Tips to Manage Psoriasis
Tips to Manage Psoriasis
August is National Psoriasis Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness of this disease that affects around 7.5 million adults.1 Psoriasis does not discriminate with skin color or gender, and can show up between the age of 15 to 25.
Psoriasis is the result of an overactive immune system, which causes accelerated skin cell growth. Instead of normal skin shedding, skin cells pile up on the surface of the skin and form scales or plaques.
If you’re among the millions of people suffering psoriasis, there is hope. These simple tips can help you manage psoriasis for a healthier lifestyle.
Education of the Condition: Knowledge is power when it comes to managing your psoriasis. Learning about potential triggers can help you make informed decisions about your lifestyle, diet and treatment plan. Always stay up to date on the latest research and treatment options.
Bathe Daily: Take daily baths to help wash away extra skin cell build up. Wash gently with a mild soak and lukewarm water. If you are in a flare up, adding oatmeal to your bathwater and soaking can help soothe irritation.
Moisturize: Apply moisturizer daily. After bathing, pat itchy areas dry and apply your preferred product while your skin is still moist. Lotions or creams with oils or heavy ointment based stay longer on the skin than regular lotions. Pay attention to your skin, and apply more than once a day if needed.
Stay Cool: Getting overheated can trigger a flare up with psoriasis. Heat can cause the patches to be itchy and irritated. If you know you are going to be out in the heat, try to keep your moisturizer in a cool place for relief.
Avoid Scratching: Be mindful when choosing materials for your clothing and bedding. Avoid fabrics that might be itchy and irritating. An anti-itch cream or prescription ointment can help curb the urge to itch.
Stay in the Shade: Too much sun can cause an outbreak and flare up of symptoms. Always wear a protective sunscreen and limit your time of exposing your skin to the sun.
Know Your Triggers: External factors can exacerbate symptoms. Common triggers include stress, alcohol or medication, hormonal changes, and food like gluten or dairy. Each person may have different triggers, so know what triggers your fare ups to avoid recurrence.
Psoriasis doesn’t have to control your life. Implement these tips into a daily routine, and incorporate healthy habits to manage psoriasis symptoms.
The Pure Dermatology Cosmetic & Hair Center in Newport Beach specializes in functional dermatology to treat your skin from the inside out. Let us help you optimize your skin health today!
