Psoriasis is a skin condition that impacts hundreds of millions of people around the world. In fact, statistics released over recent years have pointed out that roughly 7.5 million individuals in the United States alone live with this affliction. Though it can vary in scope and severity, the experience tends to be uncomfortable and irritating for anyone who experiences a breakout. If you’re someone who has this skin condition, you may want to learn more about the ways to handle psoriasis and its symptoms.
Whether you’re looking to lessen the severity of an outbreak or you’re looking for a solid way to treat the condition in a more lasting manner, there are many points to keep in mind. Review these tips and see what the best fit is for your future.
Take Routine Baths
The average adult tends to take showers over baths. However, switching to bathing can actually prove useful for handling your psoriasis. According to suggestions from the Mayo Clinic, daily baths can help to calm skin when it is inflamed, as well as removing any excess skin scales that are clinging to fresh skin. It is advised to use lukewarm water with specialized products like Epsom salt, colloidal oatmeal, and soaps that are mild in scent. Showers can still prove useful, however, especially if you are dealing with scalp psoriasis.
Use Medicated Shampoo
For those who are suffering from this skin condition appearing on their scalps, showers can actually prove very useful in several respects. Though baths make it easier to remove skin after it has been submerged in warm water, it is not as easy to accomplish this task with the head in a bathtub. While showering, however, you can use medicated shampoo to achieve the same effect and lessen the overall impact the condition has on your scalp. This is a decision that may benefit you in the long run, reducing how often you experience outbreaks and lessening the severity.
Focus on Triggers
Though psoriasis is a very common condition, it does not look the same for all people. In order for you to best treat the symptoms of your affliction, pay close attention to what triggers an outbreak. For example, some people will see increased dryness when the weather changes to be colder and less wet. Similarly, there are individuals who see an increased risk of an outbreak when they smoke cigarettes or are exposed for prolonged periods to secondhand cigarette smoke. The same is true for alcohol consumption, with many people seeing outbreaks after copious drinking.
One of the most common triggers for psoriasis is experiencing any kind of other skin problem. A cut, scrape, bug bite, or wound of any type can lead to the skin becoming irritated. This, in turn, causes inflammation and triggers the dry status of the skin. Properly treating the wound immediately and avoiding scratching any bites or irritations can also mitigate the odds of experiencing a severe outbreak.
Be Sure To Moisturize
A surefire way to keep your skin from constantly experiencing psoriasis symptoms is by moisturizing. The less dry your skin is, the easier it is for you to keep outbreaks under control. It is suggested you focus on moisturizing specifically after showering or bathing. There are a number of excellent choices to consider, as brands put out products that are crafted to traget specific ailments of the skin like psoriasis.
As with the soap you use, focus on products that have little-to-no scent agents. The more ingredients in a skincare product, the more likely it is it will cause an outbreak.
Get Outside
When the weather is sunny, a little exposure to UV rays can go a long way to helping your skin. According to experts, sunlight can prove incredibly useful in small doses. The next time you feel an outbreak coming on, head outside and allow a little light to wash over you. Aside from the benefits Vitamin D can bring, you may find yourself avoiding a bad bout with dryness. Be sure to wear moisturizing sunscreen, as prolonged exposure to UV rays can also prove damaging to unprotected skin.
There are plenty of ways to go about treating the symptoms of psoriasis. Take time to look at your options and see which strategies are most effective at handling the kind of outbreaks you’re used to.
