Non-Prescription Treatments For Psoriasis Flare-Ups
In Part One of this article, we discussed non-prescription treatments for psoriasis. There are several things your doctor can and should check, including food allergies and medication side effects. There are also non-prescription treatments offered at our holistic clinic that you may not have tried. But I also get asked, “What can I do at home to prevent psoriasis flare-ups?”
What Else Can I Do To Help Psoriasis Flare-Ups?
Get Some Sun
Sunshine (or perhaps the vitamin D it gives us) seems to help calm psoriasis. Perhaps it’s part of the calming effect of nature, which reduces stress. Certainly getting out in nature in the sunshine can help. If you’re using a coal tar treatment for psoriasis, be aware that it can cause you to sunburn more easily, so be extra careful not to overexpose your skin to sunlight for too long.
Reduce Stress
Speaking of reducing stress, any methods you can use to limit stress in your life can be helpful. Put off stressful decisions, avoid people who seem to increase the stress in your life, and perhaps cut back your on-the-job activities for a bit. Meditation, mindfulness, yoga, Tai Chi, deep breathing and other forms of stress reduction can be helpful. Better sleep helps reduce stress, of course, but it can be a struggle when you’re dealing with a severe case of psoriasis.
Warm Baths
Another way to relieve stress and help your skin directly is increasing the number of warm (not hot) baths you take. Try an Epsom salt or oatmeal bath, or a bath oil that contains aloe vera or jojoba to help keep your skin moist. Daily 20 minute baths are recommended.
Moisturize
Keeping your skin moist can be helpful for most psoriasis. Try a pure aloe vera or jojoba gel or cream.
Work On Your Self Talk
Beating up on yourself isn’t going to help your skin – quite the opposite is true. This is a good time to go easy on yourself and rein in any inclinations to be self-critical. If this is a big struggle for you, counselling can help quite quickly.
Stop Smoking, Limit Alcohol
Alcohol triggers inflammation, so reducing consumption should help. Smoking, as you know, puts a lot of stress on your body that could be better used in healing.
Eat More Fatty Fish
Fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, cod, trout, and others give your body anti-inflammatory omega-3s, which have been linked to reducing inflammation.
Check Your Humidity
In dry climates, a humidifier can help. Humidity between 30 and 50 percent is recommended by the Mayo Clinic.
Try Some (Good Quality) Supplements
Fish oil, vitamin D, vitamin B-12, and selenium have all been linked to reducing inflammation. One study showed good results with Oregon Grape supplements. Our office can advise on specific types and brands.
Work With Your Doctor
It’s important to understand that a serious and persistent case with frequent psoriasis flare-ups may not be something you can handle at home on your own. Working with a holistic practice like ours can help you with the allergy testing, treatments, and dietary management to help you reduce incidents and help you live more comfortably.