Living with Psoriasis: Effective ways of Managing Symptoms

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that can turn your daily life into a battle zone. Living with psoriasis means the discomfort of itchiness, redness, soreness, and pain. Patients often exclaim how psoriasis impairs their quality of life. It takes a toll on their emotional and mental health. 

Because psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease, patients have to live with this for their life. Though the severity of psoriasis varies from person to person, it’s an inconvenience for all. While some get mild symptoms that are barely noticeable, for some it can be overwhelming. 

Living with psoriasis is a constant challenge. And it’s very important to get the right treatment for psoriasis right from the beginning. When left untreated it can lead to serious medical conditions. 

The elevated inflammation associated with psoriasis can lead to complications like heart disease, cancer, arthritis, diabetes, depression, kidney problems, and thyroid issues. 

That’s why it’s very important to manage it from the beginning.

Also Read: Non-vegetarian diet and psoriasis – know your triggers

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a common autoimmune condition characterized by an overactive immune response. It causes the white blood cells to grow and proliferate too rapidly. This excess build-up of white blood cells results in inflammation. This inflamed skin is itchy, red, painful, and has scaly patches.

Also Read: Rising Incidence of Psoriasis in India: Understanding the Causes and Risk Factors

Living with Psoriasis

A 37-year-old patient narrated her journey with psoriasis began when she was 3 years old. Her psoriasis was severe, it covered 80 percent of her skin during a flare-up. It covers her entire arms and body, except for the face. 

She was the only one with psoriasis in her family and in her school. It was already difficult for her to cope with this condition. And the constant bullying and humiliation in school made things worse. People thought it was contagious and treated her poorly. The embarrassment and social isolation pushed her into depression at a very early age.

Her psoriasis worsened when she became pregnant. Pregnancy aggravated her symptoms, the itching and irritation increased and she couldn’t even take any medicine. Some days were better but most days were a struggle. A few years after the delivery she developed psoriatic arthritis, a type of inflammatory arthritis. 

Most patients living with psoriasis records lower self-esteem and confidence. It’s difficult for them to get along with others. More than the physical problems the scaly patches on the skin take a toll on their mental health. And it is very important to address these issues along with medications for controlling the symptoms. 

Also Read: Smoking and psoriasis – The risks you need to know

Living Better with Psoriasis

1. Balance your body weight

Maintain balanced body weight. Being overweight can make psoriasis symptoms worse. Further obesity increases the risk of a cluster of chronic disorders including diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis. Exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy diet are paramount for living with psoriasis.

Though there is no particular diet plan for psoriasis, certain foods can act as triggers. The patient must be mindful about consuming tomatoes, citrus foods, alcohol, nonvegetarian foods, and processed foods. Eliminating potential triggers definitely improves the experience.

Further foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids (salmon and sardines) may help reduce inflammation. Fruits and vegetables, that are high in antioxidants help to fight oxidative stress and inflammation. Olive oil, coconut oil, and turmeric are anti-inflammatory in nature and can help improve the symptoms. 

Also Read: Non-vegetarian diet and psoriasis

Address your Stress

Living with psoriasis is no doubt stressful. But stress is a trigger for most people with psoriasis. It’s like a vicious cycle. The worse your psoriasis is, the more stressed you get. This can further aggravate your symptoms. 

You need to break this pattern. Address your stress. Talk about it. If needed, talk to a therapist. Get body massages and try aromatherapy. Maintain a healthy routine and most importantly get enough sleep every day.  

Meditation and yoga are also proven beneficial for stress. The patient and doctor must work together to find the best destressing activities. Also, for beginners, it’s best to perform yoga, guided meditation, mindfulness, or pranayama under expert supervision.

Also Read: Essential Oil for stress and anxiety

Control the flare-ups with good skincare

Dry skin worsens psoriasis and so does makeup. Choose a natural organic moisturizer for everyday application. Apply the cream after bath and before bed to keep the moisture locked in. 

Another important thing is sunscreen. Sunburn can irritate the skin which can worsen the psoriasis flare-ups. Picking the right sunscreen with minimum chemicals is very crucial. Also limiting the time under the scorching sun can help!

Quit smoking 

Studies prove that smoking can increase the risk of psoriasis and shorten the remission periods. Tobacco products play a role in the onset of psoriasis and future flare-ups. It can also make psoriasis medications less effective. 

Deal with depression

In most scenarios, psoriasis flare-ups result in depression. It is a chronic skin condition and dealing with the constant stares can be emotionally draining. Studies found that people with psoriasis are twice as likely to get depressed. Emotional turmoil is more common in women than men.

Joining a support group can be very helpful in coping with these feelings of self-doubt and anxiety. Also, talking about it and spreading awareness among people can help. It’s always better to seek professional help when you in need!

Other tips that can help

• Maintain good hydration.
• Wear loose, breathable, and comfortable clothing.
• Avoid too much sun.

Living with Psoriasis

In Ayurveda, Psoriasis is treated with herbal medicines and Panchakarma.  It’s important to understand one’s body and what suits them and what triggers them. According to those specifications, designing a diet and lifestyle can play a great role in managing psoriasis. 

In conclusion, Psoriasis is a life long journey. But it can be as beautiful as you want it to be. Acceptance and care is all you need!