5 Ways To Manage Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin condition characterized by dry, scaly patches. It can affect your appearance and even feel itchy and painful at times. Although there is currently no cure for this condition, there are some lifestyle changes you can make to improve your symptoms. Here are five effective ways to manage psoriasis:
Pay Attention to How You Shower
When you suffer from psoriasis, the way you shower matters. If you regularly take long and hot showers, it can dry out your skin, worsening your psoriasis symptoms. To avoid any flareups, it is best to take lukewarm showers and keep them as short as possible. It is also a good idea to use gentle soaps that are made for sensitive skin.
Moisturize Your Skin Daily
One of the easiest and most effective ways to manage psoriasis symptoms is to moisturize your skin on a daily basis. Apply a thick ointment on your skin after you get done taking a shower or bath. On colder and drier days, you may need to moisturize your skin more than once a day.
Get Some Sun
A little sunshine has proven to be beneficial for psoriasis. The sun actually slows down the growth of skin cells, improving psoriasis symptoms. However, be sure to apply plenty of sunscreen before heading outdoors, as sunburns can worsen your condition.
Limit Stress
The more stress there is in your life, the more likely you are to experience psoriasis flareups. That is why it is very important to minimize your stress as much as possible. Try not to overwork yourself, and take breaks when you need to. Also, try to start out every day with a relaxing activity, such as yoga or meditation.
Watch Your Diet
Your diet can play an important role in managing your psoriasis symptoms. Try to include omega-3 fatty acids in your diet because they can reduce inflammation throughout your entire body. Good sources of these fatty acids include olive oil, walnuts, and salmon. Also, try to limit red meat and alcohol because they may cause psoriasis flareups.
Living with psoriasis can definitely be a challenge at times. However, if you take good care of your body and avoid certain triggers, you can reduce the number of flareups you get. If you still can't manage to get control of your symptoms, you may want to make an appointment to see your doctor about alternative treatment options.