What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin disease that affects approximately 2 to 3% of the world's population. It is characterized by skin inflammation that leads to an accumulation of skin cells on the surface, resulting in the appearance of red, scaly plaques.
Psoriasis plaques can develop on any part of the body, but they are most commonly found on the elbows, knees, scalp, face, hands, and feet. Symptoms of psoriasis can vary from person to person, but they generally include itching, redness, scaling, cracking, and pain or a burning sensation.
Although psoriasis is not contagious, it can significantly impact the quality of life of those who suffer from it, especially if the lesions are visible and widespread. Several treatments exist for psoriasis, including creams, oral medications, and injections, but there is no definitive cure.
Some key figures on psoriasis
Below are some key figures about psoriasis:
· Psoriasis affects approximately 2 to 3% of the world's population, or about 125 million people.
· It can appear at any age, but it is most often diagnosed in adults aged 15 to 35.
· Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, meaning that the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells.
· The exact causes of psoriasis are not known, but genetic and environmental factors appear to play a role.
· Psoriasis can have a significant impact on the quality of life of those who suffer from it, especially if the lesions are extensive or visible.
· There are several types of psoriasis, each with its own specific characteristics and treatments.
Although there is no definitive cure for psoriasis, there are treatment options that can help reduce symptoms and improve the quality of life for those affected.
What are the different forms of psoriasis?
There are several forms of psoriasis, each with its own characteristics:
· Plaque psoriasis: This is the most common form of psoriasis. It is characterized by red, scaly plaques on the skin, often on the elbows, knees, scalp, lower back, and face.
· Guttata psoriasis: This form of psoriasis appears as small red spots on the skin, often on the trunk, arms, and legs. It can be triggered by a bacterial or viral infection.
· Pustular psoriasis: This form of psoriasis manifests as white pustules filled with pus on the skin, often on the hands and feet. It can be painful and itchy.
· Inverse psoriasis: This form of psoriasis develops in areas where the skin is folded or rubbed, such as the armpits, groin, under the breasts, or around the genitals. It is characterized by smooth, red plaques rather than scaly ones.
· Erythrodermic psoriasis: This is a rare and severe form of psoriasis that affects a large area of the body's skin. It is characterized by intense redness, scaling, and significant pain.
· Scalp psoriasis: This form of psoriasis manifests on the scalp as red, scaly patches. It can also affect the ears, forehead, and nape of the neck.
Each form of psoriasis can vary in severity and treatment. It is important to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and to develop a suitable treatment plan.
What is the difference between psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis?
Psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis are two common skin conditions that can present with similar symptoms, but have different causes and treatments.
As explained previously, psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by red, scaly plaques on the skin. The plaques are often thick with well-defined borders and may be covered with silvery scales. Psoriasis can appear anywhere on the body, but it is most commonly found on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back. The plaques can be painful, irritating, and itchy.
Seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition that primarily affects the scalp and face. It is characterized by red, oily, scaly patches on the skin, which can be itchy and cause significant flaking. Seborrheic dermatitis is often associated with excess sebum on the skin and is frequently triggered by a fungus called Malassezia.
It can be difficult to differentiate between psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis based on symptoms alone, so it's important to consult a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis. Treatment for psoriasis may include topical or systemic medications, phototherapy, or lifestyle changes, while treatment for seborrheic dermatitis may include medicated shampoos, topical creams, or antifungal medications.
How to recognize the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis?
Seborrheic dermatitis can manifest in different ways. Here are some common signs and symptoms that can help identify it:
· Red, greasy patches on the skin, which can appear on the scalp, face, ears, chest, back, or other areas of the body.
· Itching or a burning sensation on the affected skin.
· Skin flakes or peeling that may appear white, yellow, or brown.
· Oily skin, especially on the scalp.
· Skin rashes or pimples, especially on the face.
· Scabs on the scalp.
· Increased sensitivity to skincare products, such as moisturizers or hair products.
The Aromas Cosmétiques Detox Mask is specially designed for seborrheic dermatitis!
Some common ingredients in detox masks can be beneficial for skin prone to seborrheic dermatitis. For example, bentonite clay and activated charcoal can help absorb excess oil and remove impurities from the skin, while soothing ingredients such as aloe, chamomile extract, or vitamin E can help calm inflammation and itching.
However, it's important to take certain precautions before using a detox mask on skin affected by seborrheic dermatitis. For example, clay-based masks can be too harsh for skin prone to seborrheic dermatitis, as they can dry out the skin and worsen flaking. Similarly, masks containing irritating or allergenic ingredients such as fragrances, essential oils, or alcohol can aggravate the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis.
Our Soothing Purifying Detox Mask is ideal for scalp problems / dandruff and oily hair.
Aromas Cosmétiques' Soothing Purifying Mask absorbs and regulates excess sebum.
It provides a pleasant feeling of freshness, soothes irritations and allows you to space out the frequency of shampooing.
It is mainly enriched with a plant complex with sebum-regulating and soothing properties, combining extracts of pepper, thyme, vine, nettle, salicylic acid, clay and myrrh, promoting microcirculation.
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