It’s not easy when we are burdened by problems with our skin. When a person suffers from skin conditions, it is difficult for them to socialize with other people. Some of the concerns for people with skin problems are usually when they get stared at or being pitied by others.
According to allure.com, around 85 million people in the United States alone are affected by different kinds of skin problems and the numbers are still rising. One of the many common skin diseases that people suffer with is psoriasis.
What is psoriasis?
It is a common type of chronic skin condition involving the autoimmune system that speeds up the accumulation of skin cells. As a result, the rapid accumulation causes the skin’s surface to scale.
What is notable with psoriasis aside from the skin’s scaling are red or inflamed patches running across the skin. The patches are also lined with white-silver colored cracked skin. When the condition becomes severe, the patches would often break up and bleed. These patches can also feel itchy and sometimes sore.
What are the causes of psoriasis?
Psoriasis occurs once there are triggers externally that causes the condition to flare-up. These triggers may vary for some people and may even change overtime.
The triggers that are common in causing psoriasis include:
The substances from alcohol and cigarette smoking can easily cause psoriasis to flare-up. Smoking and alcohol are habits that need to be avoided immediately if they are making psoriasis outbreaks more frequent.
When your anxiety and stress-levels are abnormally high, it can cause your immune system to haywire. This can potentially lead to other types of diseases as well as psoriasis.
- Extreme injuries to the skin
Accidents on the skin, or severe cuts and burns can also potentially cause outbreaks or even trigger new ones.
- Skin infections
Infections like strep throat can cause psoriasis to break out. This is because the immune system will mistakenly attack healthy skin cells or go overdrive.
- Certain types of medication
There are some medications that can potentially cause psoriasis outbreaks. Some of them include medications for regulating high blood pressure, lithium and antimalarial medication.
Who are usually at risk of psoriasis?
Psoriasis can happen to anyone in their lifetime. However, there are certain factors that can also increase the risk of developing psoriasis. The people who have a higher chance of getting psoriasis breakouts include:
- When their family has a medical history of psoriasis.
- When they are in conditions with high levels of stress and anxiety
- When they have developed bacterial or viral infections that can jeopardize your immune system
- When they are overweight where the excess pounds in the body causes lesions
- When they are excessively smoking and drinking alcohol
What are the symptoms of psoriasis?
Symptoms of psoriasis can vary for everyone. Often, people may have psoriasis episodes and then will subside for a time before breaking out again. However, the common signs usually include:
- Glaring red skin patches surrounded by white-silver colored scales
- Skin that becomes cracked and dry that may often bleed
- Painful and itchy or burning sensations around the affected area
- Joints that become stiff or swollen
There are also different types of psoriasis including:
- Plaque Psoriasis
This is a common type of psoriasis breakout that causes dry, red, swollen lesions covered with whitish scales or plaques. These lesions may also become itchy and sore and can occur anywhere in the body.
This occurs mostly in children and young adults. Infections like strep throat usually triggers the psoriasis to flare-up. This type of psoriasis is characterized by small and scaly lesions seen around the trunk, legs, arms and scalp.
- Inverse Psoriasis
Inverse psoriasis is commonly seen on the skin in armpits, groin, breasts and genital areas. This type of psoriasis is mainly caused by fungal infections
- Nail Psoriasis
From the name itself, this type of psoriasis is generally seen in and around the fingernail and toenails. This will cause abnormal growth and even cause the nails to chip and break easily.
How is psoriasis treated?
Unfortunately, there is no known cure for this skin condition. There are treatments available if you are diagnosed with psoriasis. However, there are natural remedies you can try at home to help manage or reduce the breakouts of psoriasis. For herbal remedies, make sure to consult first with your doctor as certain types can have adverse reactions with the medication you’re taking.
- Change the way you eat
Even some foods can trigger psoriasis breakouts. So, it is best to limit consuming food that may potentially increase inflammations. These foods include dairy products, refined sugar and processed foods. It is also best to maintain a balanced and healthy diet that includes more omega-3 fatty acids, leafy vegetables and whole grains.
- Lose the excess pounds with exercise
Aside from being able to lose weight, exercise can also reduce symptoms of psoriasis. This is because the sweat we secrete removes the toxins and bacteria from our body and moisturize our skin at the same time.
Water is an essential element for our survival. When you drink a lot of water, it helps flush out toxins from the body that triggers psoriasis. Taking lukewarm baths and applying lotions or moisturizers after can also help relieve the skin.
- Use natural or plant-based remedies
These herbs contain properties that can help reduce the breakouts. The aloe plant can relieve the skin from itching and redness. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can lower the chances of flare-ups. Another organic remedy you can use is natural oats. Applying it on the skin can help soothe and relieve the itchy and painful feelings from psoriasis.
- Lower your stress levels
Since stress is one of the triggers for psoriasis, it is important that you avoid situations that can cause it. Some of the ways to lower anxiety is breathing exercises through meditation and yoga, therapy and even hypnosis.
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