<H2> 10 Tips to Keep Psoriasis under Control</H2>

10 Tips to Keep Psoriasis under Control

Psoriasis is a chronic, recurring, non-contagious skin disorder that is characterized by raised, thickened reddish patches on the skin covered with silvery-white scales that may vary in severity and affect any part of the body, including the nails, scalp and the genital region. There are about 125 million psoriasis sufferers world wide. This makes up 3% of the world's total population! It is estimated that six to seven million Americans have psoriasis, and each year 150,000 to 260,000 new cases are diagnosed.

The incidence of psoriasis is much lower in dark-skinned West Africans and African-Americans than in light-skinned persons of European origin. Incidence is also low in the Eskimos and the Japanese, and is extremely rare in Native Americans. Genetic, geographic and environmental factors may play a major role in this striking disparity between the races.

Most psoriasis patients undergo intense emotional turmoil while they fight to control their disease which tends to have periods of flare ups and remissions the year around. Though no cure has yet been discovered, observing certain principles in life style and skin care management will provide patients a scope for optimum control of the disease. Following are a few tips that would be useful for the psoriasis sufferers:

1. Maintain desirable health habits. Psoriasis flare ups are common when you are weak or tired. Taking a balanced diet while reducing red meats and alcohol will go a long way in helping the skin to maintain a calm milieu interior. Patients should also drink plenty of water and get at least 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep every day. Do moderate exercises at least 3-4 times every week.

Remember that good nutrition, rest and exercise tune up your body and mind and keep up the equilibrium which is essential to reduce the psoriasis flare ups. These healthy habits will also reduce the chances of contracting infection, another important factor in psoriasis aggravations.

I always remind my patients that medications have only about 30% role in the management of psoriasis. Rest of the 70% involves lifestyle adjustments.

2. Quit Smoking. Many studies have pointed out that pustular psoriasis of the palms and soles, a variant of psoriasis, is aggravated by smoking. Patients who quit smoking found their lesions clearing up faster. Research also suggests that severity of psoriasis may be linked to smoking. Hence it is highly imperative that you totally give up smoking if you want to get rid of those itchy, scaly, red patches.

3. Avoid alcohol. Alcohol is a trigger for psoriasis. There is no doubt about it. Though some dermatologists allow moderate consumption of alcohol in psoriasis, it is my personal observation that even a small quantity of alcohol (like a glass of wine or beer) does cause flare ups in patients. Hence the verdict is - No Alcohol in any forms!

4. Learn to manage your stress. Stress has long been linked to the induction and exacerbation of all types of psoriasis. As mentioned above, psoriasis can be considered a life style disease (much like hypertension or increased blood pressure), a combination of genetic predisposition and psycho- neuro-immuno-hormonal triggers playing a significant role in the causation, initial triggering and maintenance of the disease.

Psoriatics should try to learn and master any one of the stress management techniques like progressive relaxation, biofeedback, yoga etc. Counselling sessions and psoriasis support group participations will be beneficial for those who find it difficult to relax by themselves. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, stress reduction works best when combined with appropriate medical treatment.

5. Avoid aggravating medications. Certain medications taken for other diseases can aggravate or even precipitate psoriasis. Medications that can trigger psoriasis are:

Anti-malarial drugs like chloroquine
Beta-blockers (medication used to treat high blood pressure) and heart medication.
Corticosteroids. Steroids are double edged swords. They can control severe psoriasis quickly, but sudden withdrawal can cause severe flare ups. Personally I avoid prescribing steroids to my patients unless it is absolutely necessary, that is, psoriasis is severely compromising their quality of life. Only after exhausting other treatment modalities do I take up this group of medications and most patients would do well to steer clear of steroids as a first line of treatment for psoriasis. Even topical steroids should be used very carefully and under medical supervision in psoriasis.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like indomethacin worsen psoriasis in most patients.
Lithium , the antipsychotic drug is a known aggravator of psoriasis.

If you have a family history of psoriasis or you are suffering from the disease, inform your physician if you are taking any of the above drugs. Your doctor may be able to substitute alternate medication.