Skin expert breaks down psoriasis myths as outbreaks spike
- Written by News Co
Skin Expert Breaks Down 5 Biggest Myths Around Skin Disorders Like Psoriasis
More than 1.6 million Australians suffer with psoriasis, with many mentally driven to the edge with the painful red, scaly, itchy and raw skin disorder causing anxiety and distress.
A recent multicentre study shows 73 per cent of Australian adults with psoriasis reported hiding their condition because of embarrassment and fear of stigma.
Psoriasis cannot be cured, only managed, and there is currently a raft of misinformation out there about causes and treatments of the condition - with many steering clear of beer fearing it will cause a breakout, others downing celery juice (like Kim Kardashian) and others seriously confused as to whether bleach baths are good for the condition - or not.
Melody Livingstone, CEO of MooGoo – a natural skin care range especially for people with skin issues including psoriasis, eczema, acne, dryness and sensitivity –dispels the following myths:
Myth 1: Psoriasis is contagious
Psoriasis is not contagious – it’s an immune system problem. When we get an injury, the skin sends a signal to make more skin cells. For psoriasis sufferers, this signal gets sent from healthy skin and more skin cells are made, causing flaking and itching in areas. It is not contagious, but it is very distressing for people because of its appearance. It can also lead to other problems such as a form of arthritis.
Myth 2: Beer causes psoriasis flare-ups
A large US study found that women who drank five or more beers a week doubled their chances of developing psoriasis, but it’s still not clear if this is a risk factor. Alcohol can cause flare ups in some people, but others say it has no effect at all. A large review of studies into this found that people who drink alcohol have a greater incidence of psoriasis, but whether this was caused by alcohol is unclear.
Myth 3: Drinking celery juice will cure your psoriasis
Kim Kardashian has explored the holistic options for treating (not curing) psoriasis, such as drinking celery juice, based on a website that claims that “All skin conditions that aren’t injuries actually stem from the liver” (www.medicalmedium.com). Personally, I think people should be free to explore all options, but there are also claims about everything on the internet, so always investigate what works best for you.
Myth 4: Bleach baths will destroy your skin
Bleach baths are more typically used for eczema than psoriasis. Eczema is different to psoriasis as it’s typically a reaction to something. People add a very small amount of bleach to the water and this helps kill the bacteria that can cause infections in eczema patches. The trouble is that bleach is alkaline, and eczema is milder when the skin is acidic.
Myth 5: Psoriasis can’t be treated
This is not true, but everybody is different and finding what works for you can take some time. In addition to light therapy, just sunshine can help some people. Reducing stress. Some people break out after particular foods. Some drugs that are similar to anti-cancer drugs can help, but they have side effects.
If you would like to speak to Melody further, please let me know.
About MooGoo
MooGoo is an entire range of natural and gentle products, designed for babies and people with sensitive, easily irritated skin. MooGoo started out in Founder Craig Jones’s home, when he was searching for something to help his mother, who suffers from dermatitis and psoriasis. As the only cream that had worked for his mum was a cream used on dairy cows, he decided to come up with his own version and whipped up a natural cream in his kitchen. His 'Udder Cream' cleared up his mother's skin condition and he was inundated with friends and family wanting it too. MooGoo now sells an eczema cream every one minute and 45 seconds. The rest is history! For more information visit www.moogoo.com.au
Daily Bulletin
