Psoriasis: What Is It and How Can Redheads Combat It

As redheads with sensitive skin, it’s important to be aware of different skin conditions and learn how to combat them if you have them. Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes itchy, flakey skin that typically flares up from certain triggers. As we leave this last full month of summer, we are focusing on August’s National Psoriasis Awareness Month with information for redheads about psoriasis and how to help soothe the skin:

What causes psoriasis

It’s unknown exactly what causes someone to have psoriasis, but it’s believed that immune health, genetics, and even environmental factors can all play a role. Psoriasis often appears between the ages of 15 and 35 in both men and women.

What triggers a psoriasis flare up

If you’re prone to psoriasis, there are a number of things that may cause a flare-up. Some of these factors can be controlled while others cannot. Common triggers include:

Infection
Weather, especially in cold dry climates
Skin injury including bad sunburn
Heavy consumption of nicotine or alcohol
Medications
Genetic factors

How to combat psoriasis

Psoriasis cannot be cured, but it can be kept at bay with proper treatment and avoiding triggers. Topical ointments, medications, and other treatments can be recommended by a doctor when a flare-up is occurring. To keep skin healthy between flare-ups, one should be cautious of the skin products they use to avoid further irritation.

‘Redhead Friendly’ approved products to Use

Finding products that are both psoriasis-friendly and ‘Redhead Friendly’ isn’t too difficult, as they are often products geared towards highly sensitive skin like these: