Managing Stress With Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common skin disorder that can be characterized by a skin build up of thick, red patches covered with white scales. This is caused by an accelerated multiplication of the skin cells. They appear most on the scalp, elbows, knees and lower back. This condition however can be triggered or worsen by stress. 

Even realizing that you have psoriasis can trigger stress and put this whole situation into a vicious cycle. Being stressed because of the flare ups and these stress in turn causes more flare ups. Therefore we must try to put this cycle to an end! Here are some home remedies and professional treatments you can consider help lessen stress and reduce psoriasis. 

Signs Of Stress Induced Psoriasis

Firstly to be able to treat it we must first learn how to identify it. During any period of stress if you notice the following symptoms, do have it checked out with your doctor for psoriasis: 

• Cracking skin
• Flaking skin
• Itching skin
• Extremely dry skin
• Red lesions between folds of skin
• Severe dandruff-like flakes on the scalp
• Thick and ridged fingernails and toenails

Managing Your Stress with Psoriasis

Once it has been identified as psoriasis the next important step to do is to start managing your stress levels. We begin by looking at the possible lifestyle changes to help reduce stress. 

Lifestyle Changes

These home remedies and do-it-yourself techniques can help ease you out of feeling overly stressed. 

Relaxation Techniques

In this fast paced world, relaxation has often been overlooked or seen as unimportant. When in fact it is one of the best ways to reduce stress. There are many ways to achieve relaxation, whether it is through meditation or deep breathing and even massage therapy. So do not be afraid to stop for a while and take some time to relax.

Go ahead and try different relaxation techniques as it benefits both your body and mind.

Exercise

You have probably heard this advice from your doctors, parents, friends, loved ones and many more.

The answer is yes! Exercise is still very good in bringing down stress levels! All the more if you are at a period of high stress in your life.

The endorphins created during an exercise not only helps you sleep better at night, it also acts as a natural painkiller.

To get the most out of this, you can consider focusing on exercises that combine both mental and physical stimulation such as tai chi or yoga. 

Quit Smoking

If you are a smoker or are frequently exposed to secondhand smoke it may worsen your psoriasis condition, as the tobacco smoke is one of the triggers for psoriasis flare ups. It may be advised to seek help or have the willpower to stop smoking.

Eliminating all possible triggers are one of the ways to slowly reduce psoriasis in your life.

If you smoke to destress try looking out for other healthier options that can keep your body and mind in a state of wellness too. Such as what has been mentioned above, relaxation techniques or exercise.  

Associated Medical Conditions

Last but not least we need to take a look at whether the psoriasis flare ups are associated with any of these medical conditions below. 

Depression

Going through depression can be very stressful at times, which may cause more psoriasis flare ups. It isn’t easy but hang in there and it is important to seek help from professionals such as counselors or psychologists to assist in managing your mental health.  

Hypertension

Be it genetically inherited or caused by situational conditions, high blood pressure is associated with both psoriasis and stress. Do refer to your doctor if you have this condition and your doctor should be able to determine the best treatment for you. 

Obesity 

When a person is obese they will have a higher risk in developing psoriasis due to the irritation between the extra skin folds. It is highly advisable to seek professional help in losing weight in a healthy and lasting manner to ensure an overall wellbeing too. 

Manage Stress with Psoriasis

Psoriasis flare ups that appear during times of stress can be reduced and managed. This can be done with lifestyle changes or taking certain medications.

The most important step is always to work with reducing stress levels first. Each case can be unique and if you think the psoriasis on your skin is chronic, the best and most effective way is to have a doctor or certified dermatologist guide you into approaching your condition.

Take a break every now and then to reduce stress, live well and stay healthy!

Read more about managing stress with sensitive skin here.

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