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How and When to Use Exfoliants to Treat Psoriasis

Tuesday, December 1st, 2009

Exfoliants are used to remove dead skin cells on the outermost surface of the skin. This removal reveals newer, healthier skin just below. This removal can unclog pores, helps reduce acne outbreaks and keeps the skin clear.

There are two types of exfoliation, mechanical or chemical. When using a mechanical exfoliation method, there is scrubbing of the skin, usually with facial scrubs or micro-fiber cloths. These scrubs and cloths contain a variety of ingredients from sugar, and salt crystals to almond shells and apricot kernels. Commonly used abrasive materials include loofahs and sponges. The coarseness of the material dictates how it will be used.

Users with dry or sensitive skin should avoid exfoliants containing pumice or crushed volcano rock. These ingredients are in products developed for use on the skin of the feet. Chemical exfoliation uses salicylic acid, citric acid or fruit enzymes. They can be purchased over the counter, or applied in higher concentrations by a dermatologist. These products contain enzymes that loosen the substance that holds skin cells together, allowing them to be removed. The mechanical products are generally recommended to improve skin texture, reduce fine lines and to treat dry skin. The chemical products are effective when treating blemishes, dandruff, dermatitis and psoriasis.

Psoriasis sufferers can reduce the visible build up of excess skin by using exfoliants. They must select products that are friendly to sensitive skin, or they risk increasing the inflammation. Scrubs that use shells, seeds or exfoliating beads are not recommended. They are too harsh and may get lodged underneath the scales. This will make the skin more vulnerable to cuts and bruising.

One of the potential results of exfoliating is that skin can grow back thicker than before. Depending on the type of psoriasis, this may cause skin cell build up to occur even faster.

Scalp psoriasis is painful, itchy and can cause hair loss. Exfoliating gels that contain salicylic acid are particularly effective when treating scalp psoriasis, eczema and seborrheic dermatitis. These exfoliants help stop the itching that accompanies dry skin. Many contain tea tree oil, eucalyptus or mint. These ingredients help the skin remain smooth and clean after the dry outer layer of skin has been sloughed off and contain antiseptic properties that help kill bacteria. The essential oils soothe the skin and reduce inflammation. “Pre-shampoo” products are designed to exfoliate the scales and remove the flakes of dead skin in the hair before shampoo is applied.

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Alcohol and Psoriasis

Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009

alcohol

On the rare occasion that I get sick it is almost always a result of alcohol consumption and sleep deprivation.  It just so happens that these are also the main instigators of my psoriasis flare-ups.

Coincidence?  Not at all.  Consuming large amounts of alcohol and not sleeping are some of the best ways to weaken the body, opening it up to infection as well as psoriasis outbreaks.

Alcohol has the same basic effect on the body as poison.  Thus, when this hostile invader is coursing through the bloodstream, the body strains to get rid of it.  Much like any person, when the body is required to do multiple jobs at the same time, it eventually becomes exhausted and gives up.

When alcohol is consumed over a longer period of time, it negatively affects the way food is metabolized, thus causing deficiencies in a variety of basic nutrients.  Some of these, in particular folic acid and vitamin D, are particular vital to keep psoriasis under control.

The success of any psoriasis treatments depends on the body healing itself.  Exfoliants, moisturizers and UV therapy, for example, only give the skin a nudge in the right direction.  The body still has to do most of the work as old skin cells need to be replaced with new, more healthy cells.  Unfortunately, the weaker the body is from outside influences such as alcohol, the less able it will be to effectively replace these cells.

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My New Psoriasis Product Idea: An Exfoliating Shampoo with Salicylic Acid

Saturday, September 26th, 2009

I thought of a brilliant idea for new psoriasis / flaky scalp shampoo: Something with salicylic acid (for psoriasis treatment) and also an exfoliating element to help remove dead skin / scales.

Then I googled it and found out that someone already thought of it.

Here it is, Optimum Care Dandruff Solutions Pre-Shampoo Exfoliating Treatment by Soft Sheen Carson
Optimum Care Dandruff Solutions Pre-Shampoo Exfoliating Treatment

Or, to be more specific, this is a “pre-shampoo product,” designed to clean-up / prep your scalp before applying regular shampoo.

I guess I’ll try to be faster next time creative-wise.  I’d still like to be able to sell a really big idea to a major drug company someday someday… then I’ll be set for a while.

This pre-shampoo by Soft Sheen Carson is designed for scalps suffering from itchiness or dandruff.  Some of the ingredients include salicylic acid and olive oil (new one for me).  Price: 5 bucks and change.

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