The Do’s & Don’ts for Psoriasis Skin
If you are one of the nearly 7.5 million people in the United States who lives with the itching and inflammation of psoriasis, you know all too well that what you do—and don't do—to your skin can make a big difference in your symptoms. Here's the definitive guide!
Don’t Scratch
This is easier said than done as psoriasis itches… a lot. In fact, up 90 percent of people with psoriasis itch, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation. Some describe the itch as “burning, biting sensation… or being bitten by fire ants.” Rubbing or scratching at the skin exacerbates psoriasis. If you can’t itch, what can you do? Take a cold shower or apply ice packs to calm the itch. Some OTC anti-itch creams including calamine, hydrocortisone camphor, diphenhydramine hydrochloride (HCl), benzocaine, and menthol can help as can some Rx remedies. Store lotions in the refrigerator as the feeling of coolness soothes itchy skin. Psoriasis is one of the many reasons that your scalp itches.
Cool it on the Hot Baths and Showers
Hot water can make skin irritation and dryness worse which exacerbates psoriasis. Try to limit showers to ten minutes or less. Make sure to avoid other common shower mistakes that can ruin your skin.
Lube Up
It’s essential that those with psoriasis regularly use heavy moisturizers to keep the drier than normal skin hydrated. Moisturize in the morning and night, and especially after showering, focusing on areas of the body highly prone to psoriasis outbreaks.
Winterize Your Skin
Winter can be rough on psoriasis because of the dry indoor air that winter inevitably brings, be sure to use a humidifier religiously. In addition, it’s doubly important to use emollients during the colder months of the year.
Don’t Pick
Raised, reddish skin covered with silvery-white scales are one of the hallmarks of plaque psoriasis, which is the most common form of the disease. Do not pick or scratch at them and try to scrape them off. Don’t use a loofah in the shower as rubbing too hard may cause the scales to bleed and become infected. In some cases, your dermatologist can remove some of the thicker areas in the office—do not try this at home.
Choose Gentle Cleansers
Mild cleansers with no harsh ingredients or added perfumes for sensitive skin are best for people with psoriasis. Anything too harsh can further irritate or dry out your already inflamed skin. The trunk, extremities, and scalp are most likely to be affected. The face is usually last to get hit by psoriasis.
Sport Sunscreen
Yes, exposure to certain types of the sun’s ultraviolet rays in controlled fashions can lessen psoriasis symptoms, but this does not mean skipping sunscreen. Sunscreen is important as exposure to the sun’s rays can increase the risk of skin cancer and premature aging. Applying a generous amount of broad-spectrum sunscreen daily is also critical for reducing skin cancer risk and preventing other damage. Talk to your dermatologist about in-office treatments that tap into some of the healing power of the sun’s rays.
Use your Medications as Directed
There is no cure for psoriasis yet but adhering to your treatment regimen can make it so that the plaques are barely noticeable. While psoriasis medications tend to be a miss for most, if you intend to take or continue to take prescribed psoriasis medications, it’s recommended to focus on your skin care products no matter what!
Use topical moisturizer twice a day as well as the medications that your dermatologist prescribes as directed. These may include topical steroids to reduce inflammation, retinoids to slow the rate at which skin cells develop, salicylic acid products that take the top layer off of plaques, and light therapy. Check in with your doctor regularly to make sure you are doing all that you can to keep your psoriasis in check, while also not taking too severe of steps for these different treatment options.
When in doubt, look to Wild Naturals for your all-natural psoriasis skin care products to see the true results you’ve been searching for! Visit the online store today!
