Psoriasis - tips to take care of it at home

Psoriasis is a condition that affects the skin. Here are some things you need to keep in mind to deal with the disease.

Psoriasis is a condition that affects the skin. It is thought to be due to the body's immune system being triggered and attacking the body itself. This reaction prompts the skin to produce excessive skin cells which then begin to slough off. It can be a very unsightly and uncomfortable condition and is quite difficult to get rid of. Here are some easy tips that will help you take care of the condition:

1. While bathing use lukewarm water with mild, non-fragrant soaps. Avoid hot water as it can cause your symptoms to flare up.
2. Apply a good, non-fragrant, mild moisturizer after bath to seal in the moisture. If you want to stick to natural ingredients try using olive oil as a healthy moisturizer.
3. Wear well-fitting, cotton clothes. Cotton will allow your skin to breathe and be kind to it.
4. Cover your skin well in winter to avoid exposure to the winter cold and dryness.
5. Take care not to injure yourself, since it is difficult for wounds to heal properly.
6. Trim your nails regularly to avoid scratching which might lead to a flare-up of symptoms. (Read: Psoriasis causes, triggers, symptoms)
7. Quit smoking and alcohol. It is well documented that smoking and drinking alcohol causes psoriasis to flare up.
8. Remember to maintain a healthy weight. Get some much-needed exercise. But remember, it is essential to consult your doctor before you start any fitness regime if psoriasis has affected your joints.
9. Take up relaxation techniques like meditation and yoga to reduce mental stress which might trigger attacks.
10. Avoid red meat as it has been known to increase inflammation in the affected areas.
11. One home remedy that seems to have helped many people is to eat flax seeds (Alsi). The omega 3 fatty acids in flax seeds modify the chain of events that cause psoriasis. Have a handful of the seeds just before breakfast and dinner every day by first roasting and grinding them. Mix this powder with two spoons of water and eat the paste.
12. Talking a walk in the sun before 9 AM in the morning has also been known to some help people with psoriasis.

Finally psoriasis need not be the be all and end all of your life. Just take care of your skin and lead a healthy lifestyle. You will then be well on your way to a healthy psoriasis-free you. (Read about Alzumab for Psoriasis)

Read more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of psorasis.

For more articles on diseases & conditions , visit our diseases & conditions section. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest updates! For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter. And to join discussions on health topics of your choice, visit our forum.