Living with psoriasis can feel like a roller coaster: at times you may be battling flare-ups, while at other times, the condition might have no noticeable symptoms. Understanding how to manage this autoimmune condition can significantly improve your quality of life. Although there is no cure, many options are available to help you stay ahead of psoriasis. Effective management includes:
- A doctor-supported treatment plan
- Healthy lifestyle habits
- Mental health support
There are various types of psoriasis, each requiring different management strategies based on the severity and location of the condition. It’s also important to consider any other health issues related to psoriasis. Your doctor can create a personalized plan that works best for you.
1. Treat Your Condition
Don’t ignore the symptoms of psoriasis. Given that there is no cure, it is essential to manage the condition with your doctor’s guidance. What may seem like a mild case could worsen over time, and your doctor can determine the best approach to prevent the condition from spreading. Mild psoriasis can typically be treated with topical solutions, while moderate to severe cases may require stronger interventions, such as:
- Topical prescriptions
- Medications like biologics or oral treatments
- Light therapy
- Alternative medicines or therapies
- Lifestyle changes
Psoriasis is also associated with other health conditions, such as:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes
- Obesity
Your doctor should monitor these related conditions while treating your psoriasis to ensure comprehensive care.
2. Regularly Evaluate Your Treatment Plan
A recent trend in psoriasis management is the “treat to target” approach, which involves periodic evaluations of your treatment plan with your doctor. Together, you assess whether the plan is effectively reducing your symptoms. This method includes setting overall goals for symptom reduction and making modifications as needed every few months. Several studies support this approach to managing psoriasis. According to the Archives of Dermatological Research, patients who engage in regular outcome evaluations experience:
- Greater control over their condition
- More positive feelings about their treatment
- Less severe symptoms
Discuss with your doctor the establishment of a regular schedule for evaluating your treatment plan. These evaluations should be tailored to your individual goals, which may include:
- Reducing psoriasis to cover a specific percentage of your body
- Achieving a particular quality of life
- Managing other related conditions effectively
3. Adhere to Your Treatment Plan
It might be tempting to discontinue your psoriasis treatments if your condition seems to be under control. You may not be experiencing any flare-ups and could forget to take prescribed medications or maintain your daily skincare routine. However, stopping treatments can result in the condition returning or even worsening. If you feel your treatment plan could be modified due to reduced symptoms, consult your doctor. It’s essential to ensure that any changes to your treatments will continue to result in fewer symptoms over the long term.
4. Manage Your Weight with Diet and Exercise
Maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent your psoriasis from spreading or flaring. Some studies have linked worsening psoriasis symptoms to a higher-than-average body mass index (BMI). An analysis in the Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery found that an increased BMI is associated with more severe psoriasis. Losing weight may help alleviate symptoms in those who are obese or overweight. A study published in the British Journal of Dermatology analyzed overweight and obese participants with psoriasis; after exercising and dieting for 20 weeks, they experienced a reduction in the severity of their symptoms. If you are obese or overweight, consult your doctor about effective weight loss methods. These could include reducing caloric intake and increasing physical activity. Weight loss not only benefits your overall health but may also help manage other conditions you might have. Additionally, regular exercise is regarded as an excellent way to manage psoriasis symptoms.
5. Stop Smoking and Reduce Alcohol Intake
Smoking and drinking alcohol can aggravate psoriasis. Smoking can trigger the development or worsening of psoriasis, while alcohol consumption may exacerbate the condition or interfere with treatments. Eliminating these unhealthy habits can help reduce your psoriasis symptoms.
6. Manage Stress and Other Mental Health Conditions
Stress can negatively impact psoriasis by prompting an overreaction of your immune system. Activities like yoga, meditation, and mindfulness can help reduce stress. It’s also important to identify and eliminate stress triggers in your life. Psoriasis can also take a toll on your mental health, often leading to anxiety and depression, which should be addressed promptly. Mental health conditions can affect psoriasis management and increase the risk of suicide. Seek appropriate treatment to ensure comprehensive care.