psoriasis

Dry, scaly skin is a prominent feature of psoriasis. Skin scales are often shed profusely in psoriasis, causing considerable embarrassment and distress to affected individuals, while dry may crack and bleed and make it difficult to carry out daily tasks. The most common form is chronic plaque psoriasis, in which plaque occurs commonly on the shines, knees, elbows and trunk. Psoriasis can also affect the flexures and 80% of sufferers have it on the scalp. Different treatments are required according to the areas affected.
Emollients are important in restoring the pliability and cosmetic appearance of the skin and, in psoriasis, they are important adjuncts to treatment, as they reduce irritation and help to reduce troublesome skin flaking. The application of an emollient that hydrates and thus softens the scaly, hyperkeratosis surface of the psoriatic plaques is itself an active, but treatment for psoriasis. Use of emollients should be recommended to reduce the scaly appearance of the lesions and to potentially reduce the amount of corticosteroid needed