Manage psoriasis spread with these 8 tips, focusing on moisturizing, gentle skin care, avoiding triggers like stress and certain medications, and embracing a healthy lifestyle for fewer flare-ups.
Okay, so you’re dealing with psoriasis and, like many others, probably wondering how to keep it from spreading. Is it even possible, you ask?
Well, we’ve gathered some info on how to manage psoriasis and potentially limit its spread. It’s a widespread, chronic condition, and those pesky flare-ups on your skin can be, um, pretty irritating. So, let’s jump in!
- Ways to Prevent the Spread of Psoriasis in the Body
- Use Moisturizing Creams
- Taking Care of Your Skin
- Avoid Certain Types of Medications
- Avoid Stress and Anxiety
- Exposure to Some Sunlight
- Control Itching
- Abstain From Alcohol
- Exercising and Following a Healthy Diet
- Key takeaways
- FAQ, Myth & Facts
Ways to Prevent the Spread of Psoriasis in the Body
There are lots of natural ways that can help prevent psoriasis from spreading. We’re going to highlight some of the most important and obvious ways to control its spread, which, can make a real difference.
Use Moisturizing Creams
One of the worst things about psoriasis is how dry it makes your skin. Keeping your skin moisturized is crucial. Using creams regularly helps. Aim for thicker creams or ointments. They’re often more effective at locking in moisture. Look for ingredients like glycerin; we’ve noticed they do wonders for keeping skin hydrated. Seriously, apply that cream liberally, especially after you shower, to trap in as much moisture as possible.
Gently pat the area dry after a bath or shower. Slather on the moisturizer while your skin is still damp. Avoid harsh, scented lotions that can irritate your skin further, potentially making the situation worse.
Taking Care of Your Skin
Taking good care of your skin when you’ve got psoriasis is super important. This can help prevent it from spreading to other parts of your body. Plus, it can minimize flare-ups. Here are some tips for taking care of your skin:
- Use lukewarm water when you shower, not hot water.
- Avoid scratching your skin to prevent further irritation.
- Use a shampoo specifically designed for sensitive skin if you have scalp psoriasis, as recommended by your doctor.
- Keep your nails short.
- Try to avoid being exposed to harsh chemicals and different irritants.
Avoid Certain Types of Medications
Ask your doctor about the medications you’re taking. Some can make your psoriasis worse, even those you get over the counter! Certain drugs can trigger flare-ups in some individuals. Here are a couple of examples:
- Lithium: Used to treat mental health conditions.
- Propranolol and beta-blockers: Used to treat various heart conditions.
We’ve seen this happen with some of our readers where certain medications caused flare-ups, so it’s always good to get confirmation from your physician.
Avoid Stress and Anxiety
Stress can really mess with your psoriasis. It makes the symptoms worse. Try to minimize stress where you can. Even simple things like meditation or gentle exercise can help manage stress levels. Finding healthy ways to cope with stress is key in managing psoriasis and preventing it from spreading.
Exposure to Some Sunlight
Sunlight helps with skin cell turnover and can improve psoriasis symptoms. Exposing yourself to sunlight might help to improve your condition. But, moderation is key. About 20 minutes a day is usually enough. Make sure you’re using sunscreen. Too much sun can trigger flare-ups. Getting burnt? Definitely makes things worse. So be careful!
Control Itching
As much as it feels good to scratch, itching makes psoriasis worse. That scratching can lead to the disease spreading. Try to resist the urge. Instead, try moisturizing. Or apply a cold compress. Find ways to distract yourself. Trust me, avoiding the itch is worth it in the long run, even when it’s super hard to do.
Abstain From Alcohol
There isn’t a direct proven scientific link between alcohol and psoriasis. That said, consuming alcohol might make psoriasis symptoms worse, especially for men. Avoiding alcohol, or at least limiting it, can potentially help improve your condition. It might even help the medication that you’re taking work better.
Exercising and Following a Healthy Diet
Doing so can help you improve your psoriasis symptoms and overall health. A healthy lifestyle will help you reduce the spread of the red itchy patches on your body. Seriously, we’ve seen a number of cases where folks got it under control by sticking to a healthy diet and exercise regime.
Okay, we’ve covered a lot. But, we should also talk about how psoriasis can impact your joints. This is called psoriatic arthritis, and it’s important to recognize the symptoms early. These can include joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, particularly in the fingers and toes. If you experience these symptoms, it’s really important to consult with your doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment of psoriatic arthritis can help prevent joint damage and improve your quality of life. And remember, staying active and maintaining a healthy weight can also help manage psoriatic arthritis symptoms.
Key takeaways
- Moisturizing regularly is crucial to preventing skin dryness.
- Avoiding triggers like stress, certain medications, and excessive alcohol consumption can help manage symptoms.
- Moderation and balance are key when it comes to sunlight exposure, diet, and exercise.
FAQ, Myth & Facts
Is psoriasis contagious?
No, psoriasis is not contagious. You can’t catch it from someone else through skin contact or any other means. It’s an autoimmune condition that’s genetic.
Can diet really affect psoriasis?
Yep, what you eat can influence your psoriasis. While there’s no specific diet that works for everyone, reducing inflammatory foods like processed sugars and unhealthy fats can sometimes help. Some people find relief by cutting out gluten or dairy. It’s all about finding what works for you, possibly with the help of a registered dietitian.
Is there a cure for psoriasis?
Unfortunately, there’s no cure for psoriasis yet. But, there are many effective treatments available to help manage symptoms and improve your quality of life. Research is ongoing, so there’s always hope for better treatments in the future.
Is psoriasis just a skin condition?
No, psoriasis is more than just a skin condition; it’s an autoimmune disease that can affect other parts of the body. Some people with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis, which causes joint pain and stiffness. It can also increase the risk of other health problems, like heart disease and diabetes.
I was really struggling with constant flare-ups. It was so frustrating because nothing seemed to work. But, after paying more attention to my stress levels and using the creams like they recommended, things got way better. The itching is still there, but at least it’s not all over my body now.
The medication I was taking turned out to be making my condition worse. After my doctor switched me to something else, the flare-ups became much more manageable. You’ve got to be your own advocate and push your doctor to find the best approach for you.
Honestly, I thought nothing would help, but just changing my diet made a world of difference. Cutting out processed foods and eating more veggies was huge. I’m not gonna lie, it wasn’t easy, but the payoff was worth it. The patches on my skin are much smaller and less angry now.
Dealing with psoriasis can be frustrating, but hopefully, these tips give you some ideas on managing it. Remember, what works for one person might not work for another. It’s all about finding what helps you manage your symptoms and live your best life. And hey, knowing you’re not alone can make a huge difference, can’t it?
