7 Tips for Living with Psoriasis ...

By Eliza

Psoriasis is a condition characterized by thick, scaly patches on your body. It is caused by changes to the cycle of your cells, according to the medical experts at the Mayo Clinic. If you have the disease, you know how uncomfortable it can be. If you suspect it, you need to see a doctor right away to get a good diagnosis. That allows you to treat the condition appropriately. Once you know what you’re dealing with, it’s a matter of living with psoriasis. You can take many steps to make life easier. Here are some of the best.

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1

Bathe Correctly

You read that right. I know it sounds silly, but if you take baths properly, you can do a lot to manage and alleviate your psoriasis. The Mayo Clinic doctors recommend taking a bath every day. Add oatmeal or body oils to help remove the scales from your body. You should also take care to keep the water temperature lukewarm and avoid any harsh cleansers.

2

Use Ointment Based Moisturizer

An ointment based moisturizer is much more effective for psoriasis. It’s heavy duty and absorbs deeply into the skin, getting in there and helping treat those scaly patches. Apply the moisturizer several times per day, especially to affected areas. Use a skin oil for even more benefits. Apply your product to damp skin for the best results.

3

Limit Sun Exposure

I know this can be tortuous in the summertime when all you want to do is swim or sip cocktails on the patio somewhere. Experts encourage you to limit sunshine exposure because that can help improve your patches. If you can’t possibly spend another day indoors, make sure you slather on SPF and try to keep affected areas covered with light, loose clothing.

4

Avoid Alcohol

The experts at the Mayo Clinic strongly recommend avoiding alcohol if you have psoriasis. It can interfere with some of the medications prescribed to treat the condition and should be avoided. Talk to your doctor if you want to imbibe from time to time to be sure it’s a safe choice for your health.

5

Research Your Condition

The more you know, the better off you’ll be. Once you find out that you have psoriasis, learn everything you can about it. Ask your doctor for literature or do some reading online or at the library. Make sure the information you’re getting comes from a reputable source, such as the Mayo Clinic.

Famous Quotes

One who gains strength by overcoming obstacles possesses the only strength which can overcome adversity.

Albert Schweitzer
6

Join a Support Group

It might sound silly, but finding people who are dealing with the same issues can be very helpful. You’ll have someone to talk to about your condition, vent to when it upsets you and find out new ways to cope that you hadn’t thought to try before. Look for a support group near you, or ask your doctor for a referral to one in your area.

7

Stick to Your Treatment

One of the best ways to live with psoriasis is to follow your doctor’s orders very closely. That means taking all medications on the prescribed schedule and taking proper action to keep your symptoms at bay. It also means going to all of your scheduled appointments and calling your doctor anytime something changes or you have questions. You can do that, right?

Do you have psoriasis? Feel free to share any tips and steps you take to live with your psoriasis.

mayoclinic.org

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Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

Sun and sea water helps mine. Literally goes until i come back to the UK :/

Sun helps. My dermatologist encourages sub exposure - still wear sun screen of course. Even with sunscreen, the uv Rays react with the skin and helps my psoriasis. I stop taking my rx and solely rely on the sun during the summer and my skin clears 90%

I'm 18 years old and had psoriasis all over my body for about a few months, i went to my doctor and he sent me to the dermatologist. He did prescribe ointments and this new medication. He saw that i was always covered up. I mean i'm a teenager in highschool and we all know how mean people can be especially teenagers, so i always covered up wearing hoodies and such. And my dermatologist said, "don't cover up, it won't help. If anything its only making you more itchy. Usually as a dermatologist i wouldn't recommend the sun, but for psoriasis, that is the best treatment ever, plus its free." And you know, i did and around 2-3 months later i was psoriasis free. Ofcourse i'll get the occasional little spot, but other than that, a year later and i'm soo happy with how i look.

The sun is the main thing that helps clear it. Don't cover psoriasis up when it's sunny. Make the most of it

I've been struggling with this condition since I was 16. Now at 36, it still hurts my emotions. Especially the dreaded question "is your rash contagious ". Great article. My best advice is see the doctor avoid hot water and apply ample amount of lotion...

I have scalp psoriasis. It's disgusting. BUT, it's better since I use organic hemp oil as an overnight mask, Dr. bronner's castille soap (the baby one, no perfum, no nothing) as a shampoo and apple cidar vinegar as a conditioner. Washing my hair really isn't fun, and the vinegar stinks, but my scalp is better. The sun helps a lot too.

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