Ways to treat psoriasis & stop that Itch!

Psoriasis is quite a common condition affecting approximately 1.8 million people in the UK. I have never really suffered from any skin conditions until a few months ago when I started randomly getting very sore and unsightly dry skin on my scalp, some days so bad it looks like the before picture for head and shoulders!

Since visiting the doctor I have found out I am suffering from Scalp Psoriasis, apparently half of all people suffering with Psoriasis have it on their scalp.

It really feels like you are in a vicious circle; the more it irritates your scalp, then the more you itch, and the more you itch, the more irritated it feels and looks worse! It can also get really inflamed and painful if you itch too much. Thankfully there is a remedy for inflammation that can help with the pain, but there is little that will stop the itch.

What is Psoriasis?

The skin is made up of different layers. Normally skin cells develop at the bottom of the outer layer of our skin and then are moved up towards the surface, gradually changing as they go. In psoriasis this process is dramatically sped up, so that cells form and die in as little as 3 to 4 days, instead of the normal 3 and 4 weeks.

Psoriasis often causes red, flaky patches to appear on the skin. Some only have minor localized patches, while others are affected all over the body. patches of skin can look shiny and cause itching or burning. There are different types of psoriasis and the most common form is Plaque Psoriasis.It can be associated with other serious health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and depression.

Scalp Psoriasis?

It can cause a thick scale, redness and flaking to the scalp. It can make the scalp feel itchy and tight and can be visible on the forehead, neck and behind the ears.

Plaque Psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of the disease and appears as raised, red patches covered with a silvery white buildup of dead skin cells or scale. These itchy patches of silvery scales can appear on various parts of the body. They are often itchy and painful, and they can crack and bleed.

Guttate Psoriasis

Guttate psoriasis is a form of psoriasis that often starts in childhood or young adulthood.Small and round lesions are typical of guttate psoriasis. It is the second most common type of Psoriasis often presenting itself in small red scaly dots.

Psoriasis Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis causes painful inflammation in and around your joints. It usually affects people who already have psoriasis.Psoriatic arthritis typically starts in people between the ages of 30 to 50, but can begin at any age.However, some people develop the arthritic symptoms before the psoriasis.

What Causes Psoriasis?

Scientists are still trying to figure out what specifically causes psoriasis, but genetics, arthritic tendencies, food allergies, stress and long-standing infections are all thought to be triggers. Researchers believe that psoriasis may occur when your immune system is accidentally activated and triggers an acceleration of the skin cell cycle.

How to treat Psoriasis?

Psoriasis treatment starts with a trip to your doctor to diagnose the condition and decide what treatment will be best for you.Although sadly there is no cure for Psoriasis there is ways to treat and control the symptoms. Here are three ways you can manage and control your Psoriasis flare-ups

1. Treat the Itch

One of the worst symptoms of psoriasis is the annoying and painful itching. You can reduce this annoyance in a couple of ways with topical treatments for psoriasis. Moisturising lotions are usually the first line of defense in treating psoriasis While many can be purchased over the counter, others are available by prescription only.Moisturising locks water into the skin and helps to minimize the itch associated with psoriasis. There are also anti-itch creams designed to help treat psoriasis symptoms.

2. Manage Stress

Stress is a common trigger for a psoriasis flare and vice versa. psoriasis can be associated with stress-related disorders so trying to Stay mentally and emotionally balanced will help you avoid psoriasis outbreaks.Consider taking a course in stress management or finding a therapist in your area who specializes in stress management.Get more active as women who regularly participate in vigorous exercise are less likely to get psoriasis than less-active women.Finding your triggers is the key to avoiding flare-ups.

3. Educate Yourself

Finding out as much as you can about the disease and researching your treatment options can help you prevent flare-ups. Follow a healthy lifestyle and figure out your triggers to send psoriasis into remission.In many, the psoriasis can be cleared and returned to normal with effective treatment.

I have just started using E45 Moisturising lotion on my hairline and on some small dry patches on my hands and knees to treat psoriasis, so far so good!

****E45 sent me some Moisturising lotion to try out on my problem skin ****