Recognising Psoriasis Symptoms

Psoriasis is very distinctive condition with well-recognised symptoms. These include:

• Red or purplish plaques covered with a silvery‑white scale.
• Dry, cracked skin that may bleed when scratched.
• Persistent itching, burning or soreness.
• Thickened, pitted or ridged nails.
• Stiff or painful joints in up to a third of sufferers.
• Psoriasis flares typically come in cycles—weeks or months of activity followed by periods of relative calm.

Why Does Psoriasis Happen?

Psoriasis is multi‑factorial; scientists describe it as an immune‑mediated inflammatory disease driven by T‑cells that mistakenly attack healthy skin. Key contributors include:

1. Genetics – Variations in HLA‑C w6 and other genes raise risk.
2. Overactive immune response – Cytokines such as TNF‑α and IL‑17 trigger rapid keratinocyte turnover.
3. Environmental triggers – Stress, cold weather, smoking, alcohol, infections and skin injury (Koebner phenomenon) prompt flares.
4. Medications – Lithium, beta‑blockers and certain anti‑malarials can worsen plaques

Conventional Treatment Pathway

Dermatologists often adopt a step‑wise approach:

• Topical steroids & vitamin D analogues for mild disease.
• Coal‑tar, salicylic acid & keratolytics to lift scale.
• Phototherapy (UVB or PUVA) for moderate cases.
• Systemic agents such as methotrexate, cyclosporine or biologics (anti‑TNF, IL‑17, IL‑23) when extensive or joint‑involving.
• Emollients at every stage to soften plaques and soothe itch.

While these treatments can be life‑changing, many patients seek steroid‑free maintenance options between flares. That’s where Rescue Balm can help.

How to Use

Unlike water‑based creams, Rescue Balm is an anhydrous formulation—no fillers, no parabens, no synthetic fragrance—so every swipe delivers concentrated nourishment that stays on the skin, not on your clothes.

1. After bathing, gently pat skin dry—do not rub plaques.
2. Warm a pea‑sized amount of balm between fingertips until it melts.
3. Press, don’t scrub, onto affected areas to avoid triggering the Koebner response.
4. Re‑apply throughout the day on elbows, knees or scalp margins to keep plaques supple and reduce visible scale.
5. Overnight, use a slightly thicker layer under cotton gloves or socks for an occlusive treatment.

Consistent use can cut itch within minutes, soften scaling in days and often extend the time between steroid courses.

Everyday Psoriasis Care Tips

These simple every-day tips may also help you to manage your symptoms or lessen flare-ups:

• Short, lukewarm showers with a gentle, fragrance‑free cleanser.
• Humidify indoor air during winter to reduce transepidermal water loss.
• Manage stress—mindfulness, yoga or brisk walks dampen cortisol spikes that can trigger flares.
• Limit alcohol and quit smoking—both are proven flare factors.
• Protect skin from cuts or sunburn, which can precipitate new plaques.
• Rescue Balm slots neatly into this routine: keep a tin bedside, in your gym bag and at your desk so relief is always within reach