Did you know that over 73,000 people in Ireland have Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a common, chronic, inflammatory skin condition. The most common form is plaque psoriasis, characterised by red, thickened, scaly patches, which generally affect the knees, elbows, and scalp, and can sometimes be painful.
The exact cause of psoriasis is still not completely understood, but both the immune system and genetics are important in its development. Environmental factors also have a part to play in its onset and severity.
Some symptoms associated with psoriasis
- Patches can affect any part of the body, but most frequently occur on the knees, elbows, and scalp, and can be accompanied by itch and discomfort.
- Psoriasis affects the skin and nails but is also associated with some other conditions (comorbidities), such as psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and depression.
- Psoriasis is not an infectious disease so cannot be spread from person-to-person.
- It can vary in severity. As well as the physical burden, its unpredictability and the highly visible nature of symptoms can place a considerable emotional and social burden on those living with it.
Living with Psoriasis
- Psoriasis can vary in severity in the same person at different times; sometimes flaring up for a few weeks or months, then subsiding, or even clearing completely for a while. It’s useful to note possible triggers – being able to identify what sets it off, or aggravates your symptoms, can help you find a more effective treatment plan.
- Psoriasis can be very stigmatising, generally based on the belief or misconception that the disease is contagious. Those with moderate to severe psoriasis often report the emotional impact the condition can have, including, embarrassment, humiliation, and discrimination.
- Everyday activities like going to the swimming pool or beach, trying on clothes when shopping, or even going to a hairdresser can be a challenge.
- “It is important to remember that the impact of psoriasis extends beyond the skin, often affecting a person’s psychological wellbeing because it is a very visible condition. We also know that people with psoriasis have higher levels of depression and anxiety. In addition, it can affect quality of life, limiting leisure activities and personal relationships.” Dr. Anne-Marie Tobin, Consultant Dermatologist, Tallaght Hospital.
Skin care regime
The treatment of psoriasis depends on its severity and location, but in all instances it is advisable to use emollients. Emollients are moisturisers used in two ways – applied directly to the skin as a leave-on moisturiser, and as a soap or shower gel substitute.
- Used every day, emollients help to: soften the scale, soothe dry, itchy skin and increase the effectiveness of prescribed treatments.
- Avoid using ordinary soap, shower gel and bubble bath as they can dry out skin. Choose emollient wash products instead.
- After a bath or a shower, make sure you just pat your skin, then immediately apply an emollient while skin is still moist.
- Emollients should be applied in a smooth, downward motion, in the direction of hair growth, after a bath or shower and before going to bed.
- During cold, dry weather or winter months, you may need to apply your emollient several times a day.
- While emollients come as lotions, creams, and ointments, ointments tend to work best when the skin is very dry. Sometimes, you may need to use more than one product – perhaps choosing an ointment at night because it is greasier, then a cream or lotion by day.
- Apply emollient 30 minutes before application of topical treatments prescribed by your doctor.
Tips to protect your skin
- The best material to wear is cotton next to your skin – it’s much less likely to irritate your skin compared with other fabrics, such as wool. If your skin is irritated, you’re more likely to scratch too.
- Some people who have psoriasis find sunlight can help their skin to clear. However, being sensible in the sun is so important, and sunburn must be avoided at all times as it can also bring about the Koebner phenomenon – this is where psoriasis can develop at the site of an injury, such as sunburn.
- Remember the five ‘Ss’ of sun safety – Slip on a T-shirt, Slop on (broad-spectrum) sunscreen factor 30+, Slap on a hat, Slide on sunglasses, Seek shade.
So, what can you do if you have it?
- Chat to your doctor about your symptoms and progress.
- Consider keeping a diary to pinpoint situations, places or events that trigger your stress – understanding your triggers can empower you and help make stress more manageable.
- Exercise regularly, but also to get adequate rest. Exercise and rest help maintain your health and reduce stress. They also reduce the risk of heart disease (which is higher in those with psoriasis).
- Avoid excessive alcohol. As well as making psoriasis worse, it can contribute to low mood, anxiety, obesity and heart disease.
- Don’t smoke. Smoking makes psoriasis worse and increases your risk of heart disease.
- Eat a healthy diet. Obesity makes psoriasis worse and increases the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and cholesterol. Recommended waist measurements are less than 32 inches (80cm) for women and less than 37 inches (94cm) for men. A lifelong healthy diet is important for everyone.
- Identify and avoid psoriasis triggers, if possible. Things like infections, injuries to your skin, stress, smoking, alcohol and sunburn, may make it worse.
For more information or support, contact the Irish Skin Foundation as Irishskin.ie or call 01 486 6280.
Living with psoriasis can be hard, but you can learn to SaySomething. To mark World Psoriasis Day this year, the SaySomething campaign turns to the stigma that can surround the condition, educating the public to help dispel myths and empowering people with psoriasis to handle everyday situations. At: irishskin.ie/saysomething, you will find resources such as a new booklet for parents and children, inspiration from Pearl, practical advice from psychologist Kate Russo, and tips on how to make to most of your visit to the doctor.
The SaySomething campaign aims to empower those living with psoriasis to change the conversation.
The SaySomething campaign has been kindly supported by
