1. Moisturize Your Pores and skin at Least Twice a Day
2. Keep away from Choosing at Scales
“Pulling up scales could cause bleeding and trauma to pores and skin, which may improve danger of scarring,” explains Kassouf. As an alternative, use emollients to maintain scales in place till they exfoliate naturally.
3. Apply Cooling Aid
4. Skip Shaving Throughout Flares
5. Use Steroid Lotions as Directed
In some circumstances, psoriasis therapies can contribute to the issue. Overuse of topical steroids, for instance, can skinny the pores and skin and trigger adjustments to its collagen construction. This could result in an atrophic (or indented) scar and even stretch marks, notes Kassouf.
6. Discuss to Your Physician About Updating Your Remedy Plan
7. Weigh the Dangers and Advantages of Phototherapy
Talking of phototherapy (mild remedy) could be an efficient remedy for plaque psoriasis, it stimulates the pores and skin’s pigment cells, which may make discoloration brought on by psoriasis plaques extra noticeable, and infrequently everlasting. “This was extra of an issue with older types of mild remedy,” Kassouf notes. “Newer, slender band UVB remedy has considerably minimized the danger of everlasting pigment adjustments, however there may be nonetheless some danger.” Discuss to your dermatologist concerning the professionals and cons of sunshine remedy on your particular person well being.
8. Take into account Laser Remedy if You Have Any Scarring
In case you have scars or pigment adjustments from psoriasis flares that don’t enhance with time and remedy, ask your dermatologist should you’re a candidate for laser remedy, Kassouf recommends. “In some circumstances, we are going to use fractional or vascular lasers to deal with scarring,” she says Kassouf. “The laser sends indicators to that space of pores and skin to inform it to maintain transforming, which may encourage these scars to get nearer to regular.”
The Takeaway
- Scarring from psoriasis is uncommon however can occur significantly with scratching or choosing at plaques or not utilizing steroid cream as directed.
- Moisturizing commonly and making use of a cool material to affected areas will help relieve itchiness, whereas avoiding shaving throughout flares assist stop problems and scarring.
- Discuss to your physician about updating your remedy plan should you’re having issue managing flares.
Further analysis by Julia Califano.
