5 Ways to Effectively Stay Ahead of Psoriasis

Psoriasis affects more than 125 million worldwide – and more than 8 million people in America alone. Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune disorder that makes itself apparent by displaying flaky, itchy, red patches on the skin and can flare up significantly when your body is experiencing stress, lack of sleep, or lack of a healthy diet. 

So what causes Psoriasis anyway? 

It all begins deep within your immune system. When your T cells (type of white blood cell), which are designed to safeguard your system from diseases and infections, activate mistakenly, they trigger other immune responses, resulting in psoriasis symptoms.

At times, you might be faced with mild psoriasis flare-ups, while other times, you might experience a more severe form of Psoriasis, also known as Psoriasis Vulgaris. This form of Psoriasis entails an abnormal, rapid, and thick growth of thick scale to appear on the areas of the frequent itching, irritation, and trauma. 

Although there is no permanent cure for this painful autoimmune disease, natural home remedies for Psoriasis can temporarily minimize the agonizing psoriasis flare-up. 

Here are a few psoriasis remedies that may help:

• Applying a generous layer of moisturizer – preferably petroleum jelly 
• Sun exposure for 10 minutes every day 
• Put Epsom salt in your warm bath and soak yourself in for a good 15 minutes 
• Take an organic Turmeric supplement
• Massage tea tree oil on your dry red patches
• Eat a diet rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids 

These were just some of the ways to alleviate your psoriasis pain and discomfort. But we would like to stress more on the ways you can stay ahead of your psoriasis reality. 

#1 Address Your Condition

Ignorance may be bliss in other aspects of life, but not when dealing with Psoriasis – or any other medical condition. 

As trivial as your patches may seem, convincing you that it will go away on its own, don’t ignore them. What may look like a minor case may worsen over time if not treated right away. So when you do notice the slightest red, dry, and itchy patches on your skin, immediately consult your doctor. This way, your doctor will devise a plan to prevent it from spreading further.

Healing Psoriasis when dealing with mild symptoms is relatively easy than treating a more aggressive form. Oral and topical treatments such as medications, creams, and topical corticosteroids will certainly keep Psoriasis at bay. If that doesn’t work, your doctor may suggest Phototherapy – a treatment involving your skin to UV light. 

But the need to address your condition is critical since Psoriasis is associated with other health conditions such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and more. If addressed on time, other factors affecting your Psoriasis will be studied, after which a more effective treatment will be provided. 

#2 Keep Your Skin Moisturized 

Whether it is done by applying thick coatings of moisturizer or keeping your skin hydrated through the use of a humidifier, keeping your skin moisturized at all times is vital in preventing Psoriasis from acting up. 

The more nourished and supple your skin remains, the fewer chances there are of plaques from covering your skin. 

Another excellent and natural way to keep your skin moisturized is using Aloe Vera. This useful plant has proven to reduce redness, itchiness, and irritation caused by Psoriasis and is comparatively more effective in treating Psoriasis than steroid cream. 

#3 Be Vary of the Cold and Dry Weather 

As mentioned earlier, dry, dehydrated skin aggravates Psoriasis, causing your skin to undergo unimaginable distress. This is why it is essential to prepare your skin against cold and dry weather by regularly moisturizing it. 

During winters, turn on your humidifier to prevent the cold air from drying out your skin. During dry summers, though, you want to stay away from excessive heat and continue moisturizing your skin to avoid painful flare-ups. 

#4 Quit Smoking and Manage Your Alcohol Intake 

Smoking and alcohol continue to remain culprits behind many diseases – so we aren’t surprised to see their names show up for aggravating Psoriasis. 

The reason why smoking and alcohol are highly discouraged when seeking treatment for Psoriasis is that it interferes with the medications and leads to slower – or almost no improvement. 

So both smoking and alcohol have proven to worsen Psoriasis, and this is why doctors will recommend implementing a healthier lifestyle to reduce symptoms of Psoriasis. Eat a healthier diet, preferably rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and stay hydrated as much as possible. 

#5 Manage Your Weight

We had mentioned in our first point that one of the many factors that can heighten psoriasis symptoms is obesity. Being overweight undoubtedly exposes you to a plethora of illnesses and diseases and, in this case, increases your chances of developing an aggressive form of Psoriasis.

The more obese you are, the higher the possibility of developing severe psoriasis symptoms that will require even more severe treatment methods. However, losing weight can drastically improve these symptoms – here’s how you can lose weight to see a difference.

• Cut down or eliminate refined carbs.
• Exercise regularly 
• Eat a protein-dense diet along with veggies and fruits 
• Drink plenty of water 

Losing weight and then carefully maintaining your weight will prevent your Psoriasis from flaring and spreading. A study conducted by the British Journal of Dermatology found that patients who exercised and ate a clean and healthy diet for 20 weeks witnessed a major reduction in the severity of their condition. 

Conclusion 

There aren’t any methods of curing Psoriasis permanently, but using the abovementioned treatment methods will certainly keep Psoriasis at bay. 

Also, Psoriasis affects every individual differently – some experience a mild form of Psoriasis that can be easily managed via stress relief, a healthy diet, and regular moisturizing of the skin, while others need more severe forms of treatment such as oral medications, Phototherapy, and injected medications. Talk to your doctor to seek the most appropriate treatment for your condition. Book your appointment today here!

– Disclaimer –
This blog is for informational & educational purposes only, and does not intend to substitute any professional medical advice or consultation. For any health related concerns, please consult with your physician, or call 911.