How to maintain good skin when you have psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the skin, with erythema (redness), flaking, dryness, and itchiness. This condition is caused by an overactive immune system which triggers keratinocytes to reproduce in excess. Typical psoriasis lesions are thick, raised patches of red skin covered with silvery scales. Psoriatic arthritis can also affect the joints of the hands and feet. There are many types of psoriasis, but all have one thing in common: itchy or sore areas of inflamed skin covered by silvery-white scaly plaques that tend to crack and bleed easily. There are various treatment options available for controlling this condition, but one aspect of preventing and managing psoriasis is maintaining good skin health.

Here are some tips on how to maintain good skin even if you have psoriasis:

1. Keep your skin hydrated

Dry skin is a common problem for people with psoriasis. It can worsen the condition and cause itching, scaling, and flaking. To keep your skin hydrated, drink plenty of fluids and use a moisturizer regularly, especially after bathing or showering. Look for a moisturizer containing glycerine, urea, hyaluronic acid, or shea butter.

2. Avoid harsh soaps and detergents

Harsh soaps and detergents can strip the natural oils from your skin, making it dry and irritated. Use a gentle soap-free cleanser instead and avoid scrubbing your skin too hard when washing.

3. Protect your skin from the sun

Psoriasis lesions are more visible when exposed to the sun. Be sure to use sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF) to keep your skin safe from harmful UV rays, especially if you will be outside for long periods. Also, avoid direct exposure to sunlight as much as possible to reduce irritation and other symptoms.

4. Use moisturizers on affected areas only

If you have thick and scaly plaques, applying moisturizers can irritate instead of mitigating them. Avoid using lotions or products containing shea butter or glycerin because these ingredients can worsen psoriasis lesions. Instead, apply moisturizers sparingly on areas that aren’t affected by the condition, such as the elbows and knees.

5. Limit baths and showers to less than 10 minutes

Taking long hot baths or showers can strip the natural oils from your skin, making it dry and irritated. Limit the length of your daily bath/shower to prevent this problem. You can also lessen the drying effect by bathing in lukewarm water instead of hot water. When getting out of the tub or shower, gently pat yourself dry with a towel instead of rubbing your skin firmly because friction can irritate. Don’t forget to moisturize afterward!

6. Change your clothes after sweating heavily

After heavy exercise or other physical activities that make you sweat excessively, promptly change into clean clothes to keep psoriasis plaques away from moisture as much as possible. If you can’t shower right away, use a dry towel to dab sweat from your skin.

7. Use a humidifier

Using a humidifier in your home is also an excellent way to keep skin hydrated. This can prevent psoriasis from getting worse and reduce itching, flaking, and scaling. Keep the humidity level between 40% and 60%.

8. Do not apply any moisturizer

Use moisturizers on unaffected areas only, such as the elbows, knees, ankles, etc. If you have thick and scaly plaques, applying moisturizer can make the condition worse instead of mitigating it. Avoid using lotions containing shea butter or glycerin because these ingredients may worsen psoriasis lesions. Instead, apply moisturizers on areas that aren’t affected by psoriases, such as the cheeks, temples, and forehead.

9. Eat a healthy diet

A balanced and healthy diet is essential for everyone, including psoriasis. Eating nutritious foods can help improve your overall health and help control psoriasis symptoms. Make sure to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein in your diet. Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats.

10. Manage stress levels

Stress can aggravate psoriasis symptoms and make the condition harder to control. Try to manage your stress levels by practicing relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation or spending time with friends and family. If stress is a problem for you, talk to your doctor about possible treatment options.

11. Try paraffin baths

A paraffin bath is an effective way to moisturize your skin while relieving itching and flaking. You will need to visit a dermatologist for this treatment because it isn’t safe to make at home. The psoriasis plaques are first soaked in warm water before being placed straight into the melted wax. After about 15 minutes, remove the plaques from the bath and let them air dry before applying a moisturizer. Paraffin baths are usually done once a week.

12. Try coal tar shampoo

Coal tar shampoo is an effective way to control psoriasis symptoms on the scalp. It can help to reduce itching, flake, and scaling. Coal tar shampoo is available over the counter or by prescription. Follow the instructions carefully and avoid getting the shampoo in your eyes or healthy skin since it can irritate.

13. Try over-the-counter antifungal shampoo

Antifungal shampoos containing selenium sulfide, ketoconazole, and zinc pyrithione effectively treat yeast infections that commonly affect psoriasis patients. These shampoos must be applied to the scalp once or twice a week. Over-the-counter antifungal shampoos may help relieve symptoms of psoriasis when used alongside other treatments such as coal tar shampoo. They work by eliminating fungi from the scalp and reducing inflammation from the lesions caused by psoriasis. However, you should avoid these shampoos if your psoriasis is severe.

14. Try topical steroids

Topical corticosteroids can help relieve irritation and redness of psoriasis plaques. They often come in a cream or ointment that can be applied directly to the skin. Topical steroids should only be used on mild psoriasis cases, as they can cause side effects such as acne and an increased chance of infections if used for prolonged periods.

15. Take supplements

Vitamin D is especially beneficial for psoriasis because it usually helps the immune system function and reduces inflammation. You may need to take vitamin D supplements or use sun lamps to help improve your levels. However, it would help if you did not rely solely on sunlight exposure since UV rays can worsen symptoms and increase your risk of skin cancer.

16: Clean duvet covers often 

The same way we wash our pillowcases and sheets, we should take the time to clean our duvet covers once in a while. You may be surprised how much dirt and grime build up on your bedding over time. Since psoriasis can worsen when skin cells are trapped in your comforter or sheets, it’s essential to keep them clean, so they don’t irritate your skin any further.

17: Use home remedies

Many people find that home remedies are the most convenient way to manage their psoriasis symptoms. Some common ingredients found in kitchens worldwide can effectively relieve itching, flaking, and scaling. This includes oatmeal, baking soda, apple cider vinegar, green tea, and aloe vera juice. Since everyone’s body is different, one person’s work may not work well for another.

18: Stop Smoking

Smoking has been linked to increased plaque psoriasis severity, so it’s essential to quit if you want to improve your skin condition. Smoking not only worsens psoriasis symptoms, but it can also increase your risk of other health problems such as heart disease and lung cancer.

19: Manage stress

Stress can be a significant trigger for psoriasis flares. Fortunately, there are many ways to manage stress through exercise, relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation, and socializing with friends and family. When you’re feeling stressed, take a few minutes to yourself to relax and de-stress. This can help improve your overall mood and reduce the chances of psoriasis flares.

20: Limit Alcohol Intake

While a glass of wine here and there may be relaxing, drinking too much alcohol can cause psoriasis to flare up. Since heavy drinking has been shown to increase your risk of psoriasis, it’s best to limit your alcohol intake as much as possible.

21: Limit Alcohol Intake

People with psoriasis are often told to avoid alcohol altogether. However, this is not necessarily true. Drinking small amounts of alcohol shouldn’t affect your psoriasis, although it can cause flare-ups in some cases.

22: Avoid tight clothing

Clothing too tight on the body can trigger irritation, itching, and psoriasis flares. This includes synthetic fabrics such as polyester, which may trap heat near the skin and increase itchiness. Fortunately, increasing ventilation of your skin by wearing loose-fitting clothes or allowing some areas to ‘breathe’ can help relieve symptoms.

23: Maintain a healthy weight

Since obesity leads to chronic inflammation throughout the body, it’s essential to maintain a healthy weight. Eating a nutritious diet, getting regular exercise, and managing your weight can help improve psoriasis symptoms without the need for medication.

24: Get enough sleep

Getting enough sleep is essential to maintaining good physical and mental health. If you struggle with insomnia or other sleep problems, talk to your doctor about cognitive behavioral therapy or anti-anxiety medication options. For those who require less than eight hours of sleep per night, it’s essential to find ways to relax before bed, such as taking a bath or reading a book.

25: Do not scratch

Itching is a common symptom of psoriasis, and it can be challenging to resist the urge to scratch. However, scratching can worsen symptoms and lead to infection. If you find that you’re constantly scratching your skin, try using an over-the-counter cream or ointment to help relieve itching. Additionally, keeping your nails trimmed short may help reduce the temptation to scratch.

26: Eat more omega-3 fatty acids

People who follow a plant-based diet often have lower blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids than meat-eaters. Since low levels of these vital nutrients are linked to increased inflammation in the body, it’s essential to include plenty of fish in your diet. Alternatively, you can take a fish oil supplement or eat foods fortified with omega-3 fatty acids.

27: Consider Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies such as acupuncture, aromatherapy, and massage may help improve psoriasis symptoms. However, more research is needed to determine the effectiveness of these treatments. If you consider CAM therapies, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.

28: Get regular exercise

As mentioned earlier, exercise can help improve psoriasis by reducing stress levels, strengthening the immune system, improving cardiovascular health, and more. What’s more, recent studies have shown that physically active people are less likely to develop psoriasis. Exercise does not need to be strenuous to provide a benefit – even gentle activities such as walking can help improve your symptoms when done regularly.

29: Use sunscreen

Sun exposure can worsen psoriasis symptoms, so limiting your sun exposure when possible is essential. This includes avoiding the outdoors during peak hours, wearing protective clothing, and using an SPF 30 or higher sunscreen. Additionally, sunscreen may help protect against damaging UV radiation from the sun – research has shown that UV light can trigger psoriasis flares in some people.

If you’ve been struggling to manage your psoriasis symptoms on your own, it may be time to see a homeopathy doctor. A homeopathy doctor can provide you with more specialized treatment. They can also advise you on managing your psoriasis best and preventing future flare-ups. Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While there is no cure for psoriasis, homeopathic treatments can help control the symptoms. Other factors may contribute to the problem, such as fungus, bacteria, or another skin condition. Early diagnosis and homeopathic treatment are vital to managing psoriasis effectively.

How effective is a homeopathic treatment for psoriasis?

Homeopathic treatment for psoriasis can effectively manage the symptoms, especially when combined with other treatments such as topical creams. A multifaceted approach to treating psoriasis is always best for providing relief from your symptoms. There are no known side effects associated with homeopathic remedies. Additionally, homeopathy is both safe and effective for helping treat various conditions. Homeopathic medications use natural ingredients, making them less likely to trigger common side effects or interact poorly with other medicines. Homeopathic treatment for psoriasis helps prevent the disruption of the skin’s barrier function. This helps your body balance out the natural oils in your skin, so you’ll experience minor irritation and itchiness. Homeopathy doctor provides customized treatment for psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, or plaque psoriasis. For more information, you can book an appointment through OHO Homeopathy!