Depending on the extend and type of psoriasis, our skin barrier is broken down causing the body difficulties in controlling its body temperature, increasing our susceptibility to de-hydration by excessive water loss and increasing the risk of invasion by foreign organisms.

This is why moisturizers are such an important adjunct to treating psoriasis. You must find a suitable product that suits your skin and life style and usually means an oily ointment type formulation to protect and reduce the drying out and cracking of the skin’s surface.

This does not have to be expensive or sophisticated, “light paraffin Oil” (baby oil without the perfume), obtainable from your chemist, mixed with “vaseline” if necessary so as to maintain a protective layer on the skin surface until your next application.

This combination is cheap and effective especially if large areas are involved. Use moisteriser when NOT applying topical medications so you do not dilute the effects of the prescribed treatments.

For guidance and the best treatment regimen to use with your topicals ask your health professional.