“Stress can certainly be a trigger, as can trauma to the skin, certain medications, hormone changes, and throat infections, for example,” Dr Claire adds.
Can psoriasis go away?
Just like the way it appears, the way and reason psoriasis may go is just as elusive and, in the words of Dr Claire, "spontaneous". Often it can go into remission for long periods, either of its own accord or thanks to medicine helping to manage it. “It may come back, but not always,” explains Dr Claire.
Are there specific triggers that can make psoriasis worse?
Thankfully, there are a few things that Dr Claire recommends we can actively avoid reducing the chances of a flare-up.
- Cold, dry weather
- Smoking
- Alcohol
- Being overweight
- Skin damage, including cuts, scratches, and sunburn
- Diet, with the main culprits being gluten, and nightshade vegetables including tomatoes, potatoes and aubergine
What is the best cream for psoriasis?
Like most things in life, there's no cure-all treatment, but there are certain things you can do to soothe symptoms. Dr Claire suggests creams and ointments that include coal tar, steroids, vitamin D analogues such as calcipotriol, retinoids, niacinamide, salicylic acid, and moisturisers.
CeraVe's SA Smoothing Cream is a great choice as not only does it contains salicylic acid, but it also contains ceramides to protect the skin's natural barrier.
Another foolproof choice is La Roche Posay Lipikar Moisturising Balm, which contains niacinimide to reduce inflammation as well as 8% Glycerin and 20% Shea Butter this formula intensely soothes the skin and restores the skin barrier.
What are the other treatments for psoriasis?
Dr Claire says that after "sensitising the skin with psoralen", ultraviolet light can be administered by a registered dermatologist to alleviate sensitivity.
Then there's the new microbiome-based treatment from AxisBiotix, a blended gut-skin health supplement composed of natural bacteria that has been specifically designed to improve skin health. While still a relatively new treatment, results have been extremely promising. A study of 265 people suffering from mild to moderate psoriasis,
74% of participants reported that they were less itchy, 73% less red, 71% less irritable, 64% less flaky patches – with most of the changes reaching peak effectiveness within two weeks of taking AxisBiotix.
Other treatments include oral immunosuppressants such as methotrexate, but Dr Claire advises that this isn't suitable for women who may become pregnant and can cause problems such as liver disease.
Are there any products that you recommend for psoriasis?
Dr Claire says this depends on the extent of the condition, the type of psoriasis, and where it is on the body. Generally, the more simple the product, the better. Look through ingredients lists to identify potential triggers (add fragrance, alcohol and sulphates to your blacklist) and stick to minimal, calming formulas with soothing ingredients (shea butter, oatmeal and aloe vera are all good'uns).
The beauty industry has many nourishing and soothing skincare solutions, many of which have been dermatologically approved to suit even the most sensitive skins and high-coverage, long-wearing body makeup should you wish to conceal any areas of concern. Read on to shop more the best.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qLjApqauqp2WtKLGyKecZ5ufY8Kse8aao6Wdoq58sb%2FOq6Caq5moerW%2BxJqrpp2eqQ%3D%3D