Psoriasis is very common and should not be something that takes over your life. Roughly 7.5 million Americans suffer from this autoimmune disease. Although there is no cure at the moment, there are many treatment options available. Psoriasis can affect many areas on the body such as your elbow, scalp, back, feet, and neck. Those with psoriasis suffer from rapid skin production. It will appear on the body as patches of red skin that are itchy and flaky. Psoriasis isn’t contagious, and for most people, it comes and goes depending on various factors such as their environment or stress levels. To manage your psoriasis there are various recommended actions you should take and also avoid to yield the best results.
First and foremost, talk to a dermatologist. There are dermatologists that specialize in treating patients with psoriasis. They will be knowledgeable on treatment plans and how to move forward with minimizing symptoms. It is also very important that you keep your skin nice and moisturized. Dry skin seems to be more susceptible to psoriasis. As soon as you get out of the shower, seal in the moisture by applying your favorite moisturizing cream. Avoid moisturizers that are scented as they tend to irritate the skin. Also, avoid using light weight lotions that don’t provide as much moisture needed to hydrate your skin. To reduce itching and inflammation, try soaking in a lukewarm bath for 15 to 20 minutes. You can also try adding some bath oils or gels for added moisture. Getting some sun can actually improve your psoriasis despite contrary beliefs. However, it is still important to wear sunscreen and limit your time in the sun. You want to avoid tanning beds since they can be harmful to your skin and make your psoriasis worse.
Although it can be tempting to scratch and itch, it will only make your breakouts worse. Don’t pick at any scabs because that can lead to irritating the skin and cause potential infections. If the flare ups are becoming unbearable, consult with your doctor regarding the best creams or ointments that can help remove top layer of flaky skin. Some people experience flare ups when they are under a lot of stress. It is much easier said than done when told not to stress too much; however, your stress levels can have a direct impact on your skin. Don’t ignore when flare ups happen. Pay extra attention to your surroundings and what could have triggered them. Take a mental note of your emotional and physical state because that can help you conclude how to minimize or prevent future flare-ups. Most importantly, don’t give up on treatments half way through because you aren’t seeing results right away. It can take weeks and up to months to find the right combination of treatment that works best for your skin.
