Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition which is an autoimmune disorder. In a normal person, when a foreign body enters the system, these are recognized as antigens, and antibodies are produced against them by the immune system. These antibodies fight the antigens and ensure that the body’s balance is maintained. In autoimmune disorders, the body produces antibodies against its own tissue. The exact reason for this is not known.

Psoriasis is one such autoimmune skin disorder. While the skin is constantly peeling off from the top layers and being replaced by new cells, this happens at an accelerated pace, almost 10 times faster in psoriatic patients. The result is a thick, scaly skin which is itchy and painful. Managing it is extremely irritating and unpredictable.Psoriasis can cause a lot of discomfort.

Managing psoriasis includes a three-pronged approach-

• Managing triggers
• Lifestyle changes
• Skin and scalp treatment

Triggers

Each person has different triggers which cause a flare-up or the scalping and itching of the skin. While it is stress for some, it is a bout of infection for others. While an occasional pain killer makes it worse for some, for others it is sunburn, and for some others, it is winter. Medications such as lithium, indomethacin, and antimalarial medications also lead to worsening of the condition.

Lifestyle changes

This includes a combination of measures regarding heading out in the skin and eating habits.

• Use sunscreen copiously when heading out in the sun
• Use a hat, cap, scarf and wear full sleeves when heading out in the sun
• Adequately moisturize the skin
• Avoid hot showers as it can leave the skin dehydrated
• A bathtub is preferred over a shower, as it improves moisturization
• Quitting smoking has many benefits, and reducing the severity of psoriasis is one
• Reduce or quit alcohol completely. No more than two drinks for men, and one drink for women is permitted
• Talk to your doctor to ensure none of your regular medications (if any) are likely to worsen the psoriasis
• Include a lot of antioxidants in your food. This helps fight inflammation and thereby helps in controlling psoriasis
• Increase the amount of fresh foods including those which contain vitamin C, beta carotene, fish oil, and vitamin E
• Avoid oily foods, dairy products, and processed foods
• Weight management is another element to managing and preventing the worsening of psoriasis

Skin and hair care

The following are advisable for managing symptoms of psoriasis

• Moisturizers: Use thicker ones which will stay and hydrate your skin for longer durations. Pick those which contain salicylic acid, as they help fight scales
• Shampoos with salicylic acid also help in managing a flaky scalp. The idea is to keep the scalp clean and so use a mild shampoo, which can be used daily
• Coal tar products such as shampoos can also be used which slow down the growth of skin
• Steroids are prescribed by doctors to control inflammation

Psoriasis is a very troubling ailment, so make sure you take the right medications and make the required changes in your lifestyle to keep it under control.

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