4 Ways to Keep Your Psoriasis Flare-Ups Under Control
Psoriasis, a skin ailment that causes red, flaky patches of skin, affects about 125 million people worldwide—nearly three percent of the world’s population! Though many mistake it as a purely aesthetic issue, when left untreated, psoriasis can progress into psoriatic arthritis, making movement and daily tasks more difficult for anyone living with the condition.
Though research does not definitively state what causes psoriasis, there is evidence that it may be triggered by autoimmune disease or genetics. Whatever the case may be, the condition is made worse by lifestyle choices such as excessive food, alcohol, or stress. It can also be a reaction from injury and extreme amounts of cold and damp. In this article, we discuss a few ways on how you can manage your psoriasis at home.
Reduce your intake of fatty acids
Fatty cuts of beef, pork, and red poultry meat have been linked with the onset of psoriasis. Caffeinated drinks, eggs, soft drinks, and butter are also sources of fatty acids. Avoiding these, especially during episodes of severe flare-ups, may help reduce your symptoms.
These foods contain arachidonic acid, a polyunsaturated acid. According to research, when food like these are digested, some of its byproducts cause the formation of psoriatic lesions. Another component that causes flare-ups is gluten, so avoiding processed foods and certain types of bread may be necessary to stem the growth of lesions.
Switch to a healthier diet
People suffering from autoimmune diseases are always advised to increase their fruit and vegetable intake. These foods contain vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that help sweep the digestive tract free of toxins that cause inflammation. Consume leafy greens like spinach and arugula, and dark fruits like berries, as these are rich in antioxidants.
You should also look into consuming more good oil. While you should cut down on unhealthy fats, you must increase your intake of “good fats” like omega-3 oils, which can help to prevent inflammation. Fish like salmon, sardines, trout, and tuna are rich in omega-3. Other healthy oils are sunflower oil, olive oil, and flaxseed oil that you can use when cooking.
Consider oral treatments
Turmeric is used in many Asian and Mediterranean dishes. In Ayurvedic medicine, it is considered a ‘holy powder,’ because of its many healing properties. As it is, turmeric is both an anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant. Studies show that its principal compound, curcumin, is effective in the treatment of psoriasis.
Aside from turmeric, other herbs and nutrients also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Alfalfa, milk thistle, and slippery elm, for instance, support the digestive system and reduce the production of free radicals.
Be gentle on your skin and scalp
Avoid products that are heavily perfumed or have coloring agents. Harsh, alcohol-based products like ethanol, or cleaning agents with sodium lauryl sulphate are triggers for lesions. Use natural and gentle skin care products.
When choosing a shampoo and conditioner, it is best to purchase ones that have active ingredients that soothe psoriasis flare-ups. Ingredients like ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, and salicylic acid help keep the inflammation under control.
When using treated shampoo, be careful to rub it into your scalp with the pads of your fingers and not your nails. If you use your nails, you’ll only aggravate your skin and cause further damage. When you’ve sufficiently covered your scalp’s surface, let the shampoo sit for five to ten minutes before rinsing.
Conclusion
Psoriasis is a condition that affects millions of people around the world. It is nothing to be ashamed of, though it can be a handful to treat or deal with. Consistency and patience with treatments will, when kept up consistently, produce dramatic results.
If you are looking for a long-term solution to your psoriasis, try Psolace’s custom-formulated 30-day treatment. It is a 100 percent natural system that boosts the immune system and reduces the occurrence of flare-ups. Contact us today to learn more.