More than 7 million people in the US suffer from psoriasis, an autoimmune condition that causes dry, itchy, red, flaky, even painful skin. If you’re wondering whether your itchy skin could be psoriasis, it’s important to reach out for medical support. Dr. Allen Sapadin, MD, helps patients in the Hackensack, New Jersey, area deal with their psoriasis symptoms. If you think you may have psoriasis, schedule a consultation with our office as soon as possible.
In addition to seeking medical attention, there are other things you can do in your daily life to manage your psoriasis.
Optimize your diet to avoid stimulating your psoriasis. Cut acidic trigger foods and choose anti-inflammatory options. Listen to your own body as you find out which foods to avoid and which to steer toward. Everyone will respond a little differently to dietary changes, so take these lists as suggestions, not rules.
Foods to avoid:
Foods to choose:
Make sure you stay hydrated, as well. You need to drink about four pints of water each day to avoid dehydration, which can worsen your psoriasis symptoms.
Although too much sun exposure will damage your skin, 10 minutes of sunshine every day will stimulate your vitamin D production and reduce inflammation.
Remember to moisturize your skin at least twice every day, and avoid products with chemical irritants. Look for products that contain:
Managing the itchiness of your psoriasis will have a big impact on your quality of life, and can do a lot to support your mood.
Researchers point to a direct connection between psoriasis flare-ups and increased moments of stress. To manage your psoriasis, work on managing your stress and negative emotions.
Because psoriasis flare-ups can present with embarrassing visible symptoms like increased redness or peeling, you can get stuck in a feedback loop of negative emotions, flare-ups, and stress. Try techniques like fun forms of exercise, yoga, or mediation that let you discharge stress and quiet your mind.
Just maintaining a positive frame of mind regarding your psoriasis can go a long way. Avoid negative self-talk about your psoriasis, and stay focused on preventing and treating your symptoms.
At the office of Dr. Sapadin, we're prepared with the most advanced treatment options available to relieve your psoriasis. In cases of mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis, we look into topical medications, narrow band UVB treatment, and excimer laser therapy.
If you've tried other forms of treatment without lasting positive results, excimer laser therapy may be your ticket to faster, more effective relief. Dr. Sapadin uses a focused beam of light delivered through a fiber-optic system to clear away your psoriatic skin plaques quickly and effectively, with no risk of damage to healthy areas of your skin. Each treatment only takes a few minutes, and most patients with mild-to-moderate psoriasis see significant improvement after 10 sessions or fewer. Excimer laser therapy may give you extended relief from your psoriasis symptoms.
To schedule a consultation about a treatment plan for your psoriasis, contact Dr. Sapadin's office today, or book an appointment online.
