Now That You've Been Diagnosed With Psoriasis

As one can see, these treatments are all palliative in nature.  There is no cure for psoriasis, so medications and therapies are focused on treating and minimizing the symptoms of the condition.  

Learn about the therapies prescribed by your doctor

There are many effective methods for softening psoriasis plaques and gently removing them from the skin, including those listed here.  These same medications and therapies will help to relieve the itching associated with psoriasis, as well decrease the pain and discomfort the condition often brings. 

Determine your triggers

While no one knows what exactly causes psoriasis, many people are able over time to determine certain triggers or stressors that cause a flare-up in symptoms. 

Emotional stress: Anxiety. Fear. Worry. These can all wear down your body's immune system and make you more susceptible to a psoriasis relapse. Learning calming and relaxation techniques can have a positive effect on both your chronic condition and life in general.

Skin injury: Psoriasis sufferers need to baby their skin. A simple scratch or scrape, even a needed vaccination can create trauma that induces a reaction known as a Koebner phenomenon that can appear anywhere from 3 to eighteen days after the time of the initial injury.  Those with psoriasis should take care to examine their skin carefully each day and also to make note of the time, date, and location of any injuries to the skin, no matter how slight.

Cold weather: When you look at the treatments for psoriasis, you see that warmth, moisture, and sunlight all improve the condition.  In the winter, psoriasis patients deal with cold, dry air and decreased daylight hours.  For many, this results in an increase in psoriasis symptoms in the winter months. Increasing the frequency and duration of prescribed therapies (with your doctor's direction, of course) may help lessen the impact.

Infections: Psoriasis is an inflammatory disease, so your body's normal inflammatory response to infections can exacerbate the chronic condition.

Future infections can cause flare-ups or relapses, so those with psoriasis should avoid those with active, contagious illnesses.  Overall regimens aimed at increasing one's general health, such as healthy diet and exercise, may also be employed.

Medications: Some prescription drugs can worsen psoriasis symptoms. Lithium, commonly prescribed to those with manic depression or bipolar disease, can cause increased psoriasis severity in about half of those with both conditions.  Interestingly, one of the Dead Sea balneotherapy studies saw a decrease in serum lithium in those study participants who reacted positively to the immersion therapy. Inderal is a blood pressure medication that is used to treat angina, high blood pressure, and cardiac arrhythmia. It worsens psoriasis symptoms in a quarter of users. Derivatives of quinine, used as both antimalarial treatments and cardiac medications, also exacerbate psoriasis plaques in many users.

Read More: Natural Treatments for Psoriasis

Acknowledge the changes to your body

It is a highly-visible, chronic condition that can be tricky to keep under control.  Talk to your doctor and health care providers about the impact psoriasis has on your body image and psyche. If needed, request a referral for counseling or for help in determining different methods of cosmetic concealment.

Psoriasis can be managed with careful, consistent treatment. Keep your skin clean and moisturized. Use mild, fragrance-free cleansers and moisturizers to avoid further irritation. Apply moisturizer regularly, especially after bathing, to lock in moisture. Adopting a healthy lifestyle can positively impact psoriasis. Aim to eat a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Engage in regular physical activity, as exercise can help reduce stress and inflammation. Quit smoking if you smoke, and limit alcohol consumption.

Stress can aggravate psoriasis symptoms. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as practicing relaxation techniques (e.g., deep breathing, meditation), engaging in hobbies, exercising, or seeking support from friends, family, or support groups. Avoid picking, scratching, or traumatizing your skin, as it can worsen psoriasis lesions and potentially lead to infection. Use gentle motions when applying topical treatments.

By taking an active role in analyzing your body's response to both triggers and therapies, you can work with your doctor to increase the duration of remission and decrease the frequency of relapses.