What You Need to Know
About Living with Psoriasis

Thankfully, I don’t suffer from psoriasis and I don’t know anyone who does, but I am grateful to be free of it and sympathetic to those who are afflicted by it.  The good news, however, is there are ways to lessen the pain or discomfort caused by psoriasis.

It’s estimated that more than 7 million Americans suffer from psoriasis, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).  The most noticeable symptoms are red patches on the skin that have a silvery coating.  These patches occur when regular skin cells begin shedding much faster than normal.

Psoriasis can be difficult to treat, but there are many coping strategies that can help the healing process move more rapidly.  You may wish to try the suggestions below to help you manage this issue. They might improve your coping and help improve your quality of life. First, some facts about psoriasis.

 Facts Relative to Psoriasis

1. Understand your immune system.  Keep in ming that psoriasis is more than just a skin disorder.  It is a disease of the immune system which can cause inflammation throughout your body and increase your risk for diabetes, stroke, and various heart conditions.

2. Deal with stress.  There is a very close link betweekn psoriasis and stress.  Often, flareups can be traced bak to disturbing events in you life.  Plus, the burden of dealing with psoriasis can increase the burden of anxiety and depression.

3. Seek support. The good news is, help is available.  Talk with your doctor or browse online to find support groups where you can connect wito ther psoriasis patients.  Also, let you family and friends know how they can support you.

Treating Psoriasis

1. Consider medication. Many prescription and over-the-counter drugs can be used to treat psoriasis. Your doctor may recommend antidepressants, pain medication, antihistamines, or steroids to treat physical and mental symptoms.

2. Manage pain naturally. You may also want to experiment with various practices that can reduce your sensitivity to pain. Some options include yoga, meditation, and acupuncture.

3. Relieve itching. Psoriatic itch is sometimes described as a biting and burning sensation. Instead of risking more damage by scratching, ask your doctor about medications or try relaxation practices and cold packs.

4. Try biologics. Biologics are a special kind of drug that target specific parts of the immune system. While they can have side effects and make take a few months to work, they can have a dramatic impact on reducing inflammation, if your doctor decides they're appropriate for you.

Lifestyle Suggestions for Psoriasis

1. Change your diet. Eating nutritious whole foods may be even more important when you have psoriasis. Many vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and fish are rich in anti-inflammatory properties.

2. Lose weight. Being overweight can make psoriasis more severe. Eat less and exercise more to slim down safely.

3. Limit alcohol. Heavy drinking can also aggravate your symptoms. If you take certain medications, you may also need to avoid alcohol completely.

4. Watch the weather. Be prepared for seasonal changes that can affect your condition. Cold and dry weather tends to trigger flare-ups while warm sunny days may make patches and scales disappear.

5. Care for your skin. Effective skin care can help keep you comfortable year-round. Look for medicated shampoos and thick moisturizers with urea or lactic acid.

Don’t give up.  Help is available,  Be sure to check the link above for additional help and support.

Please share your thoughts and any response you may have in the form below.

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