So, recently I've had quite a stressful time and if you have Psoriasis you'll know how much of a bad thing this is! My Psoriasis has flared up, which isn't just irritating and itchy, it's also very embarrassing.
I've had this skin condition since I was 4 years old and it was passed down in my genes from my father.
What annoys me is people seem to think it's contagious! No, you couldn't be more wrong. It can't be caught by person-to-person contact, by sharing of bodily fluids (kissing or during sex) nor sharing food or drink. It's basically caused by certain changes in the immune system. People with psoriasis something triggers the 'T cells' to become overactive, causing the rapid growth of skin cells. It's ind of like when you hurt yourself and cells rush to the surface of your skin to form a scab. This is why people with Psoriasis usually have flaky patches on their skin (problem areas being scalp, knees, elbows) but it can be anywhere on an individuals body!
People go through phases of their Psoriasis being incredibly bad and then it not being as noticeable. Usually it's worse in the winter (well, for me it is anyway). 1.8 million people in the UK have it alone, therefore meaning it's more common that you'd first think!
Although tests have shown that Psoriasis is usually passed down through genetic coding, it doesn't always mean that someone will inherit it if their parent/grandparent has it (meaning it's a recessive gene, fun fact for you right there if you're studying B1 in science ;))
Some things that trigger Psoriasis:
- puberty
- skin injuries
- emotional stress
- certain medicines
Psoriasis can't be cured, although it can be treated. I've tried so many different creams for my Psoriasis and I'm pleased to say it's not too bad at the moment!
My evening routine:
- Run hot bath
- Add a cap full of Oilatum into my bath
- Use a 'soap free' shower gel or body wash (Sanex or Simple are fab examples of this)
- Dry self thoroughly when out of the bath
- Moisturise all over with E45 cream
- Leave it to soak in
- Use a thin later of hydrocortisone cream on any problem areas!
I use a Sanex deodorant - they do a fantastic range and they all smell lovely!
As for shampoo and conditioner, I tend to use Head & Shoulders as my scalp isn't too bad, but when it does get really bad I like to use Nizoral as it works wonders!
Two tips I find useful are:
- Getting out in the sun as much as possible. Vitamin D works wonders for your skin, helps Psoriasis and also makes you feel good about yourself! Even though you may feel a bit embarrassed getting down to your underwear or bikini or swimsuit it will be worth it in the long run, and you can always find a place on the beach where there's not many people.
- Also drinking a lot of water hydrates your skin, meaning it's less flaky and dry in the long run. Water works wonders for your skin even if you don't have Psoriasis.
Do you have Psoriasis or know someone with Psorasis?
Has this post helped you?
Let me know your thoughts!
