Psoriasis and dry skin are different ailments with overlapping symptoms, triggers and treatments. Dry skin occurs when there is not enough water in the outer layer of the skin. This outer layer is comprised of oil, water and dead skin cells. Dry skin results when the oils in the outer layer of the skin are depleted, and water in the skin escapes. It is caused by low humidity, too much soapy water, aging, exposure to chemicals and various skin, hormonal and metabolic diseases. The skin can become itchy and feel rough and flaky. The skin can thicken, and fissures can occur, exposing the underlying living cell tissues. Psoriasis is a condition where skin cells have an accelerated life cycle of four days rather than the normal 28 days. Psoriatic skin cells move from lower layers of the skin to the outer layer---the stratum corneum---before reaching maturity. As a result, the stratum corneum becomes thick and flaky. Lesions and encrusted fissures can form. Treatment for dry skin can be helpful but may be insufficient for the treatment of psoriasis.
Step 1
Set up an appointment and see your doctor or dermatologist to get a clarifying diagnosis, especially if symptoms are bothersome and persist despite treatment. If you have psoriasis, you should discuss prescription topical agents such as corticosteroids, retinols, salicylic acid preparations or preparations containing urea. These medications exfoliate skin, normalize the skin growth cycle and hopefully bring relief. Also talk with your doctor about UVB phototherapy using artificial or natural light to retard cell growth. Often, a thin layer of petroleum jelly is applied before exposure to the light source.
Step 2
Arrange with your doctor to get tested for food allergies, which can trigger episodes of psoriasis.
Step 3
Use a brush or a pumice stone to gently remove thick, dead skin. This works better after 15 minutes of soaking in water or after using an exfoliant prescribed by your doctor such as salicylic acid or tar preparations in a petroleum base .
Step 4
Avoid exposure to hot water. If you take a bath, add a tablespoon of oil to the bath after five minutes of soaking. This will help you absorb and then seal in the water. Whenever you shower or wash, moisturize while still damp using a hand or face cream. The moisturizer will seal in the water. If you have patches of tender, red eczema, rub a small amount of cortisone on the lesion before moisturizing.
Step 5
Hydrate yourself. Drink plenty of fluids during the day, and avoid diuretics such as caffeine and alcohol.
Step 6
Use a humidifier.
Step 7
If you have open fissures on your hands, fingers or feet, soak or moisten the area with water, pat dry, then cover with a petroleum jelly. Use overnight dressings of plastic wrap, plastic gloves or booties to cover the petroleum jelly. Remove the dressing in the morning to allow exposure to air to facilitate healing.
Step 8
Enhance your immune system by getting adequate sleep and eating a balanced diet with whole foods including whole grains, beans, soy and fresh, colorful fruits and vegetables. Decrease intake of animal protein and increase your intake of essential fatty acids such as is found in soybean, canola oil, flaxseed oil, walnut oil and coldwater fish such as bluefish, cod, flounder, herring, mackerel, salmon, shrimp and tuna.
Step 9
Follow up with your dermatologist. Stubborn plaques--multiple layers of thick skin--or chronic severe psoriasis may require more aggressive treatments that your dermatologist can describe, such as steroid shots, anthralin applications or tar baths combined with prolonged UVB treatments.
Things You'll Need
- Humidifier
- Exfoliating cleanser for dry skin (check label)
- Pumice stone or brush
- Hand moisturizer
- Face moisturizer
- Bath oils
Member Comments