Psoriasis

A drop in humidity coupled with low temperatures can wreak havoc on your skin, so moisturize several times a day during the winter months to prevent outbreaks. Heavy creams and ointments are more effective than lotions because they don’t evaporate quickly and do a better job of locking in skin moisture. Look for products that contain humectants (which soften skin) like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, or ceramides, fatty substances that help restore the skin’s protective layer and prevent further damage.

Regular exercise not only relieves psoriasis pain, but also helps you shed pounds and improve your overall health. A number of common activities and exercises can help your heart work more efficiently. Here are some examples:

People with psoriasis have to apply moisturizer all day long. Stick with something thick, says Catie Coman, a spokesperson for the National Psoriasis Foundation in Portland, OR. If you’re concerned your loved one’s skin might be sensitive, steer clear of those that are heavily scented, she adds.

Doctors encourage people with psoriasis to avoid stress, especially because it can impact other potential health risks, including heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Nehal N. Mehta, MD, director of inflammatory risk at University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, specializes in psoriasis care and recommends that his patients do yoga or meditate, or take 20 minutes of quiet time to help manage stress. Here are a few other suggestions on how to help a loved one with psoriasis minimize stress:

As a volunteer advocate with the National Psoriasis Foundation, this is simply part of her job. The role has helped her through some of her darkest days. "It has empowered me," she says.

Research shows a strong connection between stress and psoriasis; in fact, feeling stressed is a documented trigger for flares of psoriasis.

While some amount of stress in life is probably unavoidable, take a few moments to evaluate any sources of anxiety you are feeling in your life right now.

Think about the kinds of things you can do to help you feel more relaxed, such as developing an action plan to tackle a problem or participating in an activity you really enjoy.

Food is fuel for your body, and the old adage "You are what you eat" couldn't be truer. Unfortunately, many of us don't pay enough attention to what we put into our bodies. But so many of us are tempted by those great-tasting "empty" calories: the refined or processed convenience foods and fat- and sugar-filled treats.

And why not? They taste great. But they won't help you or your family lose weight, feel better or live longer. Just following a few simple, everyday rules, though, can virtually guarantee success.

“You look great.”
Someone with psoriasis may not look good all the time, and this person knows when it’s one of those days. Your compliment may be perceived as insincere, fake and disingenuous.

1. What are the treatment options for my type of psoriasis?
2. What are the potential benefits and risks?
3. What will the treatment cost?
4. How quickly will I see results?
5. In most people who use this treatment, for how long is it effective?
6. If I decide against this treatment, what are my other options?

That was a year and a half ago, shortly after starting a new biologic medication for severe plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Today, Kristen, a Midwest native, is fully mobile and chasing her three-year-old son Keegan up the stairs—without having to stop on each step due to the pain.

With a full-time schedule that involves looking after two children and studying to become a medical assistant, Kristen is grateful her health has taken a turn for the better.

Below, Kristen shares her story: