Have you just been diagnosed with psoriasis? While it can feel like a relief to finally have a diagnosis, this is a skin condition that can affect your confidence, as well as be uncomfortable. With inflammation, the skin becomes irritated, and this is when psoriasis flares up and causes problems. It can affect anywhere from the face to the knees and lower back.
The most important thing is that you manage psoriasis carefully. This can help to reduce flare-ups. Here are some useful tips that can help you.
Try to Identify Your Trigger
First of all, one of the best places to start if you are newly diagnosed with psoriasis is to try to identify your triggers. Have you noticed things you have done that have led to the skin flaring up? The answer to this question can be different for everyone with this skin condition. Indeed, there are going to be some people that do not know what their triggers are yet. This is something you will learn over time.
There are some common triggers that you can start with to see if you have them. For example, smoking and drinking alcohol are said to be triggers. So, this is something that you should try to stop doing or limit. Stress and cold weather can also lead to flare-ups of psoriasis.
Seek Treatment
Note that there is no cure when it comes to psoriasis. But, this should not dishearten you, as there are psoriasis treatments available and that have emerged over the years. This can help you to manage your symptoms and feel a lot better about your skin. So, if this is something that you want to explore, it will be best to see your doctor. They are going to be able to discuss what options you have.
In particular, it might be best to get private health insurance for dealing with psoriasis. This can allow you to see a doctor quickly, as well as potentially have access to more treatment options. Note that if you have already been diagnosed with this condition, you will not be covered by a policy. So, this is a good option if you are new to this condition and suspect you might have it.
Reduce Stress Levels
A common trigger of psoriasis flare-ups for many people is emotional stress. Indeed, this is something that many people face in their daily lives, whether your workload is building up or you have trouble with your relationships. The most important thing is that you try to reduce your stress levels on a daily basis, and this can help to keep the skin condition under control.
Therefore, think of activities that you enjoy and that are going to take away your stress. Perhaps this is meditation or reading your favourite book. Maybe you like to meet up with your friends every weekend or play sports. Whatever it is, ensure you make time to destress.
Enjoy a Warm Bath
There are going to be some days that you find difficult with psoriasis. In particular, the skin can be itchy and this causes discomfort. But, you have to do your best to soothe the skin and not make it worse. One way you can do this is by enjoying a bath. Not only can this be relaxing, but it can calm and soothe the skin.
But, something to realise is that you only want the water to be warm. Hot temperatures can have the opposite effect, making psoriasis more uncomfortable. It can try out the skin and make it itchier. What’s more, use sensitive bath products to ensure that you do not aggravate the condition.
Avoid Harsh Products
You have to be very careful about the products you are putting on your skin. There can be certain ingredients that can trigger a rash and this is the last thing you want to happen. So, avoid harsh products that you feel are going to irritate the skin. Look for sensitive ingredients and those that are friendly to skin conditions.
