Dealing with psoriasis flare-ups can be a frustrating experience. While there are plenty of treatments available on the market, it is important to know that simple lifestyle fixes can also be effective at easing psoriasis and preventing future flare-ups. The following are tweaks you can do to your daily routine to promote healing of your skin.
1. Keep your skin well-hydrated.
This is one of the easiest things you can do to calm flare-ups. Keeping your skin moist can do wonders for your condition, allowing you to feel more comfortable despite all those psoriasis lesions. It’s essential to choose the right kind of moisturizer for your skin. This largely depends on the severity of your skin’s dryness. Ointments are thick, making them really effective at holding moisture. Lotions are considerably thinner. Creams, meanwhile, fall somewhere between the two.
2. Take warm baths.
Warm baths with mild soap can relieve itchy spots and get rid of dry patches of skin. Soaking in warm water for 15 minutes is recommended by health experts. Avoid water that’s too hot and harsh soaps as they might make your condition worse. After bathing, pat your skin dry instead of rubbing it vigorously with the towel. The friction might aggravate the lesions and cause new ones to form.
3. Get some sunshine.
It might sound counterintuitive to stay under the sun when trying to treat psoriasis, but studies show getting some sunlight can actually help you calm flare-ups. The reason for this is that sunlight slows down the growth of skin cells. Spend some time under the sun two to three times each week. Make it a habit to wear sunscreen as excessive sun exposure can make psoriasis outbreaks worse.
4. Practice stress-reducing techniques.
Studies show that stress is one of the most common triggers of flare-ups. There are plenty of people who find themselves suffering from the worst outbreak following a stressful life event. Experts suggest taking the necessary steps to reduce stress and anxiety. Yoga, deep breathing and meditation are three of the most common activities you can do at home which can measurably decrease your stress levels. Also be sure to get plenty of exercise and sleep.
These simple life hacks may be just what you need to ease your psoriasis flare-ups and prevent future outbreaks. Pair these tips with effective topical treatments and you should be well on your way to beating psoriasis.