Psoriasis is a skin condition that is very common with children but can occur at any age. Its symptoms include periodic instances of red, itchy, and irritated skin. There is no cure for psoriasis, but symptoms can be treated and further breakouts can be prevented. The best way to fight future breakouts of psoriasis is to avoid using trigger soaps and keep your skin moisturized with medicated creams or lotions. Some common soaps that cause symptoms of psoriasis are as follows:

1. Soaps containing methylchloroisothiazolinone or methylisothiazolinone
Methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone are common ingredients added to many personal care items and baby wipes as a preservative. Most times they are added individually to a product, but both serve the same purpose in it. They do preserve the product, but also can do a number on your skin if you have psoriasis. These two ingredients help to prevent the growth of fungi and bacteria. The allergy issue with these preservatives had come up because there had been an increase of cases in which parents experienced unexplained rashes on their hands after caring for their baby.

2. Propylene glycol soaps
Propylene glycol is an additive ingredient found in many foods and cosmetic and hygiene products. It has numerous purposes, and due to its chemical properties, it is used in many consumable and non-consumable products. The reason why it is harmful to the skin, for some people, could be that it is synthetic, or that these people are allergic to it.

3.Antibacterial soaps
There are a variety of soaps on the market that can be irritants to the skin, because of their antibacterial properties. You would think that antibacterial products would be a good thing for people with skin sensitivity. Though, for some people that is not the case.

4. Strong fragrance soaps
Fragrance is another skin irritant for people with psoriasis. Having a strong fragrance can make your skin smell good, but it can also result in a psoriasis flare. Even soaps and cleaning products that are labeled “unscented” or “fragrance free” can still contain some masking fragrance to cover up unwanted scents from other ingredients.

5. Soaps with cocamidopropyl betaine
Cocamidopropyl betaine, from coconut oil, is an ingredient derived from coconuts. In soaps and personal hygienic products, it is used as a foaming agent and helps to collect dirt and oil from the skin. Although it is considered a gentler ingredient for soaps, it can still cause problems for people with psoriasis.

6. Soaps with botanical oils
Soaps with natural oils can also cause worsening symptoms of psoriasis. Some examples of these natural botanical oils include rose oil, vanilla, and sweet almond oil.

Having sensitive skin and/or psoriasis can definitely pose a challenge with all of the products on the market. Finding cosmetics, personal hygiene products, and even some cleaners can become a problem for someone with atopic dermatitis or psoriasis. Like many things in life, it all comes down to trial and error. After you find out what specific triggers you have, then you can start looking for products without those ingredients.