Categories: Health

Psoriasis and Your Life: A Guide to Your Daily Well-Being

Psoriasis is a chronic condition that affects greater than just your skin. It may impact your mental health, relationships, and quality of life. More than 7.5 million American adults live with some type of psoriasis. Though there is no such thing as a cure, many highly effective psoriasis medications offer clear or almost clear skin.

Along with prescribed medication, specific lifestyle habits can assist improve symptoms. Some easy self-care strategies I give to patients with psoriasis include:

Staying protected within the sun: Limited and punctiliously managed sun exposure can assist improve the looks of plaques on the skin. Apply a minimum SPF 30 sunscreen every two hours after sweating or swimming, and wear protective clothing like wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses when you’re within the sun for prolonged periods.
Prioritizing a healthy weight loss program: A healthy weight loss program is vital when managing a chronic inflammatory disease like psoriasis. The Mediterranean weight loss program emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans, that are wealthy in antioxidants and offer anti-inflammatory advantages.
Keeping skincare easy: An easy regimen is vital when treating psoriasis. An easy routine has less potential to annoy the skin. Fragrance- and dye-free products are less prone to irritate sensitive skin.

We created Psoriasis and Your Life: A Guide to Your Daily Well-Being to show you how to navigate the challenges of living with psoriasis so you’ll be able to higher manage your symptoms. This guide serves as a toolbox of nutrition selections, skincare products, and treatment options so you’ll be able to feel in command of your condition, even in your worst days. You’ll also find stories and advice from individuals who shared their experiences.

—Brendan Camp, MD, double board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist, Verywell Health Medical Expert Board