Introduction:
What should you do after being diagnosed with Psoriasis? – Being diagnosed with psoriasis can feel overwhelming. Many people immediately become worried after hearing terms like “autoimmune disease” or “lifelong condition”. Questions such as “Why did I get this condition?” “Will it ever go away?” or “What will happen in the future?” often come to mind.
The first step to take is to understand that your diagnosis does not mean there is no hope. Although psoriasis is considered a long-lasting illness, it can be treated and managed effectively through good medication, lifestyle changes, and education about the disease.
Instead of feeling afraid of the disease, put your energy into learning about psoriasis and how to manage its symptoms effectively.
An understanding of Psoriasis
Psoriasis symptoms usually start with symptoms such as developing dandruff-like scaling on the scalp (such as flaking) and can spread over time to other parts of the body. Many people think that psoriasis is simply a skin disease because it affects the skin, but it is actually considered an autoimmune disorder that affects more than just the skin.
Many patients are told that psoriasis is a lifelong condition and that it can recur from time to time. This often creates fear and anxiety.
This diagnosis does not mean that there is no treatment for psoriasis.
The right treatments will give you results like the following:
- Symptoms can be decreased significantly.
- Have extended periods of time when you do not have any symptoms (remission).
- The ability to manage the frequency and severity of your symptoms
- Significantly improve your quality of life.
1. Learn about psoriasis instead of being afraid of it.
Having good knowledge of psoriasis is an important management tool when it comes to this disease.
Once diagnosed, many individuals who receive a diagnosis utilise the internet to conduct research, only to find scary information regarding complications and/or advanced forms of this disease, which elevates the level of stress present.
Remember:
- Everyone’s experience with psoriasis is unique.
- Not every psoriasis sufferer experiences the same complications.
- Being well-informed about your condition can decrease the level of anxiety associated with having psoriatic disease.
Do not hesitate to ask your physician any or all of the following questions:
- What kind of psoriasis do I have?
- What are the triggers for my psoriasis disease?
- What are the treatment options available to me?
- How can I better control my psoriasis disease?
The more you know about psoriatic disease, the greater your ability to deal with the condition will be.
2. Psoriasis is NOT contagious.
One of the greatest concerns people living with psoriatic disease have is “Can my disease(psoriasis) spread with my family and friends?.”
The short answer to this question is: Psoriasis is NOT contagious.
You cannot pass on psoriasis through the following:
- Touching someone
- Hugging another person
- Shaking the hand of another person
- Sharing food with other individuals
- Being around another person.
Individuals affected by psoriasis may stay away from social functions due to fear or anxiety of being perceived negatively by others. By sharing great, accurate information with family and friends, the fear created through misinformation can be reduced, thus allowing for the individual with psoriasis to experience less emotional harm due to his/her condition.
3. Recognize psoriasis triggers
There is an inherited component to psoriasis in that an individual may inherit a predisposition to psoriasis. But genetic predisposition does not guarantee you will develop the disease.
For many people, there are environmentally triggered factors or events that activate or exacerbate the disease.
The most common psoriasis triggers include:
Stress – One of the leading psoriasis triggers. Ironically, the diagnosis of psoriasis can introduce much anxiety and serve to worsen symptoms of the disease.
Stress Reduction Methods
- Meditation
- Relaxation techniques
- Walking
- Hobbies
- Time spent with family and friends
Lack of Sleep – Poor sleep patterns can compromise the immune system and may contribute to psoriasis flare-ups.
Try to maintain the following principles:
- Sleep between 7-8 hours each night
- Remain consistent with sleep patterns
- Decrease downtime on digital devices before bedtime
Obesity and poor dietary habits – Excess body fat can trigger chronic inflammation leading to more severe psoriasis symptoms.
Dietary habits that can contribute to obesity are:
- Frequent consumption of junk foods
- Inconsistent/infrequent mealtimes
- Excessive consumption of fried/greasy foods
- Inadequate physical activity
Improved overall health and decreased risk of flare-ups can be accomplished through the establishment of a healthy lifestyle.
4. Don’t scratch your skin
Psoriasis can cause intense itching, making scratching difficult to avoid. But extreme scratching can:
- Break the skin’s surface
- Bleed from scratched surfaces
- Increase irritation from itching
- Lead to infection
- Trigger worsening of psoriasis.
5. Create a healthy daily routine
Eating healthy is important when trying to manage psoriasis.
Some examples of developing a healthy routine are:
Regular exercise
Regular physical activity can help with:
- Losing/maintaining weight
- Decreasing stress
- Improving your overall well-being.
Regular bathing habits
Maintaining good skin hygiene while using non-irritating products.
Applying non-medicated moisturizers within a few minutes of taking a bath will help to prevent or decrease dry skin.
A popular piece of advice is to apply lotion soon after bathing to keep the moisture in longer.
6. It may take time to treat psoriasis
A lot of people have the tendency to expect to get immediate results when starting a treatment.
However, not all treatments for psoriasis respond in the same way or timeframe to each person.
The various options for treating psoriasis could range based on:
- Severity of your symptoms
- Type of psoriasis you have
- How each person reacts to treatments
Examples of people who respond to treatments are:
- Topical medications
- Phototherapy
- Systemic medications: take a pill or get an injection; may work in conjunction with topical medications
- other types of treatment as recommended by a physician
Key points to remember:
- Allow the treatment to take its effect
- Don’t switch treatment modalities too quickly
- Follow through with your doctor’s recommendations
- Continue treatment modalities that produce satisfactory results
7. Avoid relying solely on social media for guidance
There are numerous recommendations available:
“Do not eat this food”
“Use this remedy”
“This type of care works for everyone.”
Psoriasis is unique to each person.
Before making any changes to your plan:
- Make sure to validate information with your physician.
- Do so without following everything on the internet.
- Continue only with treatments that fit your needs.
8. Psoriasis does not have to be faced alone
After learning that you have psoriasis, many people tend to remove themselves from those around them. Keeping almost everything to yourself places added pressure on yourself.
Consider:
- Discussing how you are feeling to the people closest to you.
- Sharing your thoughts with people who will listen and keep it confidential.
- Getting emotional support.
- Creating a relationship with your doctor or a nurse practitioner to help you with your condition.
Support from others will help you manage your psoriasis.
Know More:
Conclusion:
A psoriasis diagnosis can bring many emotions, including fear, stress, and uncertainty. However, psoriasis does not define who you are or prevent you from living a healthy and fulfilling life.
Managing psoriasis is not only about taking medications; it is also about understanding your body, identifying triggers, maintaining healthy habits, reducing stress, and staying consistent with treatment. Small lifestyle changes combined with appropriate medical guidance can make a significant difference in controlling symptoms and improving your quality of life.
Most importantly, remember that you do not have to face psoriasis alone. Stay informed, seek support when needed, and work closely with your healthcare provider to find a treatment approach that works best for you.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is psoriasis a contagious disease?
No. Psoriasis is not contagious. It cannot spread from one person to another through touching, hugging, sharing food, shaking hands, or close contact.
2. Can psoriasis be cured permanently?
Psoriasis is generally considered a long-term condition. While there may not be a permanent cure for everyone, treatment can effectively control symptoms and provide long periods of remission.
3. What are the common triggers for psoriasis?
Common triggers may include:
- Stress
- Lack of sleep
- Obesity
- Poor dietary habits
- Infections
- Certain medications
- Smoking and alcohol consumption
Triggers may vary from person to person.
4. Does stress make psoriasis worse?
Yes. Stress is one of the most common triggers for psoriasis flare-ups. Managing stress through activities such as exercise, meditation, relaxation techniques, and maintaining a healthy routine may help reduce symptoms.
5. Can diet affect psoriasis symptoms?
Diet alone does not cause psoriasis, but unhealthy eating habits and excess weight can contribute to inflammation and may worsen symptoms in some individuals.
6. Should I stop treatment if my symptoms improve?
No. Do not stop or change treatment without consulting your doctor. Even if symptoms improve, following your healthcare provider’s recommendations is important for long-term management.
7. Can psoriasis affect emotional health?
Yes. Living with psoriasis can sometimes lead to stress, anxiety, reduced confidence, or emotional discomfort. Speaking with family members, support groups, or healthcare professionals can help.
8. Can lifestyle changes help manage psoriasis?
Yes. Healthy lifestyle habits such as maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, managing stress, and keeping the skin moisturized can support overall psoriasis management.
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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