D Analogues
Skin products with calcipotriene or calcitriol help to slow the cell turnover and aid in flattening the plaques, that makes skin soothing.
Coal Tar
This is mostly visible in shampoos, creams and ointments and they help in reducing scaling, itching and skin inflammation.
Exfoliating Agents
Exfoliating the skin is always good but use gentle exfoliation to remove the dead skin cells and reduce the formation of scaling. For exfoliating use
- Salicylic Acid – It promotes shedding of the dead skin by dissolving the scales
- Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) - These improve skin texture.
Bath Products
Soaking in a warm bath can soothe irritated skin. Consider adding:
Oatmeal: Colloidal oatmeal can calm inflammation and moisturize the skin.
Epsom Salt: It can help to reduce itching and inflammation on the effected areas.
Sunscreen
As we all are aware of the importance of sunscreen in everyday life, people with psoriasis should never skip sunscreen as sunburn triggers flare-ups. Use sunscreen with SPF 50 when we are outdoors and sunscreen with SPF 30 when indoors. This helps to shield from strong UV rays and prevents skin damage.
Conclusion
Choosing the right approach can help us manage psoriasis. Firstly, we must understand the condition and identify the triggers and flare-up and avoid usage of them in skincare routine or consuming them. Never skip moisturizer and sunscreen. With right care we can make our skin glow and enjoy our life with great confidence.
