What’s the Best Skincare Regimen for Your Psoriasis Patients?

Psoriasis skincare has improved so much over the years with the advent of biologic drugs that target the specific aspects of the immune system that cause psoriasis. I have spoken to many dermatologists about what they use for skincare in these patients, and many do not have the time to discuss this with patients. We also know from Dr. Feldman’s study that psoriasis patients are not very complaint. Here are my recommendations for skincare for psoriasis patients and how to improve compliance and outcomes.

When patients are not compliant with their psoriasis treatment regimen, psoriasis gets worse.  Psoriasis suffers also suffer from an effect called the Koebner phenomenon. This happens when trauma or injury to the skin causes psoriasis lesions in areas of the body uncharacteristic for the disease. The knees, elbows, back, and scalp are some of the most common areas for psoriasis lesions to develop. However, they can also show up in areas such as the waist or shoulders, where clothing like belts buckles and bra straps can rub and cause irritation. Similarly, when a patient scratches itchy skin, lesions can develop on these areas, making the condition worse.

Psoriasis has also been associated with inflammatory factors that lead to other diseases, including heart disease and diabetes. A 2019 study found that neutralizing inflammatory cytokines through the use of topical skincare products also lowers the risk of developing these secondary conditions. Therefore, it is important to give your patients skincare recommendations to better manage symptoms and improve their overall health. 

I use Zerafite Body Cream for my psoriasis patients. It utilizes MLE technology, which mimics the natural lipid structure and lamellar pattern of the stratum corneum of the skin, thus restoring proper barrier function. MLE technology has also been shown to lower inflammatory factors, specifically IL-1β and IL-6. A preliminary study found substantial evidence that topical applications of MLE moisturizers have the potential to also reduce circulating inflammatory factors that cause known complications of psoriasis like heart disease and diabetes. 

Despite the importance of using the proper skincare regimen in managing psoriasis, many patients are not compliant with their prescribed treatment. One study involving 30 psoriasis patients found that compliance dropped from 84.6% to 51% over the course of eight weeks. Men and younger patients were generally less compliant than women and older patients, and treatment gaps occurred more frequently toward the end of the eight-week period and on weekends.

Another study showed a link between depression and psoriasis. Patients reported that they were fed up with the greasy ointments they were prescribed. For this reason, a cream is a much better treatment option than an ointment. Patients are more likely to use a cream that doesn’t leave a greasy residue on their skin and make them feel uncomfortable. This is another reason why I like Zerafite Body Cream. It is only sold by physicians. Visit www.STSfranchise.com to learn more about how you can offer this effective, non-greasy moisturizer to your psoriasis patients.  

Your psoriasis patients do not have to suffer with dry, itchy skin and the increased health risks associated with this condition. There are many new prescription therapies aimed at targeting the underlying causes of this psoriasis. In addition, the proper skincare regimen can have a profound impact on a patient’s quality of life and overall health.

Do you have other treatment tips and advice for managing psoriasis? Please share them with me (Dr. Leslie Baumann) via LinkedIn. I would love to connect and discuss!

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