Our skin protects us from the environment, helps regulate our body temperature, and shields us from infection. Sometimes, however, its ability to do these things is compromised. This is the case for people affected by psoriasis.
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition that causes scaly red patches (plaques) to appear on the skin. These areas of thickened skin generally develop on the elbows, knees, scalp, and hands and are the product of an overactive immune system that accelerates skin cell production. While they may be unsightly or uncomfortable, these plaques are neither contagious nor life-threatening.
Did you know? Psoriasis affects 3% of the population. Genetics and the immune system are among the factors that contribute to the disease’s development.
Plaques form around the eyebrows or eyelids, requiring extra gentle treatment to avoid irritating the facial skin.
This type of psoriasis causes thick flakes of dandruff and severe itching, which can be socially challenging for sufferers.
This is the most common form, characterized by clearly defined lesions with a white, scaly surface.
Thick plaques and painful cracks or fissures form on the hands and foot, complicating everyday tasks.
Psoriasis is a chronic condition, which means it never goes away completely. Instead, it goes through periods of flareup and remission. The purpose of treatment is to control symptoms such as plaques, itching, and pain, and extend the length of remission periods. It’s important to carefully follow the treatment instructions to the letter and always complete the full course of treatment, even if your symptoms have cleared up, to prevent relapse.
The right treatment for you will depend on factors such as:
For mild forms of psoriasis, treatment consists of applying topical medications such as ointments, creams, or lotions.
For more severe symptoms, oral medications, injectable drugs, or light therapy may be needed. There is a wide range of prescription medications available to relieve psoriasis symptoms.
Advice from your pharmacist can be indispensable when it comes to choosing the best treatment to ensure your comfort and improve your daily quality of life. They can provide information about usage, precautions, and any side effects associated with the solutions available to you.
Plants and supplements can provide complementary support, but they are no substitute for appropriate medical treatment. Aloe vera gel is known for its soothing, hydrating, and moisturizing properties. A thin layer of argan or hemp oil can also help reduce inflammation.
Turmeric supplements are sometimes recommended for their anti-inflammatory properties, but these should only be taken if approved by your health care provider. Self-medicating, even with natural products, can cause unexpected interactions.
To soothe scalp symptoms, specialized treatment options include medicated shampoos formulated with ketoconazole or coal tar, and corticosteroid mousses or lotions, gently massaged into the scalp between shampoos to help the product absorb. These targeted care options relieve itching and reduce flaky skin.
Research has led to the development of new kinds of biologics that can target the cause of inflammation with great precision. IL-23 inhibitors such as guselkumab, and IL-17 inhibitors such as secukinumab, have proven successful for reducing plaques and extending periods of remission. These medications require strict medical supervision and consistent communication with your health care team.
About IL-23 and IL-17 inhibitors
Biologics target the proteins involved in inflammation. IL-23 inhibitors block cytokine activity to interrupt inflammation. IL-17 inhibitors neutralize the other pro-inflammatory molecule to reduce redness and itching.
These treatments require regular follow-up with your doctor (blood tests, examinations) to adjust the dose and ensure optimal results.
This topical gel treatment combines an anti-inflammatory peptide with a repairing complex to strengthen the skin barrier. Available by prescription only, it visibly reduces the redness and size of plaques within a few weeks while deeply hydrating/moisturizing the skin. Ask your treating physician for more information and to find out whether this treatment is right for you.
Keeping your skin hydrated and moisturized is essential for treating psoriasis. It helps reduce redness and soothe itching while helping the skin heal. Moisturizers work in tandem with medicated treatments to achieve optimum results. Daily moisturizing of the skin is recommended, preferably after bathing, when skin is still damp.
Corticosteroid creams are still the standard of care for rapid relief of inflammation and itching. Clobetasol propionate is a class I corticosteroid frequently prescribed for effective reduction of more severe plaques. To limit long-term side effects, it can be alternated with vitamin D analogues such as calcipotriol, which slows the reproduction of skin cells while keeping the skin moisturized.
Tip: The most important thing is to consult your doctor or pharmacist for an analysis of your psoriasis. They can suggest treatments of different strengths, based on the severity of your case. Health professionals are equipped to guide you towards the best solution.
Bath products such as Epsom salts, sea salt, colloidal oatmeal, and oils can help improve the results obtained from medical treatment. A daily bath helps fight plaques and reduces itching. However, it’s important to make sure the bathwater is lukewarm and avoid soaking too long. Otherwise, your skin may dry out. It’s best to add salts at the beginning of the bath and oils a few minutes before the end. And make sure to use fragrance-free, hypoallergenic hygiene and skincare products.Higher-quality products may prove to be a worthwhile investment.
People with psoriasis may experience a diminished quality of life. Psoriasis plaques are frequently itchy, and they hurt when they crack. Some people may isolate themselves and avoid going out in public because of how their skin looks, and more severe cases can provoke episodes of anxiety and depression. It is important to seek treatment without delay to sufficiently control your symptoms and get back to your day-to-day routine.
Psoriasis may affect your daily life, but there are many kinds of effective treatments available. With the right treatment, you can get back to feeling like yourself!
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