Psoriasis is a disease which affects the skin and commonly causes red, scaly patches to appear called psoriatic plaques. These are areas of severe inflammation where skin rapidly accumulates and takes on a silvery, scaly appearance over a raised, red patch of skin. These plaques can affect any area but most commonly occur on the elbows and knees. It is, however, not contagious.

Sadly the cause of psoriasis is no fully known and still under investigation, but two distinct theories have been suggested. The first theory is that psoriasis is primarily a disorder of excessive growth and reproduction of the skin cells and seen as a local problem within the skin. The second theory sees the disease as being an immune mediated disorder in which the excessive reproduction of skin cells is a secondary condition to factors produced by the immune system.

Whichever theory is correct, their approach to treatment is currently the same. Keep the affected skin areas well moisturised so that it reduces the build up of dry skin and avoids the formation of psoriatic plaques. This can usually be achieved by moisturising daily and changing to personal hygiene products that are known to enhance the moisture levels in the skin.

Stop using the soaps, shampoos and other bathing products that contain Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS). Always gently dab dry after bathing, don't rub, and apply a good quality moisturiser whilst the skin's still slightly damp to lock in the moisture straight away. Alternatively, drop one of our nourishing shea butter bath creamers into warm bath water and moisturise whilst bathing.

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