Are any bathing precautions necessary?

[dixiemom]

Hi,

I was wondering if I need to take any certain precautions when showering. I bought seperate bath sponges the other day, one for just my feet ans lower legs. Should I not scrub these areas since that is where my outbreaks are? I am so confused and don't want to make things worse.......I'd appreciate any tips or advice anyone can share. I've seen a bit about Dove and Aveeno soaps and wondered if they are more mild.

Thanks bunches!

Lynn

[MikeK]

Hi Lynn,

I don't think that we've met, so let me take this opportunity to welcome you to the Board! :cool: Nice to meet you. I take it that you're newly diagnosed? I'm so sorry! :( Fortunately, you've come to a very special place. A lot of nice and helpful people post here.

A couple of people have posted here that they use a loofah to remove their scales in the shower! (Someone once posted that he uses a scotch brite pad! :eek: Using a scotch brite pad is NOT a good idea.) Using a loofah may or may not be a good idea. Whatever you use, you have to be VERY gentle. Loose scales can and should be removed. Removing any scale before it's ready to be removed a) hurts and b) can result in something called the Koebner effect. (The same thing can happen if you scub too hard.) The Koebner effect describes a phenomena where any injury to a previously healthy patch of skin can result in a new patch of psoriasis. The Koebner effect can also mean that an injury to an existing patch of psoriasis can make that existing patch of psoriasis get worse. Not every psoriasis patient experiences the Koebner effect and not every injury results in the Koeber effect. You don't need to stress about it. You just need to be aware of the possibility. Here's a link to a previous discussion (which includes a post by yours truly that has some links to some additional information) about the the Koebner effect: http://www.psoriasis.org/forum/showthread.php?t=10988.

When it comes to soaps, I find that it's best to avoid anti-bacterial and deoderant soaps, because they tend to irritate my psoriasis. They also cause it to become drier and itchier then it already is. I've had similar problems with the dyes and fragrances in detergent and dryer sheets, etc. I haven't had any laundry related problems since I switched to "free and clear" laundry products. And, here's a link which will take you to some previous discussions about soap and psoriasis: http://www.psoriasis.org/forum/showthread.php?t=13629.

I hope this helps.

Good luck. Keep us posted. Let us know if you have any other questions and please don't be a stranger.

Mike

[misales]

have been great threrapy for me. I use dead sea salts and some other oils. I also belong to a health club so I get steam and a hot tub usually daily.

[SCCatman]

My derm perfers showers to baths because of bacteria.

Also mosturize. I use an olay "in shower" mosterizer, which has only been out 4 or 5 months. I think it is great.
I also use a nutragena sesme seed oil after shower. get the fragrance free version (NOT the orignal fragrance), so you don't smell like a hambuger bun.

I use other mosturizers as well.
The more the better
Dennis

[gilkayo]

nothing with fragrance!
I know this sounds hard if you’ve been using soap/moisturizer like this all your life.
and please..for the love o goodness don’t scrub!
picking and scratching can cause infection and that is the last thing you ever want. i find i have the most trouble with my legs..ive had to stop shaving because i knick myself all the time.
moisturize constantly!
take it easy with the soap. you need to stay clean but don’t over do it...you’ll get tight, you’ll be more flakey and sometimes it burns.
i love baths though. if you want to take one I find using some sort of bath oil (you can try going to a specialty store and get essential oils that are ok for you skin) once again...stay away from alcohol and perfumes.

[condor]

I have a theory about the cause of the Koebner effect.

Maybe some of you can test it for me.
I already follow this regimen.


In psoriasis, you have a liver function that is being overwhelmed.
Your blood then becomes toxic because it is not having the cleansing through the liver that it should have.
Following this you gain systemic higher bacterial counts, within the blood stream, and other wise, including on the skin itself.

Try this:
To your bath water, add 1 to 1 1/2 cups of vinegar.
It acts as a disinfectant, and helps remove scales.
Use a loufah to help condition the skin, remove dead skin layers.
soak in this bath for awhile. It also relieves the stinging of psoriasis.

From experience in dealing with this personally, if you get relief from this program, you would also benefit from taking anti bacterial supplements in addition, to combat internal issues that are a good probability in being present.

[condor]

In continuing my previous post on koebner effect.

Bacteria, internally or external on the skin can be controlled.

Bacteria on the skin that can be spread by scrubbing or scratching, that may promote infection or weaken your system to cause a psoriasis breakout in that location should cause you to look into why it is happenning.

In addition to a cleansing bath using the addition of vinegar there are a couple other things you can do to get this issue under control;

Take frequent baths to keep the bacteria count low.

Keep you bed linens clean.

Take anti bacterial supplements internally to treat the problem systemically,
for example - Olive leaf extract which is a great anti viral/anti bacterial/anti fungal supplement.

By the way, I didn't just make up the Vinegar bath, it is an accepted treatment in the alternative medical arena.
The usual prescribed treatment is generally up to a quart of vinegar in the bath, but with psoriasis start much lower, at least at first (1 to 1 1/2 cups).
The purpose of a vinegar cleansing bath in alternative medicine: Good for infections, particularly bacterial. Soak for 30 minutes in hot water.

[SandraJean]

Hi,

How would you use a vinegar bath if you could get into the tub and could only use a shower with a shower chair?
Would there be a diluted mixtures to pour over you then rise off?

Hope this makes sense.

Thanks,

Sandy

[condor]

Hi SandraJean,

If I had to improvise, I would probably come up with something like-
Use a spray bottle with a slightly diluted vinegar in it, spray all over yourself, let sit for 10 minutes or as long as you feel like it, then take the shower.

Hope this helps.

[SandraJean]

Thanks,

That makes sense and it's a way I could try it. I often use full strength vinegar on sunburns and it works the best of anything I've ever used.

Sandy