Psoriasis Awareness Week

We’ve posted much about this chronic auto-immune disease in the past, but to mark this week’s Psoriasis Awareness Week, here’s what you need to know.

Caused by the acceleration of cell turnover, the condition appears as red, flaky patches of skin that are covered in ‘silver’ scales.

It usually appears in small patches on the knees, elbows and scalp, but can appear anywhere on the body.

It’s not known exactly what causes this acceleration, Psoriasis is impossible to prevent and can remain or recur throughout a sufferer’s lifetime. Psoriasis is thought to affect 2% of men and women in the UK.

Treatments

As with all skin conditions, the effects of psoriasis vary from person to person – and severe psoriasis may require treatment with biologic or oral drugs.

While some cases are prescribed topical treatments, including steroids and anti-inflammatories, regular moisturising reduces dryness and scaling of the skin, and may be a sufficient treatment in mild cases of psoriasis.

Our Comfrey & Calendula Calming Body Cream will intensely hydrate these sore patches as well as relieve any itching or irritation.

Alternatives

Conditions like psoriasis are inflammatory so, by ingesting more anti-inflammatory foods, you can reduce inflammation in the body, helping to keep skin calm and healthy.

Exercise is recommended to maintain overall health, particularly in cases of psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis.

Gentler activities that focus on controlled breathing, such as Yoga and Tai Chi, are also thought to aid psoriasis by controlling stress and improving blood flow to affected areas.

Researchers at Manchester University found that cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can alleviate the symptoms of psoriasis.

Dr. Bundy, who ran the study said:

CBT helps people manage their stress levels and this reduces immune activity, having a direct effect on the skin.

CBT also helps people feel more in control of their condtion, so they are more likely to ask for help early and make healthy lifestyle choices in terms of diet and exercise.”

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