Skincare mistakes to avoid if you've Psoriasis

Although the prevalence of psoriasis is low in India, it may easily affect your self-esteem and quality of life as well. In India, out of the total dermatological patients, 2.3% suffer from psoriasis. (Source: Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venerology and Leprology) It’s an auto-immune disorder caused by excessive production of skin cells resulting in lesions and red patches all over your skin.

You often come across tips which can help with your psoriasis. But, did you know about these skincare mistakes you should avoid?

• Avoiding moisturizer:

  Keeping your skin moist is the easiest way to soothe your dry and irritated skin. It can help your skin with the itchiness and soreness as well. Choose a moisturizer based on how dry your skin is. Ointments are heavy and thick while lotions are thinner and absorb easier. So, pick a moisturizer from heavy to thin based on your skin type.

   

• Using certain skincare products:

  Always remember that expensive doesn’t always mean effective. For psoriasis on face, you need to ensure that the products you use are free of alcohol, fragrance or sulphate, as they can irritate your already inflamed skin. It can even flare your psoriasis symptoms. Select products which are free of any irritants and are richin natural ingredients.

   

• Wearing wool or other heavy fabrics:

  Heavy fabrics like wool can irritate and cause itchiness to your skin. You should consider wearing lighter materials like cotton, silk or cashmere that won’t irritate your skin and allow it to breathe.

   

• Excessive sunlight:

  It’s true that soaking in sunlight can be beneficial for your psoriasis skin. The Ultra Violet (UV) rays can slow down the production of skin cells. However, it’s necessary to not overdo it. Moderation is always the key. Don’t spend more than 20 minutes a day in the sun and don’t forget to put on sunscreen. Sunburn may also trigger psoriasis symptoms.

   

• Having tattoos:

  A middle-aged man developed scalp psoriasis, psoriasis on hands and back two weeks after getting his first tattoo. It hinted the presence of Koebner’s phenomenon which can be induced by various triggers, tattoos being one of them.  (Case study: Tattoo-induced Psoriasis published by Journal of Medicine and Life) You should definitely avoid getting tattoos if you have psoriasis and don’t want to fuel another breakout of lesions on your body.

   

• Using hot water instead of lukewarm: 

  Never use hot water for bathing as it can extract the natural oils from your skin, making it dry. This dryness further causes more itchiness and irritation. Having a 15-minute bath daily with lukewarm water and mild soap can soothe your skin. Additionally, ensure that you don’t rub all over your skin after the bath to dry it. Gently dab with a soft towel.

   

• Stressing too much:

  Stress and psoriasis have an interdependent relationship. Stress can flare your psoriasis and at the same time, psoriasis breakout can cause stress. (Source: National Psoriasis Foundation of America). Stress can worsen your itching as well. Don’t let stress become another trigger for your skin. Reach out to your family and friends, try breathing exercises and have enough sleep to curb the stress in your life.

   

• Scratching or picking:

  Itching always makes you want to scratch. But scratching can tear open your skin making a way for infection-causing germs to affect you. Picking can infect your skin as well. Every time you feel the urge to itch, close your eyes and count to 10. Gently rub moisturizer on your skin. Talk to your treatment expert and ask for medicines which can help you with your itchiness.