"Silver" leads to health, worry-free dandruff: the cause of psoriasis and daily care

Author: Mao Chong Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital

Reviewer: Yang Jianing, Chief Physician of Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Member of the Dermatology Surgery Committee of the Dermatology Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, Member of the Wound and Scar Repair Group of the Medical Cosmetology Branch of the Chinese Medical Association

Psoriasis is a chronic, recurrent, inflammatory skin disease that brings many troubles to patients' lives. Understanding its causes and taking good care of it in daily life are of great significance to controlling the disease.

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1. Causes of Psoriasis

1. Genetic factors

Psoriasis has a clear genetic tendency. If there is a psoriasis patient in the family, the risk of other family members developing the disease will increase significantly. Currently, multiple gene loci related to the onset of psoriasis have been discovered. These genes may affect the immune function of the skin and lead to the occurrence and development of psoriasis.

2. Immune abnormalities

Abnormalities in the immune system are at the core of the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Under normal circumstances, the human immune system maintains a steady state, but in patients with psoriasis, the immune system becomes disordered and releases a large number of inflammatory factors, which stimulate the thickening of the skin's stratum corneum and form typical psoriasis lesions.

3. Others

——Infection factors: Infection is common in the occurrence and aggravation of psoriasis, especially streptococcal infection. For example, after upper respiratory tract streptococcal infection such as pharyngitis and tonsillitis, the incidence of psoriasis will increase and the condition may also worsen.

——Mental factors: Long-term mental tension, anxiety, depression, excessive stress, sudden stressful events and other mental and psychological factors may interfere with the normal function of the immune system and may promote the occurrence or aggravation of psoriasis.

——Trauma and surgery: Skin trauma, such as abrasions, scratches, burns, etc., as well as surgical incisions, may induce psoriasis lesions.

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——Lifestyle: Smoking and alcoholism are risk factors for psoriasis. Smoking can reduce the body's immunity and affect blood circulation; alcoholism can damage the metabolic function of organs such as the liver, thereby affecting the body's immune balance.

2. Life care for psoriasis

1. Skin care

——Cleaning and moisturizing: Keeping the skin clean is an important measure to prevent infection and relieve symptoms. Patients should take a bath with warm water every day, but be careful not to let the water temperature be too high. It is generally appropriate to control it at 37-38°C. Too high a water temperature will destroy the barrier function of the skin and aggravate dry skin and itching. When bathing, it is recommended to use mild and moisturizing bath products and avoid using irritating soaps. After bathing, apply moisturizer in time while the skin is still moist, which is essential to relieve dry skin and itching. Moisturizer can form a protective film on the surface of the skin, reduce water loss, and help repair the skin barrier. It can be applied 2-3 times a day or more depending on the dryness of the skin.

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——Avoid scratching and rubbing: Psoriasis patients often have itchy skin, but excessive scratching can cause skin damage and worsen the condition. Therefore, patients should try to restrain the urge to scratch. They can relieve itching by gently patting or applying antipruritic drugs. In terms of clothing, loose, pure cotton clothing should be chosen to avoid friction between tight clothing and skin, which can reduce irritation to skin lesions.

2.Diet care

——Balanced nutritional intake: Diet has a certain impact on the condition of psoriasis patients. Patients should maintain a balanced nutrition and appropriately increase the intake of foods rich in nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc. Vitamin A helps maintain the normal function of the skin and mucous membranes. Foods rich in vitamin A include carrots and animal livers. Vitamin C has an antioxidant effect and can enhance the body's immunity. Oranges, lemons, strawberries and other fruits are rich in vitamin C. Vitamin E is also an important antioxidant. Nuts and vegetable oils are good sources of vitamin E. Zinc participates in the metabolism of the skin and is beneficial to skin health. Lean meat, seafood, beans and other foods contain high levels of zinc.

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——Avoid irritating foods: Reduce the intake of spicy, greasy, seafood and other foods. Spicy foods such as chili peppers and peppercorns may stimulate the dilation of blood vessels in the skin and aggravate inflammation; greasy foods increase the secretion of skin oil, which is not conducive to skin cleansing and disease control; seafood may induce allergic reactions in some patients, thereby aggravating psoriasis symptoms, but the specific situation varies from individual to individual.

3. Psychological adjustment

Psoriasis has a certain impact on the patient's appearance, and the patient is prone to negative emotions such as inferiority, anxiety, and depression. These negative emotions will further aggravate the condition, forming a vicious circle. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to the patient's psychological adjustment. You can communicate more with family and friends, share your feelings, and get emotional support. Actively participate in social activities, expand your social circle, and enhance self-confidence. Appropriate exercise is also a good way to relieve psychological pressure, such as walking, yoga, Tai Chi, etc.

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In short, although psoriasis is a stubborn skin disease, through in-depth understanding of its causes and good care in life, the disease can be controlled to a great extent, recurrence can be reduced, and the quality of life can be improved. I hope that every psoriasis patient can face the disease positively, cooperate closely with medical staff, and let their lives be less disturbed by the disease.