In today’s post, I am sharing six tips for managing psoriasis flare-ups. Sometimes you might want to go out and socialize with friends and family but worrying about a psoriasis flare-up prevents you from doing so. Several factors play a role in triggering an outbreak, but you can still socialize without the fear of an oncoming psoriasis attack by taking a few preventative steps. The same anxiety from worrying about a flare-up can make it worse.
People living with the condition can improve daily living by being aware of the triggers that cause an attack and trying to avoid them to manage their psoriasis better. Evaluating what is happening underneath your skin is the first step since this is an autoimmune condition, and over-the-counter remedies will not target the underlying cause. Here is more information about the triggers and six tips for managing psoriasis flare-ups.
Common Triggers of Psoriasis
The frequency and severity of psoriasis flare-ups are different from one person to the next. That is why it is essential to know the common triggers to try and avoid them as much as possible.
- Weather – on colder days, when the temperature drops and the air is dry, it can worsen the condition.
- Medications – some medications like lithium, beta-blockers, and antimalarial medications can worsen the symptoms.
- Stress – we all know that stress can significantly affect our mental and physical health. The same goes for psoriasis, and chronic or ongoing stress can be the source of your flare-ups.
- Weight – according to a 2019 study, obesity or gaining weight can elevate psoriasis symptoms.
- Infections – certain health conditions or infections (particularly Streptococcal infection or HIV) can be the reason for flare-ups.
- Drinking and smoking – alcohol and tobacco can worsen or increase the risk of getting psoriasis.
- Trauma to the skin – any form of trauma to your skin, for instance, extreme sunburn, cuts, insect bites, or scrapes, can worsen your symptoms or cause a flare-up.
- Diet – overweight individuals can benefit from losing weight to lower the symptoms of psoriasis, according to a 2018 study from JAMA Dermatology.
6 Tips For Managing Psoriasis Flare-Ups
1. Being Educated About The Condition
Understanding psoriasis, the causes, triggers, and treatments can go a long way in preventing flare-ups. Helpful resources that you can use for educating yourself about the condition are The American Academy of Dermatology and the National Psoriasis Foundation.
2. Using a Humidifier
Humidifiers restore moisture in dry air. Consider keeping one at night in your bedroom, especially during cold and dry winters. You can also place one in a room where you spend most of your time to see if your condition improves.
3. Keeping Your Skin Moisturised
Skin hydration is essential when it comes to managing psoriasis flare-ups. Try to apply a thick emollient or cream to your skin daily to form a barrier. It could help prevent worsening your symptoms from trauma inflicted on the skin (scrapes, bug bites, sunburn, etc.).
4. Getting Some Sun (But Not Too Much)
Exposing your skin to some vitamin D from sun rays can delay cell turnover. It helps with lowering inflammation and scaling, subsequently reducing the chances of a psoriasis flare-up. Just remember not to overdo it. Sun exposure should be brief to avoid sunburn that could worsen your symptoms.
5. Keeping Your Stress Levels Low
As mentioned earlier, stress and anxiety can amplify the chances of flare-ups. To help you manage stress levels, you can do relaxing activities like tai chi, physical activity, meditation, breathing exercises, or yoga.
6. Maintaining a Healthy Weight
Following a healthy eating plan and maintaining a healthy weight will help manage your psoriasis and improve your overall health. In addition to a healthy diet, engage in physical exercise to help you lose weight and keep it off.
Limiting Alcohol Consumption
Drinking alcohol can influence the effectiveness of your psoriasis medication. Speak to your doctor about how much alcohol you can drink safely that will not interfere with your treatment.
Conclusion
I hope you have found these six tips for managing psoriasis flare-ups helpful and that they will make a difference in your life. There is no cure for psoriasis, but by avoiding common triggers and being knowledgeable and proactive about the condition, you can still live a relatively normal life and go out with friends or family without the fear of having a flare-up.
Sending you lots of guiding light, love, and healing vibes.
Anthea