Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a long-lasting, noncontagious autoimmune disorder characterized by raised areas of abnormal skin.

Psoriasis usually appears in early adulthood. The patches can heal and then come back throughout a person’s life.

Psoriasis is believed to be caused by abnormal immune system activity that’s directed at the cells making up your skin and nails. Experts still don’t know why, but psoriasis happens when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin or nail tissues like it would attack a real threat, such as a virus.

Types of Psoriasis

Psoriasis comes in many types, but plaque psoriasis is by far the most common, making up between 85% and 90% of cases. Some people may have more than one type.

• Plaque psoriasis: Silvery scales on patches of red (light skin) or purple (dark skin)
• Nail psoriasis: Toe/fingernail pitting, crumbling, discolouration
• Inverse psoriasis: Smooth lesions in skin folds
• Guttate psoriasis: Teardrop-shaped bumps
• Pustular psoriasis: Fluid-filled lesions
• Von Zumbusch psoriasis: Pus-filled blisters
• Erythrodermic psoriasis: Discoloured and scaly all over

Depending on the type of psoriasis, lesions or inflamed scaly patches can show up anywhere on your body, but most appear on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back.

Symptoms of Psoriasis

When it comes to describing the symptoms of psoriasis, most people think about the red, scaly rash on the skin associated with plaque psoriasis, the most common form of the condition.

While these symptoms are the most common, they can vary in appearance and may not even occur on the skin in some cases. In fact, some types of psoriasis are limited to the nails, joints, or specific parts of the body.

Causes of Psoriasis

No one knows the exact cause of psoriasis, but experts believe that it’s a combination of things. Psoriasis symptoms will develop in acute episodes called flares, which are typically spurred by a “trigger” such as stress, medications, or a skin injury among others.

Treatments for Psoriasis

There is no cure for psoriasis. For some people, it goes away over time, while for others it is a lifelong condition. However, there is a variety of treatments that can help manage it.

Treatment for psoriasis depends on the type and includes measures to slow the growth of new skin cells and to relieve itching and dry skin.

Many patients find the need to try different treatment options or even change their treatment regimen over time. Therefore, it is important that you first come in for a consultation, so that Dr Nina can assess your case and suggest a treatment plan based on the size of your rash, where it is on your body, your age, your overall health, and other things.

Using a bespoke prescribed plan of medical-grade skincare products (subject to consultation only), Dr Nina might prescribe a range of products containing retinoid, salicylic acid and other products that rebuild the compromised lipidic skin barrier.

Topical Retinoids

Retinoids belong to a family of derivates from vitamin A that can slow the growth of skin cells in patients with psoriasis. Usually, you apply a small dab to each sore once a day before bed. A retinoid cream or gel is often combined with steroid treatment.

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is an extremely effective Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) that works by dissolving scales so that they can be washed or brushed away easily.

By removing the surface scales, salicylic acid makes it easier for topical medications to be absorbed into the skin.

Medical-grade Skincare Products

Medical-grade skin care products contain active ingredients that have been clinically proven to have a positive effect on the skin. They differ from over-the-counter products because they contain ingredients that are capable of penetrating below the top layers of the skin. Products sold over the counter do not affect the skin in biological ways and are unable to penetrate its upper layers.

Medical-grade skincare products should only be purchased from a specialist practice such as Facial Sculpting.

Benefits of Medical-grade Skincare Products

Active Ingredients

Medical-grade skincare lines often use the same ingredients as pharmaceutical ones you can only obtain with a prescription, only in lesser amounts or alternate derivatives. Some OTC brands may contain them as well, but the amount is minimal.

More Effective Formulas

As with the amount of a particular ingredient, the formula used for developing a product plays a large role in its effectiveness. While medical-grade skincare lines may come with a slightly higher price than many retail manufacturers’ products, you can be sure that they have been developed to a higher standard with quality ingredients to provide effective results.

Targeted to Your Specific Needs

When choosing medical-grade skincare products, you receive a regimen that is customized to your specific needs because it is subject to consultation and recommended directly by Dr Nina. Therefore, it is more likely you will receive the correct product the first time, as we will work with you to find a treatment that is successful for your individual case.