Psoriasis
Medical Dermatology
Overview
Psoriasis is so much more than just what happens to skin when an individual forgets lotion. It is a condition in which the skin actually has cells that multiply at an alarming rate. As a matter of fact, people with psoriasis have skin cells that multiply up to ten times faster than normal. As a result, dry skin is inevitable. In addition, psoriasis can be very painful due to cracking skin or because it can be very itchy. The affected areas of skin can become red, patchy, and covered in loose skin. But, there are ways to ease symptoms to make living with this skin disorder a little easier.
Bathing
It may seem strange, but the way people with psoriasis wash their bodies matters greatly. Showering or bathing every day is a big no-no for a psoriasis sufferer. That’s because showering frequently will dry out the skin, causing more painful symptoms. It’s said that showering or bathing every few days can help prevent skin from drying out. Also, patients should consider using lukewarm water instead of hot, because hot water also dries out skin. If patients prefer baths, they should use bath salts or oils to keep skin moisturized.
Sunshine
Oddly enough, the sun’s rays can actually help treat the symptoms of psoriasis. However, patients need to be careful because too much sun exposure could result in a sunburn. Sunscreen, therefore, is paramount whenever skin is exposed to the sun. SPF of 30 or higher is recommended, and prolonged sun exposure is discouraged even with sunscreen. A good starting point is spending no more than twenty minutes in direct sunlight at a time. Always check with your provider about how certain medications will interact with the sun.
Stay Healthy
The best thing those with psoriasis could do for their bodies is living healthy lifestyles. Smoking cigarettes is bad for everyone, but especially for people with psoriasis. In fact, smoking can make symptoms much worse. Drinking alcohol is another vice that should be regulated. It doesn’t mean that the occasional drink is off the table; however, it is important to monitor intake. Additionally, mental health is important because some people get depressed due to psoriasis. Never be afraid to seek help if you suspect psoriasis is the root cause of depression or other mental health issues in you or a loved one.