When you are first diagnosed with a disease, you may go through a bit of trial and error trying to figure out the best care and treatment. Some of that is part of the process, but some of it can be avoided. Here are 5 mistakes to avoid when living with psoriasis.
1. Not asking for help
Oftentimes we may think a symptom we are experiencing isn't a cause for concern. However, it doesn't hurt to contact your doctor for help because those lesions you're experiencing could be a sign of a psoriasis flare-up to come. As with any condition, early detection is always helpful.
2. Not switching medications quick enough
Some psoriasis medications can take weeks or longer to take full effect. However, there comes a point in time when it may be time to switch medications. In some cases, staying on the wrong medication too long can cause your symptoms to worsen.
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It can be difficult to determine when it's time to switch medications. This is where paying attention to your symptoms and keeping an open line of communication with your doctor will come in handy. He or she can help determine if it's time to switch and even find the proper alternative.
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3. Letting your skin dry out
Sometimes we are our own worst enemy, whether it's doing things we know we aren't supposed to or doing things we didn't know were making our symptoms worse.
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For example, those hot showers you love taking are drying your skin out, especially if you aren't moisturizing afterward.
Dry skin is no good for anyone, but especially for psoriasis patients.
To prevent dry skin, try the following:
- Take a short bath or shower with warm water instead of taking a long, hot bath
- Use a moisturizing soap that is suitable for sensitive skin
- Apply a fragrance-free moisturizer after showering or bathing
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4. Ignoring your mental health
Living with a condition such as psoriasis isn't easy, so give yourself some leniency if you experience a wave of emotions. It is perfectly normal to feel anxious, demoralized, and depressed from time to time. However, if this becomes a persistent issue and starts to affect your daily life, it's time to get some professional help.
5. Neglecting your overall health
You may be focused on living with psoriasis, treatments and what you can do to prevent flare-ups. While there is nothing wrong with this (we want you to keep your psoriasis under control), it becomes a problem when you are neglecting other parts of your health.
Heart disease, COPD, psoriatic arthritis and cancer are all diseases that are associated with psoriasis. This is why it is so important to keep up with your yearly checkups so that your doctor can monitor you and catch anything before it progresses.
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Living with psoriasis
Living with psoriasis can be tough. You will have good days and you will have bad days, but the good news is that it can be managed. If you find yourself in doubt of what to do or find it hard to cope, start by making sure you are doing the following:
- Eating a healthy diet: According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), there is evidence to suggest that the Mediterranean diet may reduce the severity of psoriasis. This anti-inflammatory diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, olive oil, and fatty fish.
- Stopping smoking: According to 2016 study, individuals who smoke have a higher risk of psoriasis. Smoking may also make the condition more severe and reduce the effectiveness of treatment.
- Maintaining a moderate weight: The AAD advises that losing excess body weight may lead to fewer flare-ups and make medications more effective.
- Only drinking alcohol in moderation: Acoording to a 2019 study, alcohol consumption may trigger or worsen psoriasis. However, more research is needed to prove the link and determine the amount of alcohol that may cause negative effects.
- Reducing stress: Stress often triggers flare-ups of psoriasis. Stress-reducing strategies, such as meditation, exercise, and deep breathing, may help reduce the severity or frequency of flare-ups.
- Getting regular exercise: Research indicates that psoriasis improves with regular workouts. People should check with their doctor before starting an exercise routine, but most individuals with psoriasis who are otherwise healthy can benefit from physical activity.
- Joining a support group or seeing a mental health practitioner: Living with psoriasis can affect your mental health and increase the risk of conditions such as anxiety and depression. Getting support can help you better manage your mental health.
- Visiting healthcare providers regularly: Although there is no cure for psoriasis, a doctor can prescribe medications and other treatments that may help control symptoms.
- Help with healthcare costs: If healthcare finances are contributing to stress, check with your insurance plan to see if they may help cover costs.
