Dealing with psoriasis is no walk in the park. The uncomfortable condition causes dry, itchy skin, often on the scalp, knees, elbows, and torso. The sore red patches can make joints feel stiff and cause sufferers discomfort and embarrassment. Dry lesions can extend across the body, produce grey scales, and in severe cases, even start to bleed.
When psoriasis flares up, the first thing people want is relief. The second is management—it’s not just, “How do I make this feel better?” It’s also about learning how to handle and hopefully prevent future outbreaks. To help manage the discomfort and itchiness of a psoriasis flare up, here are some easy at-home tips.
Soak up the Sun
It sounds more like a vacation than a treatment, but it’s true! If done safely, sunbathing can help calm those angry red lesions. Before soaking up any sun beams, be sure to put on a generous coat of sunblock and set a timer for 10 minutes. With these precautions, sunlight can give skin a healthy dose of ultraviolet rays that reduce the development of skin cells, like those pesky silver scales that rest on top of dry red psoriatic patches.
Try out a New Treatment
Both herbal and medical remedies can help manage psoriasis outbreaks. Applying apple cider vinegar or aloe vera to rough skin can ease itching and calm redness. Or you could try a juice with turmeric, a spice with anti-inflammatory properties. For a restorative at-home spa day, light some candles and soak in a salt bath. It can soothe itching and gently slough away scaly skin.
For those more interested in prescription drugs, talk to your doctor about new medications like Humira, Enbrel, Taltz, and Cyltezo. The antibodies in these medicines, which are available in a variety of forms, are proven to reduce flare ups. Be proactive and stay up to date with new medications so that you can discuss options with your medical professional. Unsure of where to start? The National Psoriasis Foundation offers useful tools and resources.
Resist the Urge to Scratch
Easier said than done, but resisting the itch is key when it comes to managing psoriasis. Picking at red patches and flaky skin will only inflame skin more. It might feel good short-term, but it causes irritation and worsens your discomfort in the long term—and thankfully, there are ways to avoid scratch sessions. The key is to moisturize, and there are lots of different ways to replenish dry skin. Turn on a humidifier, apply hypo-allergenic lotion, or enjoy a relaxing bath before gently exfoliating.
Embrace Healthy Habits
Smokers and drinkers might not like this one, but according to medical studies, alcohol and cigarettes are major factors when it comes to psoriasis. Indulging in a smoke break or having a few too many beers can increase and worsen flare-ups. Try going for a week without alcohol or a smoke and see how it alters your symptoms. You might be surprised by the results.
