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9 Psoriasis Dos and Don’ts
Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin disorder. It affects up to 7.5 million people in the United States alone. Also, it can be incredibly challenging to manage its symptoms. However, having informed insight into what will and won't help you control your psoriasis can make a huge difference. This blog post will explore nine dos and don'ts for managing psoriasis. Learn how to build a comprehensive program with lifestyle modifications, medical treatments, stress-management strategies and more!
Dos
Consult Dermatologists: The first and foremost thing to do is consult a dermatologist. A dermatologist treating psoriasis will understand the problem better and know the treatment plans. Treatment would also help you take care of the problem better with professional diagnosis and treatment.
Moisturize − Moisturising properly is another thing to take care of and do when dealing with psoriasis. Keeping the skin lubricated is very important because dry skin is simply susceptible to the outbreak of psoriasis. For better moisture locking, dermatologists suggest putting a generous amount of moisturizing cream or even an ointment on the skin. You can go for Vaseline, Cetaphil cream, and Eucerin cream. People should, however, avoid lightweight lotions since they do not contain enough emollients. If you are uncomfortable with over-the-counter moisturizers, consult a dermatologist to get an ideal moisturizing cream.
Taking a Soak − Many people with psoriasis complain about inflammation and itching. To deal with this, one should try soaking in warm water for 15-20 minutes since it helps loosen the scales and reduces itching and inflammation. Add sea salt, oatmeal, bath oil, or even a bath gel to the water to moisturize the skin.
Getting sun − Sunlight has proved to be effective in helping the lesions diminish. Many dermatologists discourage sunbathing due to the risk of skin cancer; however, it has proven beneficial for people with psoriasis. It's essential to understand how important it is to keep just the affected part exposed to the sun. One can cover the unaffected skin or apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor to ensure the unaffected skin is not exposed to the sun for too long. Also, patients should expose the skin for a maximum of 15 minutes at a stretch and avoid sunburn as it can lead to more problems for them. Many doctors also suggest their patients go for ultraviolet therapy, which should only be considered after thorough planning and professional consultation.
Don’ts
Overdoing it − One of the biggest mistakes people with psoriasis make is overdoing a lot of stuff. One of the main things to keep in mind is to be gentle while dealing with psoriasis. Since people complain about itching, it's important not to give in to the temptation of scratching because it will only worsen the condition and lead to more issues. Instead of picking up on the scales, which can lead to bleeding, people should seek professional help and switch to moisturizers to keep their skin healthy.
Ignoring flare-ups − Another mistake people with psoriasis make is ignoring the flare-ups. Many people tend to ignore the problem since psoriasis is a lifelong condition. However, it's important to understand that dealing with the flare-ups properly can go a long way towards having more comfort while dealing with psoriasis. One should look out for flare-ups and fix an appointment with the doctor to curb the problem right at the beginning to minimize the damage.
Stress − Now, this may come as a surprise to many. However, people with psoriasis have stated that their condition has always worsened when they're under stress. People who have psoriasis should try to eat well, get enough sleep, and exercise. Apart from this, people should try avoiding stress which can increase problems for them. A lot of professionals even suggest their patients try relaxation exercises, meditation, and other stress management techniques to deal with the stress and eventually the problem in a better way.
Conclusion
Acknowledge that no one will experience psoriasis in the same way. What works for one person may not work for another person. So, it's essential to be understanding. Psoriasis is a chronic condition that impacts individuals in unique ways. But there are steps that you can take to ensure their long-term physical and mental well-being. Practising the dos and don'ts outlined here can be key components in managing the condition without succumbing to despair or fear. You also need proper lifestyle changes and reasonable expectations. Some extra self-care rituals could also be your ideal bet down the line. With the right guidance, you can manage psoriasis and make sure you're always living your best life.