Powerful Ways to Treat Psoriasis In 2020

Nearly 8 million Americans have psoriasis — and yet, no one knows what causes it. To make matters worse, there is no cure. However, there is an upside to all of this. While not curable, it is manageable, and some recent breakthroughs are very promising. It is always best to consult with a doctor before starting or ending any treatment. However, searching online can provide valuable insight into available treatment options.

What is psoriasis?

First things first. Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes irritation, ranging from red spots and patches to itchy white scales. Depending on its severity, psoriasis can either occupy a small area or it can cover someone’s entire body. It is highly visible, and highly uncomfortable to live with.

No one actually knows what causes psoriasis, but it’s most likely linked to an autoimmune disease. This ultimately can make it harder to treat. However, there are several ways to manage it.

How to manage psoriasis:

1. Resist the urge to itch, scratch or pick.

To a person suffering from psoriasis, this may feel impossible. A psoriasis flare-up can be very uncomfortable. However, responding to the irritation disrupts the skin on the body and makes it harder to heal.

2. Try using a lotion or topical cream.

Lotions and topical creams can occasionally help calm the itchy sensations. They typically work best for people who have fewer areas of psoriasis on their body. These should be applied right after bathing or showering, when skin is ready to soak up the moisture. Something with salicylic, glycolic or lactic acid can usually help prevent future outbreaks. Patients should speak with a doctor about the right brands to avoid any further irritation to the skin.

3. Keep the air around the home or office moist.

Speaking of moisture, using a humidifier can help with psoriasis. When the air is dry, a person's skin is also most likely to be dry — so keeping some moisture and humidity in the air can help avoid outbreak-triggering dryness.

4. Eat Healthy

Eating healthier can be one of the easiest ways to mitigate the symptoms of psoriasis. In general people suffering from psoriasis should avoid certain foods that can lead to inflammation. Inflammation and the bodies immune system response can lead to flareups.

Foods to Avoid:

• Red Meat
• Eggs
• Wheat and Wheat Derivatives
• Processed Foods high in Sugar, Salt & Fat
• Highshades (Tomatoes, Potatoes etc)

Foods to Incorporate into a healthy diet:

• Broccoli, Cauliflower, and Brussels Sprouts
• Berries, including blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries
• Fatty Fish including Salmon, Trout, Cod
• Heart Healthy Oils including Olive and Coconut

Its always recommended to speak with a physician or nutritionist on how a proper diet can help control psoriasis conditions.

5. Catch some rays.

Yes, really. Sunlight is actually a proven treatment for psoriasis. Try to soak up some natural sunlight around two to three times a week. The ultraviolet light can help heal lesions and slow the growth of bad skin cells. Just make sure to wear sunscreen before stepping out into the sun, and talk to a doctor about whether this is the right treatement approach.

6. Lose the vices.

Smoking and drinking can actually make psoriasis worse — in fact, 1 in every 5 cases of psoriasis has been linked to smoking cigarettes. The poisonous chemicals in nicotine and alcohol can trigger psoriasis flare-ups, too.

7. Do the research.

The bad news: There’s still a lot to be learned about psoriasis. The good news: There’s still a lot to be learned about psoriasis. Because there’s still so much we don’t know about the condition, there’s a lot of room for experimental treatments that may, one day, be regarded as a cure. Right now, there are several cutting-edge biologic medications that are being used to treat psoriasis with some success. These medications can help reduce inflammation and irritation alike. They go by many names, and are definitely worth exploring. A person with psoriasis should not feel discouraged by available options — instead, they should feel inspired by them. Do the research on these new biologic medications and talk to a doctor about how they could help with psoriasis.