Living with Psoriasis
09 Sep 19
Living with Psoriasis
It seems to come out of nowhere, the angry, red, inflamed eruption of psoriasis. You try to hide it, but all too often it can’t be covered or concealed, leaving you feeling like you want to retreat into seclusion.
You watch the world go by, missing out on family events and the social activities you once loved – and long to rejoin.
Living with psoriasis is difficult, particularly when you haven’t been able to get it under control. The embarrassment and discomfort both physically and mentally can drag you down leaving you feeling depressed and alone. It doesn’t have to be that way though. Here are some strategies for coping with psoriasis and living your best life.
Psoriasis isolation is a real thing
The embarrassment that is a very real part of psoriasis flare ups can drive you into isolation. You avoid social situations because you can’t bear the stares and reactions of people who don’t understand your condition.
Psoriasis isolation can sneak up on you and you may not even recognize it until you look around one day and realize you are a prisoner in your own home. Being aware is the first step in combating the seclusion. When you recognize it, take deliberate steps to get back in the game and get back to your life.
Maintaining healthy habits strengthen body and soul
Healthy habits will not only make your body stronger; they will also give you a more positive outlook. Stay well hydrated and eat fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean meat while avoiding processed foods and foods loaded with preservatives. Regular exercise is also great for your mind as well as your body.
Another absolutely vital healthy habit is ensuring that you get good, restful sleep every night. Sleep allows your body to heal. It is restorative and vital for healthy function on all levels. Sleep deprivation can lead to depression, higher stress levels, and lowered immunity which can mean more psoriasis flare ups. Give your body the sleep it needs for a healthier you.
Help yourself by helping others
Paying it forward is a great way to counter isolation. When you reach out to someone with kindness and provide care to others even though you yourself are suffering, it can be the beginning of reconnecting socially.
While psoriasis often robs people of those connections, you can take control over your situation and take back some of your power by giving back.
Start small and build up. There are several voluntary opportunities that allow you to help from home:
- National Psoriasis Foundation
- Any Soldier
- Chemo Angels
- iCouldBe
- Project Linus
- More volunteer from home opportunities
When you are focused on helping others you will find that you don’t have as much time (or inclination) to focus on yourself.
Reducing the appearance of flare ups
When you find a psoriasis treatment that works, stick with it. Effective treatments are the best way to minimize the appearance of flare ups. Taking a daily anti-inflammatory supplement like Turmeric helps to reduce inflammation in the body. Nuvothera Super-Micronized Turmeric Curcumin is an excellent anti-inflammatory supplement that is good for your whole body.
Other ways to reduce the appearance of flare ups include:
Spend a little time in the sun. The UV rays in sunlight tend to slow skin cell growth. Brief exposure can help keep flare ups to a minimum.
- *Avoid picking or scratching.
- *Keep your skin moist. Lotions are thin and provide the least amount of moisture, ointments, the most. Creams fall in the middle.
- *If you smoke, stop.
- *Bathe daily using a mild soap. An oatmeal bath can be soothing when flare ups are especially troublesome.
- *Minimize the stress in your life (where you can)
- *Use a humidifier in your home for added moisture.
- *Limit or avoid alcohol.
Keeping a healthy mindset helps offset embarrassment and lets you LIVE
Staying positive and keeping a healthy mindset can go along way in ensuring that you live your best life in spite of your psoriasis. Instead of focusing on the things that may be going wrong in your life, look at the good. When you look for bad things you won’t have any trouble finding them. This starts you on a downward spiral that can lead to depression and further your isolation as you become a prisoner of your psoriasis. Choosing to be happy and see the sunny side of life is liberating and will help you live more positively. This in turn can help reduce flare ups.
Psoriasis treatments that really work
There are a number of psoriasis creams and treatments on the market, both prescription and over the counter, but many people find great success with more natural remedies for psoriasis. Prosoria is a topical plaque psoriasis treatment system with powerful, safe ingredients. Most people get amazing results within twelve weeks of continued use. Don’t let your psoriasis keep you from living your life. Take steps now to reduce and minimize flare ups and live your best life today.