Experiencing skin issues may be embarrassing, feel uncomfortable, and play a significant role in your mental state. However, there’s no need to feel discouraged. Through the proper doctor, treatment, and skin care knowledge, Black people with psoriasis can take care of their psoriasis condition in an effective manner.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that makes your body inflamed, which results in thick, itchy, and scaly patches, growing on your skin. On dark skin, the patches, or plaques, can appear as the colors purple or brown with gray scales, and they can also show up thicker than they do on light skin.
1. Assessing a psoriasis doctor and treatment that works for you
To guarantee you’re receiving the best treatment, be on the lookout for a dermatologist with experience managing psoriasis in skin of color, and consider getting in touch with an ethnic skin center in your area.
There is so much to learn about handling psoriasis with care, and many routes for treatment are at your disposal. Despite this, Black people with psoriasis may go through extraordinary barriers to treating their condition properly.
Because of healthcare inequities stemming from systemic racism, Black people have a lower likelihood versus white people to have accessibility to dermatologists, who have the expertise required to prescribe appropriate psoriasis treatments. Not only that, doctors are also less prone to giving prescriptions for stronger medicines, such as biologic therapies, to Black individuals, even with the undeniable fact that their psoriasis may be more severe and cover more skin compared to Caucasian people.
2. Bask in the Sun with Utmost Protection and Fun
For victims of psoriasis, any unnecessary skin irritation, like sunburn, is excruciating. People with more melanated skin may have a smaller probability of sunburn than people with fairer skin, but it is still crucial to give your skin the protection it needs from the sun.
To prevent sunburn, liberally apply sunscreen. The National Psoriasis Foundation as well as the American Academy of Dermatology Association suggest picking sunscreen with the following qualities:
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- A special formula specifically made for sensitive skin.
- An SPF of 30 or higher.
- Broad-spectrum protection, offering protection for your skin from both UVA and UVB rays.
RELATED: 9 Surprising Places Psoriasis Can Appear on Black Skin
3. Take Preventative Measures to Avoid Psoriasis Flare-ups
Stress is also a normal trigger for flare-ups, so keeping your stress levels to a minimum through journaling, breathing techniques, or delegating work to others, among other coping mechanisms, can make psoriasis management a whole lot smoother.
Psoriasis flares can take place and be caused by a handful of triggers, and it looks different for everyone. Monitoring your symptoms along with your diet, sleep schedule, and workout routines, can help you determine which triggers are best to avoid.
Generally speaking, limiting your alcohol intake, cigarettes, and cigars is believed to help decrease psoriasis exacerbations while maintaining your skin’s strength and hydration.
4. Proceed with Caution: Avoid Heavy Chemicals
It is critical to steer clear of fragrant shampoos and lotions, as strong odors can provoke more irritation. Try sticking to body wash that is rich in moisture but free of alcohol, since alcohol is harsh and dries out the skin. Lotions and creams full of vitamin E, aloe vera, vitamin B3, glycerin, or salicylic acid are great selections for safe moisturization. BlackDoctor.Org recommends always moisturizing the moment you hop out of the bath or shower to get that hydration locked in.
When bathing and showering, it is in your best interest to think about the chemicals in the products that are cleansing and moisturizing your skin. Black people in particular are more likely to experience dry skin than white people. Studies have shown that their skin loses moisture at a faster rate. Dry skin can create psoriasis flare-ups, so Black individuals should be on top of what they use when it comes to moisturizing their skin.
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5. Don’t Forget Your Personal Preference With Hair Care
Scalp psoriasis can be pretty complex for Black people. Not only can the symptoms be tricky and tough to deal with, but they can also get in the way of your hair care routine. When speaking with your dermatologist, mention how frequently you wash your hair and how you usually go about styling it. Doctors will then, more often than not, prescribe medicated shampoo for you to use every day, but be warned that this can dry out hair for curly-haired cuties.
Your doctor might also give the tip of using topical creams or ointments, which can clash with how you’re used to ritually styling your hair. Be as truthful and crystal clear about your hair care necessities with your dermatologist if they lack experience with the unique way that Black people style and nurture their hair. Let this information empower you to discover different therapies that align with your lifestyle for a more tailored treatment experience.
