Psoriasis Symptoms on Skin

Psoriasis causes red, itchy, scaly patches on the skin. During the summer season, most psoriasis patients have clearer skin. According to the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, the winter season brings moderate to severe symptoms.

The condition is not contagious and is not usually life-threatening, although its symptoms can be embarrassing and uncomfortable. It's also challenging to treat. Exposure to specific situations may trigger outbreaks, too; for example, stress, injury, or infection (including strep throat), smoking, and drinking alcohol worsen the symptoms. The severity of psoriasis symptoms varies; mild outbreaks may consist of small plaques on the elbows and knees. At the same time, severe episodes may cause large plaques covering much of the body, which is red, scaly, itchy, and painful.

If your condition worsens or fails to improve with treatment, there is a risk of your skin condition becoming chronic.

The following are some helpful tips to deal with psoriasis symptoms, especially those triggered by season changes:

• Reduce your stress:

  Stress can significantly contribute to psoriasis outbreaks, so learning how to deal with it is a must. Remove yourself from stressful situations as much as possible and practice yoga or meditation, proven to reduce the body's response to stress. Try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises too.

   

• Keep your skin hydrated:

  The skin needs water for its overall health, including fighting off infection that may cause an outbreak of psoriasis symptoms. Drink at least eight glasses of water every day to maintain your body’s optimal hydration level. If you sweat profusely, increase your intake accordingly because you lose more fluids through sweat.

   

• Use a hydrating moisturizer:

  It is the most practical solution for most psoriasis symptoms, including those triggered by cold weather. Intense moisturizing helps to slow down the shedding process naturally. Dr Batra’s^® Intense Moisturizing Cream contains superior moisturizing properties that can increase the skin’s moisture balance. It acts as a natural moisturizer for dry skin and is also gentle enough on other skin types.

   

• Eat a well-balanced diet:

  Your body needs all the nutrients it can get to fight off infections that could cause psoriasis outbreaks. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin A, omega 3 fatty acids, selenium, zinc, and iron.