Is it important for psoriasis sufferers to moisturize and if so, which moisturizer is best?

Moisturizing is absolutely vital for anyone who has psoriasis. Although it does not get rid of the psoriasis, it makes it less scaly and much more comfortable. The best moisturizer is one that you feel happiest with and that you feel you can use easily on a regular basis. If there are any concerns with your moisturizer of choice, speak to your doctor. My clinical experience with Reliéva has shown that the product itself is an excellent moisturizer, thus reducing the necessity to apply any additional moisturizer on top of it.

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Are there any concerns or about applying certain types of creams or lotions to specific areas of the body? For example, is it okay to apply topical steroids behind the ears or in the groin area?

Areas of thin skin such as the groin, armpits, scalp and breast folds are sensitive to regular use of steroids, especially the stronger ones. It is important to advise your dermatologist of what topical steroids you have used over the course of prior treatment periods. Prolonged use of steroids in any area can result in thinning and even bruising of the skin as well as striae (stretch marks).

Because Reliéva is a natural product with an excellent safety profile, it can be used for prolonged periods of time and does not pose the same potential problems commonly associated with steroids.

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Ever since this outbreak of psoriasis on my face, my skin itches and fine lines have appeared on my face. I was wondering if anyone else has had this dryness and what they did for it. I am allergic to many things including vitamin E, aloe and vitamin C.

Psoriasis is not uncommon on the face and may indeed cause sufficient dryness to produce itching and temporary fine lines. Because of the inflammation associated with psoriasis, many cream preparations may sting or burn without you being truly allergic.

Reliéva cream is suitable for facial psoriasis because of the moisturizing properties of the base vehicle. Many of my patients have also commented on the almost immediate relief from itching associated with psoriasis. As well, in a clinical study involving Reliéva, there were less than 2% of the treated patients that reported any side effects.

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My husband has been using several topical steroids for a number of years and they have been fairly effective at controlling his psoriasis. I read recently that oral steroids can lead to bone loss and osteoporosis. Is this the same for topical steroids?

Yes, it is true that oral steroids can lead to bone loss or osteoporosis and other serious systemic side effects. In addition, many patients who take these medications find that, although the condition may very temporarily improve, the psoriasis can come back much worse than before and even in certain cases in the more severe pustular form when the steroid dose is reduced or terminated.

The use of topical steroids for psoriasis, on the other hand, is generally accepted as being safe and should not lead to bone loss or osteoporosis, however topical steroids can be absorbed systemically and cause damage if used in large quantities over large body areas over long periods of time.

A number of my patients have successfully alternated between steroids and Reliéva, for example, they may use a mid-potency topical steroid at the start of a psoriatic “flare up” and once it is under control it can be maintained with regular use of Reliéva.

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I have just been diagnosed with psoriasis by my doctor. I would like an explanation of (in layman’s terms) what causes psoriasis.

No one knows exactly what causes psoriasis, but it is believed to have a genetic component. Most researchers agree that the immune system is somehow mistakenly triggered, which speeds up the growth cycle of skin cells. Normal skin cells mature and shed in 28 – 30 days but, a psoriatic skin cell takes only 3 – 4 days to mature and move up to the surface. Instead of shedding the cells pile up and form psoriatic lesions.

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What can trigger psoriasis “flare ups?”

Triggers can include emotional stress, injury to the skin, some types of infection and reactions to certain drugs. Stress can cause psoriasis to flare for the first time or aggravate existing psoriasis. Psoriasis can also be triggered in areas of the skin that have been injured or traumatized. This is known as the “Koebner phenomenon.” Vaccinations, sunburns and scratches can all trigger a Koebner response. The Koebner response can be treated if it is caught early enough. Certain medications, like antimalarial drugs, lithium and certain beta blockers are also known to cause people’s psoriasis to flare. Other triggers may include weather, diet and allergies. Triggers can vary from person to person and what may cause one person’s psoriasis to flare may produce no reaction in other individuals.

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I have been diagnosed with “mild” psoriasis, how severe can psoriasis become?

Psoriasis can be classified as mild, moderate or severe. When 3 to 10 percent of the body is affected by psoriasis it is considered to be moderate. More than 10 percent is considered to be severe. A general rule of thumb is that the palm of the hand is equal to 1 percent of the skin total area. However, the severity of psoriasis is also measured by how psoriasis affects a person’s quality of life. Even small patches of psoriasis can have a serious impact on your life, for example on the palms of the hand or the soles of the feet.

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Why does my psoriasis itch and what can I do to alleviate it?

Itching that is associated with psoriasis arises when certain chemicals stimulate nerve fibers just below the outer layer of the skin. Itch messages travel to the brain along the same pathways in the nervous system that carry pain messages. Itch messages trigger the urge to scratch.

One of the easiest ways to control the itch associated with psoriasis is to keep the area moist. Many of my patients report that relief from itch is achieved almost immediately after applying Reliéva. Reliéva not only helps with the itch but moisturizes and reduces the plaques associated with psoriasis as well. These 3 attributes make Reliéva an ideal OTC (over the counter) product for psoriasis.

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