Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that affects millions of people in the United States. It is characterized by scaly, itchy, and sometimes painful patches of skin that are usually found on the knees, elbows, and scalp.
Living with psoriasis can be stressful, as you may always be trying to manage a flare-up or waiting for one to appear. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to manage it and keep yourself feeling great!
Avoid Triggers
The first step you can take is to manage your environment and avoid things that may trigger your psoriasis. Make sure to avoid any activity that may result in skin damage, like scrapes, cuts, and sunburn. Sunburn especially has been shown to exacerbate psoriasis, so make sure you wear an SPF of at least 30 with sun exposure.
Cold temperatures are another trigger, making the skin drier, itchier, and prone to flareups, so keep your skin covered and warm in cooler weather, and don’t stand too close to heat sources. If you find yourself with the urge to scratch, resist! Instead, turn to moisturizers and anti-itch preparations to relieve itching.
Maintain Healthy Eating
Maintaining a healthy diet can go a long way in managing psoriasis symptoms! A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and oils rich in omega-3s may reduce the frequency of your flare-ups in severe cases. Consider adding anti-inflammatory foods like blueberries, almonds, and tomatoes to your diet, and manage the amounts of alcohol, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats in your diet.
Lower Your Stress Levels
Feeling stressed out? Psychological stress can cause new flareups or worsen existing ones. When your body is stressed, it releases chemicals that can make inflammation worse, so de-stressing is a critical part of psoriasis treatment. Pick up some relaxation practices like exercise, meditation, and yoga, and making sure you maintain your mental health by seeing a therapist can help manage your psoriasis and give you a sense of balance and calm in your life.
If you’re struggling with long-term psoriasis issues, consider reaching out to your dermatologist for a consultation. A dermatology professional can help you determine a plan of action to treat your psoriasis, and get you on the way to not stressing about it at all! If you’re ready for this, contact us today!