Psoriasis! Please Help!

May 12, 2016

Indira E.

Psoriasis on your face is different than on other parts of the body. Your skin there is thinner and may be more sensitive to treatments so I think you should Work closely with your doctor to find what works best for you and good luck!!

May 12, 2016

Alexis C.

I agree with Indira, a doctor or dermatologist will be able to help you better than we can.

May 12, 2016

Roz X.

Have you been diagnosed with Psoriasis? I have Psoriasis myself, but no longer on my face, thanks to a skin regimen and lifestyle changes. I do have advice, but I'm just wondering if it is Psoriasis or Eczema, as the needs and causes differ.

May 12, 2016

Mar F.

I do have psoriasis, but on my elbow. I would love to hear your advice :)

May 12, 2016

Roz X.

Mar,

I would try Aquaphor and occlusion; wrapping the area in plastic cling wrap after a shower, applying Aquaphor and before bed, sleeping that way. I find generic plastic wrap to be most effective. This is done under my Derm's approval for myself and has banished every single bit of my elbow and knee Psoriasis...with only a few patches elsewhere on the body remaining, as there is no cure. For certain areas, it is done in conjunction with other medication and has been highly effective. Elbows..any skin folds need special care and Aquaphor is perfectly safe and contains panthenol to help calm skin. If you have a prescription, ask your physician if it's okay to use with occlusion; every medication is different.

I also use Alpha Hydrox Body Silk lotion, which is an AHA that is at a perfect pH to gently exfoliate. Applied after gently patting my skin dry, It has transformed my skin from head to toe. My arms and hands, once covered in Psoriasis, are Psoriasis free and insanely soft to the point where people touch me and ask me how I get my skin so remarkably soft. I use another Alpha Hydrox formula on my face; It's inexpensive and at a perfect pH, but you may want to consult your physician.

I'm sure you know, as you have been diagnosed with Psoriasis, that is is an autoimmune disease and so inflammation is always an issue, but your immune health is a crucial part to minimizing triggers. Alcohol, for example can be a trigger. Stress,another trigger. The weather and wind can even bring on a breakout. I'd amp up my Omega 3, Iron, D and Zinc in my diet, eating hydrating foods, such as Cucumbers, and check my labels to be sure I was not using body products with drying alcohols, witch hazel, or any other potential irritants.
DermaDoctor KP Duty scrub is amazing and a little goes a long way. It is applied to dry skin just prior to the shower and leaves skin insanely soft. I have yet to find a better, more gentle scrub that leaves skin feeling like silk.

I pat skin gently dry and use Alpha Hydrox Silk Wrap body lotion, which will gently exfoliate any patches and leave skin feeling fantastic. As always, you might want to discuss this with your doctor, but I have transformed my skin from head to toe using a very specific skin regimen and following a Psoriasis diet most days...which you can google for more info. I also drink green tea daily (with leaves from Japan, such as Teavana) and that naturally battles inflammation, as inflammation is a core part of Psoriasis. I did the steroids for years and it thins the skin and for the rare spot now and again, I still will use a prescription, but it is minimal. We've come a long way in medicine and understanding the disease since I was diagnosed as a child.

This is part of what has worked for me to banish the elbows and knees...once plagued from head to toe..including my face. I have never had to use steroids on my face for psoriasis..or on my elbow, knees or hands for well over a decade now and owe all of my success in those areas, thanks to a change in my diet, yoga to de-stress and banishing all those nasty drying and heavily scented products from my skin routine. A compassionate, kind and highly reputable Derm is a must for me.

I'd google Psoriasis Diet and there are many reputable medical sources that offer help in what may be triggers. Following a heart healthy diet has been a serious game changer. I also take pro-biotics...again, with my physician's approval. If you have concerns about any of the suggestions I have made, I'd consult your Physician. Hope that is of help.

May 12, 2016

Diana T.

I have psoriasis on my face and I was diagnosed at a young age and at first I was prescribed a cortisol cream and that worked until I ran out and didn't feel like going to the doctor to get more so I started treating it myself - what has worked for mine is exfoliation by an AHA (the glycolic foaming cleanser by Mario badescu) but only once a week - anything more is too much for my psoriasis - then I use maracuja oil on it and jojoba oil to moisturize it at night and I find this really helps to gradually reduce the scaliness and redness over time - also I notice that my psoriasis only acts up in the winter when my skin gets really dry but in summer when my skin is more oily then it's usually calm - as the others mentioned your best bet is to see your doctor or derm to get a prescription but if you can't afford it then feel free try out these suggestions and hopefully you find something that works for you

May 12, 2016

Mar F.

Wow! Thank you so much Rozberry and Diana!!

Yes, stress is the worst trigger for me. Last time I had a bad breakout was after my ex broke up with me, and the doc prescribed some cortisone. This time around is handling a full-time job while finishing school, exams and projects.

Luckily enough, under normal circumstances my psoriasis calms down significantly (to the point I barely notice it) but when it acts out... Ugh! This time it was so bad I even bled from all the scratching.

I've been using NARSskin night treatment since I started working for Nars, and it's helps calm down the itchiness and even the redness. (I checked and its alcohol, paraben and artificial fragrance-free)
Do you think I could use occlusion with it? I will also look into the AHA body lotion to help smooth the area!

Again, thank you so much ladies! I am amazed by how knowledgable the Beautylish community is!

May 12, 2016

appi A.

I think you should consult with a dermatologist.

May 12, 2016

Kat H.

Use vegetable Crisco.

May 12, 2016

Roz X.

Mar, the Nars has fragrance pretty high up in the formula. I can't remember if it has alcohol, but I wouldn't recommend it for occlusion. The Aquaphor is inexpensive and has Panthenol which should help calm skin. It's not "medicated" and is free of fragrance. I have used Sweet Almond and Coconut Oil with occlusion as well, but if you want to be sure it's right for you, you can always check with your Physician. I've used it with my prescription medication at my Derms instructions, but between the AHA and the cumulative effect, I don't need to do occlusion anymore. Aquaphor is really a fantastic option for those with sensitive dry skin or Psoriasis.

Here's a breakdown of the formulation. 
http://www.livestrong.com/article/172168-aquaphor-ointment-ingredients/

May 13, 2016

Mar F.

Thanks Rozberry! I will investigate where to get Aquaphor :) thanks so much for the advice, ladies!

I have a pending visit to the doctor, I just don't have the time at the moment, but I will go once I finish school :)

May 13, 2016

Sabrina K.

Hi Trevor, please stay active on your threads, all these lovely ladies took time out of their life to help you with your question.

Everyone thank you all for trying to help out here on this thread, we as a community appiciate all you do for the users.

May 14, 2016

Roz X.

:/

Jun 30, 2016

Mary M.

Oh wow you've got to that trap... I know it's a common advice, but still how about the creams? I heard many people find the one for their particular type of skin and get cured. This review http://psoriasiscreamreview.com/ is quite reliable, as for me. Good luck and keep well!