August is Psoriasis awareness month, so let's talk about this chronic skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Whether you have Psoriasis or know someone who does, there is a lot that can be done to help manage this condition.
What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is more than just a skin condition - it's an autoimmune disorder. This means that the immune system becomes overactive which causes skin cells to multiply up to 10 times faster than normal. This rapid growth leads to bumpy red patches covered with white scales on the skin, including the scalp, as well as the nails. There are different types of psoriasis, so it can appear differently from one person to another.
Common symptoms:
Red patches of skin covered with silvery scales
Dry cracked skin
Itching and soreness
Triggers:
Stress
Infections
Cold weather
Skin injuries
Some medications
Hormone changes
Understanding your triggers is the first step to managing it, so consider keeping a journal to track your flare ups.
Medical management
Following a diagnosis of psoriasis, assessment of your physical condition (mild, moderate or severe) and assessment of its mental health impact, you will be under the care of your GP and potentially a dermatologist as well. Various methods are used to control the condition such as topical steroids (due to their anti inflammatory effect), topical Vitamin D, non steroid creams, medicated shampoo, light therapy and medication and injections to target the immune system.
Managing psoriasis naturally
While there is no cure for Psoriasis, there is plenty of other steps that you can take to help to calm your symptoms and reduce flare ups by managing the inflammation.
External steps (like skincare) that you can take:
Moisturise your whole body regularly and thoroughly - at least once a day and make sure that you are using products that are suitable for sensitive skin to avoid irritating it with harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances.
Take warm baths and add moisturising and soothing ingredients to the bath, such as oats.
Sun - a little bit of UV light can help to slow skin cell growth. Remember, too much sun can trigger flare ups, so only get a little bit at a time
Applying topical treatments to affected areas everyday, choose ones that are natural and plant based
Internal steps (like diet and lifestyle) that you can take:
Manage your stress levels - Find an activity that you find calming and build it into your daily routine
Eat a balanced diet including anti-inflammatory foods such as fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines) and avocados and antioxidant rich foods such as fruit, vegetables and dark chocolate.
Does diet really make a difference if i already have psoriasis?
Yes, it can make a big difference- remember this is an inflammatory condition and what we eat can cause increased inflammation in the body and on the other side of that certain foods and nutrients can help to reduce inflammation. This isn't about being hard on yourself about something you have eaten or cutting out major food groups, but knowing that there are steps you can take which will help you to feel in control.
Other factors that can make the psoriasis worse:
Poor digestion
A diet that is low in fibre and high in sugar and processed foods
An imbalance in the gut bacteria
Poor liver function
Low levels of vitamin D, Vitamin A, Zinc, Selenium and Vitamin E
Feeling stressed and anxious about the condition- it becomes a vicious cycle
Alcohol
Poor quality sleep
Inflammation
Living With Psoriasis
As with all skin conditions, psoriasis can impact on a persons mental health, confidence and their life in general. Please reach out and get the support that you need. Whether that's talking to others who understand or working with health professionals to find the best treatment plan for you.
If you are ready to get some one to one, personalised support with this condition, get in touch to find out more about my 12 week skin deep programmes, combining nutrition and lifestyle medicine and natural skincare at www.naturallygrownhealth.co.uk/one-to-one
Hi, I’m Amy Woodcock. I am a registered Nutritional Therapist specialising in the skin and a natural skincare creator. I help Women to transform their skin, look and feel fantastic and get their confidence back naturally, through my skin clinic and my handmade plant based skincare and body care range. www.naturallygrownhealth.co.uk
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