Living with Psoriasis: Coping Strategies and Treatment Options

Living with Psoriasis is a unique challenge – one that can be both physically and emotionally trying. You may feel embarrassed when your symptoms flare up, confused about the best treatments to seek out, or overwhelmed by feelings of anxiety and sadness. But it’s important to remember that you are not alone in this battle, and there are resources available to help you cope with and manage your condition.

Coping Strategies for Managing Symptoms

Psoriasis is a skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide and can cause discomfort and embarrassment. Coping with the symptoms of Psoriasis can be a challenging experience but there are effective ways to manage it. With the right knowledge and treatment, people can reduce the severity and frequency of flare-ups as well as improve their quality of life. Here are a few strategies for coping with the symptoms:

Stress Control

Many individuals with Psoriasis have found that stress can exacerbate their symptoms. But here's the good news – you can break this cycle. By learning how to effectively manage stress, you can not only alleviate flare-ups but also reduce overall inflammation in your body. Explore the power of meditation, exercise, or even seek guidance from a specialized stress management therapist.

Dietary Changes

Discover the power of a healthy diet in optimizing body function, diminishing comorbidity, and enhancing metabolic profile. Research into the connection between diet and Psoriasis is ongoing. Supplementing with vitamin D, especially in the winter months, may also help reduce flare-ups.

Lifestyle Changes

Those dealing with Psoriasis should avoid alcohol and smoking, which can trigger the body’s inflammatory response. Getting plenty of sleep and routine exercise can help you avoid flare-ups. When outside, use sunscreen to protect your skin from sunburn, which can also cause flare-ups.

Moisturize Your Skin

Keeping skin moisturized is also a key technique. Dryness can cause flare ups and result in skin scaling. Look for moisturizers that contain mineral oils like liquid paraffin and petrolatum. Coconut oil and aloe vera gel are also great options due to their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

Treatment Options for Controlling the Condition

There are quite a few treatment options available that can help manage the symptoms and alleviate some of the discomfort associated with Psoriasis. From topical creams and ointments to phototherapy and systemic treatments, there's bound to be a solution that works for you. We’ll touch on just a few of them below.

Topical Treatments

Topical treatments, such as corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs, and retinoids, work by reducing inflammation and suppressing the immune response that causes Psoriasis. Some options include:

• Steroid creams
• Salicylic acid
• Calcipotriol
• Roflumilast
• Tapinarof
• Tazaroc

Phototherapy

Phototherapy has emerged as an effective and safe treatment option. This light therapy has been used to treat skin conditions for centuries, with modern advancements making it even more effective. Psoriasis patients have reported improvements in their symptoms after undergoing this treatment, which involves exposure to ultraviolet light.

Natural Treatments

From herbal remedies to dietary changes, there are a variety of ways to approach treating this complex skin condition without relying on traditional medications. While it's important to consult with a dermatologist before making any major changes, many people have found success with natural remedies like aloe vera, turmeric, and coconut oil. Additionally, incorporating anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens, berries, and fatty fish can help to reduce inflammation and improve overall skin health.

These are just a few of the treatment options. Other treatments include immunosuppressants, oral retinoids, and systemic biologic treatments. Some treatments will work better for some and less so for others, so it may take some time to find the best treatment for your condition.

Relief Is in Sight

Despite the fact that Psoriasis is incurable, it's important to remember that there is still hope for those who suffer from it. With the right treatment regimen and a bit of patience, you can learn to manage your symptoms and live a full and happy life.

Northern Inyo Healthcare District can help you cope with and treat Psoriasis. To learn more about this condition and find relief, reach out to us at (760) 873-5811 to schedule an appointment.