9 Effective Ways to Deal with Psoriasis Flare-Ups
As all psoriasis sufferers know, flare-ups can be irritating. As with any itch, all you want to do is relieve yourself from the pain and discomfort that it brings as soon as possible. Unlike normal itches, however, flare-ups for those suffering from psoriasis can be frequent and take quite a toll on their quality of life. Flare-ups happen due to many reasons, but there are times when it just seems to emerge out of nowhere. That’s why you have to know what to do in times like this.
Here are some tips to help you cope with psoriasis flare-ups:
Moisturize Your Skin
The symptoms of psoriasis worsen with dry skin, which is why you need to ensure you moisturize regularly. Stock up on sensitive lotions that don’t invoke a reaction from your skin. Due to its thick and oily texture, petroleum jelly is a popular choice because of its power to trap moisture beneath the skin effectively.
Suffering from skin scales? Apply cream on top of the petroleum jelly, cover it with a plastic wrap, and leave it for a few hours.
Don’t Pick at Scales On Skin & Scalp
It might be tempting to pick scales on your skin and scalp, but it’s crucial to avoid it as much as possible. Picking skin patches or scales can make your psoriasis worse.
Treat At the First Sign of Flare
Are you starting to show psoriasis flare symptoms? Treat it right away before shows a significant effect. Apply your prescribed topical steroid cream and take it easy. Stop with the treatment when you’re free of symptoms.
Have a Little Sun
Fifteen minutes of sun exposure several times a week will help with your flare-ups. However, some sufferers aren’t advised to spend too much time under the bright sun. Consult your dermatologist to get a recommendation of how much time you should be spending outdoors.
Limit Your Time In The Shower
Spending a long time in the water can make your skin drier. When you have a flare, keep showers under five minutes as much as you can. When you’re taking a bath, try to keep it under 15 minutes.
Have a Well-Balanced Diet
Eating a well-balanced diet can help reduce the severity of your flare-ups. You might want to consume supplements as well that contain omega-3 fatty acids. Furthermore, it’s wise to start and maintain a healthy diet filled with nutritious food such as vegetables and fruits.
Try to Reduce Stress
One of the main causes of flare-ups is stress. When you have psoriasis and you get stressed, the body copes with it through inflammation. This occurs because the immune system releases too many chemicals during an injury or infection.
If you’re under too much stress, make a conscious effort to reduce it. Some of the things that you can do to manage your stress levels are to exercise, meditate, or do something that you love.
Limit Your Alcohol Intake
Alcohol can affect your psoriasis treatment. Therefore, if you’ve been drinking more than average, then it’s time that you cut back, especially if you’re experiencing frequent flare-ups. When you limit your alcohol intake, you also lessen the risk of liver damage due to your medications.
Be Mindful of the Weather
Patients with psoriasis are sensitive to certain types of weather, such as winter and fall. When you’re about to head out, be mindful of the weather for that day. Check your phone for the weather forecast and bring necessary items to relieve discomfort should you have flare-ups in the middle of the day.
Conclusion
Whatever the reason behind your flare-ups, it doesn’t have to be a catastrophe. You just need a bit of preparation, the right medications, and patience to manage it.
Psolace offers a 30-day treatment system for quick relief from psoriasis symptoms and other skin diseases. Contact us today.