Living with Psoriasis

Psoriasis varies in severity from person to person as well as from time to time in a person's life, so it's necessary to be prepared for whatever it might do next. At times the flare-ups may be quite mild and difficult for other to see, but at other times they may be highly visible and obvious to all. Medical conditions that are outwardly visible can bring their own set of challenges, because the person affected has to deal not only with the condition itself but also with the reactions (and perceived reactions) of the outside world.

Although there is no cure for psoriasis, there are things you can do in addition to taking medications to help manage your symptoms. By gaining more control over psoriasis, you can help to improve your own quality of life.

Educate your family and friends. Tell them what to expect with your condition and what kind of support you need. Encourage questions. Good communication goes far in preventing misunderstandings and alleviating stress. Since stress is a known trigger for flare-ups, lowering your stress level can help to reduce symptoms and lessen its negative impact on your social life and overall health.

Be open with your colleagues as well. While it may be difficult to discuss your condition with people you are not close to, in the long run, it may be easier than spending time and energy trying to hide your psoriasis or feeling embarrassed about what others may be thinking.

Join a support group. Talk to others who have psoriasis. It helps to talk and laugh with others who face the same challenges. They may know all about not wanting to wear shorts even though it's hot outside, and may have experience dealing with strangers' curious glances.

Talk to your doctor and other health care providers. Decide what your needs are and know that plenty of support is available. If you have questions about psoriasis, write them down and bring them with you on the next visit. Your pharmacist is also a valuable source of information, so be sure to ask them questions about your medications. Others may find it helpful to talk to a counsellor or social worker for ways to help deal with the social and emotional impact of the condition.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Living-with-Psoriasis

Stress is bad for your health – we've all heard this from our doctors or on TV. But did you know that stress directly affects your psoriasis as well? Stress is a known trigger for flare-ups.

While stress itself does not cause psoriasis, studies have shown that as many as 80% of those having psoriasis flare-ups have recently experienced a major stressful event, such as moving to a new home or starting a new job. These events prove stressful for everyone, but for people with psoriasis, this added stress can mean worsening of the skin itchiness (pruritus) associated with their condition. And with more itching, their stress levels can increase, resulting in a worsening of their symptoms. The exact mechanisms by which stress can worsen psoriasis have not been fully established. However, experts say that it is related to changes in the immune system.

Simple day-to-day living with psoriasis can also present its own challenges. Many people experience feelings of worry, self-consciousness, and depression as a result of their condition and may find counselling useful in overcoming difficult events and situations.

Investigate different relaxation techniques and go with what works for you. Don't give up if the first couple of methods you try don't succeed in lowering your stress. You may have to try a few before finding the routine that meets your needs. Some people may find that a walk in the park, daily meditation, or talking to others with psoriasis work best for them. In addition to relaxation techniques, others may need to take a medication prescribed by their doctor. Talk to your doctor about your treatment options.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Living-with-Psoriasis

Winter weather may make it harder to care for your psoriasis. In Canada, our winters are long. We receive fewer hours of sunlight and the rays of the sun are weaker, providing less of the benefit of ultraviolet light B (UVB) to those with psoriasis. As well, the winter air is drier, making it more difficult to maintain moisture in your skin.

Follow these tips to help you through the winter months.

Keep your skin well hydrated. During the winter, the humidity level in the air (inside as well as outside) often decreases significantly, so it's harder to keep skin well moisturized. Apply heavier layers of creams and ointments over areas affected by psoriasis and, if possible, run a humidifier in your home and office.

Ask your doctor about artificial light therapy. This type of treatment can help slow the excessive skin cell growth present in psoriasis and can clear flare-ups for months at a time. However, there are side effects and possible risks involved, so make sure to check with your health-care professional about whether this treatment is right for you.

Avoid hot baths. It may be tempting to jump into a hot bath while the cold wind rages outside, but keep in mind that hot baths or showers can irritate your psoriasis symptoms. Before hopping into the bathtub or shower, make sure that the water is at a moderate temperature.

If planning a vacation to a sunny climate, pack clothes and shoes that fit comfortably and will not irritate your skin. Tight-fitting clothes and clothing made from certain fabrics can irritate your skin and worsen symptoms. While hot and humid weather can benefit some people with psoriasis, it can also cause other people's symptoms to worsen. Before going away on vacation, do some background research on the vacation spot and pick a suitable time to go. But protect your skin from the sun! Bring a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 coverage. Sunburns can worsen your psoriasis – and increase your risk of skin cancer.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Living-with-Psoriasis

Living with psoriasis as a senior presents its own set of challenges. You may find it difficult to get to your doctor's office or clinic, especially during the winter months with snow and ice on the ground. Ask a family member, friend, or caregiver to help coordinate such things as planning for the visit to your doctor and your transportation there. If you have trouble remembering your appointments, ask your doctor's office for possible reminder calls.

Another challenge that many seniors face is managing their own medications for various medical conditions in addition to psoriasis. If you have trouble keeping track of your medications, let your doctor and pharmacist know. Work with your doctor and pharmacist to find a treatment plan that meets your needs and suits your lifestyle. Ask them if you have any questions about your medications or are having trouble with such things as side effects or forgetting when to take them.

In order for your health care professionals to provide you with the best possible care, they will need to know your medical history and any medications that you're taking. So be sure to inform your doctor and pharmacist of any changes to your medical condition(s) and medication profile. Also, keep them updated on a regular basis if there are any issues in your personal life that may affect your psoriasis in a negative way.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Living-with-Psoriasis