Say No to Psoriasis Outbreaks: Expert Tips on Natural Prevention Techniques

If you suffer from psoriasis, you know just how frustrating and isolating the experience can feel. Self-esteem is also often affected due to the red, scaly, itchy patches that appear suddenly and cause discomfort.

The leading cause of psoriasis involves intricate problems with the immune system. Despite such, dealing with psoriasis outbreaks and decreasing their frequency is actually possible by changing our daily habits and lifestyle.

Psoriasis Symptoms

There isn’t only one kind of psoriasis. On the contrary, this skin disorder has many types, and each looks different as well as reacts differently to triggers. Typically speaking, though, a psoriasis rash is red, scaly and itchy. It generally appears on the feet, hands, face, scalp and groin.

“Guttate psoriasis, for example, is more commonly found in children and young adults. Unlike the common patchy rash you’d imagine, the Guttate rash is composed of tiny red dots covering certain body parts,” said Dr. Dawn Marie.

Inverse psoriasis describes a red and glittering rash, but instead of being dry, it occurs in closed-off and warmer parts of the body, such as behind the knees or armpits.

“No matter which type of psoriasis you may be affected by, the rash generally comes and goes. Certain people have even experienced complete remission as well,” said Dr. Afsaneh Alavi.

Common Psoriasis Triggers

Most people with psoriasis are eventually capable of identifying specific triggers and can thus manage to avoid them as much as possible. To help give you an idea of a few common psoriasis triggers, take a look at the top three listed below:

Stress

No matter the type of psoriasis you have, one of the most common triggers is definitely stress. The reason for the latter is because the body’s primary response to stress is inflammation, thus causing the psoriasis rash to appear quickly. Because individuals living with psoriasis already have over-reactive immune systems, it’s important to keep calm and avoid stressful situations^[1].

Smoking

Several studies suggest a direct correlation between smoking tobacco and psoriasis flare-ups.

“Other studies equally estimate that smoking may increase your chances of developing psoriasis by 50% because nicotine affects both skin cell growth and immune system health,” said Dr. Marian T. McEvoy.

Many smokers do so because they poorly manage their stress, returning to the primary psoriasis trigger^[2].

Skin Injuries

Bad burns and intense irritations caused by bug bites or poison ivy are other common triggers for psoriasis outbreaks. This skin reaction is referred to as Koebner’s phenomenon, and doctors aren’t completely capable of explaining it. This response also affects other skin conditions such as vitiligo and warts^[3].

Effective Treatments

There’s no doubt that psoriasis is annoying, irritating, and definitely itchy. That being said, this skin disorder is equally treatable, and symptoms can improve significantly. Take a look at the most common treatments prescribed to patients:

Steroid Creams

Steroid-based creams are probably the most common treatment when it comes to a patient with psoriasis. Helping to reduce inflammation and calm the production of rash-inducing skin cells, this treatment is usually quite effective. These creams are also great for soothing general itchiness, irritation, and dry skin. That being said, steroid creams must be used exactly as prescribed, the applications should be regular, and the cream should never be applied anywhere else on the body due to possible side effects^[4].

Coal Tar

Equally effective, coal tar is another topical treatment that is applied directly to the skin and has seen tremendous success. However, unlike a regular cream, using coal tar can be pretty messy, and it comes with an unpleasant smell.

“A good tip is using a plastic wrap or a cloth to avoid the tar getting on your clothes,” said Dr. Matthew R. Hall.

Very popular in the past, this treatment has declined somewhat in use due to the accessibility of prescription medicine^[5].

Medication

Speaking of prescription medicine, an array of oral and injectable medicines is now being used to treat patients suffering from psoriasis. Two categories of medications considered the most popular are organic products and oral retinoids. Alongside their costly price tag, they have a few side effects, including infections, hair loss, bone pain, and congenital disabilities. That being said, they are very effective in clearing up a psoriasis rash and work wonders in decreasing the over-production of cells^[6].

Natural Light Therapy

Mild psoriasis can often be treated with a little natural light therapy, which can really improve the skin’s condition. This form of treatment involves going outside to benefit from the sun’s rays at specific times of the day. Of course, it’s important to respect the schedule and avoid further damaging your skin with a sunburn, but overall, natural light therapy has many benefits^[7].

Narrow-band UVB Therapy

More severe psoriasis can often be treated with more intense forms of light therapy, known as narrow-band UV therapy, which can also really help improve the skin. This kind of light therapy consists of a special ultraviolet ray equipment that patients use between 2 and 5 times a week. The patient is exposed to intense UVB light over short periods of time. In order to begin seeing results, patients generally need somewhere between 5 and 10 treatments^[8].

Home Remedies

Prescription medicines aren’t the only solutions to psoriasis, and if you don’t feel like you’re getting good results with your treatment, you can always talk about natural home remedies to your doctor as well. Here are a few interesting alternatives:

Dead Sea Salts

As the name suggests, dead sea salts are minerals and salts that come directly from the Dead Sea. It may resemble any other regular sea salt; however, it has an exceptional chemical composition that cannot be found elsewhere. To lock in the extra moisture, you can use these salts and minerals to soak in a bath for 15-20 minutes before applying lotion or cream.

Aloe Vera

The wide, fleshy leaves of the aloe vera plant come with tons of benefits but are particularly soothing to a psoriasis rash. Even more so, the aloe vera is also great for helping keep skin hydrated, thus avoiding cracking and bleeding. To use, you have several options. You can purchase the live plant and make the gel yourself, or you can get a commercially available aloe vera gel. Keep in mind that you’re looking for a product containing at least 0.5% aloe vera or risk worsening your skin condition.

Apple Cider Vinegar

When it comes to natural healing, the popularity of apple cider vinegar is high and has been utilized for many years to disinfect. Helping to treat the itchy, irritated skin caused by psoriasis, apple cider vinegar can be diluted with 50% water and applied to the affected area. This treatment is particularly great for the scalp. Leave it aside for a couple of minutes before rinsing it off with fresh water. Of course, avoid this treatment completely if there is an open, cracked or bloody rash. Otherwise, it will burn intensely^[9].

Oats

Yes! The ones you eat! Besides being great to taste and for health, they also have great skin benefits. For intense itching and irritation, take a hot bath and add a small amount of delicately ground oatmeal. Your skin is bound to feel better thanks to the anti-inflammatory properties and the decreased itching^[10].

Oregon Grape

This plant, otherwise known as barberry, looks more like mistletoe than it does a traditional grape. It grows in the Pacific Northwest and studies demonstrate that Oregon grape extracts reduce redness and limit inflammation during a psoriasis flare-up. Oregon grape creams also exist, and you can find them in certain stores. Make sure you purchase something with at least 10% extract to ensure effectiveness^[11].

Turmeric

Have you only ever thought of turmeric as a spice? Wrong! It can also help treat psoriasis quite effectively thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties that help combat certain conditions. With psoriasis, turmeric can inhibit the production of inflammation-causing substances, enhances the skin barrier, and regulates certain proteins. Take a look online and you’ll find both oral and topical treatments available to you^[12].

Moisturizer

No matter what treatment you have chosen or are currently trying, moisturizers should never be neglected and should always be used alongside your other treatments. Moisturizing creams can keep skin soft and smooth all while helping calm rash outbreaks. MedicalNewsToday states that proper moisturizing can be helpful in controlling symptoms and maintaining comfortable skin. You’ll want to choose a fragrance and dye-free products as well as something labeled for sensitive skin^[13].

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Skin health is only one of the many advantages to Omega-3 Fatty Acids. It works by reducing inflammation and improving autoimmune diseases, which goes hand in hand with psoriasis. If you want to get the most quickly efficient dose, you should eat fish. On the other hand, you can also consume fish oil supplements. Read the label, follow the instructions and speak to your doctor about side effects before making any decisions.

Capsaicin Cream

This cream can help with your psoriasis because it is deemed beneficial for cut pain, inflammation and redness. Although capsaicin is typically used to make chili peppers, the same ingredient can also be found topical over-the-counter creams. It also works as a great moisturizer so try it out if your regular one isn’t effective enough. Caution should be exercised during the first application of capsaicin cream because certain individuals may have negative side effects such as a burning sensation on the skin. You can also test a small area with the cream before applying further^[14]

Final Words

There are advantages to prescription medicine as there are benefits to natural home remedies, and there is no harm done in combining both. Discuss your intentions with your doctor and be honest about what you plan on doing. Many doctors have their own ideas and tips and tricks they’d gladly share.

What’s most important, though, is that you listen to your body, pay attention to your flare-ups, and avoid certain causes that you have identified as triggers. You’ll be managing your psoriasis like you never thought possible in no time!

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