Psoriasis - triggers, symptoms and treatment tips

Psoriasis. A word that almost nobody can pronounce straight away. That's probably why it's more commonly known as psoriasis. A good 2 million people in Germany are affected by it, which I don't think is such a small number when we consider how little is spoken openly and honestly about it. I suspect this is because those affected are ashamed of it and suffer from the physical symptoms. This makes it all the more important that we educate people about what exactly psoriasis is, how it manifests itself and what it means for those affected.

That's why I'm writing this article to draw more attention to this topic. Because the more we know about it, the more understanding we have for our skin, our bodies and our fellow human beings.

In this article you will learn

1. How does psoriasis manifest itself on my skin?
2. Which parts of the body can be affected?
3. What are possible triggers for the inflammatory systemic disease?
4. What care can help me?
5. What 3 additional tips you can follow.

1 How does psoriasis manifest itself on my skin?

Psoriasis is a non-contagious, chronic skin disease in which the immune system goes haywire and triggers an inflammatory reaction in the body. It usually manifests itself in flare-ups. During this time, the skin cells divide much faster than they should. Our skin renews itself on average every 28 days. With psoriasis, however, the horn-forming cells in your skin grow so quickly that they reach the skin's surface after just 4 to 6 days and eventually flake off. The skin cells cannot fully mature in this short time, causing our top layer of skin to thicken and loosen. In addition, the reaction of the immune system causes the blood vessels in the skin to dilate, allowing fluid to leak into the tissue. The skin begins to swell and becomes very red. Finally, sharply defined, slightly raised areas of skin (plaques) covered with silvery-white scales appear.

Skin affected by psoriasis

The spots start to burn and itch unpleasantly. Of course, most people then find it very difficult not to scratch. However, this also causes cracks in the skin, making it very easy for a variety of bacteria to penetrate the protective barrier. The vicious circle continues and inflammation, pustules and even fungal infections can spread.

Unfortunately, psoriasis is not only found externally on the skin, but can also affect the joints (psoriatic arthritis). Excruciating joint pain and deep-seated back pain can affect the entire musculoskeletal system. From a medical point of view, depending on the severity of the disease, it can also lead to serious accompanying illnesses such as type II diabetes mellitus. Psoriasis should therefore not be taken lightly. Continuous treatment is very important. The primary aim is to reduce the duration and severity of flare-ups, as a symptom-free cure is unfortunately still very rare. However, there are holistic approaches that can lead to a significant improvement.

2 Which parts of the body can be affected?

Unfortunately, psoriasis does not stop at any part of the body and can occur in any shape and size. The extensor sides of the elbows, knees, the sacrum, the scalp and the area behind the ears are particularly frequently affected. However, foci of inflammation can also generally occur in skin folds, under the armpits, palms of the hands, soles of the feet and even the nail bed.

Due to the colorful scattering of skin areas, it is becoming increasingly difficult and stressful for those affected to cover up the spots or to feel really comfortable in their own body. It is therefore important to uncover and treat all possible influences and ultimately improve the all-round quality of life, which simply depends on our health. Sounds simple, but in practice it is unfortunately more like looking for THE needle in a haystack.

3. what are possible triggers for the inflammatory systemic disease?

We are all individual, perceive our environment differently and can react very differently depending on what experiences we have had. This makes it difficult to find the ONE trigger for psoriasis. As is so often the case, genetics also play a significant role here. The likelihood of developing the disease is passed on to us by our parents. They don't even have to be affected themselves. A predisposition does not automatically mean an immediate onset. Internal and external factors usually have to interact to trigger the first flare-up. We have collected a few possible factors for you:

Internal triggers:

• Genetics
• Age
• Hormonal situation/ current changes
• Diseases (allergies, diabetes)
• Mental state

External triggers:

• Climate / Seasons
• Incorrect skin care
• Mechanical and physical irritation
• Lifestyle
• Nutrition
• Medication
• Stress

As you cannot look inside yourself and sometimes a belt that is too tight or chafing clothing can be the cause, it is important to simply be aware of as many of these triggers as possible. But here too, imagination and reality often go separate ways, I know!

4. what care can help me?

Psoriasis is not necessarily associated with a specific skin type, so it is first important that you recognize which skin type your skin currently belongs to. The skin is usually very sensitive and in many cases it is a special form of very dry, low-fat skin.

You can recognize these by the fact that

• it often looks dull and lackluster
• tense, itchy and rough to the touch
• the degree of severity can range from slight tightness after cleanser to severe neurodermatitis with severe desquamation and agonizing itching.

However, there are also some basic care tips that you can follow.

The right cleanser

Let's start at cleanser. The basic rule here is: less is more! In detail, this means that you should generally use water and cleaning products sparingly. The water should be cold to lukewarm (max. 37°C). It is better to gently dab the skin after cleanser instead of rubbing with all your might. Your cleansing product should:

• not be real soap,
• do not contain irritating surfactants from the alkyl sulfate group (Link surfactant guide),
• do not have a mechanical peeling effect and
• do not contain perfumes or preservatives.

Oil-based products in particular Moisturize your skin and effectively relieve itching, tightness and rough patches. Our Cleansing Oil gently removes dirt and sebum deposits from your skin without drying it out thanks to the combination of valuable oils ingredients. Mild sugar surfactants Cleanse thoroughly and moisturize your skin at the same time. If you are not so keen on using an oil for cleanser , you can just as easily use our Cleansing Gel use. It contains soothing organic chamomile extract and plant-based surfactants that gently but thoroughly Cleanse your skin. It is important to ensure that the cleansing product is carefully removed after use.

The right care

The following ingredients should be present in the INCIs for subsequent skin care:

• NMF (Natural Moisturizing Factor): Hyaluronic acid, pentylene glycol, vegetable oils, shea butter, allantoin
• Urea
• Salicylic Acid
• Vitamin A & E

It is important to restore moisture and lipids to your skin, which is why creams and lotions with a high lipid content should be used both to face and on the body. Especially at night, so that the skin can recover and strengthen itself in peace. Our Hyaluron series with hyaluron Concentrate and the hyaluronic creams in 3 different levels of richness, combines this with its valuable ingredients and helps to regenerate and nourish your skin Protect. If you prefer to use pure oil, our Almond Oil for sensitive skin is the first choice. Care should be applied after every contact with water. For the body, our body lotion. It nourishes your skin intensively without leaving a greasy film. Please avoid areas of skin that are treated with creams containing active ingredients. Dilution or interactions with the active ingredient may occur and the desired effect may not be achieved.

It is perhaps important to mention again at this point that psoriasis can and should be treated by a doctor. Depending on the severity, our care tips can help you, but we definitely recommend consulting a doctor.

5. which 3 additional tips you can follow.

Our skin reflects our physical and mental state on a daily basis. That's why it's so important that you try to avoid your individual triggers as much as possible. As with almost everything, the right diet also plays a major role.

01 Eat a balanced diet with anti-inflammatory foods

Alcohol, fatty foods, citrus fruits, hot spices and nicotine consumption should be eliminated from your daily routine as far as possible and instead you should focus on anti-inflammatory foods. Lots of fruit and vegetables, foods high in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, such as linseed oil and grape seed oil, but also fish, which is of course not available for vegans and vegetarians. This makes it all the more important to look for plant-based alternatives and integrate them into your diet.

Experience has also shown that a gluten-free diet can have a very positive effect. It would be worth a try for 4-6 months.

02 Make sure you have a healthy immune system

In addition to omega-3 fatty acids, Zinc and turmeric are also very valuable for your body and a well-functioning immune system.

03 Look at your soul life

Get plenty of fresh air (make sure you get enough sun screen ;)) and make sure you do things that bring you joy, make you happy and reduce stress. Meditate, meet friends, paint.

Always remember that you are allowed to do whatever is good for you! There is not THE plan, but there are clues from which you can forge your master plan. Listen to yourself, listen to your body and be patient with it! It will show you where to go!

Be good to yourself!

Your Sophia

Sources:

1 Sabine Ellsässer, Körperpflegekunde und Kosmetik, Springer Verlag, Ein Lehrbuch für die PTA-Ausbildung und die Beratung in der Apothekenpraxis, 2008

2 http://www.klinikum.uni-muenchen.de/Klinik-und-Poliklinik-fuer-Dermatologie-und-Allergologie/de/AbteilungenSprechstunden/Psoriasiszentrum/Psoriasis_Krankheitsbild/index.html

3 https://www.amboss.com/de/wissen/Psoriasis_vulgaris