Day 1: Just Been Diagnosed with Psoriasis

It might not have been easy to hear that you’ve been diagnosed with psoriasis but now that you know, it’s easier for you to learn how to manage the condition. In this chronic skin condition, your body over-produces skin cells. While there may be periods where there are no symptoms, you’re likely to experience red, flaky patches on your elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back. It stands to reason then that you’ll need to take care of your skin and avoid issues that can irritate your condition. Here are a few areas you’ll need to keep an eye on when you’re living with psoriasis.

1. You’ll Need A Specific Diagnosis

It won’t be enough to say that you have psoriasis. The condition comes in different forms that can present with varying symptoms. Knowing which one you’re dealing with will make it easier for your doctor to determine treatment.

For example, nail psoriasis is characterized by nail pitting, color changes in the nail, and occasionally, crumbling nails. To get to the bottom of your diagnosis, your doctor may order a tissue biopsy of the affected area.

2. There Will Be A Medical Regimen

Since this is a skin condition, it’s not surprising that creams and ointments are the first treatment that your doctor will recommend. If these aren’t effective, the next step might be systemic drugs such as acitretin, cyclosporine, or methotrexate.

For moderate to severe psoriasis, biologics can be helpful as they target specific areas of the immune system.

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3. There Are Other Treatment Options

If drugs aren’t enough to keep the condition under control, the doctor can recommend other treatments like phototherapy. In this option, your skin would be exposed to ultraviolet light two or three times per week.

While it can have a positive effect on psoriasis, it can also make dark spots more noticeable on black skin.

3. You’ll Have To Be Careful With Your Skin

If your skin is injured in any way, you run the risk of having a flare-up. That means you need to avoid nicks, cuts, and any form of irritation. It helps if you moisturize well, use sunscreen, and apply cold compresses to soothe itchy skin. It may be tempting to scratch irritated areas but it’s better to use creams to ease the issue.