A skilled esthetician should be well-versed in a variety of skin conditions, their causes, and how to treat them. Equipped with proper knowledge and experience, you can help your clients overcome everything from acne to wrinkles, giving them the confidence and healing they need to step into a brighter future.
One skin condition that can be particularly irritating and frustrating is psoriasis. Known for causing patches of itchy, painful skin, psoriasis is a serious skin problem that requires specialized treatment. That’s where an esthetician (like you) comes in.
By learning how to identify psoriasis, treat it with the right products and techniques, and educate your clients about dealing with their condition, you can aid them in alleviating their symptoms and caring for their skin after leaving your office.
Key Takeaways
Psoriasis is a challenging skin condition that can cause significant discomfort. As an esthetician, you can provide your clients with relief by offering them psoriasis treatments in your office and educational resources that they can use at home.
What is Psoriasis?
Before you can help your clients who are suffering from psoriasis, you need to understand the condition, its symptoms, and its causes. By establishing this foundation of knowledge, you can accurately create a plan to help.
Psoriasis is caused by an autoimmune response that leads to increased skin cell production. As a result, the skin in the affected area grows thick, irritated, and patchy. While psoriasis can occur anywhere, including the face, it is most common in areas like the elbows, knees, and scalp.
Identifying psoriasis is relatively simple: look for raised skin (often red or purple) that is accompanied by dryness, itching, irritation, and even a burning sensation or pain. While there are many types of psoriasis, the most common form is plaque psoriasis, which may include scaly patches.
Psoriasis is a chronic immune disease, and there is currently no cure. However, there are ways to limit outbreaks, alleviate symptoms, and help your clients live happier, healthier lives.
Esthetician Treatments for Clients with Psoriasis
If you know your client has psoriasis, it’s time to determine what esthetician treatments will give them the best possible outcome. This includes both granting them immediate relief and equipping them to avoid potentially triggering factors in the future.
The Best Skincare Products for Psoriasis
Skincare for people with psoriasis can be beneficial, but it must be intentional. Determining the best skincare products for psoriasis and utilizing them both in the office and at home can help alleviate symptoms and provide relief.
Moisturizing products are a must, especially after bathing or washing the affected area in lukewarm water. They help hydrate the skin and limit the itching sensation that is often associated with psoriasis. If you are going to clean the area, opt for gentle cleaners that do not contain fragrances. Finally, you can use cool wraps to help mitigate itching and irritation.
There are numerous other skincare products that can be used to treat psoriasis, including those that contain vitamin D and salicylic acid. However, it is important to be aware of medicated products, including those that require prescriptions, and get approval from a dermatologist first.
How to Limit Psoriasis Triggers
Because psoriasis is an autoimmune condition, flare-ups can be caused by certain triggers and lifestyle factors. Helping your client identify their triggers and find ways to avoid them can help reduce flare-ups and improve their skin health and quality of life.
Some common triggers include cold weather, stress, injuries (such as sunburns or cuts), certain foods, and alcohol consumption.
When to Refer to a Dermatologist
As much as you want to help your clients with psoriasis, there are times that the scope of their condition is simply too advanced for an esthetician to properly treat. When such cases arise, you should be prepared to send them to a dermatologist who can help.
Some of the signs that indicate your client needs more serious treatment are:
- Widespread symptoms, such as rashes covering over 10% of the body, pustules, or lesions.
- Rapidly spreading or worsening symptoms.
- Severe impact on lifestyle, emotional well-being, or physical health.
- Symptoms in sensitive areas.
- Ineffective topical treatment.
- The presence of psoriatic arthritis (arthritic joints that accompany psoriasis).
- Negative response to treatment.
As an esthetician, your goal is to help your clients thrive. When it comes to psoriasis, you may or may not be able to help them achieve better outcomes by educating them about their condition and using the right skincare for people with psoriasis, but it is equally as important (and noble) to recognize when they need further help and refer them to a dermatologist.
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