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Imagine this: your skin feels like it has a mind of its own. One day, it’s calm and manageable. The next, it’s red, itchy, and flaring up for reasons you can’t comprehend. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Psoriasis affects millions worldwide, which may have a psychosocial impact on those living with it.
But what if understanding your skin could be the key to managing it better? Psoriasis isn’t just a skin condition; it’s a combination of your immune system, your environment, and even your emotions working together. By knowing the causes, triggers, and how to create a skincare routine tailored just for you, you can take control of the narrative.
In this post, I will break it all down for you—what psoriasis really is, what triggers psoriasis, and how you can soothe and protect your skin with practical tips.
What Is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disorder driven by your immune system. The skin cells turn over too quickly. Normally, the skin turnover rate is between 28 to 30 days. With Psoriasis, the skin cells turnover in as little as 4 days. So instead of shedding naturally, the cells pile up on the skin’s surface.
You will notice scaly plaques of thickened skin when the cells pile up. This condition affects about 2-3% of the world’s population. It can appear at any age, although most commonly arises between the ages of 15–25 and 50–60 years old.
It’s a chronic disorder, so it pretty much persists throughout the life of the individual, however, it can be controlled and go into remission (go away, often temporarily and sometimes permanently). Not all people will be affected in the same way.
But psoriasis isn’t just skin-deep—it’s a systemic condition with links to inflammation throughout the body. It’s also a journey. Some days, your skin may be calm and manageable; other times, flare-ups can be intense. That’s why understanding the “why” behind psoriasis is so important.
PSORIASIS TIP 1 – What to do when people ask
If someone asks about your skin condition, remember this: you have the choice to respond—or not. Your condition is personal, and even though others might see it, you’re under no obligation to explain unless you feel comfortable.
If you do choose to share, consider becoming an ‘educator.’ With kindness and confidence, you can explain what causes your condition, how common it is, and how it affects you. This approach often leads to understanding and compassion, turning curiosity into an opportunity for awareness. You’re in control of the conversation, and it’s entirely up to you how much you want to share.
Causes Of Psoriasis
Psoriasis seems to be more common in Caucasians than other ethnic groups due to higher latitudes and/or genetics. The exact cause of psoriasis isn’t fully understood but it is a combination of several factors but genetics is a major determinant. Genetics also influence the subtype of psoriasis and the severity of the disease.
Genetics: The Blueprint for Psoriasis
Family Ties: Psoriasis often runs in families. If one or both of your parents have psoriasis, your chances of developing it increase significantly.
Key Genes: Specific genes, like HLA-Cw6 and CARD14, have been linked to psoriasis. These genes affect how the immune system responds to perceived threats, triggering inflammation.
How It Works: These genetic predispositions cause your immune system to mistakenly attack healthy skin cells, accelerating their production and causing the buildup of scaly plaques.
Immune System Overactivity
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, meaning your immune system overreacts, attacking your own body. In this case, it targets the skin. This response leads to the rapid turnover of skin cells, resulting in the characteristic plaques of psoriasis.
Types of Psoriasis
1. Plaque Psoriasis
The most common type, affecting up to 90% of people with psoriasis. It causes red or pink patches (or darker patches on skin of color) covered with silvery scales. These patches often appear on the elbows, knees, lower back, and scalp, but can occur anywhere.
2. Scalp Psoriasis
A type of plaque psoriasis that specifically affects the scalp. It causes thick, scaly patches, redness, and flaking, which may extend to the forehead, neck, or behind the ears. Severe cases can temporarily cause hair thinning.
3. Guttate Psoriasis
Common in children, teens, and young adults, often triggered by a strep throat infection. It appears as small, drop-like spots spread across the body but usually spares the palms and soles. This type may clear up on its own or develop into another form of psoriasis.
4. Flexural (Inverse) Psoriasis
Found in skin folds like the armpits, under the breasts, and around the groin. It appears as smooth, shiny patches of red or darker skin without scales. It is found in warm, moist areas of the body making it prone to irritation.
5. Pustular Psoriasis
It causes pus-filled blisters (that aren’t infectious) on the palms and soles. The Generalized Pustular Psoriasis is a severe form that spreads over the body with small pustules on red, inflamed skin. This type requires immediate medical attention.
6. Erythrodermic Psoriasis
The rarest and most severe form, covering almost the entire body. It causes the skin to turn bright red or darker, with shedding scales and flu-like symptoms. This is a medical emergency needing urgent care.
7. Nail Psoriasis
Affects the nails, causing discoloration, pitting, and thickening. In severe cases, nails may detach from the nail bed. It’s often linked with psoriatic arthritis and can be painful.
8. Psoriatic Arthritis
A form of arthritis affecting people with psoriasis, causing joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. It most commonly affects the hands, feet, knees, and spine.
Psoriasis tip 2 – What if people stare?
People stare for all sorts of reasons. Maybe they’re curious, perhaps they feel unsettled, or sometimes they’re just being rude. It’s hard to tell what’s behind the gaze, and honestly, you don’t need to figure it out.
When faced with staring, try this: make eye contact and smile. This simple gesture sends a powerful message—you see them noticing you, and you’re perfectly OK with who you are. The eye contact is often enough to make them look away, while your smile exudes confidence, showing you’re at peace with how you look.
It’s not about their reaction—it’s about owning your space with grace and self-assurance.
What Triggers Psoriasis Flare-Ups?
Even with a genetic predisposition, psoriasis needs a “trigger” to appear or worsen. These triggers can vary greatly from person to person:
1. Infections
- Strep Throat: One of the most well-known triggers, strep infections can lead to guttate psoriasis, characterized by small, drop-like lesions.
- Other Infections: Conditions like HIV and skin infections caused by bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Helicobacter pylori) or Fungi such as species of the genera Malassezia and Candida, and other viruses, including papillomaviruses and retroviruses, also have been implicated can also exacerbate psoriasis.
2. Stress
Stress isn’t just a mental health issue—it directly impacts the immune system. High-stress levels can exacerbate psoriasis symptoms or trigger new flare-ups.
3. Skin Injuries
The Koebner phenomenon explains why cuts, scrapes, or even sunburns can lead to new psoriasis patches on previously unaffected skin.
4. Weather Changes
Cold, dry climates often worsen psoriasis due to a lack of moisture in the air. Conversely, warm, humid conditions may improve symptoms.
5. Medications
Certain drugs, including beta-blockers, lithium, anti-malaria and some anti-inflammatory medications, are known to trigger or worsen psoriasis.
6. Lifestyle Factors
- Smoking: A well-documented risk factor, smoking increases inflammation and may worsen symptoms.
- Obesity: Fat tissue produces inflammatory molecules that can exacerbate psoriasis.
- Alcohol: Though the link isn’t fully understood, heavy alcohol consumption is associated with worsening symptoms.
7. Diet
While not a direct cause, a diet high in sugar, processed foods, and unhealthy fats may increase inflammation and aggravate psoriasis.
How to Build a Skincare Routine for Psoriasis
Managing psoriasis requires a gentle, consistent skincare routine. Think of it as a way to not just treat your skin but also pamper it.
Step 1: Cleanse Gently
- Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser to avoid irritation. Harsh soaps can strip your skin of natural oils, making it drier and more prone to flare-ups.
- Avoid cleansers that contain fragrances, ethanol, sodium lauryl sulfate, and ammonium lauryl sulfate
- Try This: Look for cleansers labeled “for sensitive skin” or with soothing ingredients like aloe vera or oatmeal.
Step 2: Hydrate Your Skin
- Moisturizing is crucial for psoriasis management. Hydration softens plaques, reduces itching, and prevents cracking.
- What to Use: Thick creams or ointments with ingredients like ceramides, urea, or shea butter. Petroleum jelly can also work wonders for locking in moisture. Try any of the creams below
- Pro Tip: Apply moisturizer within 5 minutes of bathing to trap moisture.
