Understand and Care for Your Psoriasis With These 3 Tips

Our skin is an important part of how we are able to present ourselves to the world. In fact, it is one of the first things others notice about us. Consequently, we do all we can to take good care of our skin through skin care routines in an effort to maintain healthy skin. We put our literal and proverbial best face forward.

About Psoriasis

There are many conditions that affect the appearance of the skin. Some are serious, others simply embarrassing, and others a large nuisance. Psoriasis can fall into any of these.

Psoriasis is a condition that occurs when the deeper lying cells of the skin react to the skin’s surface and die in relatively large volumes. When this happens, red (and often itchy) plaques with white scales cover the skin. Psoriasis generally affects the scalp, knees, and elbows, but can also affect the soles of the feet palms of the hands, and the torso. The condition is usually treated by a dermatologist.

As irritating and unsightly as psoriasis can be, it is treatable. A large part of treating the condition includes soothing the itching and irritation while moisturizing the skin. This can be done by doing the following:

1. Taking warm baths

Taking warm baths, coupled with the use of mild soap, can go a long way in soothing irritation. You can opt to add oatmeal, dead sea salt or Epsom salt to the mix as well. The most important part, however, is the water temperature. Soap should be mild. Temperatures that are too hot or too cold can irritate the already sensitive skin further, as will soaps that are too harsh.

2. Use moisturizer

As a rule, anything you use on your skin to help with psoriasis, should be mild and not very prone to causing any ill or adverse effects. This applies to the moisturizer you choose. Nevertheless, one must moisturize. Moisturizing effectively will help with the scaling and flaking of the skin. Using a dehumidifier is also a great way to keep the skin moist.

3. UV Rays from the sun

Believe it or not, mild exposure to the sun’s rays can help with psoriasis by slowing the build-up of cells. You will need to wear sunscreen whenever going out into the sun. The sunscreen should be used on your healthy skin. Additionally, exposure to the sun, even with sunscreen, should be minimal as a general skin care rule. Furthermore, too much exposure can exacerbate the condition, as well as result in other conditions like skin cancer.

Of course, before trying any of the skin care tips for healthy skin above, it is important that you contact a dermatologist. For more information on psoriasis and how the condition can be effectively treated, contact our treatment centers today to speak with one of our qualified dermatologists. Universal Dermatology will be happy to assist you!