I First Started Getting Psoriasis Around The Age Of 26
It was when I worked at a steakhouse as a cook. I was eating a lot of beef and white bread because it was free. Somebody would mess up a steak or burger at least twice a day, and boom, I had a free meal. I ate beef and white bread almost everyday for two years. Not a good choice.
Red spots starts showing up around my eyelashes and above my lip. Then they started flaking and getting gross, then it started in my hair, little crusty bumps. I didnt know what to do, I didnt have health care, so I couldnt go to the doctor. And it wasnt that bad.
During the next summer I played a lot of basketball outside with no shirt on and it went away. Getting a tan apparently makes psoriasis disappear. But I was also thinking, oh it goes away in the summer, who cares.
I went back to college and started drinking black coffee twice a morning and feeling stressed out. I think the black coffee and stress made the psoriasis return. During that winter it got really bad. The red dots became huge and dry, it felt like my skin was made of rocks. I kept putting lotions on it recommended by some of my female friends, all of which contained alcohol and fragrance, which actually made it worse. When I would reach up to grab things, the dots would crack and bleed.
I was really scared to eat differently like actually scared. How could I ever live without disgusting food and Pepsi on a daily basis?
What Should I Do If I Have Psoriasis In A Sensitive Area
Consult your doctor, who may refer you to a dermatologist. You will need expert advice on the correct treatment in sensitive areas. Psoriasis affecting the hairline and scalp is dealt with in more detail in Scalp Psoriasis.
There are organisations that specialise in camouflage make-up, including the British Association of Skin Camouflage, Changing Faces and the Skin Camouflage Network. You can find their contact details at the end of this leaflet.
However, make-up could interfere with the effectiveness of your topical psoriasis treatments and this is something that should be considered very carefully and discussed with your doctor. It is likely that make-up can be applied following treatment if enough time has reasonably elapsed.
The treatments used for facial psoriasis should be used carefully and sparingly as creams and ointments can irritate the eyes and mouth areas. They should always be used under the guidance of your doctor. If you are unsure about using over-the-counter products such as make-up and moisturisers then, again, you should consult your doctor or your pharmacist. This is because facial skin is delicate and irritation can easily occur. Using steroid medication, for instance, may cause facial skin to thin, appear shiny and be prone to spider veins.
Coconut Or Avocado Oil
Coconuts and avocadoes are filled with healthy fats that boost skin health. Massage a few drops of either type of oil, cool or lightly heated, onto your scalp and put on a shower cap. Wait 20 minutes, remove the cap, then wash your hair as usual. This can reduce and remove some of the scaling associated with the condition.
Shop for avocado and coconut oil.
Read Also: Tea Tree Oil For Scalp Psoriasis
Following Your Treatment Plan Is Key To Getting Results
When working with a dermatologist, it is important to use the treatment exactly as prescribed and for as long as recommended. Many patients fail to see clearing because they stop following their treatment plan.
ImagesBefore and after treating scalp psoriasis: Photographs used with permission of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. J Am Acad Dermatol 2008 58:614.
ReferencesAl-Mutairi N, Al-Haddad A. Targeted phototherapy using 308 nm Xecl monochromatic excimer laser for psoriasis at difficult to treat sites. Lasers Med Sci. 2013 28:1119-24.
Bagel J, Lynde C, et al. Moderate to severe plaque psoriasis with scalp involvement: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of etanercept. J Am Acad Dermatol 2012 67:86-92.
Chan CS, Van Voorhees AS, et al. Treatment of severe scalp psoriasis: from the Medical Board of the National Psoriasis Foundation. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2009 60:962-71.
Guenther L. Current management of scalp psoriasis. Skin Therapy Lett. 2015 20:5-7.
Paghdal KV, Schwartz RA. Topical tar: Back to the future. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2009 Aug 61:294-302.
Renton C. Diagnosis and treatment of adults with scalp psoriasis. Nurs Stand. 2014 Feb 26-Mar 4 28:35-9.
Wong, JW, Kamangar F, et al. Excimer Laser Therapy for Hairline Psoriasis: A Useful Addition to the Scalp Psoriasis Treatment Algorithm. Skin Therapy Letter. 2012 176-9.
What Treatment Is Available For Genital Psoriasis
A treatment plan may include:
-
Mild corticosteroid
-
Pimecrolimus cream or tacrolimus ointment
-
Stronger medicine such as cyclosporine, methotrexate, or a biologic
If you follow the treatment plan and it fails to work, tell your dermatologist. No one treatment works for everyone. You may need different treatment to get relief.
Also Check: Is Cetaphil Lotion Good For Psoriasis
When To See A Doctor
If you suspect you have scalp psoriasis, you should schedule an appointment with a doctor. They may examine your scalp to rule out other conditions before sending you to a dermatologist for further evaluation and treatment.
If you dont already have a dermatologist, the Healthline FindCare tool can help you find a physician in your area.
What Is The Treatment
There are many treatment options that can help scalp psoriasis and often a combination approach using a number of different treatments may be required until the symptoms have settled. It is important to remember to continue to treat the scalp even if hair falls out. Hair usually grows back once the inflammation and scale has cleared.
Treatments can be time-consuming and you may find them easier if you ask someone to help you. It is important to choose one that suits your lifestyle carrying out intensive treatments over the weekend, for example, when you have more free time. Psoriasis is not curable, but the signs and symptoms can be well controlled.
It can take at least eight weeks until you gain adequate control of the plaques, whichever treatment you use. Remember to try to treat psoriasis daily when it is active.
If, however, you have seen no improvement after 4 weeks continuous treatment, you should return to your doctor or nurse for further assessment.
Once you have achieved clearance, it is important to maintain the improvement. This can usually be done with regular use of a tar shampoo and or by moisturising the scalp occasionally with an oil or emollient. Some people find daily treatment of the scalp an advantage in keeping the scales from returning, but this would be a personal reference depending on your circumstances. If you have no success in controlling your scalp psoriasis, ask your GP to refer you to a specialist.
Topical steroids
Don’t Miss: Pictures Of Plaque Psoriasis On Arms
How To Get Rid Of Psoriasis
Posted by Ruby Rhodes | May 3, 2020 | Psoriasis, Skin Care | 0 |
When youre looking at how to get rid of Psoriasis its not that easy but there are options available. Psoriasis is quite a common skin condition that, according to the latest research, affects around 7.5 million people in the USA alone thats over 2% of the population which equates to around 125 million sufferers worldwide. Its recognised by patches of rad flaky skin covered with a type of silvery white scaling. These areas of rash are often both itchy and sore and sometimes painful.
Whilst it can strike anywhere the most commonly affected areas are the knees and elbows along with the lower back area and the scalp. Usually the affected areas are pretty small but, in severe cases, psoriasis can cover the entire body.
Youre most at risk of it beginning in early adulthood or after middle age and affects both males and females equally. It can have a hereditary link, often occurring in multiple family members but is NOT contagious in any way.
Symptom: Red And White Patches
The most common form of the disease is plaque psoriasis. It looks like areas of thick, swollen, red patches with well-defined edges. On top of these areas are the silvery-white scales. It’s easy to knock them off and cause bleeding, so be gentle with yourself when you comb your hair, shampoo, or put on and take off hats.
Don’t Miss: How Do You Test For Psoriasis
Details Matter For Your Psoriasis Cause
The way were all destined in analogy, the more different we are, when we dig a little deeper or take a closer look.
A major trigger for worsening psoriasis flare ups seems to be stress. Many studies came to that conclusion, even though it is more complex, and more research is needed. The root causes of stress can be very different among individuals.
Stress can occur from work, private problems like relationships or financial problems.
In addition, even a poor diet that leaves you starving all day long or sends your blood sugar on a rollercoaster adventure, impairs your stress level. Its not just that, but our respond and action to stress and other issues differentiate in great quantities from each other. Some handle it better, some worse. And that can make a huge difference already.
Consider even training can have a negative impact, if done out of your control and if you hate doing it. The result is a negative stress response. On the other hand, find something you enjoy doing no matter if its running, cycling, swimming, football or whatever.
Go out and do it, enjoy a fresh breath outside and feel the comfort of acting. Swap that stress and suffering for some good pain.
But theres more about treatment and diet. Lets dive a little deeper.
How To Treat Scalp Psoriasis
While scalp psoriasis is a chronic condition, you can help ease uncomfortable symptoms with the right plan. Its important to see a dermatologist as soon as you suspect you may have the condition, though, as scalp psoriasis treatment is highly individualized and requires some persistence.
It depends on things like hair type, what treatments people have tried in the past, whether people have open sores, their stress level, even how long their hair is, Dr. Bhutani says. Please see your dermatologist. Even if what youre dealing with turns out to be just really bad dandruff, you shouldnt have to live with it.
The most common scalp psoriasis treatments include11:
I usually recommend treating scalp psoriasis from the outside first, Dr. Bhutani says, explaining that she often prescribes topical corticosteroids first. Although topical treatments are very effective for short-term management of scalp psoriasis flare-ups, if the symptoms are severe or if the plaques spread to other areas of the body, additional treatment may be needed.
Don’t Miss: Best Cbd Lotion For Psoriasis
Medical Treatments For Scalp Psoriasis
So youve tried shampooing your scales away. But does it feel like theyre not really clearing up? Its a bummer, for sure, and now youre wondering what else you can do. Anything?
Good news: there are other avenues you can explore, though youll want to discuss them with your doc first.
- Coal tar. Its not just for shampoo you can apply it directly to your skin.
- Keratolytics. These are peeling agents that are commonly available in creams and shampoos.
- Topical corticosteroids. Like keratolytics, its available in creams and can stop that itchy feeling.
- Prescription shampoo. Yup, your doc can help you get your hands on the stronger stuff.
- Steroid injections. You can a direct injection into your patches .
- Oral meds. These generally slow down the formation and development of your patches.
- UV light treatment. This is an effective, pain-free treatment for psoriasis scales.
Some Common Causes Are:
- Increase in white blood cells
- Development of new skin cells on the surface of the skin
- Enhancement in blood vessels
Note: Suffering from this disorder may be disturbing for you as people lose self-confidence, and the zeal to live but dont you worry about your question can you get rid of psoriasis? We have come up with the perfect solution for you, and that is Nygelis the perfect psoriasis treatment cream in Indiadeveloped by Aldan Healthcare.
Moreover, we also get queries like how to cure psoriasis permanently? So, let us clear you one more time that you cant cure your psoriasis but with the proper treatments and supplements, you can surely control it and maybe the red patches fade away.
Also Check: Early Signs Of Scalp Psoriasis
Could It Be More Than Dandruff
As we covered previously, the symptoms of dandruff are redness, itching, and flaking. However, according to Zeichner and Ziering, other conditions, including seborrheic dermatitis, present in a similar way.
Like dandruff, this condition can lead to flaking, but it can also spread to other parts of the body where oil glands are present. If this is what you have, youll likely also have scalp redness, yellow flakes of dry skin, scaling, swelling, and inflammation.
You should also consider whether or not you could possibly have psoriasis. This condition occurs because the immune system essentially gets angry at the skin. This leads to white, scaly plaques that can affect the scalp.
Like seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis can also move beyond the scalp. Symptoms also include small red bumps and lesions, and possible hair loss.
If youre not experiencing any of the more severe symptoms we just described, youre probably just dealing with a harmless case of dandruff. Still, its always best to consult your dermatologist just to be sure.
$11.99 Save 27%
However, if that doesnt help, a medicated dandruff shampoo might be necessary. Try to use the medicated formula 2-3 times per week, and a gentler shampoo the rest of the time.
For inflammation, you can also use cortisone topically to combat irritation on your scalp. However, as it can have negative side effects, like thinning the skin, you can only use it for a short time.
Scalp Psoriasis Vs Seborrheic Dermatitis
Certain skin diseases look like psoriasis but actually fit another diagnosis. One example of this is seborrheic dermatitis, a red, itchy rash that appears most often on the scalp.
Seborrheic dermatitis seems to have roots in stress, genetic factors, a particular yeast that lives on skin, certain diagnoses or medications and cold, dry weather. Newborns, men and people with oily skin are at the highest risk of this particular form of dermatitis.
Dandruff is caused by seborrhea. Infants with the condition are often referred to as having cradle cap, as well as given an improper diagnosis of diaper rash when the redness occurs around the groin.
Like psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis most often clears and flares throughout the lifetime. If you have symptoms of these disorders, see a dermatologist for a confirmed diagnosis and treatment options. Since seborrhea is not an autoimmune disease, treatment looks different although many of the same items and supplements on my psoriasis diet are similar for those with seborrhea.
Don’t Miss: Chinese Medicine For Psoriasis Reviews
Geranium Oil For Psoriasis
Geranium oil can improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and even work to relieve stress. It also promotes the growth and regeneration of healthy cells.
Dilute this oil well. You may experience minor side effects when applying this diluted oil to the skin. You should always do a patch test before application of any essential oil. Geranium oil commonly causes allergic or other skin reactions.
Geranium oil is known to slow or stop blood flow. Use caution if you have high blood pressure or youre at risk of cardiovascular diseases.
For skin issues ranging from acne to dermatitis, you can try mixing up to five drops of geranium oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil. Apply this mixture to affected areas twice daily until you see improvement.
Dont Miss: Best Lotion For Scalp Psoriasis
Limit Your Use Of Styling Tools
Be gentle when styling your hair, in order to avoid irritating the scalp. “It is best to avoid tight hair styles, as pulling too tight on the scalp can lead to irritation,” says Garshick. “Additionally, curling irons, rollers, coloring, perming or relaxing your hair should be limitedespecially if there is an active flareas these can be irritating on the scalp.”
If you’re concerned about concealing plaques, Green suggests “a low pony with added texture to hide irritation at the nape of your neck. You can add volume to down-dos by gently teasing strands at the root to conceal any scaliness behind the ears. If the hairline is typically your trouble zone, full or side-swept bangs can help hide redness.”
Recommended Reading: White Spots From Guttate Psoriasis
What Are The Symptoms
Scalp psoriasis causes redness and scaliness, which may also involve the hairline, the forehead, behind the ears and the back of the neck. It can range from very mild with slight fine scaling to very severe, crusted thick scaling covering the entire scalp. Hair loss during the flare-up can occur in some cases, but the hair will normally grow back. Psoriasis can be itchy, make the scalp feel tight and occasionally cause soreness, especially if there are cracks in the skin.
What Are The Symptoms Of Scalp Psoriasis
Scalp psoriasis affects almost half of people with psoriasis. Similar to psoriasis on the body, scalp psoriasis looks like red scaly plaques that can be flaky and itchy. Unlike dandruff that looks greasy and yellow, the scale of psoriasis is silvery and dry. If you pick at it, you might see bleeding. The plaques can extend beyond the hairline. Some people notice hair loss or thinning where the psoriasis is.
About 20% to 30% of people with psoriasis get psoriatic arthritis. It causes pain, soreness, and stiffness in the joints as well as where tendons and ligaments connect to bones. People who have scalp psoriasis have almost 4 times the risk of getting arthritis as those who dont.
Psoriasis is also linked to cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. This includes conditions like:
-
Heart disease
You May Like: Can Psoriasis Be Cured Permanently