Many people have struggled with dandruff at some point in their lives - usually in the form of harmless flakes on the scalp that disappear after a short time. But there are also many who develop patches of dandruff on their elbows and knees, for example, and these patches remain stubborn and itch. This is then referred to as psoriasis, also known as psoriasis.
In this article we will explain how psoriasis develops, how to recognize symptoms and what can help you with the treatment.
1. What exactly is psoriasis and what does it look like?
2. What exactly are the causes or triggers of the skin disease?
3. What symptoms are typical for psoriasis?
4. What is the difference between psoriasis and neurodermatitis?
5. Treating psoriasis - how to care for your skin properly
6. What should be avoided in skin care?
What exactly is psoriasis and what does it look like?
Psoriasis, also called “psoriasis” (“psao”, Greek = I scratch), is, like neurodermatitis and rosacea, a chronic inflammatory, non-contagious skin disease that typically occurs in bouts.
It is mainly characterized by scaly skin changes that appear on reddish skin and can itch. Psoriasis often varies from person to person and can be aggravated by so-called trigger factors (e.g. infections, medication).
What exactly are the causes or triggers of the skin disease?
The cause of psoriasis is an autoimmune reaction in the body . The immune system is overactive and releases increased amounts of certain messenger substances that trigger various inflammatory reactions . Some of these messenger substances affect cell division, so that the top layer of skin, the horny layer, renews itself faster than usual and the dead cells cannot be shed quickly enough. The skin in the affected areas is thicker and flakes heavily due to the increased keratinization. The skin under the scales is reddened by the inflammation.
This immune reaction is often caused by a family history. There are two types that have different age peaks. While psoriasis type I is the early form, which occurs between the ages of 10 and 30 and tends to run in families, type II is the late form, which progresses later and is generally milder.
Psoriasis can occur in bouts or can be permanent. The so-called trigger factors that can trigger such bouts include:
- sunburn
- Showering too hot
- Psychological stress
- Nicotine and alcohol
What symptoms are typical for psoriasis ?
Psoriasis can occur in different forms, which are also characterized by different symptoms. A distinction is made between the following:
Psoriasis vulgaris:
Psoriasis vulgaris , also known as plaque psoriasis, is the most common form of psoriasis. In this form, the skin is red and shiny silvery skin bumps form, which are clearly defined and heavily scaly. These are referred to as plaques. Psoriasis vulgaris can theoretically occur anywhere on the body, but typical areas are the head, elbows or knees, and the back. In addition, the affected skin tends to itch severely when the psoriasis is severe or during a flare-up. The natural reaction of scratching further irritates or even injures the skin.
Inverse psoriasis:
If psoriasis also occurs in skin folds, it is called psoriasis inversa or “psoriasis intertriginosa”. In this form, there are no scales, as the skin there is rather moist, but rather very red skin.
Pustular psoriasis:
In this case, blisters also appear on the skin.
Nail psoriasis:
It is not uncommon for psoriasis to also form in the nail and lead to so-called oil stains, pitted nails and crumbly nails.
Guttate psoriasis:
The rarest form, guttate psoriasis , is characterized by an acute, widespread skin rash with pinpoint papules and occurs primarily in children and adolescents after an infection of the upper respiratory tract.
The diagnosis of psoriasis should only be made by the treating physician.
What is the difference between psoriasis and neurodermatitis ?
Both neurodermatitis and psoriasis are chronic inflammatory diseases of the skin that can lead to redness and flaking. Neurodermatitis is referred to as eczema, while psoriasis causes plaques .
The main difference is that in neurodermatitis the skin barrier is disrupted, which leads to a loss of moisture in the skin. People with neurodermatitis tend to have very dry skin. Acute eczema occurs due to trigger factors.
In psoriasis, however, there is no disruption of the skin barrier, but rather excessive keratinization. The skin tends to be generally dry. Trigger factors cause the skin to overreact, as if it had been injured. The result is an enormous increase in the formation of new skin cells.
In the case of neurodermatitis, the focus is on repairing the skin barrier, while in the case of psoriasis, the focus is on calming the underlying inflammation. What they have in common is that intensive hydration is important for both skin diseases.
Treating psoriasis – why proper skin care can be important
The treatment of psoriasis is divided into different pillars - the focus is on removing the scales and reducing the autoimmune reaction. The choice of therapeutic agents is complex and should be made by the treating physicians.
However, you can use moisturizing creams or ointments to keep the affected skin and scales supple and even temporarily relieve the itching. We recommend our rich med base cream with 5% evening primrose oil and high-quality vegetable glycerin.
In addition, our med care bath can counteract unpleasant feelings of tension after bathing. The nourishing and protective oil components of jojoba oil, organic shea butter and squalane lie like a wafer-thin film on the surface of the skin and can prevent further loss of fluid.
What should be avoided in skin care?
You should avoid aggressive ingredients (e.g. strong surfactants, synthetic fragrances) in care products. You should also avoid sunburn. We recommend our Sensitive Sun Cream SPF 50 with extra high protection for particularly sensitive skin.
OUR EXPERT
Dr. med Michaela Hagemann I boep founder, doctor & mother of three
