Managing Psoriasis
Although sunburn carries a risk for skin cancer and can make psoriasis worse, regular exposure to the sun helps clear psoriasis in people with mild to moderate conditions. Experts advise covering non-affected areas with clothing or sunscreen and sun bathing only until the skin starts to tan.
Vacations in sunny areas, such as Hawaii or the Caribbean, can offer relief. For those who can afford it, a prolonged stay of several weeks at the Dead Sea in Israel has proven to significantly improve or clear 88% of those with psoriasis. The region offers a unique combination of intense but naturally filtered UVA radiation combined with minerals and salts from the sea.
Emotional Support
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Because of the association between negative emotions and psoriatic flare-ups, relaxation and anti-stress techniques may be helpful. Many are available. The following are some studies suggesting that emotional support may have an impact on psoriasis:
- One study investigated patients with psoriasis who discussed with a psychiatrist any traumatic or other intense event that occurred when the skin condition appeared. In the study, 68% of patients recalled such an event and 62% experienced significant improvement after the talk session.
- Another study reported that patients treated with antidepressants along with topical corticosteroids for psoriasis experienced greater skin improvement than those who took the steroid alone.
- Hypnosis aimed at reducing stress may allay symptoms, according to a small 1999 study.
Treating Dry Skin
If skin becomes dry and itchy, the patient may try the following:
- Soak in a warm bath for about 15 minutes.
- Afterward, apply salicylic acid first, which removes scaly skin and may promote the penetration of both moisturizers and topical prescription medications.
- Then, apply a thick moisturizer or emollient, such as Vaseline, Cetaphil cream, or Eucerin cream. (Lotions are not adequate moisturizers.)
- Special gloves made of Gore-Tex (DermaPore) may be worn at night over a thick moisturizer cream. These gloves are protective but also allow moisture to escape.
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