If you're living with psoriasis, you know that managing your symptoms can be a constant challenge. But there are some simple strategies you can try to find relief and improve your overall quality of life. Here are the top 5 tips and tricks for managing your psoriasis:
1) Eat an anti-inflammatory diet. Research has shown that eating an anti-inflammatory diet can help improve symptoms and reduce flare-ups. This type of diet focuses on whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats.
2) Manage stress in healthy ways. Stress is a normal part of life, but chronic stress can take a toll on your physical and emotional well-being. Finding healthy ways to manage stress, like through relaxation techniques, exercise, "bedroom activities" (*wink wink), or hobbies, can help reduce symptoms and prevent flare-ups.
3) Keep your skin moisturized. Dry, itchy skin is a common problem for people with psoriasis, so it's important to keep your skin moisturized to help reduce irritation. Look for products that are formulated for sensitive skin, and apply them immediately after bathing to seal in moisture.
4) Give light therapy a shot. Also known as phototherapy, light therapy involves exposing the skin to controlled amounts of UV. It can be effective at reducing inflammation, slowing the growth of skin cells, and improving the appearance of affected skin. This is a good secondary treatment, not so much a primary treatment.
5) Be beautiful with biologics. Biologics are relatively new. They are designed to target specific parts of the immune system. They're usually given by shots you can take at home (sometimes pills), and they can be super effective at improving symptoms and reducing flare-ups. However, they're not right for everyone and can have potential risks and side effects.
Remember, everyone is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. But by incorporating these strategies into your daily routine, you can find some relief from your psoriasis symptoms and improve your overall quality of life.