Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that causes scaly, itchy patches (plaques) to appear on the skin. The symptoms range from mildly irritating to debilitating. Mild cases of psoriasis do not disrupt daily living and can be easily treated with over-the-counter medications. People with severe psoriasis may experience pain that is severe enough to impact their daily routine and prevent them from going to work. Psoriasis can also have a devastating effect on self esteem and social relationships.
The Cause Remains Unknown
Although no one knows exactly what causes psoriasis, the condition is believed to have a genetic component. If one or both of your parents have psoriasis, then you are more likely to develop the condition too.
Most researchers attribute the development of psoriasis to the malfunctioning of the immune system. This somehow triggers the skin to speed up the growth cycle of its cells. A normal skin cell takes 28 to 30 days to mature and slough off the skin's surface. When a person has psoriasis, the cells take a mere three to four days to mature and reach the surface. Instead of sloughing off, these cells pile up and form scaly, silvery lesions.
Preventing Flare-Ups
The winter months are particularly bad for psoriasis sufferers. Cold temperatures and lack of sunlight cause the skin to flare up while dry air gives rise to severe itchiness. It is not uncommon for someone with psoriasis to have lesions that are 40 cells thick during winter. Here are some tips on managing psoriasis when the weather turns colder:
- Use a moisturizer to help keep the skin hydrated and reduce itchiness.
- Invest in a humidifier. The moist air will also help prevent the skin from drying and reduce the desire to scratch.
- Since stress has been linked to psoriasis flare-ups, try to relax as much as possible.
- Keep bathwater tepid. While the idea of a hot bath may be appealing, tepid water is less likely to dry the skin. Use a non-scented lotion or cleansing bar.
- Use products specifically formulated for psoriasis such as the Skin-ZincTM System.
The Skin-ZincTM System is specially formulated to help manage psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff). This two-phase relief system consists of a medicated cream and spray. The easily absorbed medicated SkinCylicTM cream contains salicylic acid, tea tree oil and the herb Epilobium angustifolium - known for its anti-inflammatory action and ability to soothe skin irritations.
The medicated spray contains zinc pyrithione, and is applied to the scalp to treat the dandruff and itching often experienced by people with psoriasis. Used together, these products help manage the irritating symptoms associated with psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis including stubborn itching, scaling and flaking. You will find the Skin-ZincTM System in the pharmacy department at London Drugs.
Please note that you should not use these products if you are pregnant or nursing, without consulting your doctor. Always keep these and other medications locked safely away from children.