Psoriasis can be uncomfortable and get in the way of living your day-to-day life. If you aren’t sure whether you have psoriasis, be sure to check in with a doctor. There are several conditions that can look similar to psoriasis. Psoriasis is characterized by itchy red patches of skin which can sometimes be flaky or scaly. If you’re experiencing uncomfortable symptoms, don’t worry. Psoriasis is a very common condition, and while there isn’t a known cure, there are ways of easing the symptoms consistently so that you can get back to the things that matter without being constantly distracted by the condition.
Try Medicated Creams
There are over-the-counter lotion and cream treatments for psoriasis, and then there are stronger versions that a doctor must prescribe. If your symptoms aren’t too unbearable, you may want to try an over-the-counter treatment first, and if it doesn’t work well for you, consult a doctor. If your symptoms are bothersome and getting in the way of living your life, it’s best to go right to a doctor in order to get the fastest treatment option.
Psoriasis can occur in many areas of the body. If your symptoms are appearing in an area that is more difficult to treat, such as on the scalp, you can try medicated shampoo for psoriasis. Keep in mind that your local pharmacy may have a very limited selection of treatments. If this is the case, there are many options for ordering over-the-counter treatments online.
Talk To Your Doctor
It’s likely that the most helpful step in relieving psoriasis symptoms will be to speak with your doctor. Your regular primary care doctor can probably prescribe treatments for your psoriasis, or they may refer you to a dermatologist for more specialized care. Either way, a doctor will be able to determine the severity of your symptoms and make treatment recommendations based on scientific studies. This is the best line of defense against psoriasis, so be sure to listen to what your doctor has to say and take their advice.
Natural Remedies
Natural remedies for psoriasis may not clear up your symptoms completely, however in combination with pharmaceutical treatments they made lead to even better results. Some of the best natural remedies and preventative measures are:
- Maintaining a healthy diet
- Getting enough sleep
- Practicing mindfulness to lower stress
- Decreasing or stopping smoking and alcohol consumption
- Getting regular exercise
- Receiving acupuncture treatment
The last one may come as a surprise, but acupuncture has been observed in several studies to help treat psoriasis symptoms. However, acupuncture is not for everyone so if you have any hesitations about trying it, that’s alright. Particularly for people who are afraid of needles, acupuncture may cause more anxiety than relief. Be sure to speak to a doctor if you have questions or doubts about a treatment that you are considering.
Lower Your Stress Level
Going through a stressful event or time in your life can trigger a flare-up of your psoriasis. In turn, the psoriasis flare-up may cause more stress and you could get caught in an unfortunate cycle. To prevent this, you will need to keep a relatively low level of stress in your life. Brainstorm what you can do to decrease your day-to-day stress. Many people find that meditation, going to bed earlier, breathwork, or cutting back on coffee can help to alleviate stressful feelings.
Having psoriasis can be frustrating and discouraging but don’t lose hope! Different treatments tend to work better or worse for different people, so try to be patient while you figure out what works best for you. You may need to try a number of remedies before you find the right treatment for you and your specific symptoms. If you follow these tips then you may even find a treatment that makes your psoriasis unnoticeable to you most of the time. Of course, as with most chronic conditions, there will be good days and bad days. This is normal and nothing to be ashamed of. Connecting with others who suffer from the same condition may help you to get through the tougher days that can occur for people with psoriasis. With a healthy lifestyle and regular care, there is always hope for alleviating symptoms.
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