What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a type of dermatitis which causes the epidermis to thicken, resulting in inflamed and itchy plaques of skin. It is an unpredictable, complex skin condition that affects all ages and can appear anywhere on the body. Psoriasis can occur in very visible areas such as on the face, along the hairline or on the hands, causing some individuals significant psychological discomfort.
How does psoriasis form and where can it appear?
The most frequently affected areas are the scalp, hands, elbows, knees and the base of the spine. Psoriasis can also affect the feet and nails. There are several different types of psoriasis:
- small, clustered psoriasis plaques
- guttate psoriasis (small, scattered plaques)
- single plaque psoriasis
- large plaque psoriasis
What are the symptoms of psoriasis?
- Hyperkeratosis (thickening of the stratum corneum)
- Redness and itching
- Fissures due to the stiffness of hyperkeratotic skin
- Scaling
What are the causes of psoriasis?
It isn’t possible to attribute one single cause to psoriasis. Often, certain people are simply more predisposed than others to develop forms of psoriasis. However, trauma, infection, stress and specific treatments for other health issues can also trigger the condition.
How to treat psoriasis
Treatment is determined by the type, severity and location of the psoriasis. For severe or widespread psoriasis, biological treatments are used to specifically block factors of inflammation. Medium to mild psoriasis, with fewer affected areas, can be managed with topical treatments or through phototherapy.
Treatment with natural reducents
The most correct topical treatment is with natural reducents, that are active, non-pharmaceutical ingredients that can reduce plaque. Sulfur, salicylic acid, ichthyol sulfonate, and mineral tar (coal tar) are considered natural reducents. These are not permitted as exclusive treatments under EU law, unlike in the USA and Canada.
Treatment for psoriasis plaques on the body (not suitable for psoriasis of the scalp)
- Apply 2S Cream to the affected area every evening and massage well.
- In the morning, cleanse with Eudermic Cleansing Base.
- After washing and drying, apply PEG Balm to the patches and massage well.
Cortisone-based products are often recommended for psoriasis treatment. While symptoms may regress at first, the condition actually worsens over time. The same also occurs with UV treatments, with the added risk of radiation damage.
