Skin deep

FASHION Week was the worst possible time for Cara Delevingne’s skin to flare up with angry, red, dry patches.

As she paraded down the catwalks earlier this year, the 21-year-old model was struck by a bout of psoriasis, which she later wrote about on Twitter and revealed that she’d thought about changing careers because of it.

“I want to make music, I want to act and I want to sing. I want to do something that doesn’t make my skin erupt,” she said.

Stress isn’t the only trigger for psoriasis flare-ups, but it is a very big factor for many people with the condition, which is the case for many autoimmune or immune-linked diseases.

It causes raised, dry, flaky patches — which are red on fair skin or darker on darker skin tones — and can affect any area of the skin, though it varies in severity. Sometimes large areas all over the body might be covered, while others might have one or a few patches on just their hands or scalp, for instance.

There’s no cure for the condition which affects an estimated 100,000 Irish people, though certain treatments and lifestyle changes can sometimes help, and it’s not contagious.

Why some people develop it isn’t certain, but genetic factors may come into play.

“One in three people with psoriasis will have a close family member who’s also affected,” explains Dr Nemesha Desai, a consultant dermatologist.

Everybody produces new skin cells, but with psoriasis this process becomes extremely fast. “Skin cells mature in five days, instead of 28, resulting in a build-up on the surface,” adds Desai.

“Most people experience only small areas of irritation, however, it can cause scaling of large areas and even require hospitalisation in its most severe cases.”

Soreness, itching, stinging and general discomfort often go hand in hand with psoriasis.

Caroline Irwin from The Skin Foundation of Ireland, knows that the psychological impact of the condition is one of the most crucial aspects.

“The impact is huge. People withdraw from social activities and sports. Even going to the hair dressers or trying on clothes can be difficult. For some, manic depression can follow suit.”

Everyone’s different and there are people who cope very well with their psoriasis, but a third of sufferers experience depression and anxiety.

Many sufferers talk about feeling isolated, and frustration is another factor — psoriasis can be unsightly and applying creams can take hours.

If you are struggling to cope, it’s important to talk to a healthcare professional.

* Skin Awareness Day, Nov 2. For more information and support, see www.irishskinfoundation.ie