Psoriasis is a frustrating yet common skin problem, affecting 2% of the population, according to the British Skin Foundation. Over the years we’ve received many questions on how to manage it and which Odylique product might help.
To make things a little easier, we wanted to provide a complete set of answers to any questions you might have on psoriasis because no doubt someone else will be wondering the same thing!
Psoriasis is a non-contagious skin condition where the skin rapidly overproduces cells.
It can affect people of all ages, but psoriasis in children and babies is much less common.
Although there are different types of psoriasis, the symptoms are inflamed, dry and rash-like areas of skin with white scales over the top which can often be itchy and sore. Most commonly these scaly ‘plaques’ are raised, but there are other types of psoriasis (see below).
Frustratingly, there is no medical cure for the condition, but there are certainly actions you can take to prevent and calm a flare-up, so don’t feel that you are helpless!
What is the cause of psoriasis?
There is no known definitive cause of psoriasis – different things can contribute to it and how severe it can become, including genetic and lifestyle factors. Stress in particular is a culprit and it’s common for teenagers to suffer flare-ups around exam time.
There seems to be a genetic susceptibility for the condition that runs through families[3] and it can often appear from the ages of 15-35.
Sometimes, the best way to find out why you suffer from psoriasis is to do some investigating for yourself. Read our answer below to ‘how to treat psoriasis’ to find out different methods you could explore to determine the root of the problem.
What are the different types of psoriasis?
There are multiple variations of the condition:
Plaque psoriasis – This type is the most common, appearing as raised, itchy patches on the skin with a tendency to crack and cause pain.
Guttate psoriasis – This relatively common type of psoriasis appears as red spots that can emerge anywhere on the body.
Inverse psoriasis – Often appears under folds on the body, such as under the arm, knees and the groin area. Unlike other types of psoriasis, the skin is smooth but still has the characteristically inflamed/red colour.
Pustular psoriasis – This appears as pus-filled blisters, most commonly on the hands and feet.
Erythrodermic psoriasis – This form of psoriasis is thankfully very rare. It is one of the most severe varieties, resulting in a widespread red rash causing the skin to peel.
When you have psoriasis on different parts of your body…
Psoriasis can appear anywhere, but it most commonly crops up on the scalp, hands, nails and legs.
Generally, the same steps that are taken to keep psoriasis under control aren’t specifically related to where it occurs, unless you’re choosing skincare to target different locations (like the scalp versus the body)
How do you treat psoriasis?
You might wonder ‘does psoriasis go away’?
Potentially…if you can find the cause and treat it accordingly.
Although there is no specific cure, and most tend to ‘manage’ rather than cure their psoriasis, people have reported success in treating the condition through changing their lifestyle habits. In our opinion, choosing to live a healthier life is always a good idea, psoriasis or not!
Here are a few lifestyle areas to look at:
Gentle skincare
Particular synthetic ingredients found in unnatural skincare products are known to aggravate the skin and contribute to the occurrence and severity of skin conditions. Some of these ingredients include sulphates – a known skin irritant – and ‘fragrance’ (a term used to cover a multitude of unlabeled chemicals) that have been linked to dermatitis and allergies.
These are some of the many reasons that it’s best to use gentle, natural skincare with ingredients that work harmoniously with the skin and the rest of the body. People suffering from psoriasis can benefit from ingredients that boost moisture, like aloe vera, calm inflammation, like calendula and chamomile and don’t interfere with the body’s natural healing process.
To better ensure you’re buying genuinely natural skincare that your skin will love, look for an independent organic certification logo on the packaging.
Psoriasis and diet
A simple dietary change could help make a significant improvement in your skin.
As an example, gluten seems to be a trigger for psoriasis. One study found that patients with psoriasis had elevated sensitivities to gluten[4].
Another study showed that patients who went on a gluten-free diet for three months had significant clinical improvements in their skin[5].
With the broad range of gluten-free options now available, it might be worth a try!
If you suspect a particular food could be contributing to your psoriasis, try eliminating it from your diet for a few weeks before reintroducing it and watch for any changes. We recommend consulting a nutritionist for more guidance with this.
Psoriasis and stress
It is fairly well known, as sufferers and researchers can testify, that stress is a major causative factor when it comes to flare-ups of psoriasis[6]… although, keeping stress levels low is easier said than done!
However, stress can only be a trigger for someone who already suffers from the condition.
Research and anecdotal evidence attributes a natural lifestyle to helping with emotions and stress levels. Living a natural lifestyle includes reducing exposure to synthetic chemicals, which can be achieved through opting for organic products – in skincare, food choices and household cleaning products.
There have been links to pesticide exposure and numerous conditions – physical and mental – including depression[7]. When it comes to treating a skin condition, which so often affects how you feel regardless of outside influences, it’s best to cover all bases.
For further relaxation, inhaling blends of essential oils including lavender[8] and chamomile[9] are well-documented anxiety-busters. We would recommend consulting an aromatherapist for more information on benefitting from essential oils.
Psoriasis and sunshine
Psoriasis tends to worsen in the winter months, partially due to lack of sunlight.
Some studies reveal that (safe!) sun exposure can have a beneficial effect on psoriasis[10][11], so be sure to spend enough time outside, but be careful not to burn and know your limits! Too much sun exposure can have a detrimental effect, but taking around 15 minutes each day (avoiding the midday sun) should help.
Which Odylique products will help with psoriasis on my body?
When it comes to the treatment of a skin condition, it’s essential to look at your lifestyle holistically and skincare is a big part of it. Skincare products can manage psoriasis and prevent further aggravation. Make sure that your skincare contains beneficial ingredients, rather than harsh, synthetic ones that could cause more damage in the long term.
Odylique products are made from completely natural, high-quality botanical ingredients, and are independently organically certified. We choose ingredients for their kind and gentle properties and exclude common allergens (like dairy, wheat and soy), so those of you with a skin condition are in the safest of hands!
If you’re looking for a suitable psoriasis moisturiser, we recommend our Repair Lotion, which contains aloe vera, an ingredient that replenishes moisture in the skin, which tends to be depleted in those with the condition[1].
To cover all bases, follow up with our Ultra Rich Balm, which contains a combination of olive oil and beeswax – studies have proved this precise blend useful in the management of psoriasis[2].You can apply the balm as and when needed to help retain any moisture in the skin.
As an alternative to our Ultra Rich Balm, our customers have high praises for our Calendula Balm, which is high in beta-carotene (vitamin A), believed to be beneficial when applied topically.
For cleansing, avoid sulphates and synthetic soaps which can strip the skin of its natural oils. Our all-natural body washes are ideal, or our Olive Oil Soap Barwhich is rich in vitamin E to help smooth and moisturise flaky skin – without clogging or stripping your pores!
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If you’d like any more advice on psoriasis, please do email us – customercare@odylique.co.uk, add your question as a comment below, or call 01638 491022 – we’re here to help! Browse our range of psoriasis moisturisersnow.
Psoriasis is a non-contagious skin condition where the skin rapidly overproduces cells. The symptoms are inflamed, dry and rash-like areas of skin with white scales over the top which can often be itchy and sore.
I have had psoriasis for 4 years and have used creams from doctors. They help with itching but I was still getting more and more scales, so I decided to cover myself in baby oil each morning straight onto wet skin. All of the scales have gone along with the itching, all except on my ankles and feet. I have arthritis and have not been able to get the baby oil on my feet as I would like to.
I have had psoriasis for 4 years and have used creams from doctors. They help with itching but I was still getting more and more scales, so I decided to cover myself in baby oil each morning straight onto wet skin. All of the scales have gone along with the itching, all except on my ankles and feet. I have arthritis and have not been able to get the baby oil on my feet as I would like to.