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Psoriasis: how to treat this inflammatory skin disease
To answer this question, we interviewed Rachelle Séguin, a university-educated chemist who wrote a thesis on the impact of different molecules on psoriatic skin through tissue engineering.
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects about 3% of the population. The disease can be genetic in origin and it can be triggered by different elements such as stress or chemicals in our environment. It causes the appearance of red patches covered with thick scales. These lesions are usually found in these areas: elbows, knees, scalp, legs and lower back.
What are the treatments for psoriasis?
Unfortunately, there is no medical treatment for psoriasis. However, there are various treatments that can be tried to reduce the symptoms or control the disease. Each person reacts differently to the treatments offered. These treatments include: local treatments (e.g. retinoids), phototherapy (UV) and systemic treatments (e.g. immunosuppressants). These treatments generally have side effects. It is therefore recommended to use moisturizing creams adapted to atopic skin and adapted complementary care with any treatment.
What complementary treatments should I use to help relieve psoriasis?
Choosing a moisturizer that is adapted to the symptoms. A moisturizer with a high concentration of urea is highly recommended for psoriasis-prone skin. In fact, urea is known to reduce the size of scales and moisturize deeply. Your moisturizer should also contain anti-inflammatory ingredients such as chamomile or niacinamide. Unlike normal skin, it is recommended to apply the product twice a day to the affected areas.
1. Choosing the right cleanser
The skin barrier of psoriasis skin is weakened, making it easier for chemicals such as perfumes or sulfates to enter the skin. This can cause flare-ups or exacerbate them. It is therefore important to choose a gentle, soap-free cleanser that helps rebuild the skin barrier. Avoid soaps that unbalance the skin's pH and break down your natural protection. Instead, opt for cera, syndet or surgras cleansers, which have a physiological pH and provide the necessary oils to protect your skin. Free of sulfates, soap and fragrance, these types of cleansers create a better natural barrier and help preserve moisture. It is also recommended to avoid hot showers or baths that tend to dry out the skin. Instead, take shorter showers with cool or lukewarm water.
2. Avoid scratching with an instant soothing product
Psoriasis can be painful and scratching should be avoided to avoid making the situation worse. During flare-ups, it is strongly recommended to have a suitable mineral water on hand that instantly soothes the burning sensation. For example, aquifer water and thermal water sprays are rich in carbonates and various minerals and offer an instant soothing effect. They can be applied as often as necessary. This type of water can be used on both children and adults. Thanks to their minerals and carbonates, aquifer waters can also soothe sensations of heating following insect bites or during eczema outbreaks.