Written By: Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | Published : October 28, 2014 6:24 PM IST
Psoriasis is caused due to an autoimmune reaction in which the body s immune cells attack normal, healthy skin cells. This reaction in turn causes excess production of skin cells which ultimately begin to slough off. The symptoms include redness and itchiness of the skin, in addition to the occurrence of scales all over the affected area. Although ointments and medicines are used to treat these symptoms, the flare-ups can be prevented with simple tips. Here are some simple yet effective tips people with Psoriasis can try to prevent a flare-up of symptoms.
Shower and bathe with a mild soap
Although showering and bathing hydrates and softens the skin lesions in people with Psoriasis, staying for long in water may dry out the skin. Hence, it is advised that use lukewarm water while bathing and limit the showering time to not more than 10 minutes. This helps prevent itching and flaking. Apart from this, using a non-irritating soap and body wash instead of an ordinary soap is quite effective in the prevention of skin irritation and redness.
Moisturize yourself
Always remember to apply a mild moisturizer after a shower as it hydrates the skin thereby minimizing flare-ups seen in psoriatic people. A natural moisturizer like olive oil or one containing glycerin is good for the skin. Also, care should be taken while applying the lotion as excessive rubbing may trigger skin irritation.
Choose clothes wisely
When it comes to clothing, it is essential that you avid wearing clothes made up of synthetic fibers if u suffer from psoriasis. Instead, wear cotton clothes that are well-fitting (not tight-fitting) as it allows the skin to breathe, thereby preventing excessive sweating and itching.
Get some sun
Exposure to sunlight for a limited period (not more than 10 minutes, three times a week) is effective in treating psoriasis. But in some cases, medications used to treat this condition may increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight, thereby aggravating the symptoms. In such cases, consult your doctor about the same.
Trim your nails
It is always said prevention is better than cure and hence people with Psoriasis are advised to trim their nails on a regular basis. By doing so, the chances of scratching the skin and using your nails to ease itching is drastically reduced. In this way, flare-up of symptoms and other complications associated with skin irritation can be prevented.
Avoid drinking and smoking
Not many are aware of the fact that smoking and drinking may actually worsen the skin condition in psoriatic people. Hence, it is wise to avoid drinking alcohol and quit smoking to prevent a flare-up of psoriasis and its symptoms.
Eat healthy and exercise
Last but not the least, eating a nutritious diet, maintaining a healthy weight and regularly exercising not only improves your overall health but also prevents the flare-up of psoriasis symptoms. In addition to this, stress management and following hygiene and sanitation plays a key role in lowering the incidence of psoriatic outbreaks.
Image Source: Getty Images
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