skin care in patients with psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common genetically determined disorder characterised by epidermal hyperproliferation (an increased rate of skin-cell turnover in the epidermis). Typical skin lesions include erythematous (reddened) scaly plaques that may crack and bleed. The sites most commonly affected include the elbows, knees, sacrum and the scalp. Palms and soles may also be affected, sometimes with pustular lesions, as well as the nails and the joints. Itching may be a problem in some of the patients.

Psoriasis requires medical / dermatological treatment. Several topical (creams, lotions etc. with pharmaceutical ingredients) and systemic (pills, tablets, infusions) medications are available.

Typically, psoriasis is a recurring disorder with phases of high disease activity and symptom-free intervals. Adequate cleansing and skin care should be also performed in lesion-free intervals.

Skin cleansing
Mild soap-free skin cleansers without irritating ingredients should be employed. For dry skin, the use of shower and bath oils is recommended. Oil bathes soften the skin.

Hair and scalp wash
Mild shampoos should be used. In dry scalp and hair, moisturising shampoos are recommended. Often dandruff shampoos are employed which are too harsh.

Skin care
Basically, skin care products should be applied according to the skin type.
In dry skin, water in oil-emulsions (mixtures with more oil/ lipids than water) with water-binding ingredients such as urea and lactic acid should be applied.
A new line of fragrance-free medical skin care products with urea and lactic acid has been developped for dry sensitive skin which may also be used in psoriatic lesions (Dardia).
In normal to oily skin, light oil in water-emulsions (mixtures with more water than oil/ lipids) are appropriate.