There are many different types and triggers of psoriasis and understanding them may help you manage your psoriasis. Managing psoriasis can be very frustrating. There are many kinds of psoriasis, and people's experience and symptoms will vary from mild, occasional patches and itching too much more severe symptoms on a regular basis. Not to mention all the emotional and self-confidence issues that go along with it. If you do have psoriasis, learning about the condition and seeking the appropriate medical advice and support will help you manage the condition in the best possible way. Over the next couple of blogs post, I will provide you with some helpful information about psoriasis - the triggers and some effective natural treatment options.
What Is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that creates a faulty signal from the immune system causing the rapid build-up of skin cells. Cells should typically be replaced over weeks, but with psoriasis, it occurs over days. This results in scaling on the skin's surface and is often accompanied with inflammation and redness around the affected area. Typical psoriatic scales are whitish-silver and develop in thick, red patches. Sometimes, these patches will crack and bleed and can lead to a secondary infection if not treated carefully.
The cause of psoriasis is unknown, although there is a genetic link. At the moment there is no cure. However, there is evidence to suggest that just like many autoimmune diseases, lifestyle factors play a huge role in the severity of this condition. Understanding what lifestyle triggers can be enormously helpful in better managing this condition.
Triggers Of Psoriasis
There are four main causes that can trigger psoriasis including:
- Koebner Phenomenon: Trauma to the skin such as operations, bites, cuts and abrasions.
- Systemic Infections: Tonsilitis, Shingles and some viral and bacterial infections.
- Medication: Taking certain drugs such as steroids, lithium, antimalarials, anti-inflammatories, some blood pressure medications such as Beta Blockers and antibiotics.
- Stress: Anxiety and worry.
- Lifestyle: Diet, alcohol and chemical exposure.
Types Of Psoriasis
Psoriasis affects about 3.8% of the population. It's commonly associated with several other conditions, including type 2 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, cardiovascular disease, and psoriatic arthritis. There are many types of psoriasis, however, these are the main groups of psoriasis:
- Plaque (Chronic).
- Guttate.
- Flexural (Inverse).
- Psoriasis Annularis.
- Pustular.
- Palmo-Plantar.
- Erythrodermic EEC.
- Scalp.
- Nail Involvement.
- Psoriatic Arthritis.
Symptoms Of Psoriasis
Psoriasis symptoms differ from person to person and depend on the type of psoriasis. Some people may only experience psoriasis as small flaky areas on the scalp or elbow, while for others, it covers the majority of the body. The most common symptoms of plaque psoriasis include:
- Red raised inflamed patches of skin.
- Silver-white scales or plaques on the red patches.
- Dry skin that may crack and bleed.
- Soreness around patches.
- Itching and burning sensations around patches.
- Thick, pitted nails.
- Painful, swollen joints.
As I already mentioned, psoriasis presents differently in everyone, and the symptoms will vary. Most people with psoriasis go through "cycles" of signs where the symptom flare-up. The condition may last for a few days or weeks, and then the symptoms may clear up. Sometimes, symptoms of psoriasis disappear entirely.
When you have no active symptoms of the condition, you may be in "remission." But unfortunately, that doesn't mean psoriasis won't come back to being mindful of the lifestyle choice you make as this can help reduce the frequency and severity of your symptoms. Be sure to check out our next blog post when I share some natural treatment ideas with you. In the meantime, if you'd like to find out our product suggestions for your specific skin type (including atopic skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema) head over to our Skin Types and Conditions page.
Giveaway
This week we are offering you the chance to win our Olive Hand and Body Cream (valued at $24.95) to help repair, soften and nourish even the most sensitive skin including people who have eczema and psoriasis.How To Enter
-
- You must be signed up to our newsletter (if you are not already you can signup here).
-
- Follow us on Instagram @botaniskincare.
-
- Follow us on Facebook /botaniskincare.
- And leave a comment below this post.
Note
-
- You can enter only once.
-
- Open to Australian residents only.
-
- One winner will be drawn at random and contacted via email (provided when you subscribe).
-
- Competition closes Thursday 18 May 2017 5 pm (Australian EST).
- Winner will be announced on Friday 19 May.
Disclaimer: The information contained on this site is general and for informational purposes. It is not meant to substitute the advice provided by your physician or other medical professionals. Please contact your health care professional immediately for any health-related conditions or concerns.
