Over 7.5 million Americans have psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune skin disorder. Here’s how to manage your condition with expert advice from dermatology specialists and beauty tips from America’s Next Top Model®, CariDee English.
Facts about psoriasis
While symptoms of psoriasis vary in severity and appearance among individuals, psoriasis is typically characterized by thick, silvery scales and itchy, dry, red patches on the skin. Specifically, when a person has psoriasis, their white blood cells (T-cells) cause skin cells to replicate every four days, instead of 28 days, which is the normal process.
Of the 7.5 million Americans who have psoriasis, about 10 to 30 percent develop psoriatic arthritis, according to the National Institutes of Health. Psoriasis has been linked to diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and hypertension.
Research shows that psoriasis is a genetic disorder. But environmental factors such as stress, cuts and certain infections like strep are known to cause flare-ups.
Treating psoriasis
To treat psoriasis, you need to be as persistent as the condition. Santa Monica, California dermatologist and psoriasis expert Paul Yamauchi, M.D., tells Skincare-News, “Whether you have a mild or more severe case of psoriasis, seek a dermatologist who feels comfortable treating the disease. Ask whether the physician is willing to prescribe the latest, most advanced drugs for treatment.”
“Topical therapy is the most common way to treat psoriasis,” according to Dr. Yamauchi. Creams and lotions, especially those with cortisone, ease minor flare-ups. Phototherapy and minimal exposure to natural sunlight can alleviate psoriasis, followed by moisturizers to smooth skin and lessen scaling.
Moderate to severe cases with greater body coverage may require systemic medications that work from the inside out. The most recent advances called “biologics” (man-made proteins) may reduce lesions and trigger short or long-term remission, he says.
However, “Not all treatments and medications work for everyone who has psoriasis,” Dr. Yamauchi explains. “The key is to consult a dermatologist who has the ability to manage psoriasis with the right combination of drugs and therapies.”
Over-the-counter solutions
Mark Lebwohl, M.D., chair of the National Psoriasis Foundation Medical Board, spoke with Skincare-News about the various OTC solutions you can use to improve psoriasis.
- Use lighter, quick-drying lotions by day that won’t stain your clothes and leave greasier ointments for night — the greasier the better.
- Try soaps with higher acidity (lower pH) — they’re less irritating and reduce staining of the skin after using anthralin creams.
- Slough off extra skin cells from the scalp with salicylic acid-formulated shampoos or use shampoos that contain coal tar or zinc to reduce inflammation.
- Medicated shampoos might dry the scalp, so follow with moisture-rich conditioners.
- “Limited sun exposure can be therapeutic,” according to Dr. Lebwohl. Spend some time outdoors but be careful because minor sunburn can trigger a psoriasis outbreak (and of course damage your skin). Use the most moisturizing sunscreen available with at least SPF 15 to protect the skin.
Product picks
- Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is an excellent option for delicate skin. It’s non-alkaline, noncomedogenic and fragrance free, and doesn’t strip the skin of moisture.
- Eucerin offers effective creams, lotions and ointments, such as the popular Acquaphor, which helps to heal dry, cracked skin.
CariDee’s insider beauty tips
Skincare-News also spoke with America’s Next Top Model® winner CariDee English, who’s had psoriasis since childhood. Her advice?
She says: “Come to terms that you have this disease. It’s not going away, no matter how much you wish it. Admit that it’s part of your fabulous self. Become responsible and proactive in finding a treatment and most importantly, a doctor who will support you in fighting it. Tell your psoriasis that even though you have it, it does not have you. And be relentless in taking control of it and living your life!”
CariDee also shared some of her beauty tips. Here’s a selection:
- Apply sunscreen every day. She says, “Protect the largest organ on your body from the sun’s damaging rays.”
- Wash your face every night, and be gentle around the eyes.
- Use an anti-wrinkle cream and moisturizer with SPF twice a day before applying makeup.
- Change your pillowcases. Use silk cases to avoid the marks cotton can leave on your face when you sleep.
- If you have an outbreak on your face, don’t pop it or pick at it. Instead, “Put something on it to dry it out,” and “Part your hair differently to distract from the blemish.”
- Buy high-quality cosmetics. “The good products last longer on your face and you won’t have to buy them as often.”
- Top off your look with a lip-pumping product and a great pair of sunglasses. And, as CariDee says, “you’re on your way to strut the catwalk of life!”
While there’s no cure for psoriasis, there are many effective treatments available. The key is to find an experienced dermatologist and be your skin’s best advocate at all times. Taking control of psoriasis means living life to the fullest with the skin you’re in.
See also:
Top 10 Articles on Sensitive Skin: Psoriasis, Eczema, Rosacea & More
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Psoriasis Expert Dr. Paul Yamauchi Talks About Treating Chronic Skin Conditions