Living with psoriasis can feel like a frustrating, never-ending struggle, but it doesn’t have to be. Learning which lifestyle modifications to make along with which treatments are available can make living with this chronic skin and autoimmune condition much more manageable. At Dr. Ghatan Dermatology, Cosmetic & Laser Surgery, Dr. Eliot Y. Ghatan helps patients of all ages in Ocean Parkway, Midwood of Brooklyn, New York get relief from dry, cracked skin, itching, and, in advanced cases, stiff joints.
With state-of-the-art treatments, technology, and years of expertise, Dr. Ghatan can help you better understand your psoriasis, identify its triggers, and learn how to reduce flare-ups long term. Here are some suggestions for managing and reducing your symptoms that you can follow until you come in and see us for a comprehensive, customized treatment program.
How living with psoriasis affects your daily life
Psoriasis is a condition in which skin cells accumulate on the surface of your skin in excessive amounts. This autoimmune disease comes in many forms, but for the most part, psoriasis causes red or silvery, hard, scaly patches of skin. These scales most often appear on your torso, elbows, knees, and scalp.
When you have psoriasis, you may be wondering what will trigger a flare-up as you go about your daily life. For many people, understanding flare-ups and what leads to them is the first step in taking action against preventing psoriasis from flaring or from getting worse.
Common triggers
Stress is a common trigger for many people, and dealing with psoriasis is stressful all by itself, so it can become a vicious circle. One of the first things you can do to help break the cycle of psoriasis flares is finding ways to manage stress.
Other common psoriasis triggers include:
- Smoking
- Sunburns
- Alcohol
- Certain foods
- Strep throat
- Medications
- Skin infections
Flare-ups can last for weeks or months, causing more stress and leading to uncomfortable or even unbearable symptoms of itching and inflammation. Dr. Ghatan helps you understand your triggers so you can make lifestyle changes to get relief. He also customizes a treatment plan that may include therapies with the latest laser and light-based technologies.
Painless laser and light therapies take just minutes in the office and use concentrated light energy to promote your skin’s healing. After a series of treatments, your psoriasis flare-ups can disappear for a few months or longer.
Beyond the symptoms of psoriasis
Psoriasis affects so much more than your skin, which is why it’s important to seek professional treatment to improve the overall quality of your life. In addition to medical remedies that help you manage the daily itching and irritation, Dr. Ghatan and the dermatology team can help you learn how to manage stress and refer you to the appropriate providers to assist with emotional support for the depression and anxiety psoriasis may be causing you.
Additionally, learning how to eat healthier and avoid known food triggers like caffeine, sugar, and artificial sweeteners, to name just a few, may also help you live with psoriasis less stressfully.
With the right help, living with psoriasis is totally manageable. Take the first step by calling Dr. Ghatan Dermatology, Cosmetic & Surgery at 718-427-9981 to schedule a consultation. You can also contact us online to request an appointment anytime.
