Psoriasis wellness is all about prevention rather than cure. It is about adopting a certain lifestyle to suit the body needs. Following the psoriasis wellness can help the patient experience more good days than bad ones. Lifestyle changes play an important role in the prevention and management of Psoriasis. Identifying your triggers is critical for reducing or preventing symptoms of psoriasis. It may not always be possible to prevent psoriasis symptoms. But avoiding triggers can help keep your symptoms to a minimum. Here are some things you can do to prevent psoriasis flare-ups:
Lower stress levels – sleep well, take frequent breaks to unwind. Resorting to meditation, psychotherapy and yoga may help improve coping ability.
Avoid certain medications that trigger psoriasis. Keep your doctor informed about any prescription or over-the-counter medications that you are taking.
Prevent skin injuries – Common skin injuries that trigger psoriasis include sunburns and scratches. Taking good care of your skin can help prevent these types of injuries, like using sunscreens, mosquito repellants etc.
Avoid infections – Infections are known to trigger psoriasis and thus all precautions should be taken to prevent catching infections, like maintaining adequate hygiene, washing hands often, avoiding to share food, drinks with others, limiting exposure to people who are sick.
Eat a healthy diet. Include foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids in your diet. Several studies have shown a benefit for psoriasis patients when omega-3 fatty acids were added to their treatment. A clear and significant improvement in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) was seen in the group that was treated with omega-3 fatty acids as compared to the control group. Oily fish like salmons and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and so is tuna fish. For vegetarians flax seeds, sunflower seeds and sesame seeds are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. These seeds can be stored in airtight containers and sprinkled over various foods for their beneficial effects. Consumption of folate rich foods like broccoli and cabbage also is helpful. Limit the consumption of red meat, dairy products and alcohol.
Exposure to Sunlight – has a healing role in treating Psoriasis. Exposure to the early morning healing sun has shown to decrease the severity of a Psoriatic outbreak and prevent relapses. Sunlight kills the activated T cells in the skin thereby slowing the growth of skin cells and reducing local inflammation. Patients need only brief exposure just few minutes in a day. Prolonged sun exposure can make symptoms worse & damage the skin. Dietary Vitamin D is also effective.
Exercise – People who are looking for yet another reason to exercise, here’s a good one. It has always been know that overweight people and smokers were at higher risk of psoriasis flare-ups. However in a study, it was found that despite being overweight and other lifestyle habits people who exercised regularly seemed to be protected against psoriasis flare-ups. The study further revealed that the lower risk was due to the fact that exercise lowered inflammation in the body in general, and body-wide inflammation is a common feature of psoriasis. Further exercise also lowers stress which otherwise is a big psoriasis trigger.
Pranjal Shamsher is a Multi-Therapy Consultant and Esthetician with Dr. Health Clinics She can be contacted at 080 42067474 / 75
Dr. Shahid Shamsher is one of India’s first certified Trichologist practicing in the field of Trichology for 27 years and is recognized as one of the Best Hair Doctor in Bangalore. He is the only Trichologist in India to be simultaneously certified from the U.K, Australia, and India.
