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:

Psoriasis Vulgaris: One of the most frequent forms causing scaling and red patches on the scalp, knees and elbows. Often paired with itching.
Psoriasis Inversa: The psoriasis develops in the folds such as the armpits, groin and belly button.
Nail psoriasis: The nails are affected, causing tiny dents in the nail.
Psoriasis Palmo-Plantaris: This type of psoriasis causes problems on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
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.
Psoriasis Erythrodermie: A heavy form that affects the entire body. Patients often get admitted in the hospital.
Psoriasis Guttata: Causes red spots on the limbs.
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.

“huidverzorging

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.

“Natuurlijke

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.

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a non-contagious chronic skin disease derived from the Greek word "psöria," which comes from the verb "psaö," meaning to scratch. An estimated 300,000 Belgians suffer from this disease, a high number. The skin disease is characterized by flaking skin, red patches , and severe itching . It is highly unpredictable, as patients often experience alternating periods of good and bad weather, during which symptoms worsen.

The cause of psoriasis

Our skin is constantly renewing itself, shedding old skin cells to make way for new ones. Healthy skin renews itself approximately once a month, while psoriasis patients renew it approximately every four to six days. This process is much faster than normal cell turnover, preventing the cells from maturing properly.

The result: the new skin flakes off and inflammation develops. What exactly causes this accelerated growth?

The cause is uncertain, but it is certain that psoriasis is hereditary. In addition, there are other triggers that can aggravate the skin disease. Psoriasis is a stress-sensitive disease, and symptoms are likely to worsen during stressful periods.

Other factors include:

— Certain medications

— Skin damage or irritation

— Infections

— The climate

Types of skin psoriasis

Psoriasis Vulgaris

One of the most common forms is flaking and red patches on the scalp, knees, and elbows. This is often accompanied by itching.

Inverse Psoriasis

Here psoriasis occurs in the body folds such as the armpits, groin and navel.

Nail psoriasis

In nail psoriasis, the nails are affected, causing small holes to appear in the nail plate.

Psoriasis Palmo-Plantaris

In this type of psoriasis, the problems occur on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

Pustular Psoriasis

A rare form in which pustules (pimples) are present. It occurs primarily on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, but sometimes also on the entire body.

Psoriasis Erythroderma

A severe form that affects the entire body. Patients with this type of psoriasis are often hospitalized.

Psoriasis Guttata

In this type there are small red and round spots on the limbs or trunk.

Psoriatic arthritis

This form is associated with joint disorders including chronic inflammation.

The symptoms

Patients suffering from the skin disease usually have the following symptoms depending on the type of skin psoriasis they suffer from:

— Scales and patches on the head, knees, back, hands and feet, or elbows.

— Itchy red spots.

— Joint inflammation which can cause pain, stiffness and swelling.

— Nail abnormalities.

Treatments

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease, so it cannot be cured, but there are treatments that can reduce symptoms. The type of treatment depends on the severity of the disease. Fortunately, in most patients, psoriasis occurs in a mild form, and topical ointments can be prescribed. This treatment focuses on reducing scaling and also addresses the inflammation. Salicylic acid ointment is often used to reduce scaling, along with dithranol or corticosteroids for inflammation.

If this doesn't work and there are too many psoriasis lesions, light therapy can be used. If this isn't enough, medication is used.

TIP 1 | Always hydrate the skin with a rich cream

TIP 2 | Choose soothing and moisturizing ingredients that keep the moisture balance optimal

TIP 3 | Use oil in your bathwater

TIP 4 | Avoid unhealthy stress, as this usually has an adverse effect on the condition