According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, some 8 million Americans have psoriasis and 125 million people worldwide or 2-3% of the population in total. Unfortunately, doctors still don’t know the root cause and there is no known cure available. Even so, psoriasis can be managed in a number of ways. We’re here to tell you about some of the most promising breakthroughs and effective treatments1.
What is Psoriasis?
But before we go any further, let’s take a look at the basics. Psoriasis is a skin disease causing a wide range of irritating symptoms, including itchy skin with white scales, patches, and red spots, but also fingernail problems such as pitting, discoloration, and crumbling. Obviously, psoriasis can be very hard to hide and even harder to live with2.
It is not known what causes psoriasis, but an autoimmune disease is most likely the culprit. This, of course, makes treating the condition quite hard, Luckily, there are many effective ways of managing psoriasis.
Best Way to Ease and Manage Psoriasis Symptoms
1. Try Not to Pick, Itch or Scratch Inflamed Areas
While this may seem impossible to do, it is important that you resist picking or scratching affected areas Flare-ups can are almost guaranteed to be uncomfortable and between 70 and 90% of people with psoriasis get very itchy, but you will only make it worse with scratching or picking and prolong your body’s natural healing process as a result3.
2. Use a Topical Cream or Lotion
Itching from psoriasis can often be relieved with the application of a lotion or cream. This approach is more effective and practical for patients that have fewer areas affected by psoriasis. The perfect time to apply a cream or lotion is right after you take a shower or bath. When searching for a product, consult your doctor and look for ingredients such as glycolic, salicylic, or lactic acid, as they’re most capable of preventing outbreaks.
3. Make Sure Air Humidity Levels Are Optimal
Psoriasis tends to get worse in the winter for many people and it’s due to a combination of colder temperatures, minimal sun exposure, and dry air. The best thing to do then is to get a humidifier and prevent your skin from drying out by keeping the air moisture levels in your house or apartment in check which will help avoid outbreaks caused by dry skin4.
4. Eat a Healthy and Balanced Diet
Consuming a healthy diet is good for your overall health but is also one of the best ways to help manage and ease psoriasis symptoms. Certain foods can cause inflammation and lead to flare ups, other foods will help you prevent them because they’re anti-inflammatory. Here are some of the key things to remove from your diet and some you should add, according to Healthline.com5.
Foods You Should Avoid:
– Eggs and Red meat
– Wheat and wheat products
– Nightshade vegetables (potatoes, tomatoes, peppers)
– Processed foods with lots of salt, fat, and sugar
Foods You Should Include:
– Brussel sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower
– Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, etc
– Salmon, Cod, Trout, and other fatty fish
– Healthy natural oils like olive and coconut oil
5. Make Sure You Spend Some Time in the Sun
Yes, it can be that simple. Psoriasis can be managed and treated just by spending more time in the sun. If you can, try to go outside a couple of times per week. Start slow if your skin is sensitive to the sun and wear sunscreen if necessary. You can also talk to your doctor for further advice and to see whether this is a good way to manage or ease your particular symptoms.
6. Cut Back on Common Vices
Both drinking and smoking negatively affect patients with psoriasis. The harmful chemical compounds found in alcohol and cigarettes are known to cause flare-ups, so it’s best to limit intake or avoid them altogether just in case.
7. Don’t Forget to Research
As we’ve stated earlier, we still don’t know what causes psoriasis, but then the good news is that there’s so much more to learn. Since this skin condition is relatively unknown, there is a lot of room for new treatments and approaches that could end up becoming a cure in the future.
There are at least a few cutting-edge drugs that are very promising when it comes to treating psoriasis. These medications are effective in fighting irritation and inflammation. You can find them under at least a few different names, but they’re well worth looking into.
So, if you are suffering from psoriasis, you should not be discouraged. There are many ways to manage symptoms and treat them with new medications. Consult your doctor to see which ones could help you and don’t forget to do your research.
[1] Psoriasis Statistics. Psoriasis.org
[2] Psoriasis. Webmd.com
[3] Managing Itch. National Psoriasis Foundation
[4] Psoriasis in spring, summer, fall and winter
[5] What Foods Can Trigger a Psoriasis Flare-Up?
