Psoriasis manifests itself as red patches on the skin covered with whitish scales. Read at STYLEBOOK what helps against the development of skin changes and what options those affected have to conceal the symptoms of psoriasis.
When someone suffers from psoriasis, it doesn’t remain a secret for long. The finding is particularly evident with conspicuously red areas on the body covered with skin flakes. The disease is very difficult for many of those affected – they are ashamed and afraid that they will be disgusted.
Celebrities with psoriasis can also be found in almost all areas of public life. Top model Cara Delevingne shows that you can make the cover of Vogue despite psoriasis. Other celebrities with psoriasis include reality star Kim Kardashian, German rapper Sido, American singer LeAnn Rimes and actor Sky du Mont.
The bad news first: Psoriasis cannot be cured. However, there are ways to keep the disease-typical relapses in check and to alleviate and conceal the symptoms a little. STYLEBOOK spoke to a dermatologist about the details.
Psoriasis: causes and symptoms
Psoriasis (technical term: psoriasis vulgaris, commonly known as psoriasis for short) is an autoimmune disease. The genetic predisposition has always existed in those affected; it usually erupts either during puberty or around the age of 40. The disease typically occurs in flares, mostly triggered by mental or physical stress. This also includes, for example, infectious diseases.
Those affected suffer primarily from skin changes: flat red spots covered by white-silver skin flakes. The background is an excessive production of new skin cells – supposed regeneration processes, which are not triggered by any injuries in psoriasis, but by pro-inflammatory messenger substances.
The first place where the skin changes appear is the elbows. Then more parts on the arms and legs can be added. Characteristic areas are still the scalp, the buttocks and the skin in the region of the navel.
The hands can also indicate psoriasis. Doctors pay attention to brownish discolored, so-called “oil stains” and furrows on the fingernails.
Also interesting: Discolored fingernails? What helps and what should be avoided
Treatment of psoriasis
“In many cases, patients just think they have psoriasis,” dermatologist Dr. medical Timm Golüke, “but in truth it is a different skin disease.” The targeted treatment of psoriasis should therefore definitely be preceded by a visit to a dermatological practice.
medication
To treat dandruff locally, you need prescription creams that contain vitamin D. According to Dr. Golüke so-called biologicals, i.e. biotechnically produced immunotherapeutics, which are intended to suppress the inflammatory processes in the body briefly described above.
There are no beauty treatments that help
Many sufferers hope that special beauty treatments can help alleviate their symptoms or make them invisible. But unfortunately there is no such thing. On the contrary: various treatments can even trigger psoriasis flare-ups. It is therefore strongly recommended that you discuss any applications you are considering with your beautician in advance with your doctor.
relaxation measures
Psoriasis patients should try to avoid stress as much as possible. Easier said than done, of course, but important nonetheless. Flare-ups are rare on a relaxing vacation, and especially so when you’re in a sunny location with access to the sea. This tried and tested combination – saline baths and UV light – can be imitated in so-called photo brine therapy, which is now covered by health insurance companies.
Laser
For individual psoriasis foci, i.e. areas that are affected again and again, there is the possibility of laser treatment. However, this form of therapy is not suitable for large areas. It is also very expensive (and not covered by health insurance).
Also interesting: Psychodermatology – how the psyche and skin influence each other
Tips to conceal psoriasis
Stains and indentations on the fingernails can be hidden with nail polish or with a professional manicure. Only make-up helps to conceal the skin changes caused by psoriasis. In the pharmacy you will find special, skin-friendly products, which are also characterized by a special opacity. The raised spots cannot be completely magically removed, but they can at least be pushed into the background optically.
Important: Cream the skin well before applying make-up. This will ensure that it is as smooth as possible so that the product can be applied as evenly as possible. If the skin is very dry and scaly, the make-up will be noticeable. With a fixing spray you ensure that the masking maneuver lasts as long as possible.
Those
– with professional advice dr medical Timm Golukespecialist in dermatology from Munich.