Psoriasis - Managing Psoriasis

Managing Psoriasis

Although sunburn carries a risk for skin cancer and can make psoriasis worse, regular exposure to the sun helps clear up psoriasis in people with mild-to-moderate conditions. People should cover non-affected areas with clothing or sunscreen and sunbathe 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 stay of several weeks at the Dead Sea in Israel has been proven to significantly improve or clear psoriasis in 88% of the patients who travel there. The region offers a unique combination of intense but naturally filtered UVA radiation, plus minerals and salts from the sea.

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Reducing Stress and Anxiety

Because of the association between negative emotions and psoriatic flare-ups, relaxation and anti-stress techniques may be helpful. Hypnosis aimed at reducing stress may relieve symptoms.

Some patients have had a traumatic or stressful event coincide with the appearance of psoriasis. Talking to a psychiatrist about the issue may significantly improve symptoms.

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, which removes scaly skin and may help moisturizers and topical prescription medications penetrate the skin.
• Then, apply a thick moisturizer or emollient, such as Vaseline, Cetaphil cream, or Eucerin cream. Lotions are not good enough moisturizers.
• Wear special gloves made of Gore-Tex (DermaPore) at night over a thick moisturizer cream. These gloves are protective but also allow moisture to escape.

Some scientists say that many common moisturizers may actually increase water loss in psoriasis, but studies have yet to confirm this. In the meantime, if moisturizers help relieve the condition, patients should use them.

Remedies for Itching and Irritation

Capsaicin (Zostrix) is an ointment prepared from the active ingredient in hot chili peppers. It is used to relieve arthritic pain and may help psoriatic itching. Capsaicin should be handled using a glove and applied to affected areas three or four times daily. The patient will usually have a burning sensation when the drug is first applied, but this sensation lessens with use.

Dietary Factors

Folic Acid. Patients should be sure they get enough of the B vitamin folate (folic acid). Folate-rich foods include liver, asparagus, fruits, green leafy vegetables, dried beans and peas, orange juice, and yeast. Many types of bread and other commercial grain products now have added folic acid.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly those found in some fish oils, have anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit some patients with psoriasis and other autoimmune conditions.