Living with psoriasis can be challenging, both physically and emotionally. A chronic auto immune skin condition that causes skin cells to multiply rapidly, psoriasis affects millions of people worldwide. Commonly this skin condition causes red, itchy and scaly patches often on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower body, but can appear anywhere on your body. Those with psoriasis can find the condition uncomfortable whilst many find outbreaks sore and distressing to manage. We have put together four top tips for dealing with psoriasis and improve your skin health...
1. Follow a Skincare Routine
A consistent and gentle skincare routine can go a long way to managing psoriasis. Skincare products should always be created from natural ingredients such as our Cream Come True and Oil Day Long which have been developed specifically to target drying skin conditions such as psoriasis. Regular moisturising is key as it helps lock in moisture and reduce the dryness associated with psoriasis patches.
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2. Avoid Triggers
Psoriasis flare-ups can be triggered by certain factors, so identifying these are crucial to avoiding the worsening of the condition. Common triggers include stress, cold weather, infections, smoking, alcohol, and certain medications. In addition hormone changes for example during puberty or menopause can be triggers.
Top Tip - keep a diary of when flare-ups occur with a list of the above triggers and make notes against each factor. Find if you can spot a pattern and understand your trigger or combination of triggers.
3. Maintain a Healthy Diet
Whilst no specific diet can cure psoriasis, maintaining a balanced and healthy diet eating plan can help manage inflammation and overall well-being. Anti-inflammatory foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fatty fish are identified by researchers* as helping to control inflammation. Many of these foods are found in the Mediterranean diet where fish, vegetables and olive oil are the main staples. Read Top Foods to Feed Your Skin with Christine Bailey, Nutritionist.
4. Embrace Sunlight
Moderate exposure to sunlight can have beneficial effects on areas of psoriasis. Sunlight contains UVB wavelengths which are effective at improving psoriasis as well as producing essential vitamin D in the skin**. However, caution should always be exercised when in sunlight due to the dangers of sun exposure, spreading sessions over time and using a suitable sunscreen at all times.
*arthritis.org **papaa.org
