We know how frustrating psoriasis can be. Aside from leaving flakes of skin all over your clothes and furniture, psoriasis is incredibly uncomfortable. But, luckily, you do have some control over the condition.
At the office of Allen Sapadin, MD, in Hackensack, New Jersey, we’re dedicated to covering both your health care and cosmetic needs. That’s why we’ve compiled this helpful guide to staying one step ahead of your psoriasis.
A skin condition, psoriasis causes cells to grow too rapidly, about five times faster than they normally would. As a result, your skin cells multiply and get old too quickly, leading to red, scaly patches that form on your skin and shed profusely. These patches are itchy and painful, and they often pose a cosmetic concern.
Psoriasis is linked to a lowered immune system, and it does have a genetic component. There’s no cure for psoriasis, but we do know that certain triggers can exacerbate the condition. Avoiding or managing these triggers can help keep your flare-ups in check.
Everyone with psoriasis has their own set of triggers, but common ones include:
Yup! Stress really is toxic to your health, and it’s one of the worst triggers for psoriasis outbreaks. Unfortunately, with everything going on in life, it can be difficult to manage stress. But stress management is essential to preventing your psoriasis outbreaks.
For some helpful stress management tips, try doing yoga, starting a hobby, exercising, or joining an emotional-support group.
Cold or dry weather can trigger psoriasis flare-ups, which is why you usually see more flare-ups in the winter. Be sure to keep your skin hydrated with a fragrance-free moisturizer. We can offer suggestions for brands that work best with your skin. Also, limit your showers to 10 minutes and don’t use water that’s too hot; long showers and hot water dry out your skin.
Cigarettes and alcohol both exacerbate psoriasis. Try cutting back on your drinking and quitting smoking. Even if you don’t smoke, being around others who do may trigger a flare-up.
Trauma to your skin can also worsen your psoriasis. So be careful with cuts, bumps, and bruises. To protect yourself, always wear protective gear when playing sports or working in the yard, for example. Also, avoid tattoos — they can be damaging to those with psoriasis.
To learn more about how we can help you manage your psoriasis, call us to set up a consultation with Dr. Sapadin or book online today.
