Psoriasis News

Posts Tagged ‘dry scaly skin’

How to avoid Psoriasis

Psoriasis affects 7.5 million people all across the US. As much as 2 or 3% of the global population is affected by Psoriasis. While it is a fact that certain medications, weather conditions, lifestyle habits and infections can trigger Psoriasis, an individual can prevent Psoriasis by following certain things.

Strengthening immune system- A weak immune system makes a person more susceptible to Psoriasis. This is why strengthening the immunity is crucial. By incorporating a balanced diet comprising, fruits, vegetables, proteins, fats and carbohydrates, a person can boost the power of the immune system. In addition, ensuring adequate rest and a minimum of 7-8 hours of rest everyday will also help. Keeping oneself hydrated by drinking lots of water everyday is also a good way to fight infection in the body. By eating certain foods like the Gooseberry, a person can keep the immune system strong and fight infection. This can prevent Psoriasis and any kind of skin inflammation.

Knowledge of trigger factors- By carefully observing what trigger factors cause Psoriasis in an individual, a person can keep Psoriasis at bay. In most cases, it may not be practical to avoid all triggers. However, knowledge of these factors can help the person proactively change their lifestyle or habits.

Quitting smoking- Smoking is known to be a trigger factor for Plaque and Pustular Psoriasis. By reducing or quitting smoking, the person can avoid Psoriasis flare-ups. In addition, it maybe noted that supplements or nicotine patches can also act as triggers for Psoriasis. Ideally, nicotine patches and smoking should be avoided.

Avoiding drinking- Alcohol consumption is a major trigger of Psoriasis. It can also hamper the effectiveness of existing treatments of Psoriasis. In addition, if the person is already consuming Methotrexate, then alcohol should be avoided at all costs. There can be fatal consequences and side effects because of the reaction of the drug and the alcohol.

Relaxation techniques- Stress is one of the biggest triggers of Psoriasis. By reducing stress a person can help avoid Psoriasis. Various techniques can be leveraged to combat stress. Various techniques such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing etc. can help a person relax. In addition, regular exercise, participation in counseling sessions and support groups can also help. By interacting with other patients who have Psoriasis, the individual can feel less stressed about the condition.

Avoidance of scratching- Scratching the areas infected with Psoriasis can worsen symptoms. It can also induce spread of more infection as germs from the fingernails can contaminate the region. Cold compresses can alleviate the condition dramatically. Usage of antiseptic moisturizers as well as taking lukewarm water baths can also help. It is best to avoid excessively hot water as it can aggravate the skin and worsen the Psoriasis infection. Using very hot water on Psoriasis affected skin can cause histamine reactions. This leads to more itchiness in the area. Usage of soap is also not advisable as it dries the skin. Instead, using a cream-based or mild cleanser is recommended. This helps cleanse the skin of impurities and infection without drying the skin. Dry skin is also susceptible to infection of Psoriasis and this should be avoided. Gently patting the Psoriasis affected area dry after a bath will prevent the tendency to rub or scratch the area. This curtails itching as well.

Protection- Usage of sunscreens is recommended while venturing into the sun. Sunburns can trigger Psoriasis. Wearing protective cotton clothing also helps curtail spread of Psoriasis.

Yours Truly,

Joseph Marquardt
President, Q-Based Healthcare TM
The Makers of PsoriasilTM Treatment
Info@qbased.com
Toll Free 1.866.314.8917

Treatment alternatives for Psoriasis- There are many ways to treat Psoriasis. Since diagnosis is difficult, most doctors initiate treatment with mild doses of drugs. Only if the condition worsens, stronger drug doses are administered.

Topical medications- Several topical ointments and creams maybe used to treat Psoriasis successfully. Some ointments contain combinations of essential oils and various surfactants, which help to restore the pH levels of the skin. By restoring the pH balance, irritation and itching can be curtailed. There are ointments, which can be obtained at any drugstore without any prescription, while for others a prescription maybe needed. Various topical medications such as corticosteroids maybe used to treat Psoriasis. At times, substances like coat tar is applied directly over the Psoriasis affected region. This substance is approved by the FDA and hence is safe for usage on the skin. Using the substance to coat the Psoriasis infected region can curtail the spread of the infection. However, coal tar has a very strong, pungent odor so regular change of dressing is necessitated. In addition, clothing and bed sheets should be changed regularly to avoid staining of the clothes.

Phototherapy- This is also called light therapy and has been found very effective in treating Psoriasis. In this case, artificial or natural lights are used to focus on the Psoriasis infected region of the skin. Most doctors, using such a treatment alternative recommend that patients face the sunlight for specified periods. This helps to destroy the infectious cells and reduce inflammation. Photochemotherapy involves usage of artificial light in combination with Psoralen. This is a medication, which makes the skin more sensitive to light. This medication is brought subsequently into contact with UVA light rays. Through this technique, the UVA rays can penetrate to the deeper layers. By doing this, the UVA rays destroy the plaque causing Psoriasis in the deeper skin tissues. Frequency of treatments through Photochemotherapy can range from three or even more times every week. However, excessive frequency of treatment can induce cancer because of the excessive penetration of UVA light rays.

Oral medication- This is a holistic combination of injected drugs as well as orally administered drugs. Certain Retinoids have been useful in curing Psoriasis. This is a special kind of drug known to curtail skin cell production. Thus, it is predominantly used in patients who have severe Psoriasis. However, intake of Retinoids for treatment of Psoriasis has a drawback. It can result in congenital or birth defects in a child. This is the reason why women who have Psoriasis and are under Retinoid treatment should not become pregnant for at least 3 years. Once the treatment stops, then after a period of 3 years the female patient can get pregnant.

Home remedies- In addition to the above three treatment alternatives for treating Psoriasis, one can also alleviate the itching and pain through home remedies. Soaking in oatmeal based baths or warm water filled with Epsom salts or even bathing oil can help soothe the skin. Using mild soaps is recommended, especially those, which have a high moisturizing content in them. Usage of a heavy-duty moisturizer can help soften the skin and aid dead cell removal. Regular exposure of the Psoriasis infected skin to the sun can also help alleviate skin itchiness and irritation. Proper dressing of the Psoriasis skin after applying ointments can help soften and sooth this skin.

Yours Truly,

Joseph Marquardt
President, Q-Based Healthcare TM
The Makers of PsoriasilTM Treatment
Info@qbased.com
Toll Free 1.866.314.8917