Coping with Psoriasis

Dealing with psoriasis means coping with the various symptoms that accompany it and doing everything possible to reduce flare-ups, but it can also mean directing much-needed attention to the impact the condition can have on our daily lives. Psoriasis cannot be cured, but it can be managed, and over time it is possible to find the strategies that work best and adapt to this chronic condition.

Emotional impact

Sometimes, people affected by psoriasis may feel ashamed of their condition because of the appearance of their skin.

This can contribute to problems such as anxiety or depression. In these cases, it is advisable to consult a therapist or mental health professional. With the help of talk therapy and coping strategies, the patient may be able to overcome the negative impact of psoriasis on their mental health.

Physical impact

When it comes to potential challenges, psoriasis is a disorder that affects virtually all of our physical health.

Weather and climate can have a significant influence on psoriasis. This medical condition has less impact in spring and summer than in winter.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun acts as an immunosuppressant, helping to keep plaque formation under control. On the other hand, warm air tends to retain moisture better than cold air, which can alleviate discomfort in very dry skin. Wearing light cotton clothing, rather than synthetic fabrics, on warm days can help even more.

Sleep problems instead of synthetic fabrics, on warm days, can help even more.

People with psoriasis sometimes have trouble falling asleep. Although it is easy to avoid scratching their skin during waking hours, they may do so unconsciously. As a result, many patients bleed during the night or notice white patches (skin flakes) on their sheets.

The discomfort of psoriasis can also interfere with the quality of sleep, which can create a vicious cycle: Lack of sleep causes stress, which in turn is a common trigger for psoriasis. Here are some tips for dealing with sleep problems:

Protect affected areas. It is important to cover the inflamed areas with a rich moisturizer. Covering them with plastic wrap (or wearing cotton gloves on your hands or socks on your feet if those areas are affected) will not only protect them from our nails, but will also help soothe the skin. On the other hand, keeping nails short also decreases the likelihood that they will damage the skin when scratched.

Avoid itching. When the skin feels especially irritable, it is advisable to drink an infusion that has a sedative effect before going to bed.

Both alcohol and caffeine can interfere with sleep, so avoid both before going to bed. Alcohol is also a potential trigger for psoriasis.

Social life

Because psoriasis is chronic and very visible, discouraging situations can occur. Surrounding ourselves with supportive people can be a great help. In fact, a 2012 study found that among more than 100 people with psoriasis, those who had a lot of social support reported having “significantly higher quality of life, lower levels of depression, and greater acceptance of living with the disease.”

In particular, it may be helpful to connect with and learn from others with psoriasis. There are many support groups for people who want to share or find information and tips for coping with various challenges associated with this condition.

Hydration

Moisturizing the skin is extremely important, nowadays there are creams that are specially designed for sensitive skin and skin prone to dryness, such as ATOPYKARE  NATPHARMA.COM. It contains omegas 3, 6, 7 and 9, is suitable for both babies and adults and is 100% paraben-free.