Managing Psoriasis
Managing Psoriasis: A Personal Journey to Control and Calm
Psoriasis is a complex and often challenging condition to manage. If you’re living with it, you know firsthand that keeping it under control can feel like an uphill battle. What makes it even trickier is that triggers and responses vary from person to person. No two experiences with psoriasis are the same, which means managing it requires a personalised approach.
Below, I share some of my key triggers and the strategies I use to keep my skin—and myself—calm during a flare-up. While it’s not always easy, these steps help me feel more in control.
Understanding Your Triggers: A Personal Approach
Psoriasis triggers are as unique as the individuals who experience them. While common triggers like stress, diet, or weather might apply to many, how your body reacts is entirely personal. For example, stress is a major trigger for me, but it’s not always the obvious kind. Sometimes, it’s the subconscious stress—the kind I don’t even realise I’m carrying—that causes my skin to flare. When stress hits, it doesn’t just affect my skin; it impacts my sleep, my PsA (psoriatic arthritis), and even my mental well-being. It’s a domino effect that can feel overwhelming.
Diet is another significant factor for me. While I don’t let psoriasis dictate my life (I still enjoy eating out and the occasional drink), I’ve learned that overindulging can take a toll on my skin. During a flare-up, I pay extra attention to what I eat, focusing on nutrient-rich foods that help soothe my symptoms and reduce irritation.
Creating a Holistic Management Plan
Managing psoriasis effectively goes beyond medical treatments. While working with your doctor is essential, a holistic approach can make a world of difference. Here’s how I incorporate lifestyle changes into my daily routine:
1. Exercise, Diet, and Peace of mind: These three pillars are crucial for managing psoriasis. Regular exercise helps reduce stress and inflammation, while a balanced diet ensures my body gets the nutrients it needs. Meditation, even for just a few minutes a day, helps me stay grounded and manage stress levels.
2. Self-Care and Work-Life Balance: Overworking can exacerbate stress and trigger flare-ups. I prioritise a healthy work-life balance, ensuring I have time to maintain routines like meal prepping, exercising, and getting enough sleep. Good time management is key to keeping these habits consistent.
3. Skincare routine. Finding a great skincare routine can massively improve living with Psoriasis, Eczema & Seborrheic Dermatitis. Opt for something natural, chemical free and formulated specifically for what your skin needs. Many ointments can further irritate sensitive skin, that is why you must have the right products that will protect and soothe the skin barrier while being kind to the skin microbiome and prevent any flare ups!
Hydration: Inside and Out
Keeping your body and skin hydrated is vital when managing psoriasis. Drinking enough water daily helps maintain skin hydration from within, while regular moisturising prevents dryness and irritation on the outside. Finding the right moisturiser for your skin type can make a noticeable difference in how your skin feels and behaves.
Baths and showers can also help hydrate your skin, but it’s important to be mindful. Hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils and worsen irritation, so I stick to warm water. I also avoid bubble baths, which can be harsh on sensitive skin. Instead, I opt for Dead Sea salts, which are known to relieve itching, scaling, and inflammation. A 15-minute soak is my go-to for relaxation and skin relief—any longer, and my skin starts to feel irritated.
Educate Yourself: Knowledge is Power
The more you understand psoriasis, the better equipped you’ll be to manage it. Learning about how the condition affects your body can help you identify your triggers and avoid them. It also empowers you to have more informed conversations with your doctor, making it easier to discuss treatment options and find what works best for you.
Final Thoughts
Managing psoriasis is a deeply personal journey. What works for one person might not work for another, so it’s important to experiment and find what helps you feel your best. Whether it’s through a holistic plan, staying hydrated, or educating yourself, taking control of your psoriasis is possible.
Remember, you’re not alone in this. By understanding your triggers and adopting strategies that work for you, you can reduce flare-ups and feel more empowered in your daily life. Psoriasis may be a part of your life, but it doesn’t have to define it.
