While millions of people are dealing with psoriasis around the world, the way it affects black skin is still not as well-understood as it should be.
In fact, some persons may go undiagnosed because psoriasis can appear differently for African Americans than those of other ethnicities.
Even when you have been diagnosed, studies show that your treatment might not be as effective depending on which dermatologist you see.
That makes it even more important for you to understand your psoriasis well as well as how to prevent painful flare-ups.
1. Make Sure You Eat Well
While there’s no set diet for persons who are dealing with psoriasis, health experts recommend an anti-inflammatory diet. Since psoriasis flare-ups can be influenced by inflammation in the body, foods that combat that may be helpful for preventing flare-ups. Focus on adding fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet.
2. Manage Your Stress
As with many illnesses, chronic stress can make psoriasis worse. To deal with that, experts recommend finding effective stress management techniques. These techniques can include relaxation activities such as meditation and yoga. Being able to talk about stressful situations with close friends or loved ones will also help.
3. Keep Your Skin Moisturized
Dry skin can lead to a flare-up so it’s best to keep your body as moisturized as possible. You should use moisturizing skincare products as part of your routine. If you wash your hands often or have particularly dry skin, it’s good to moisturize your skin as often as you need to. Unless your dermatologist has prescribed a special moisturizing lotion, petroleum-based products typically work well.
4. Bundle Up When It’s Cold
Cold weather also dries your skin out easily. The only way around that is to wear warm clothing that covers you well. Of course, being too warm can come with its own issues so find what works for you.