Psoriasis can be a really distressing and uncomfortable condition, and it’s one which research has not been able to entirely pinpoint why some people are affected and others not.
As far as we can tell, the main reason why sufferers are prone to psoriasis seems to be genetic. In other words, some people are born with a tendency for their immune system to overreact and over-produce skin cells, forming the characteristic scaly plaque of psoriasis. It’s a chronic condition of the immune-system and is often associated with other immune-system issues, such as arthritis.
But while the reason why psoriasis is inherited is still a bit of a mystery, the picture becomes clearer when we look at what can cause a flare-up of psoriasis, rather than the condition itself.
What triggers a psoriasis flare varies from person to person (see Jude Duncan’s excellent guest blog for how to manage your own triggers), but there are several common triggers that are worth checking, in case they affect you too.
Even if you can’t avoid some of them (the weather or hormonal changes, for example), you can take steps to prepare yourself if you know your skin might be in for a hard time. Building resilience is part of an overall health management plan and matters as much, if not more, than anything you might put on your skin to ease the symptoms. Eating well, looking after your mental health and keeping your body as healthy as possible are key to managing how your body and your skin responds to triggers.
- Stress
- Hormonal changes (ie the post-natal period)
- Alcohol
- Smoking
- Diet
- Certain Medications
- Other health conditions/low immune system
- Weather conditions, whether sunlight or cold temperatures
There may be other triggers that affect you more than others - maybe specific ingredients in toiletries or cosmetics, or a particular combination of anxiety and exhaustion - and which you’ll need to identify and avoid as far as possible.
In tandem with managing triggers, you can find strategies to look after your skin. Use nourishing, protective emollients, which will help regulate the production of skin cells and soften dry, flaky, scaly skin, keeping it in good, strong, healthy condition.
We recommend a trio of Balmonds products used in tandem to help manage skin prone to psoriasis. There’s a balm, an oil and a cream, all three natural, unfragranced and full of nutrients.
Balmonds Skin Salvation balm for softening and protecting skin during an intensive flare-up
Balmonds Daily Moisturising Cream for daily maintenance, to nourish and replenish thirsty skin
Balmonds Intensive Facial Oil to support healthy regeneration of skin prone to plaque
