Psoriasis, what exactly is it?

A handful of people are blessed with a healthy skin, sooner or later we’ll all have to deal with skin problems of one sort or another. Of course there are a lot of conditions to consider: the list of most frequent skin conditions is topped off by rosacea, eczema, acne and skin cancer. But psoriasis is a condition that we don’t know enough of, unfortunately, and there’s still a bit of a taboo surrounding it. But this is unnecessary, so today I’ll be telling you all about this chronic skin condition!

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a non-contagious chronic skin condition, derived from the Greek ‘Psöria’, which means scratching. This condition is characterized by a scaly skin, red patches and extreme itching. It’s also very unpredictable in the sense that patients have to deal with good and bad periods of complaints.

Although the skin conditions isn’t contagious, few people aren’t aware of this. To rid the world of this false assumption there have been several campaigns represented by our very own celebrities. Coming into contact with a patient is not dangerous in the slightest!

The cause of psoriasis

Our skin has to endure constant cell regeneration causing old skin cells to die off and make place for new skin cells. A healthy skin regenerates these cells every month, but with someone suffering from psoriasis this happens every 4 to 6 days. This process is so much faster, cells don’t get the opportunity to mature. The consequence: skin flakes and gets inflamed.

What causes this sped up process? Well the cause hasn’t been determined, but what has been determined is that psoriasis is hereditary. There are some other factors in play as well that worsen the condition. Psoriasis is a stress induced condition, during stressful period the symptoms will get worse.

Other inducing factors can be:

• Certain medications

• Damage or irritation of the skin

• Infections

• Climate

Types of psoriasis

There are different kinds of psoriasis that can occur on different parts of the body:

1. Psoriasis Vulgaris: One of the most frequent forms causing scaling and red patches on the scalp, knees and elbows. Often paired with itching.

2. Psoriasis Inversa: The psoriasis develops in the folds such as the armpits, groin and belly button. 

3. Nail psoriasis: The nails are affected, causing tiny dents in the nail.

4. Psoriasis Palmo-Plantaris: This type of psoriasis causes problems on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

5. Psoriasis Pustulosa: A rare form that causes pimples. Mainly on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, but can occur over the entire body.

6. Psoriasis Erythrodermie: A heavy form that affects the entire body. Patients often get admitted in the hospital.

7. Psoriasis Guttata: Causes red spots on the limbs.

8. Psoriasisartritis: Paired with joint aches and can induce chronic inflammation.

The symptoms

Patients suffering from this condition generally have the following symptoms, depending on the type of psoriasis:

• Scaling and spots on the head, knees, back, hands, feet and elbows.

• Itching red spots.

• Inflammation of the joints, causing pain, stiffness and swelling.

• Nail defects.

Treatment

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition, the problem can’t be healed but there are treatments to soothe the complaints. These treatments are dependant on the severity of the condition. Luckily most patients have to endure a mild form, which can be treated with salves for local areas. This treatment is focused on decreasing the scaling and countering inflammation. Salicylic acid salves are prescribed for the scaling and cortisone for the inflammation. If this fails there is a possibility to use a form of light therapy. If this isn’t enough, medication is necessary.

Skin care for psoriasis

Those suffering from psoriasis often have a dry and sensitive skin, with extreme itching. But under no circumstances can you keep scratching, this will only worsen the symptoms! That‘s why a good skin care routine is essential, to keep the skin hydrated, flexible and firm.

Hydration and protection are the two most important steps. So you’d better choose a natural cream rich in texture and stuffed with ingredients that have a proven effect! Go for soft and moisturizing ingredients to keep your moisture balance on point.

SELF’s skin care line

The products by SELF originated from the love for my daughter. She had to endure a heavy form of eczema, but the products that were given us simply did not help. So there we go, SELF came into existence: a wide array of natural skin care products suitable for any type of skin!

The ingredients

The products by SELF contain macadamia, shea butter, aloë vera, coconut oil, argan oil and mandarin and geranium oils. Each ingredient has been picked with care for their proven effects and benefits. Let’s line them up:

• Shea butter: Shea butter contains high doses of vitamins A, D, E and F, allantoine, cinnamic acid and polyphenols. This combination ensures a beneficial effect on skin conditions. The ingredients are anti inflammatory as well as soothing.

• Macadamia: Contains a lot of vitamins and minerals that counter aging. The vitamins also stimulate your skin’s healing process and cell regeneration.

• Coconut oil: Stuffed with laurel acid, fatty acids, vitamins, polyphenols and phytosterols. They have an anti-bacterial effect on skin conditions. The fatty acids improve the skin’s elasticity and counter aging.

• Argan oil: One of the richest sources of antioxidants and vitamins. They contain high amounts of vitamin E, which is important in countering aging. Argan oil also contains a high concentration of fatty acids, that protect the skin from external influences.

• Aloë vera: Has a soothing and hydrating effect. Consists of anthraquinone, which is a painkiller with anti-bacterial effects that soothe and decrease irritations. Helps the skin’s healing process as well.

• Mandarin and geranium oil: SELF’s iconic scent is produced by mandarin and geranium. These oils consist of citral and geraniol, that have a lot of benefits for the skin besides it’s amazing smell. Mandarin oil is a wonder for fatigued skin, scars and stimulates elasticity. Geranium oil has an anti inflammatory effect and stimulates the skin’s healing process.

Apply our day or night cream in the mornings and evenings for an optimal protection and recovery. Don’t forget to use these products after showering or bathing to minimize the loss of moisture.