Psoriasis flare-ups are uncomfortable and itchy, not to mention unsightly. There are effective psoriasis treatments available to patients. These include medications and light therapy. However, dermatologists recommend combining medication with lifestyle changes. After identifying the triggers that cause your psoriasis symptoms, you can reduce or eliminate your exposure to them.
Keep a stress journal.
Some psoriasis patients find that stress can trigger a symptom flare-up. It’s also possible for stress to worsen an already existing flare-up. Keep a stress journal. On each date, make a few quick notes about your general stress level. It can be helpful to rate your stress on a scale from one to 10. This will make it easier for you and your dermatologist to assess your stress history, and look for correlations between that and your psoriasis symptoms.
Consider whether your symptoms are seasonal.
People who live in northern areas may be more likely to get psoriasis flare-ups during the winter. Cold, dry air can be harsh on the skin, especially for these patients. Moving south might not solve the problem, however, as any extremes in temperatures could potentially trigger symptoms. Try to avoid temperature extremes, such as by taking only warm showers, and staying away from saunas and hot tubs.
Evaluate your medical history.
Your dermatologist should have your full medical history. Make sure your patient file is updated with the medications you take. Some prescription drugs might trigger a flare-up . These include medicines used to treat certain psychiatric disorders, heart problems, arthritis, and high blood pressure. Do not stop taking a prescription medication unless you’ve discussed it with your doctor first. In some cases, abruptly ceasing a medicine can be hazardous to your health.
Share information about your lifestyle habits.
Don’t be shy about talking to your dermatologist about your lifestyle habits, as they can affect your skin health. Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking are known psoriasis triggers.
The team at Arlington Dermatology understands how disruptive psoriasis symptoms can be. We’re proud to offer cutting-edge psoriasis treatment in Arlington Heights, and our clinical trials are adding to the research on emerging dermatology treatments. Get in touch at [company-phone id=1].
