Psoriasis, a chronic and common skin condition caused by an overactive immune system, genetics, or environmental triggers, is usually characterized by cycles of flares and remission, marked by scaly, red, itchy, or inflamed skin. To manage this skin issue, regardless of its type and symptoms, a dermatologist recommends that the patient follow a proper skincare routine in conjunction with psoriasis treatment in Bangalore. Don’t know what a psoriasis-friendly skincare routine is? This blog can help you get started and guide you on what to include or avoid in your psoriasis skincare journey.

Morning Skincare Routine for Psoriasis Patients

To minimize psoriasis flare-ups, manage skin dryness, and protect the skin barrier, here’s what needs to be done daily in the morning after waking up:

1. Cleansing: Use a mild, sulfate-free cleanser to gently remove skin impurities.

2. Moisturising: Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser to clean, damp skin to seal in moisture.

3. Application of topical medication: Use Vitamin D analog, corticosteroid, or calcineurin inhibitor, whichever is prescribed for morning use. 

4. Sun/UV protection: Apply a mineral, hydrating sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and a sensitive formula after cleansing your skin if you're going outdoors. Apply sunscreen every 2 hours if you're going out during the day, especially when swimming and experiencing intense UV exposure and perspiration.

Night-time Skincare Routine for Psoriasis Patients

To reduce psoriasis-induced inflammation, deeply hydrate the skin, and support overnight repair of the skin, here’s what needs to be done before going to sleep at night:

• Cleansing: Gently cleanse your skin with a non-foaming, non-alcoholic, fragrance-free, mild cleanser to remove impurities, cosmetics, and sweat.

• Application of topical medication: Use Vitamin D analog, corticosteroid, calcineurin inhibitor, or coal tar/salicylic acid products, whichever is prescribed for evening time use. 

• Moisturising: Apply a gentle, fragrance-free, deep-acting moisturiser to clean, damp skin to rehydrate and support overnight skin repair.

• Occlusion: Cover the cleansed, medicated, and moisturized skin of the affected areas with a plastic/medical-grade wrap or cotton socks/gloves to ensure the topical medication and moisturizer get deeply absorbed. This is a must if there are thick plaques or dehydrated skin.

• Weekly Routine for Psoriasis Patients

• In addition to a daily skincare routine, do the following for soothing, exfoliation, and scalp skin maintenance without harming the skin barrier:

• Targeted Skin Exfoliation: If advised, to remove scales and improve the absorption of topical prescriptions and moisturizers in the skin, use recommended gentle exfoliants, such as urea-based creams or salicylic acid-based products, and coal tar shampoos (for the scalp).

• Scalp Care: For scalp psoriasis, use steroid solutions, coal tar, or salicylic acid, as recommended, at night to address itching, inflammation, and scaling on the scalp. Wash the scalp in the morning with mild shampoo.

• Bath Soaks: Soak the affected skin in warm water containing Epsom salt, colloidal oatmeal, or Dead Sea salt for 10-15 minutes, and then apply moisturizer immediately. Do this once or twice a week to soothe the inflamed, itchy skin and soften the plaques.

Must-Haves of Psoriasis Skincare Routines

• Be gentle with the affected skin. Do not scrub or exfoliate the skin, unless directed by a dermatologist

• Keep skin well-hydrated with a suitable moisturiser and enough daily water intake

• Consistently use prescription topicals

• Protect the skin barrier against harm from UV rays and extreme temperatures

• Use a humidifier in the dry season

• Wear loose clothing, breathable fabrics

• Be cautious when clipping/trimming your nails.

Things to Avoid in Psoriasis Skincare Routine

• Avoid triggers of psoriasis, such as aggressive skin treatments, harsh scrubs, frequent traditional hair removal, friction from tight clothing, smoking, alcohol consumption, the use of hot water, prolonged showers, or over-exfoliation.

• Avoid continuing, delaying, or ignoring professional psoriasis treatment even after symptom improvement. 

• Avoid skin-irritating or fragranced/alcoholic skincare products. Do not use products containing sodium/ammonium lauryl sulfate.

Seek Professional Treatment for Psoriasis

If over-the-counter psoriasis care is not working, symptoms aren’t manageable, and the condition is affecting daily routine. The patient should consult Dr. Rasya Dixit, a dermatologist in Bangalore, at Dr. Dixit Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic for effective and professional psoriasis treatment, tailored to the type/extent of the condition and the patient's lifestyle. The three categories of treatments available with Dr. Rasya Dixit include topical medications (for mild to moderate cases), UVA or UVB phototherapy (for moderate to severe or widespread cases), and systemic therapies/biologics (for moderate to severe/resistant cases). Dr. Rasya Dixit can even help devise a tailored, psoriasis-friendly skincare regimen. To get the best psoriasis care, schedule a consultation now.