5 types of psoriasis
Plaque Psoriasis: This is one of the most common types of psoriasis characterised by red lesions on the areas such as the elbows, scalp, knees and lower back. These lesions are raised and covered by white skin patches.
Guttate Psoriasis: This type of psoriasis is often developed during childhood and appear as small, pink spots on the skin. These spots are usually found on the legs, torso and arms.
Erythrodermic Psoriasis: This form of psoriasis is highly inflammatory and often covers majority of the body’s surface. Skin is usually extremely itchy, red and flaking.
Pustular Psoriasis: Most common in adults, pustular psoriasis appears on the skin as white blisters and redness on the skin. Usually found on the hands and feet, in extreme cases it can cover most of the body.
Inverse Psoriasis: Inverse psoriasis can be found in areas of the skin that folds, such as the armpits and under the breasts. This type of psoriasis can be characterised by bright red areas of skin that are shiny.
What causes psoriasis?
Although the exact cause of psoriasis is still unknown, there are multiple theories as to why certain people develop this skin condition. One theory is a malfunction of the immune system. When a person has psoriasis their immune system overworks and creates inflammation inside the body.1 This in turn forces the body to produce more healthy cells that build up on the surface of the skin. These skin cells aren’t shed quickly enough and form together in red patches.1 Genetics is another possible cause, as one third of people with psoriasis have reported that they also have a relative with the same skin condition.1 Psoriasis has also been linked to other certain diseases like high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.1
What are the symptoms of psoriasis?
Some of the most common symptoms of psoriasis include lesions on the skin that are raised and red, white scaly patches, small red spots, dry cracked skin, itching, burning and soreness of the skin.1
What natural products can help soothe psoriasis?
Our Nourished Life Naturopath, Melanie Ruckley, suggests trying varied topical treatments, as this stubborn condition varies in success for different individuals. Trying out a balm, oil or cream allows you the opportunity to discover which works best for you. Switching up your treatment often can actually be beneficial for your skin!10 It’s also very important to think about treating psoriasis from the inside out! Consider how some environmental toxins could be triggering psoriasis outbreaks, as well as stress and dietary choices such as dairy.10
If you have psoriasis, the first step to treatment is consulting your healthcare profession. However, there are gentle skincare products that could offer some soothing relief. Here on Nourished Life we stock some amazing brands that make products tailored to sensitive skin conditions. These are a few of my favourites:
Pai Organic Skin Care
Pai is a great organic skin care brand specifically formulated with soothing ingredients for those with highly reactive skin. If you have very sensitive, sore skin then I recommend trying Pai’s Instant Calm range. The Pai Calming Day Cream is made to calm redness and smooth the skin. It’s perfect for anyone with sensitive skin as it contains ingredients like Chamomile to reduce inflammation and Rosehip to regenerate the skin.2 Pai’s Sea Aster & Wild Oat Redness Serum is another great product that works to strengthen the blood vessels at the skin’s surface. It has also been shown to reduce the appearance of redness caused by rosacea by up to 27%!2
Happy Skincare
Happy Skincare’s range is vegan, organic and 100% natural. They have products targeted at many different skin concerns, however for highly sensitive skin you can’t go past their Over The Moon Rich Repair Cream. This is the ultimate cream for dry, sensitive skin as it’s ultra hydrating and helps keep moisture locked in. This is achieved through such ingredients as Vitamin B3 to improve skin tone and prevent pigmentation as well as Vitamin E to repair damaged skin.3 Another Happy Skincare product aimed towards soothing skin is their ’TLC’ Intensive Repair Oil which contains essential oils like macadamia, avocado and argan that heal, regulate and hydrate the skin.3
Egyptian Magic
I’ve often spoken about my love for this multitasking cream. Containing simple ingredients like honey, beeswax, olive oil, royal jelly, bee pollen and bee propolis, Egyptian Magic cream can be applied anywhere on the body. Customers worldwide love this miracle cream for it’s ability to soothe skin a range of topical skin irritations and scars9
Fixaderm
Fixaderm is a natural oil blend which is designed for use as a natural skin repair treatment and conditioner. Made from a blend of natural oils including Calendula, Tea Tree and Lavender, it helps repair skin damage caused by dermatitis, eczema, abrasions and other irritants. Read more about Fixaderm here. If symptoms persist, consult your healthcare professional.
Eco Tan
The Eco Tan Coconut Body Milk is a product with rave reviews from those with these types of symptoms! Not only does it prolong the life of a false tan but it also has incredible benefits for sensitive skin conditions. Containing ingredients like Aloe Vera, Coconut Oil and Jojoba Oil, this body milk helps calm skin irritation while nourishing the skin. Jojoba Oil in particular is effective for skin moisturisation.6
Weleda
Weleda is another brand that I often discuss because I just love their skincare philosophy! They tailor their products depending on not only skin type, but also age. One of their most popular products is Weleda Skin Food which is deeply nourishing body cream that can be applied to any dry, rough skin. This hydrating cream is formulated with 100% natural ingredients like chamomile to soothe rough skin, lanolin to protect the skin’s outer layer and rosemary to boost dull complexions.7 Other products in the Weleda range great for sensitive skin are the Calendula Shampoo & Body Wash and the Almond Soothing Cleansing Lotion.
Curelle Natural Hair Care
A fantastic range of haircare products for those prone to psoriasis is fragrance free hair care such as the Curelle range of natural shampoo and conditioner. This range uses only the necessary ingredients, making them free from irritating fragrances. The Curelle range is gentle, soothing and cost-effective, ideal for those with sensitive scalps and skin conditions.
Coconut Magic
My last recommendation for soothing sore and sensitive skin is actually the most simple"¦ coconut oil! This raw, cold pressed oil from Coconut Magic has so many uses but the most impressive has to be its skin benefits! Coconut oil is highly absorbent, anti inflammatory and actually helps to balance skin cells.8 This coconut oil in particular is produced without any heat or chemicals to ensure it retains the highest nutritional content possible!
(sources: 1psoriasis.com, 2paiskincare.com, 3happyskincare.com.au, 5diyhealth.com, 6thejojobacompany.com.au, 7weleda.com.au, 8smartpsoriasisdiet.com, 9egyptianmagic.com.au, 10Naturopath Melanie Ruckley)
