Psoriasis is a skin disorder affecting from 1 to 3 percent of Americans. Scaly and itchy patches of thick skin characterize this autoimmune disease. For some, psoriasis is just an annoying fact of life for those with extreme cases it is torture. You may consider trying home remedies psoriasis, but some of these at-home skin remedies may only add to your suffering. Preventing outbreaks is the best way to avoid the symptoms of psoriasis.
What to Avoid
1. Non-light Beer
Beer can be a trigger for psoriasis. Harvard Medical School was involved in a study with Brigham and Women’s Hospital that monitored women with psoriasis who drank non-light beer. The study found that just two or three drinks of regular beer a week increases the risk of a psoriasis breakout by 72 percent. Non-light beer seems to be the only trigger, other alcoholic beverages like red wine, white wine, light beer and liquor are not considered psoriasis triggers.
2. Stress
Unfortunately, psoriasis and stress are usually inseparable. Some of the factors directly related to psoriasis increase stress levels.
These factors include:
- Social Stigma
- Pain
- Financial Hardship Due to Continued Treatments
Stress triggers outbreaks, so managing your stress level is essential. Try practicing meditation or yoga. These practices have been shown to relieve the stress associated with pain.
3. Dry, Cold Weather
This kind of weather is detrimental to you if you suffer with psoriasis. Dropping temperatures strip the moisture from your skin, then the heating units dry out your skin even more. The best way to combat this is to invest in a top of the line humidifier for your home. Consider a whole-house unit that attaches directly to your furnace.
4. Sunburn
Sunburn can lead to a major outbreak of psoriasis. Some people with psoriasis find relief from moderate amounts of sun exposure, but sunburn usually leads to a flare-up. For this reason, it is best to keep your sun exposure to a minimum.
5. Bites, Scratches and Skin Injuries
Any skin injury can cause psoriasis lesions to form. Always take extra precautions to avoid injury. These precautions may include gloves, long sleeves and wearing insect repellent.
6. Infections
Common infections, including upper respiratory infections, thrush and strep throat also trigger outbreaks. If you think you have any of these conditions, visit your physician promptly to obtain antibiotics.
7. Dry Skin
Because the symptoms of psoriasis worsen when you have dry skin, you need to keep it moist. You can do this by using lotions that your physician recommends. Usually the best lotions for psoriasis are oily and thick because they effectively trap the moisture beneath your skin. Moisturizing lotions can also remove scales. According to WebMD, to remove scales, apply the moisturizer and then wrap the area with plastic wrap or tape.
Plan Ahead
Although you cannot avoid all psoriasis triggers, try planning ahead to prevent a flare-up. For example, always carry sunscreen and a hat. Because psoriasis sufferers have sensitive skin, triggers vary from person to person. Keep a journal to help you determine what causes your outbreaks.
