Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease which prompts the formation of thick, scaly patches (plaques) that are itchy, sore, dry, and prone to cracking. Treating irritating psoriasis symptom flares is the reactive half of the psoriasis management equation.
The other half? Diligent proactive psoriasis care to ease systemic inflammation, keep your skin clear, minimize flare episodes, and lower your risk of related health complications.
Dr. Patrick Keehan and our team at Keehan Dermatology here in Fort Worth, Texas, know that when you’re dealing with a lifelong autoimmune disease like psoriasis, maintaining proactive control is always better than having to resort to reactive treatment. Here’s why.
More than eight million people in the United States have psoriasis, which occurs when an immune system error triggers accelerated skin cell growth: Rather than forming normally over the course of a week, new skin cells form in a matter of days.
Like other autoimmune disorders, genetic predisposition is a key factor in the development of psoriasis. The other key factor is a triggering event that “flips the switch” on this dormant genetic possibility, effectively setting the disease in motion. Catalysts that often precipitate the emergence of psoriasis include:
Once psoriasis is established, these same disease catalysts become triggers that can set off a symptom flare-up. How? They prompt an erratic inflammatory response that causes immune cells to attack the very tissues they’re supposed to defend. This is the underlying mechanism that leads to skin inflammation and the appearance of scaly psoriasis plaques.
Psoriasis requires ongoing, proactive management to keep it in check. This is especially important because its body-wide inflammatory effects significantly increase your risk of developing other serious health problems over time, including psoriatic arthritis, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and skin cancer.
Long-term psoriasis management has three interrelated goals:
Proactive psoriasis control is a daily endeavor that aims to prevent inflammatory flare episodes and help you sustain long-term remission. A reduced symptom relapse rate means maintaining clear, healthy skin for extended periods — which translates to an improved quality of life and a greater sense of well-being.
Reactive psoriasis management, on the other hand, waits until symptoms emerge before starting treatment, typically leading to more severe flares and longer recovery times.
Gaining control of psoriasis means identifying and avoiding your personal triggers, sticking to a psoriasis-friendly skincare routine, leading a healthy lifestyle, and using medication, topical ointments, or interventional treatments like light therapy when necessary.
Let’s take a closer look:
Once you’ve identified your psoriasis symptom triggers, take steps to avoid or manage them. For example, you should minimize your intake of alcohol if drinking seems to prompt symptom flares; frequent drinking can make your psoriasis treatment ineffective. If stress is one of your triggers, stress management should be a top priority.
Don’t use skincare products that contain fragrances, dyes, and alcohols. Instead, opt for gentle, fragrance-free cleansers, washing with warm water. Avoid long, hot showers and baths as well as skin-irritating loofahs and washcloths. Apply a fragrance-free moisturizer right after washing. Be careful when shaving (to avoid cuts).
If your plan includes oral medication, medicated shampoo, prescription medicated lotions, or some combination of these, use these treatments as directed — even if you’re not in the midst of a symptom flare.
Everyone can benefit from a healthy lifestyle, but when you have psoriasis, certain habit changes or daily practices can make a world of difference in inflammation suppression and disease control. At a minimum, you should:
Because fat is inflammatory in nature, losing excess weight can help reduce psoriasis flares, decrease your need for medications, and improve how well your treatment plan works. It’s also important to routinely get screened for health issues related to psoriasis.
If you need help with psoriasis, we’ve got you covered. Call or click online to schedule a visit at Keehan Dermatology in Fort Worth, Texas, today.
