Severe Psoriasis – Managing a flare-up
Psoriasis is one of the most baffling and persistent of skin disorders. It’s characterized by skin cells that multiply up to 10 times faster than normal. As underlying cells reach the skin’s surface and die, their sheer volume causes raised, red plaques covered with white scales.
Most common symptoms of plaque psoriasis include:
- red, raised, inflamed patches of skin
- silver-white scales or plaques on the red patches
- dry skin that may crack and bleed
- soreness around patches
- itching and burning sensations around patches
- thick, pitted nails
- painful, swollen joints
Taking your medication as directed by your doctor is the first step in preventing psoriasis flare-ups. But you can do other things to minimize symptoms and get relief quickly.
Keep Your Skin Moisturized
TakingKeeping your skin lubricated with oils, creams and ointments can go a long way in preventing or worsening dry, itchy skin caused by a psoriasis flare-up. It can also help reduce redness and heal the skin, making your flare-up easier to manage.
Stay on Top of Scalp Irritation and Itching
TakingTry to resist the urge to scratch or rub your scalp during a flare-up. Use of gentle moisturizer soap and shampoo can be helpful for avoid scratching the scalp.
Avoid Stress
TakingPsoriasis and stress are intricately linked. Although psoriasis is a genetic condition, environmental triggers such as a stressful life event often trigger it, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. And having psoriasis is stressful in itself, which can trigger future flare-ups. Oral medication that can help you manage stress and anxiety and also corrects the imbalance in thermoregulation due to poor cutaneous barrier effect can be the drug of choice.
Eat a Nutritious Diet
TakingNutritional supplements or foods containing omega-3 fatty acids may also help with your psoriasis, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation. Omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to a decrease in inflammation.
