Let’s talk about psoriasis

• November 20, 2023

Do you think you might have psoriasis? Let’s dive deeper with Dr. Costi’s expert take.

Hello beauties! Today, let’s chat about a common skin concern that many of us face—psoriasis. As the temperature drops and the air becomes drier, you might notice your skin feeling a bit itchy or patchy. But for some of us out there, these symptoms are a constant companion, due to a skin condition we know as psoriasis. Dr. Costi, our skincare guru, has dedicated a lot of his attention to this condition, helping thousands of people and teaching them how to live with it. So, let’s get the lowdown on this condition and how to keep your skin happy and healthy.

What is psoriasis?

Now, psoriasis isn’t just a common skin issue; it’s like the VIP of skin conditions that demands extra attention and care.

In fact, it’s an autoimmune disease that causes raised, red, scaly patches to pop up like unwelcome guests at a party. Picture it as a persistent rash that loves to hang out on the elbows, knees, or scalp, and it can show up anywhere, even on the eyelids. Mysterious, right? Also important, it’s non-contagious.

And here’s a twist—it can also be a sign of other health issues like diabetes, heart disease, or even depression. So getting a proper diagnosis is paramount!

This skin condition is a chameleon, affecting men, women, and even the little ones, usually passing down through the family genes. The flare-ups can be triggered by certain events, causing your skin to get out of balance. Psoriasis may also follow a seasonal script, getting grumpier in winter and showing off its better side in summer.

Whether it’s plaque, guttate, inverse, pustular, or erythrodermic psoriasis, each variety comes with its own visual signature. Each type has a unique way of expressing itself. It can look like raised, red patches covered with silvery white buildup, and it’s always thick and inflamed.

How do you distinguish between psoriasis and just dry skin patches?

It’s a common question, and here’s Dr. Costi’s advice: forget confusing it with eczema; a biopsy is the best move to identify psoriasis. Psoriasis skin is thicker and more inflamed, giving it a distinctive appearance.

If you notice that the inflammation is not healing despite your best moisturizing efforts, it might be time to consult Dr. Costi for a precise diagnosis.

What about treatment?

Dr. Costi’s got your back. Even though there isn’t a cure for the condition, there are several treatment options available that help minimize flare-ups. Depending on where the psoriasis decides to make an appearance, a combo of topical creams, oral or injectable drugs, and phototherapy (with UV lights) will be the game plan.

You can also help manage it by dodging triggers like stress, cold weather (hello, winter sunshine!), dry skin, smoking (not chic, darling), and perhaps tweaking your diet to keep inflammation in check. A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods (like olive oil, almonds, berries, wild salmon) might just be your skin’s secret weapon.

So, beauties, don’t stress about psoriasis—you can embrace your fabulous selves with the help of Dr. Costi’s magic touch. Your skin is your canvas; don’t hide it. Let’s make it a masterpiece!