August is Psoriasis Awareness Month. Those with psoriasis know the symptoms: red, irritated skin with raised flaky, silver-white scaly patches. What they may not realize is that psoriasis is quite common and can be controlled with a variety of skincare, at-home and medicinal remedies.
What Causes Psoriasis?
Years ago, doctors thought psoriasis was a hyperproliferative disease a condition caused by the body's overactive production of skin cells. However, research has led doctors to believe that, like allergies, psoriasis is the result of an overactive immune system. In psoriasis, the body's immune system mistakes healthy skin cells for dangerous substances, releasing T cells to fight the perceived infection. The T cells attack the healthy skin cells, setting off the inflammatory response that causes the redness. The skin cells killed in the immune attack result in the scales that slough off in large silvery white patches. Psoriasis outbreaks have a number of possible triggers, including:
- Infection, particularly respiratory infections, including strep throat
- Dry air
- Injury
- Stress
- Too much or too little sunlight
- Alcohol
Psoriasis triggered by infection often subsides with treatment of the original condition. For others, though, immune system suppression may help. In any case, you should consult with your primary care provider for treatment.
How can Hale Cosmeceuticals Help?
Psoriasis is treated both inside and outside the body. While your doctor my prescribe medication to control psoriasis from the inside, Hale Cosmeceuticals can help you fight flaky, dry patches from the outside. Our Soft Finishing Moisturizer contains kukui nut oil, a natural source of lipids that heals dry skin conditions, including psoriasis. Lipids also reduce blemishes and even out blotchy skin tone.
Are there At-Home Remedies?
In addition to topical products, other home remedies may help to relieve psoriasis discomfort. Moisturizing twice daily and avoiding soaps that dry skin out will go a long way to prevent or relieve flare ups. Humidifiers are also a wise investment. Since dry indoor air can sap moisture from your skin, adding moisture to the air can slow evaporation from your skin, keeping your skin hydrated and your psoriasis symptoms at bay."
