Home > Health > 6 Ways To Manage And Prevent Psoriasis

6 Ways to Manage and Prevent Psoriasis

6 Ways to Manage and Prevent Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic, painful, and inflammatory disease that affects the skin and nails, leading to disfigurement and disability. It can happen to anyone, but people aged 50 and above are at higher risk than others. Genes and a weak immune system are considered to be the significant causes of psoriasis. Other triggers include sunburn, infections, trauma, underlying diseases, treatment side effects, and stress. This article will discuss ways to manage psoriasis effectively.

Psoriasis and its impact on the body
Psoriasis is caused by a dysfunction in the immune system resulting in inflammation. The inflammation causes lesions, bumps, raised plaques, and scales on the skin. When our immune system works well, our skin cells grow and shed once in fifteen days. When affected by psoriasis, the skin cells pile up instead of shedding, and the accumulated plaque build-up can burn, sting, or cause an itch.
Psoriasis may affect both the internal and external organs. Externally it usually affects the elbows, knees, and scalp. Internally it can affect any tissues and our organs. In some, it may affect the joints causing psoriatic arthritis. People with psoriasis are also at risk for cardiovascular diseases, hyperpigmentation, Chron’s disease, psychological disorders, and uveitis. Since there is no cure, treatment aims to control the symptoms and prevent remission.

Six ways to medically manage psoriasis

Physical examination
Once you consult a doctor, they will start with a thorough physical examination to understand the plaque’s appearance, location, and severity. They will also talk to you about recent infections, family history, and any other underlying health conditions that may be causing it. For example, if you are consulting your primary physician, they may refer you to a dermatologist at this stage.

Topical emollients and creams
Doctors may prescribe emollients and creams that can reduce inflammation, reduce the production of skin cells, and improve the symptoms of itch and pain.

Prescription treatments
Along with creams, doctors may also prescribe a combination of oral systemic treatments that target the molecules inside our immune cells and correct the overactive immune response. Doctors also prescribe Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDS) for those with severe symptoms.

Injections
Doctors may prescribe creams and oral treatments if the symptoms are very severe or if other treatment methods are ineffective in controlling the symptoms.

Phototherapy
Phototherapy has been used for more than a century to treat psoriasis. Doctors expose the affected area to Ultraviolet rays to reduce inflammation and slow skin cell production. You may require multiple sessions of phototherapy to see visible changes.

Six steps to prevent psoriasis flare-ups
Having one or two parents with psoriasis and using tobacco are two major risk factors for psoriasis. Following a good skincare routine and regular screening can help you prevent frequent psoriasis flare-ups.

One can follow these six steps to prevent psoriasis flare-ups:

Stay hydrated
Psoriasis symptoms can become severe if you have dry skin. Drink about 6-8 glasses of water and fluids to prevent dehydration. Use thick creams that can keep the skin moisturized for some time.

Follow a healthy skincare routine
Good skincare is the foundation of preventing or arresting psoriasis flare-ups. Use organic and hypoallergenic skin care products. While a few minutes in the sun can benefit you, do not spend long hours outside. If you must be outdoors, ensure your arms and legs are covered. Always carry a hat, umbrella, scarf, and sunscreen in your purse.

Avoid the following in your meals
Food is one of the primary triggers for a psoriasis flare-up. Maintaining a food journal can help you identify what triggers it for you. Avoid the following:

  • Dairy products
  • Eggplant
  • Gluten
  • Highly processed food with chemical additives and flavor enhancers
  • Pork
  • Red meat
  • Rich, sugary desserts
  • Shellfish
  • Snacks and bread made with refined flour
  • Tomatoes
  • White potatoes

Avoid exposure to psoriasis triggers
Besides food, many other natural, chemical, and environmental triggers can cause a flare-up. Following are some of the common psoriasis triggers:

  • Bruises
  • Specific prescription treatments used for treating hypertension, malaria, and hepatitis C
  • Dry weather
  • Humid weather
  • Insect and bug bite
  • Low estrogen
  • Skin injury
  • Stress
  • Too much exposure to the sun
  • Upper respiratory infections

Learn to manage stress
Stress is one of the significant triggers of psoriasis. A flare-up and the consequent rashes and itch can add to the stress. Light exercise, yoga, Tai Chi, and meditation can help you calm yourself. You can also spend time on your hobbies and with family and friends. You can also ask your doctor to refer a psychotherapist if you cannot manage stress yourself.

Avoid self-prescription
Certain oral prescription treatments have been proven as psoriasis triggers. Talk to a doctor before getting any treatment and talk to them about your symptoms so that they can avoid prescribing anything that could be a potential trigger. Do not take any oral treatment without a doctor’s advice.

Six home remedies for psoriasis
Since psoriasis is a chronic condition without a cure, you may have to take treatment for a long time. Self-care and home remedies can help the dependence on prescription treatments. (Do not discontinue any treatment without the doctor’s advice). Here are some of the home remedies for psoriasis that one can follow:

Cold compress
Apply a cold compress to the affected areas. It can help in reducing itches and prevent rashes from spreading.

Warm bath
Soak in a lukewarm bath for 15 minutes to loosen the scales. Add sea salt, oatmeal, and light coal tar bath gel to the warm water to help cool your skin and prevent the itch from spreading.

Essential oils
Essential oils have always been effective in treating skin conditions. Apply them directly or mix them with carrier oil as per instructions. Essential oils that are beneficial for psoriasis include:

  • Castor oil
  • Coconut oil
  • Geranium oil
  • Lavender oil
  • Tea tree oil

Aloe vera
Aloe vera gel is a highly recommended herb for dry skin conditions. Buy organic and certified pure aloe vera gel and apply it twice a day.

Bitter melon
Bitter melon is a bitter and edible fruit, and its enzymes inhibit psoriasis flare-ups. Talk to a doctor or nutritionist about the proper dosage for you. You should avoid it if you have low blood sugar.

Use a humidifier
A humidifier keeps the air moist at night and can keep the skin moist while you sleep. A 24-hour moisturizing care can help prevent a flare-up.

Trending Articles

Important things to know about kidney problems

Important things to know about kidney problems

Kidney diseases are some of the most common and life-threatening conditions that affect patients worldwide. These diseases lead to kidney function failure over time. It can be caused by various factors, including environmental toxins, genetic predispositions, and unhealthy lifestyle choices. Kidney disease can lead to severe health complications such as acute renal failure (ARF), chronic kidney disease (CKD), or chronic renal failure (CRF). A healthy kidney is a sign of a healthy body and lifestyle. The function of the kidney The kidney is an essential organ that performs many functions in the body. It filters the blood, removes waste products and excess water from the body, and helps maintain a person’s balance of electrolytes like sodium and potassium. Kidneys help maintain their normal levels of salt concentration which is essential for the proper functioning of every cell tissue in the body because, without adequate amounts of salt, no cells can function properly. The kidney also plays a vital role in regulating blood pressure and volume by keeping them at appropriate levels through urine production. The kidneys also regulate fluid balance in your body by removing excess water from urine and adding extra water into the urine when necessary for your body tissues not to be dehydrated.  Kidney failure is when a person’s kidneys cannot function properly due to disease or injury; this condition can be fatal if left untreated.
Read More
Modifying homes for people with poor vision

Modifying homes for people with poor vision

One of the top reasons for low vision and blindness in people over 55 is macular degeneration. Macular degeneration causes loss of vision due to damage to the macula in the retina of the eye. It can be difficult for people with this condition to live in inaccessible homes. So, to ensure ease of maneuverability for people with macular degeneration or similar conditions, here are 13 tips to make a home low-vision friendly. Use clear and contrasting colors for walls The key to making a low-vision-friendly home is using light and dark colors. Dark colors can be complex for those with low vision, but if used intelligently, it can make all the difference. The answer lies in how light reflects off certain surfaces. If you have a bright yellow wall with black trim around it, then any space adjacent to it will be illuminated by daylight coming through windows above them. Contrasting shades like white or black help keep things cooler by reflecting out more heat than they receive from direct sunlight. Place essential items in your line of sight Ensure that important items, such as mobility aids, phones, and other necessities, are within your line of sight and not obscured by something else in the room.
Read More
Key things to know about macular degeneration

Key things to know about macular degeneration

Macular degeneration is an eye disorder that affects the macula, a tiny part of the retina that provides sharp central vision. The most common kind of this disease is age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which affects many people in our country over 60 years. While there is no cure for macular degeneration, several treatments and lifestyle changes help manage the symptoms and improve your vision so that it does not interfere with everyday life. What are the types of macular degeneration? There are two common types of the condition: Wet or exudative macular degeneration This is the more common type. It occurs when the tiny blood vessels in front of your retina get damaged and leak fluid into your eye, causing swelling, redness, and dampness. The condition can affect your central vision and cause blurry patches in the center. Central vision is the area you see directly in front of you. Dry or atrophic macular degeneration Also known as senile macular degeneration, this condition occurs when the retina does not receive sufficient oxygen due to damage from aging; it results in a breakdown of the central part of the retina (the photoreceptors). What causes this eye disorder? The risk factors include genetics and lifestyle ailments, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and diabetes.
Read More
Nasal polyps – Symptoms, causes, and management

Nasal polyps – Symptoms, causes, and management

Nasal polyps can be a symptom of an underlying condition or occur independently. The visible signs and symptoms of nasal polyps include congestion, runny nose, loss of smell, and pressure or pain around your eyes and cheeks. A deviated septum may contribute to nasal polyps. However, they can also occur in people who do not have this condition, such as athletes who blow their noses frequently during exercise routines. Read on to learn more about nasal polyps. What are nasal polyps? Nasal polyps are small, soft growths that develop in the lining of the nasal passages and sinuses. They are also sometimes called nasal tumors or nasal corking. They are not cancerous, contagious, or caused by allergies. Nasal polyps may also be associated with other conditions like chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), allergic rhinitis (AR), chronic sinusitis (CS), and asthma. Nasal polyps typically develop before the age of 40, and they do not usually cause symptoms until they grow larger or become inflamed or infected.  However, large nasal polyps can block airflow through your nose. If this happens, you may experience sinusitis, headaches, and a stuffy or runny nose. You may also experience difficulty breathing through one nostril at a time if large polyps block the other nostril completely.
Read More

Most Popular

Atopic dermatitis – Causes, symptoms, and more

Atopic dermatitis – Causes, symptoms, and more

Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a disorder that results in dry, irritable, and inflammatory skin. Though it can affect anyone, young children are more vulnerable to this disorder. The symptoms include recurring (chronic) and sporadic flare-ups, though it is not contagious. Atopic dermatitis patients risk contracting asthma and seasonal and food allergies. Regular moisturizing and skin disease condition-related treatments help alleviate itching and prevent further outbreaks. Using medicated lotions or ointments during treatment is also helpful. Symptoms Depending on an individual’s age, the severity of the condition, and other circumstances, symptoms of atopic dermatitis may vary. Those who have the condition typically experience phases of worsening symptoms, followed by times of improvement or even complete disappearance. The following sections will cover some likely variances in symptoms in more detail. General eczema symptoms Eczema symptoms are usually not severe. The most common signs and symptoms of atopic dermatitis include dry, itchy skin, skin flushing, or weeping sores.  Individuals with severe eczema skin disease may need more intensive care to eliminate their problems. Infections of the skin can also result from persistent touching and scratching. The appearance of the skin area afflicted by atopic dermatitis will vary depending on the frequency of itching and infection.
Afib – Types, causes, symptoms, and management

Afib – Types, causes, symptoms, and management

Atrial fibrillation (Afib) occurs when the usually stable and regular electrical impulses in the heart’s upper chambers (atria) begin firing chaotically, causing them to quiver or twitch (fibrillate). This can cause blood accumulation and clotting in the atria. These clots can reach the lungs through the blood vessels and cause pulmonary embolism or can reach the brain, resulting in a stroke. Let’s look at the forms, signs, and causes of Afib and its treatment options: Types of atrial fibrillation Afib can be classified as one or more of these: First-diagnosed Afib: Regardless of symptoms or the number or length of episodes, this refers to individuals diagnosed for the first time with Afib. Asymptomatic Afib: This condition is also called silent Afib, given the lack of signs or symptoms. A random electrocardiogram (ECG) could reveal asymptomatic atrial fibrillation. Paroxysmal Afib: Two or more episodes of the conditions that spontaneously resolve within a week are categorized as paroxysmal Afib. Persistent Afib: This refers to two or more episodes of atrial fibrillation that last seven days or more. Long-term persistent Afib: If the condition persists for more than a year, it is referred to as long-term persistent Afib. Permanent Afib: This is a chronic condition that cannot be managed using common treatment options.
How to reduce sugar intake and manage blood sugar

How to reduce sugar intake and manage blood sugar

It is a known fact that too much sugar can be devastating for your health. When blood sugar is high, the body produces more insulin, which can lead to several health complications, including prediabetes and diabetes. So, you must cut down on sugar. Choosing healthy snacks and increasing fiber and probiotic intake can help. Moreover, regular exercise is essential. Here are a few tips to lower sugar intake and manage blood sugar levels naturally. Avoid carbohydrates A high intake of carbohydrates has a substantial impact on blood sugar levels. The body breaks down carbohydrates into sugars like glucose, which enters the blood. While the body requires glucose for energy, an excess can be harmful. As the amount of glucose increases, so does the amount of insulin produced by the body, leading to a greater risk of lifestyle disorders. Some foods with an abundance of carbs to stay away from are potato chips and donuts. Control your portion size If you are dealing with frequent blood sugar spikes, monitoring portion size can help. When you eat a large meal, blood glucose increases suddenly. To avoid this, eat smaller meals. You can opt for five to six small meals per day instead of two or three large ones.
11 management options to keep anxiety at bay

11 management options to keep anxiety at bay

People with anxiety disorders regularly and excessively experience fear and panic in everyday situations. If unchecked, anxiety can impair normal functioning and degrade the quality of life. One must consult a health expert if anxiety is affecting their social life. But first, ensure that any physical health issues are ruled out before consulting them. Most individuals with anxiety disorders need medication or therapy, but coping strategies and lifestyle decisions can also be helpful. Stop and take a breath When you experience an anxiety episode, take a moment to think about what is making you feel uneasy. Usual anxiety symptoms include concerns about a recent or distant event. For example, you can worry that something wrong will happen to you in the future. Or, you can still be upset about something that has already happened in the past. But, whatever your concerns, most anxiety issues stem from not focusing on the present. The next time you feel nervous and get distracted from the present moment, sit down and take some deep breaths to reclaim your composure. You can regain balance and return to the present moment by pausing and taking a few deep breaths. If you have the time, consider advancing this practice by experimenting with breathing techniques.
Breast cancer – Causes, types, and management

Breast cancer – Causes, types, and management

Cancer that originates in the breast tissue is called breast cancer. It is the second most common cancer among women in the country. The condition is seen in women more than men. Fortunately, advancements in screening and breast cancer treatment have enabled dramatic improvements in survival rates over the years. The symptoms include changes in the texture and shape of the nipples, discharge from the nipples, and a lump in the breast.  Read on to learn the causes, types, and management options of breast cancer.  Causes of breast cancer Breast cancer occurs when abnormal breast cells divide and multiply more rapidly than healthy cells. These abnormal cells accumulate to form a lump or mass. Doctors have not been able to know the exact cause of breast cancer. However, multiple factors can trigger the chances of developing the disease, and they include: Family history and genetics The risk increases if you have parents or close relatives who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Having gene mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, which are passed down from parents to children, also increases the risk. Age The risk of breast cancer increases with advancing age.  Gender The risk of developing breast cancer is higher in women than in men.   Personal history of breast conditions The risk increases when an earlier biopsy has indicated atypical hyperplasia of the breast or lobular carcinoma in situ or if cancer has been detected in one breast.
Read More
10 best laundry detergents and their features

10 best laundry detergents and their features

Detergents are available in multiple forms, such as pods, powder, and liquids, and choosing the best one can be tough. In addition to daily wear clothing and regular laundry items, you could have some garments that require specialized products for effective cleaning. Some members of your family might have sensitive skin and need mild chemical-free products. So here is a list of the best detergents that can make your laundry task hassle-free.  Gain Laundry Detergent Among the list of laundry detergents that are known for their fragrance is Gain Laundry Detergent. The liquid not only cleans your clothes but also gives them a delicate fragrance that can last for up to 6 weeks or until the garment is worn. This detergent can be used in all washing machines, including highly efficient ones. The detergent also has Oxi Boost, a combination of surfactants, enzymes, and pre-treaters that aid in eliminating stains and odors that could be two weeks old. Moreover, this product is available in multiple sizes to cater to the needs of every household. Persil ProClean Laundry Detergent Among the laundry detergents that excel in stain removal is Persil Proclean. This concentrated liquid offers deep cleaning and has stain-fighting enzymes.
Read More

© 2024 VaultIdeas.com. All Rights Reserved.