Do you suffer from psoriasis? If so, you know how disruptive and frustrating this chronic skin condition can be. As an inflammatory disease, psoriasis can also be one of the most difficult to manage, as flare-ups can come on fast and aggressively. At Precision Medical Specialists, we are equipped to treat your psoriasis, which doesn’t mean we can cure it, but it can mean that we drastically reduce your chances for embarrassing flare-ups.
What is Psoriasis?
The human body naturally has a cellular turnover within the skin. However, those with psoriasis have a flaw in their immune system that prompts skin cells to grow at a much faster rate than normal. The average person gets new skin cells within a week or more. Psoriasis sufferers, unfortunately, may get new skin cells in a matter of days. Since the new skin cells don’t have anywhere to go, they tend to pile up in layers on the skin surface and form raised, scaly patches. Over time, these patches become thicker, more scaly and itchy as more new skin cells join in.
Scaly skin patches that that are itchy, sore and stubborn are what identify Psoriasis. This is a chronic and systemic condition that can’t be cured. However, there are ways to manage how often and how severely your psoriasis presents itself.
Prevent Psoriasis Flare-Ups
The triggers for a psoriasis flare-up can vary from person to person, but there are some general commonalities in terms of everyday culprits. Here are some top ways to keep your psoriasis under control and avoid a disruptive flare-up:
Reduce Stress
Uncontrolled stress is one of the leading reasons for a psoriasis flare-up. While you may not be able to avoid every stressor in your life, you can practice tactics to manage your stress and keep your mind in a calmer state.
Take Prompt Action on Skin Injuries
When the skin gets injured or breaks, there is a natural response in your body to renew that area of skin. If you have psoriasis, this process is supercharged. To avoid excessive overgrowth of new skin cells on your injury, do your best to treat the area and reduce inflammation as quickly as possible.
Don’t Itch
It’s tempting, we know. However, persistent scratching of your skin will only make your psoriasis worse. Avoid triggers that cause you to scratch, such as dry skin or certain soaps and allergens.
Avoid Alcohol and Smoking
Smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol are frequent psoriasis triggers. You may even sabotage your psoriasis treatment by binge drinking on the weekends or frequently being around others who smoke.
To learn more about everyday habits that can lower your psoriasis setbacks, please visit us at Precision Medical Specialists. We stay at the forefront of dermatology when it comes to treating system skin conditions like psoriasis.