How to Prevent Psoriasis Outbreaks
Psoriasis is a skin condition that occurs when the skin cells die and replenish themselves too quickly. This causes dead skin cells to pile up. Psoriasis usually manifests itself in the form of raised red patches of skin with white to silvery colored scales. It can also attack the joints, cause inflammation around the eyes and lead to thick, disfigured fingernails. Psoriasis outbreaks can be very difficult to prevent.
Instructions
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Prevent Psoriasis Outbreaks
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1
Find a dermatologist you trust. He may prescribe certain medications or lifestyle changes to help prevent outbreaks of psoriasis.
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2
Bundle up before going out in cold weather. Psoriasis outbreaks are more likely to occur in cold, dry climates.
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3
Use plenty of sunscreen to prevent your skin from tanning or burning. Tanned or burned skin is damaged skin, and damaged skin is more vulnerable to psoriasis outbreaks.
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4
Hydrate your skin daily. You can do this by drinking plenty of water, taking daily baths or showers and using lots of moisturizing lotion.
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5
Avoid injuries as much as possible. Ideas for avoiding injuries include keeping pets' claws clipped short, wearing protective gear when you play sports and wearing gloves when you garden.
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6
Clean all injuries and treat them with a topical antibiotic ointment (available over the counter).
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7
Keep your immune system functioning at its optimal level with a healthy diet, regular exercise and plenty of rest. A compromised immune system may lead to an infection which will, in turn, make you more vulnerable to a psoriasis outbreak.
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8
Banish bad stress by finding ways to relax: count to ten, take a hot bath, light a candle, pray or meditate, journal or talk to a friend or counselor. Anxiety is highly associated with psoriasis outbreaks.
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9
Lose a few pounds if you are overweight. Psoriasis tends to form in skin folds due to friction and perspiration.
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Tell all of your doctors, as well as your pharmacist, that you have psoriasis. Certain medications, such as anti-hypertensives (blood pressure medicines) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications may increase your risk of an outbreak.
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Tips & Warnings
Psoriasis often appears on the hands, face and scalp. People with this condition may become embarrassed about their appearance. Ironically, however, stress will only increase the likelihood of another outbreak and make your condition even more difficult to prevent.
Psoriasis is less likely to occur in warm, humid climates. If you live in a cold climate and your condition causes you great distress, you might consider relocating.
Certain types of skin cancer look like psoriasis, so always let your doctor make the initial diagnosis. Consult your doctor again if your psoriasis spreads, its appearance changes, you are in pain, your joints swell or the area around your eyes begins to itch or swell.
