Psoriasis is a very common skin condition. It causes skin irritation and a red appearance; skin can appear flaky, with silvery, white areas known as ‘scales’. Psoriasis is not something that you can catch or spread to others, in fact recent research indicates that it may be hereditary. Evidence also points to the condition being autoimmune, which is when our immune system gets confused and in error attacks body tissue that is perfectly healthy.
Our skin constantly regenerates. New cells form deep within the layers of our skin and rise slowly to the top. In healthy skin, this normally takes roughly a month. However, in a person suffering from psoriasis, this process of renewal speeds up, meaning that dead skin cells accumulate on the surface of the skin, leading to the red, scaly appearance on certain key areas of the body. These patches are commonly seen on the knees, elbows and torso, particularly the back area.
Psoriasis can be a very uncomfortable condition to deal with. Symptoms include itchy dry, red and raised areas of the skin. There are several different types of psoriasis, but the most common one is Plaque Psoriasis which displays in the typically scaly manner that is most often associated with the condition.
Rarer, more severe cases of psoriasis are likely to be treated with doctor prescribed systemic (whole body) treatments in the form of a tablet or a series of injections. However, the majority of sufferers will be able to treat the condition topically, with special ointments or lotions available over the counter or on prescription from you GP or dermatology clinic.
Cortisone creams have proved effective for many mild cases of psoriasis, and there are also treatments available that will lessen the scaliness of the skin. For hard to reach areas it is recommended that these be used in conjunction with a back applicator for psoriasis treatment. Once treated, it is essential to keep the skin moisturised to help prevent further breakouts.
Taking a shower or bath every day will really help keep your psoriasis under control. Be gentle with your skin – scrubbing too hard may well irritate the delicate top layer further and result in more attacks. Sunlight helps in many cases, but always be very careful not to get burnt as this will simply serve to exacerbate the condition.
Over time you will come to recognize the triggers for your psoriasis, and you can then work to eliminate these triggers. Keeping your skin perfectly clean and well moisturised is absolutely key to the battle in keeping the condition at bay. When applying your creams and balms, take your time and be consistent.
Regular, careful treatment of all the affected areas is essential for a good recovery. If your back is affected you will need to be particularly careful, as this is a difficult area to treat on your own. The ideal back applicator for psoriasis treatment is the BackBliss Back Applicator. Its ingenious design allows you to treat your whole back simply and quickly, bringing welcome relief to sufferers of this sometimes upsetting condition.