Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin disease that affects the body’s immune system. One of the main symptoms of this condition is red, itchy patches on the skin. This condition is unpleasant to deal with, especially if patches appear in exposed places such as the arms or legs. Certain products trigger psoriasis flare-ups more than others, especially soaps.
Below find six soaps with ingredients that are known to trigger psoriasis symptoms:
1. Strong fragrance soaps
One of the most common triggers for psoriasis is strong fragrances. These potent smells can cause an allergic reaction that leads to a flare-up on your skin. Soaps with heavy scents like flowers or citrus fruits are the worst offenders, so try to avoid them if you want to keep your psoriasis under control. Strong fragrance soaps often contain plant oils that can cause skin irritation. Soap with added scents like these are usually the ones you find in public restrooms, so try carrying natural soap with you when you’re out. In addition, these soaps have perfumes and antimicrobial agents that cause skin inflammation, itching and dryness, triggering plaque psoriasis.
2. Soaps with cocamidopropyl betaine
Another trigger of psoriasis is soaps with cocamidopropyl betaine from coconut oil. They have two major irritants, 3-dimethylaminopropylamine and aminoamide, which cause skin discomfort, swelling, redness, and itching, all symptoms of psoriasis flare-ups.
3. Soaps with propylene glycol
Propylene glycol is a common ingredient in many beauty products, and It is one of the world’s top allergens. So, soaps with propylene glycol can trigger psoriasis flare-ups for some people. This chemical can cause skin irritation, redness, and dryness, making the skin more susceptible to psoriasis.
4. Soaps with methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI) and methylisothiazolinone (MI)
Soaps containing MCI and MI can trigger psoriasis because they are usually alcohol-based products. They may make the skin dry and flaky, while triclosan can irritate sensitive areas such as your face or armpits. MCI and MI can even trigger an allergic reaction, leading to a psoriasis breakout.
5. Antibacterial soaps
Antibacterial soaps (antiseptic soaps) are another common trigger for psoriasis. They are regular soaps with an additional ingredient that gets rid of bacteria. They often have harsh chemicals like triclosan, chloroxylenol, and methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI), both of which can irritate the skin and cause a flare-up.
6. Soaps with botanical oils
Botanical oils like lavender oil, almond oil, rose oil, and tree tee oil can often be found in soaps and other beauty products. While they may be suitable for some skin types, soaps with botanical oils can also trigger psoriasis flare-ups. These oils cause skin irritation, which makes the skin more sensitive to psoriasis.
