Coping With Psoriasis In The Summer Heat
If you’re a psoriasis sufferer, you will know only too well how horrible it is trying to deal with the condition every day of your life, let alone the summer time. The heat can irritate the patches that are covered and also make the skin worse people who suffer with inverse psoriasis. If you’re looking to find some relief for your skin, especially in the summer, then take a look at these tips on how you can cope with psoriasis in the summer heat.
What is psoriasis?
For those that don’t know, psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that produces scaly, red, and itchy blotches all over the body. This happens because the sufferer reproduces their skin cells more often than a regular person. Usually, the skin reproduces every 28 days. A psoriasis sufferer reproduces every 3-4 days, and that’s why the patches appear all over the skin. There’s no definite reason as to why people suffer with psoriasis, but there are theories that issues start with the gut and that stress can be a massive factor in flare ups of the disease. Other factors include general lifestyle choices. Some of which you may not even consider to be bad for you.
How can I find relief?
There are many things that you could try when it comes to relieving the itchiness, sore spots, and even the appearance of the scales. Take a look at these tried and tested ways of finally fighting the disease:
Itchiness
There’s nothing worse than realising that you’re itching away at your scales. Not only have you made a patch of psoriasis more painful, but you’ve managed to flake away the silvery scales all over your clothing. If you’re wearing black, you’ll have made it very obvious and this can invite stares which as you know, aren’t very nice. Take a look at these easy ways to relieve your itch:
Moisturise as often as you can, moisturised skin is less likely to flake and cause an itching sensation.
Stay hydrated. Your skin is already struggling with it’s moisture, so make sure you’re drinking plenty of water and it should relieve the itch.
Aloe vera gel is incredible for it’s cooling sensation and it’s anti-itching properties.
Cold showers each morning to prevent yourself from scratching.
Consume capsaicin whenever possible. This is found in chilli peppers and has amazing anti-inflammatory properties.
Apple cider vinegar washes can really help kill the itch. This can be used on your scalp too!
Sore spots
Sometimes, you simply can’t help but scratch as the temptation is always there. Plus, when you’re asleep it’s unlikely that you’re going to be able to prevent yourself from having a good old scratch. However, when this happens you’re causing the flakes to fall off your skin and leaving sore red patches exposed on your body. Like mentioned earlier, inverse psoriasis will be worse because you’re removing the layer of skin and leaving a wound that’s weeping and quite frankly, very itchy and sore. However, there are ways to help relieve the sore spots even if you have accidentally had a cheeky scratch:
African black soap is amazing for relieving the itchy feeling all over your skin, and will also help promote healing meaning that the sore spots won’t stay sore for long. Opt for the specialised eczema and psoriasis version for the best results.
Dead sea salt/himalayan sea salt scrubs or baths will help immensely with your skin healing and in fact, you may even notice your psoriasis improve!
Psoriasis doesn’t just affect the skin. It can affect your joints too with a condition called psoriatic arthritis. This can of course cause intense pain and stiffness in your joints which will impair you at points. However, you can actually get physical therapy for psoriatic arthritis. Ask your GP for a referral to a physical therapist so that you can gain relief from the pain you’re in. while you’re waiting, try doing gentle exercises at home to get you moving instead of seizing up.
Appearance
Aside from all of the itching and soreness, you’ve also got to deal with the appearance of psoriasis. It affects some people more than others with their self confidence, but if you’re looking to find a solution to those stares, check out these tips:
Change your diet to a gluten free lifestyle. Some studies suggest that gluten can be the cause of flare ups in some people.
Cut out nightshade vegetables like tomatoes as these can make flare ups worse and angry too.
Like mentioned above, specialised soaps and salt baths will help heal your skin, which will lead to nicer looking skin. Try them one at a time to see which one works best for your skin and don’t forget to always moisturise afterwards!
Get yourself out in the sun. Even though the sun can make you feel uncomfortable, it’s the best thing for your skin. The sun’s rays help heal the skin by slowing the process of psoriasis. Alternatively, consider using sun beds. The UV rays are actually used in treatments for psoriasis and can greatly help heal the skin. You will notice after a short amount of time how much nicer and smaller your psoriasis patches look.
Other things you could be doing
There are other things that contribute towards how bad your psoriasis looks and feels, so take a look at some of the other things you could be doing for your skin:
Wearing loose clothing that won’t rub on your skin will help prevent the feeling of itching. It will also help you get air to your skin without having to be naked.
Quit smoking. Not just for your psoriasis flare ups, but for your health too.
Lose some weight. Overweight people are more likely to suffer badly with psoriasis. It will also help your overall health and wellbeing.
Psoriasis is a horrible disease that unfortunately, has no cure. Hopefully this infographic has given you some ideas on how to help gain some relief! Good luck with your journey!