What Is Psoriasis and How Can You Manage It?

Psoriasis  is a chronic skin disease which is characterized by red patches covered with white scales. The disease most commonly affects the skin of elbows, knees, scalp, feet, and lumbosacral areas. It is a long term autoimmune disease that speeds up the growth cycle of skin cells and is characterized by inflammation caused by dysfunction of the immune system that causes inflammation in the body. 

The disease is most worse in cold and dry seasons. While the exact cause of psoriasis is not fully understood, it is believed to be a result of several unknown factors like infection, obesity, medications, stress, alcohol abuse, endocrine disorders, severe sunburn and an unhealthy lifestyle.

Most Common Symptoms

• Dry or cracked skin that may bleed or itch
• Small scaling spots most commonly seen in children
• Itching, burning, dryness or soreness
• Thickened or pitted nails
• Swollen or stiff joints
• Crack on soles of feet
• Recent changes in your life such as illness or increased stress.

How Can You Manage It? 

Here are some tricks and tips to help you manage Psoriasis. 

1. Limit Shower Time: As showering for a longer time can increase the amount of moisture loss through the skin, it makes it irritated and dry which we have to avoid especially in case of psoriasis
2. Apply a Cool Compress: Giving topical cold application with the help of an ice pack or a gel pack provides relief from psoriasis related itching
3. Salt Water Bath: It helps soften scales and may ease inflammation and irritation. You can mix half a cup of dead sea salt in bath water and soak for 15-20 minutes
4. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Being overweight increases inflammation in the body. Exercise and following a low calorie diet helps. Add cardio, strength training and stairs to your workout routine as regular exercise decreases the risk of inflammation.
5. Exposure to Sunlight: Vitamin D deficiency can aggravate episodes of psoriasis
6. Have Apple Cider Vinegar: Due to antiseptic properties, it may help to alleviate itching or irritation caused by psoriasis, especially in the scalp. Prepare a mixture of 2 part water and 1 part ACV, apply it on the scalp and let it stay for 10 minutes. Then you can use a shampoo to wash it off
7. Drink Plenty of Water: It helps to keep the skin hydrated. Consuming good amount of water also helps to reduce number and severity of flare ups
8. Add Olive Oil in the Bath: Omega 3 fatty acids and Vitamin E present in olive oil reduces the symptoms of psoriasis. Its anti-inflammatory properties can calm irritated skin. You can add 2 tsp to bath water or apply a small amount to the affected area.
9. Apply Raw Glycerin to Affected Areas: As we know, psoriasis makes the skin dry and scaly. Applying raw glycerine helps in fighting psoriasis as it hydrates the skin and helps alleviate psoriasis. Best time to apply is at night before bed
10. Manage Stress: Stress can act as a trigger which may worsen the psoriasis. To manage stress well, we can practice deep breathing, yoga, meditation and cultivate hobbies that keep us stress-free!
11. Good Quality Sleep: Lack of sleep makes the psoriasis symptoms worse. If we don’t get enough sleep, our body gets stressed, which causes inflammation. Taking good quantity and quality sleep helps body to rejuvenate and repair

We hope these easy and effective tips help you manage psoriasis. If the issue persists or gets worse, seek out a medical professional or consult a GOQii Doctor by subscribing for Personalised Health Coaching here. 

Find more articles on skincare and healthy living here. 

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