Psoriasis is a condition that causes scaly, red, and itchy patches on your skin. Most commonly, they occur in your knees, elbows, scalp, and trunk. It is a lifelong condition that tends to settle down and flare-up. Until now, there is no such cure for it. However, medications, lifestyle changes, and home remedies can help prevent its flare.
If you are diagnosed with psoriasis, you should visit the healthcare provider for follow-up visits. They can help you in keeping it well under control and prevent flare-ups. For an expert opinion, you can visit the Skin specialist in Lahore.
What are The Symptoms of Psoriasis?
The signs and symptoms of psoriasis vary from person to person. However, its common symptoms include
- Red skin patches covered with silver scales
- Itching
- Burning
- Dry skin that may bleed easily
- Thickened, ridged, or pitted nails
- Stiff and swollen joints
What Causes Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that occurs due to abnormality in the immune system. Normally, your skin takes time to grow. In psoriasis, it grows at a faster rate than usual.
Psoriasis can exacerbate upon exposure to triggers that may include:
- Skin infections
- Strep throat
- Cold and dry conditions
- Injury to the skin such as cut, scrape or burn
- Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke
- Stress
- Consuming too much alcohol
- Taking certain medications such as lithium, antimalarial drugs, and antihypertensives
- A rapid withdrawal of oral or systemic corticosteroid therapy such as prednisolone, dexamethasone, and others.
What are the Remedies for Psoriasis?
The remedies that can help in the better management of psoriasis are:
Take Daily Bath
Bathing daily can help remove scaly skin. It also helps in soothing the skin. While bathing, try adding bath oil, Epsom salt, or oatmeal and soak for at least 15 minutes.
Use soap and body wash that are not harsh to your skin and give you an ample amount of moisture.
Moisturize
Moisturizing your skin can help prevent psoriasis exacerbations. It is a good idea to moisturize your skin just after coming out of the shower. It helps in locking the moisture into your skin. You can also apply oils that provide more hydration than lotions and creams.
Cover the Affected Skin Overnight
Before going to sleep, apply the medicated ointments on the affected skin. After that, cover the lesions with plastic. When you wake up, remove the plastic and wash away the skin. It can help in getting rid of scales.
Apply Medicated Creams
Your healthcare providers will prescribe you some over-the-counter creams and ointments that contain salicylic acid or hydrocortisone that help reduce itching and inflammation. Therefore you must apply them as your doctor prescribes. If you have scalp psoriasis, it is a good idea to try shampoo containing coal tar.
Make a routine of applying ointments and creams. It may be a time taking thing, but it is worth it. If you skip doing that, psoriasis may trigger. Therefore do not miss applying the ointments.
Avoid Triggers of Psoriasis
Keep an eye on things that trigger your psoriasis. It can happen due to:
- Infections
- Stress
- Smoking
- Injury to the skin
- Intense exposure to the sun
All these factors can worsen or exacerbate psoriasis. Therefore know your triggers and avoid them.
Avoid Drinking Alcohol
Alcohol can lower the effectiveness of some psoriasis medications. Therefore you should consume it in a small amount. Try quitting it. If that is not possible, at least consume it in low amounts.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Try your best to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Quit smoking and drinking. If it is hard for you, seek professional help for it. Moreover, maintaining a healthy weight and eating a balanced diet can help in keeping psoriasis under control. For more information, you can visit oladoc.com.
