SHINING A LIGHT ON PSORIASIS

As we look back on the success of Psoriasis Awareness Week (which this year ran from October 29^th to November 4^th) Eva’s keen to the take this timely opportunity to revisit some of the key facts and commentary around this surprisingly common (but often distressing) dermatological disorder, that can cause raised, reddish, often scaly patches on the skin (and scalp). And, as ever, Eva’s also on hand to offer reassurance about the steps that can be taken to help gently manage and keep ‘on top’ of the condition. 

This year, the annual awareness campaign – led by the Psoriasis Association – focused on the comorbidities of the condition (that is, the presence of one or more additional diseases or disorders that occur in someone, who is already living with psoriasis). These can include conditions such as Psoriatic Arthritis, Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes and the mental health impact that living with psoriasis may have, such as low self-esteem, feelings of isolation, loneliness, anxiety and depression – and of course, the effect on the health and appearance of your scalp and hair.

‘Patches’ of psoriasis can appear on any part of the skin – including the scalp, which can have a huge impact on the health and ‘look’ of the hair, sometimes spreading to the forehead, the back of the neck, or behind the ears. It’s currently thought that psoriasis affects between 2% – 3% of the UK population – that’s up to 1.8 million people.

Eva explains; “Scalp Psoriasis is caused by the body producing skin cells at 5 times the normal rate, causing a psoriatic lesion, which is an accumulation of thick skin cells (interestingly, rate of hair growth is not increased with this condition). It can be triggered by stress, skin damage, illness and bacterial infection, particularly throat infections. Seasonal changes, menopause and the use of certain medications such as antidepressants, blood pressure tablets, beta blockers and antimalarial drugs may also influence ‘flare ups’ – and there is also a link to a familial trait.

“There’s a lot to absorb and consider – and it’s often hard to know ‘where to turn’ for advice, particularly if the causes aren’t clear.  So, in the first instance, if you decide to seek specialist health and support, booking an appointment with a Clinical Trichologist is a good start, which should always involve a full and thorough consultation including medical history and lifestyle, before examining the scalp in order to confirm the condition.”

From the initial examination, the Trichologist will be able to devise an individual treatment pathway, which will usually comprise the application of a specially formulated ointment to the lesions only – not the unaffected surrounding scalp – followed by a steaming treatment of 10 minutes. It’s important to note that Trichologists don’t use steroids on the scalp to thin off the excess skin – but instead, apply ointment to soften and gently lift the skin, removing the build-up of skin cells and calming the scalp, leaving it much clearer.

The scalp will then be washed using two specialist shampoos, which will further remove the built-up skin cells and calm the scalp, helping to combat itching. The specialist shampoos are also recommended for use at home, as directed by the Trichologist.

Eva adds; “I always gently remind my patients that when the treatment starts the condition may appear to become worse before it gets better. This is due to the removal of the build-up of dead skin cells and the slowing down of skin cell production which can take 2 – 4 weeks, depending upon the severity of the condition.

“But a trained trichologist will also be able the assess the extent of the psoriasis and determine how many additional scalp treatments are required. These will be on a regular basis to remove the build-up of skin cells.

“In terms of ongoing treatment to support successful management of the condition, the Trichologist will advise on the specialist products to be used at home and the frequency to suit your individual condition and hair type. It is important that the recommended regime is followed at home to achieve the best control of this condition.

“Juniper Therapy treatment shampoo – which is part of the award-winning range of products developed by UK Hair Consultants – works brilliantly on Psoriasis. Team it with our Keratolytic cream weekly and Scalp soothing lotion, and many people living with psoriasis will soon find they have a calm scalp with no flaking, which they can continue to manage and maintain from home.”

For more information about Eva’s range of products, go to: www.tricoextra.com or to book an appointment at one of her UK-clinics, just message her team at; 01788 819325 or contact@ukhairconsultants.com

For more information on hair loss and scalp health visit: ukhairconsultants.com

Clients of Eva can find products in the link sent to them post consultation, if you need help finding these products email admin@ukhairconsultants.com.