Introduction:
How to cope-up with psoriasis? – From my experience as a psoriasis specialist and seeing many psoriasis patients, I can tell you that a very common question I hear from them once they are diagnosed with psoriasis is:
“Doctor, will my psoriasis go completely away if I take my medications as prescribed?”
Patients often think they’re going to have their problem completely resolved as soon as they start treatment. While treating psoriasis is very important for controlling the disease process, I routinely remind my patients that medications are not the complete solution to their psoriasis problems.
The process of treating and managing psoriasis involves many things in addition to medication. Factors including but not limited to your daily activities, how you care for your skin, amount of stress in your life, lifestyle and emotional health all play a significant role in the overall management of psoriasis.
Psoriasis is typically a long-term skin condition that will not go away in just a few days or weeks. Some patients will show improvement from psoriasis in just a few months after starting treatment while others will require longer courses of treatment and continue to require medication and routine management of their disease.
For this reason, the discussion regarding how to cope with having psoriasis is just as important as the discussion regarding how to treat and manage the disease. And here are some tips for coping with a psoriasis diagnosis I typically provide to my patients.
1. Daily skincare routine
Most psoriasis patients report having dry skin and experiencing itching and irritation.
When I see patients with psoriasis I discuss three fundamental concepts of managing your psoriasis:
Moisturize – Moisturize – Moisturize!
While that sounds repetitive, there’s an excellent reason for it.
If you moisturize correctly, it will assist in preventing dryness, softening of scales and lowering the irritation from itching.
I often tell my patients to do the following to ensure the most effective use of their moisturizer:
Apply your moisturizer within 3 minutes after getting out of the shower/bath (do not allow too much time to pass)
Use enough moisturizer that will cover the entire area rather than just a small amount
Gently rub the moisturizer into the affected area
Using moisturizers properly will help keep your skin barrier intact, which will lead to you feeling much more comfortable.
2. Identify your triggers
Another thing I tell my psoriasis patients is there are many things that can make their psoriasis worse.
One of those items is identifying what your trigger factors are will help you manage your psoriasis more effectively when a flare occurs.
Stress – Stress is a major trigger for thousands of psoriasis patients.
Interestingly, I see many patients that develop stress as a direct result from their psoriasis diagnosis, which causes a cycle of intense stress that will lead to worse psoriasis and as a result of worse psoriasis a patient has more stress.
I encourage all my patients to do the following:
- Practice relaxation techniques
- Spend time with family & friends
- Participate in hobbies
- Exercise regularly
Having a calm demeanor may not eliminate psoriasis, but can assist with flare-ups.
Smoking and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can both aggravate your already existing Psoriasis and overall health.
Whenever possible, I recommend that patients reduce or eliminate smoking and drinking alcohol, as changes in your lifestyle can often help provide you better long-term results.
3. Avoid scratching your skin.
Patients often find that the itching can be intolerable and have made scratch marks on their body or use hard objects to try and remove scabs. Unfortunately, this can aggravate your condition and increase the severity of your psoriasis.
The excessive scratching may:
- Cause damage to your skin
- Cause an increase in irritation
- Cause an infection
- Cause the development of additional psoriasis lesions
To avoid these issues, I suggest keeping your skin moisturized and treating your itching properly.
4. Protect your skin from the winter and from dry climates.
Many of my patients notice that in the winter months their psoriasis flares up. This is due to the cold dry weather causing further irritation to your skin.
To prevent further irritation from the cold dry weather, I typically recommend that patients:
- Wear warm clothing
- Wear cotton clothing under their wool clothes
- Avoid direct contact of the wool with your skin
Making small changes can make a huge difference to your skin, also important in managing your psoriasis.
5. Lifestyle changes are also part of treatment
Lifestyle factors can contribute to the severity of your psoriasis; therefore, they should be considered in your treatment plan.
I discuss lifestyle habits with my patients on a regular basis. Some of these include:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
Regular exercise and healthy eating can help improve your overall well-being and may reduce inflammation.
- Getting enough sleep
Your sleep patterns can impact your health and spirit by adding stress to your life.
I generally recommend the following for good sleep hygiene:
- Get 7-8 hours of sleep each night
- Establish a consistent bedtime routine
- Reduce your use of electronic devices in the hour or two before bedtime.
6. Choosing gentle products for your skin and hair
Not every product is appropriate for someone with inflamed skin due to psoriasis.
I generally recommend that my patients:
- Use gentle soap
- Avoid using products that contain strong fragrances or preservatives
- Use moisturizer whenever possible.
For those affected by psoriasis on the scalp:
- Use a gentle shampoo
- Do not use shampoo every day unless you are using a medicated shampoo as directed
- If you are frequently experiencing dryness and/or scaling on your scalp, consider using an oil prior to washing your hair.
7. Continue with your treatment plan as directed by your physician
One of the most common reasons for a return of psoriasis symptoms is discontinuation of treatment once your symptoms have improved.
Many patients will tell me:
“Doctor, my skin looks good right now, so I stopped taking my medication.”
This will often lead to the return of the symptoms that were previously improved.
I always recommend that you:
Follow through with the treatment your doctor has prescribed.
Do not stop taking your medication without consulting your physician.
Speak with your physician regarding any changes that you are going to do.
8. Avoid totally relying on social media for answers
Patients often see various videos and statements about skin conditions and treatments on various websites:
- “Don’t eat this.”
- “Use this method.”
- “You will be cured of your psoriasis in only 30 days.”
There’s a chance that some of these statements may actually contain useful information; however, it’s important for patients to be aware that not everything on the web is true.
I frequently tell my patients: Before trying any new medications, treatments, diets or herbal supplements, talk with your doctor about it first.
Psoriasis is a condition with many aspects and will affect each person in a different way.
9. Don’t deal with psoriasis alone
There are many aspects of your life that psoriatic disease affects. Psoriasis is not just a dermatological condition; it affects a person’s emotions, self-esteem, and the quality of your life.
I encourage all of my patients to talk to their family about their psoriasis. In addition, I encourage patients to talk about their condition to their friends and to find emotional support if they feel they need it; this could be through a support group for people with psoriasis.
Finding support in your journey of managing your psoriasis will assist you in working through this process.
Know More:
Conclusion:
There are many factors other than medications and topical treatments, to effectively treat psoriasis. The key is to treat the skin at the same time as you are also creating your daily routine and building your overall lifestyle. Emotional health is just as important as physical health when dealing with psoriasis.
With proper treatment and necessary life changes, most patients will successfully manage their psoriasis while living an active, healthy, happy, and fulfilling lifestyle.
Take the first step toward better psoriasis management. Book an appointment with a psoriasis specialist and get personalized guidance for effective treatment and long-term care. – https://psoriatreat.com/new-appointment/
FAQs
1. Can psoriasis go away completely with treatment?
Psoriasis is generally considered a long-term condition. While treatment can significantly reduce symptoms and provide long periods of remission, complete and permanent disappearance may not occur for every patient. Consistent treatment and lifestyle management can help control flare-ups effectively.
2. Why does stress make psoriasis worse?
Stress is one of the most common triggers for psoriasis flare-ups. Increased stress levels can affect the immune system and worsen inflammation in the body, which may lead to increased itching, redness, and scaling.
3. Is moisturizing really important for psoriasis management?
Yes. Moisturizing is an important part of psoriasis care. Regular use of moisturizer helps reduce dryness, soften scales, minimize itching, and protect the skin barrier. Applying moisturizer shortly after bathing can improve its effectiveness.
4. Can scratching psoriasis patches make symptoms worse?
Yes. Excessive scratching can damage the skin, increase irritation, lead to infections, and sometimes trigger new psoriasis lesions. Keeping the skin moisturized and managing itching appropriately may help reduce the urge to scratch.
5. Can diet and lifestyle affect psoriasis symptoms?
Lifestyle factors may influence psoriasis severity in some individuals. Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, getting adequate sleep, managing stress, and avoiding smoking or excessive alcohol consumption may help support overall psoriasis management.
6. Which soaps and shampoos are suitable for psoriasis?
People with psoriasis are generally advised to use mild and gentle products that do not contain harsh chemicals or strong fragrances. For scalp psoriasis, gentle shampoos and products recommended by a healthcare provider may be beneficial.
7. Should I stop psoriasis medication once my symptoms improve?
No. Stopping medications without medical guidance may lead to symptom recurrence or flare-ups. Always discuss treatment changes with your healthcare provider before making any adjustments.
8. Can social media remedies cure psoriasis?
Not all information available online is accurate. Psoriasis affects individuals differently, and treatments that work for one person may not work for another. Consult your doctor before trying any new remedies, diets, or supplements.
9. Can psoriasis affect emotional health?
Yes. Psoriasis can affect confidence, emotions, and daily life. Many people experience stress or emotional challenges related to their condition. Seeking support from family, friends, healthcare providers, or support groups can help.
10. What is the most important thing to remember while coping with psoriasis?
The most important thing is consistency. Following your treatment plan, caring for your skin, maintaining healthy habits, and seeking support when needed can help you manage psoriasis more effectively over time.
Written by –
This article is written by Dr. R. S. Sonawane.
M.D. (Homeopathy), DI (Homeopathy), London
Psoriasis Specialist Doctor in India
Dr. R. S. Sonawane is India’s first Homeopathic Psoriasis Specialist, with over 39 years of dedicated experience in treating psoriasis and related chronic skin conditions using a holistic, patient-focused approach. He holds advanced training in homeopathy and has helped tens of thousands of patients achieve long-term relief from psoriasis through personalized, immune-balancing treatment plans designed to address the root cause of the condition rather than just symptoms.
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