Must-Try Psoriasis Stoppers
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that manifests itself as a skin disorder. It affects around one to three percent of Americans, and is characterized by itchy, scaly patches of thickened skin. It can sometimes be simply annoying or in extreme cases, total torture for the sufferer.
And it’s not something to be taken lightly; a 2012 study at the University of Pennsylvania found that those with psoriasis are at a much greater risk of depression, thoughts of suicide and anxiety. While sometimes the cause of psoriasis’ is unknown, here are seven common triggers psoriasis sufferers should avoid.
Alcohol
The same University of Pennsylvania study that found psoriasis patients are at increased risk for mental problems, also found that patients tend to drink more alcohol. Unfortunately, alcohol is a trigger for many psoriasis sufferers. A study from Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital saw an increase in psoriasis in those that drank non-light beer specifically; and it didn’t take much to up the risk, just two to three drinks per week.
Sunburn
Everybody loves a little fun in the sun, but for psoriasis sufferers, too much sun can spell a major outbreak. Sun and psoriasis is tricky; while a moderate amount of sun can alleviate symptoms in some sufferers, a sunburn almost certainly means a flare-up. If you find a small amount of sun actually helps your symptoms, just remember to keep it to a minimum, lest you lose any benefit and burn yourself into a flare-up.
Cold, Dry Weather
On the opposite end of the weather spectrum is a cold, dry climate. This type of weather is generally the worst-case scenario for the psoriasis sufferer. The moisture is stripped from the skin in the bitter cold, and drying heating units only make matters worse. Try to minimize time spent in the elements during the coldest months, and invest in a good humidifier for your home.
Stress
Sadly, stress and psoriasis are often a package deal. Side effects of psoriasis such as drained finances from treatments, the social stigma, and a life of pain cause a tremendous amount of stress for the sufferer. Unfortunately, stress is a big trigger for outbreaks of psoriasis, so it’s important to attempt to reduce stress in your life as much as possible. Yoga and meditation practices have shown great success in relieving stress associated with many types of pain.
Certain Medication
Some medications interfere with your body’s autoimmune response and can cause a severe psoriasis attack. These include beta-blockers, which are used for high blood pressure, steroidal medicines and pills taken to stop malaria. Always tell your doctor if you have psoriasis if any of these medications are being prescribed.
Infections
Some common infections, such as strep throat (Streptococcal pharyngitis), thrush (Candida albicans) and upper respiratory infections can trigger psoriasis outbreaks. If you suspect that you have been infected with any of these types of bacteria, get it treated promptly by your doctor.
Scratches, Bites and Skin Injury
If an insect has bitten you, you’ve been cut or scraped badly or experienced any kind of skin injury, you may notice new psoriasis lesions on the area where your skin was injured. These types of injuries can even occur in everyday activities such as shaving, acupuncture or pruning your garden.
When performing any activity that may cause skin injury, be sure to take extra precautions, such as wearing long sleeves, gloves, and using bug spray.
Things to remember:
While it’s not always possible to avoid every trigger for psoriasis, a little planning can go a long way toward preventing an outbreak. Carry a hat and sunscreen with you at all times; you never know when you might be sitting at a sunny table at a restaurant. Learn your individual triggers, and you can prevent and lessen most of your outbreaks.
Simple treatments to help quiet its signs
In the Medicine Cabinet
Dietary supplements may help ease psoriasis symptoms from the inside. Fish oil, vitamin D, milk thistle, and evening primrose oil have been reported to help some sufferers (NPF, 2012). It’s important to only take supplements that do not interfere with other pre-existing conditions or have harmful side effects. Fish oil applied directly to the skin has also been known to work well for some.
Moisture Everywhere
Use a humidifier to keep the air in your home or office moist. It can prevent dry skin before it starts. Sensitive-skin moisturizers are also great at keeping your skin supple and from forming plaques.
No Dyes or Perfumes
Most soaps and perfumes have dyes and fragrances in them. Sure, they can make you smell great but they also can inflame psoriasis. Choose products labeled as “sensitive skin” – these are made without the dyes and perfumes that can irritate skin
From the Kitchen, Part 1
Diet may play a role in managing psoriasis. Eliminating red meat and fatty foods have been effective for some. The National Psoriasis Foundation lists soy, nuts, chocolate, and cranberries as a few “functional foods” for treatment
From the Kitchen, Part 2
As healthy as olive oil is inside your body, it can have extra benefits for the skin. Applying olive or vegetable oil to scales and patches of psoriasis can lock moisture and nutrients in. Try massaging a few tablespoons on your scalp to help loosen troublesome plaques during your next shower.
In the Bathtub
Your dermatologist will tell you hot water is your skin’s enemy, but a lukewarm bath with Epsom salt, mineral oil, milk, or olive oil can soothe the itching and infiltrate scales and plaques. Moisturize immediately after your bath for double benefits
Unfortunately, there is no one single answer to stop psoriasis. What’s worse is the fact that not everything works for everyone. Using some of the tips shown here, as well as using other treatment options, you can custom-tailor your daily routine to keep problem itching and flaking to a minimum.
Source: healthline.com
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