Are you struggling with or know someone who has psoriasis? If you've heard anything about it, you already know how persistent and troubling this illness can be. Specifically, it's an autoimmune condition that leads to skin cell buildup and eventually scaling on the epidermis's surface. Today we'll talk about all the ways you can deal with this condition and help ease the symptoms such as irritation, dryness, and inflamed patches. Continue reading and learn about the top ten best ways to deal with psoriasis that will help you feel better. 

10. Turmeric 

This popular spice is a proven natural remedy to treat psoriasis, as it provides relief without consequences to your health. Both Chinese and ayurvedic medicine consider that turmeric has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that will relieve you of discomfort, and research backs it up. 

For example, you can mix it in soups, stews, and curries and enjoy both the taste and the health benefits. Or you can try consuming turmeric tea but purchase it from a reputable source. On the other hand, you can also apply it topically if you make a paste out of it. In the end, you should always consult a professional, but FDA approved daily consumption of turmeric is 1.5 to 3.0 grams. 

9. Light Therapy

Light therapy consists of exposing your skin to ultraviolet light in strictly controlled conditions, supervised by a professional. This treatment actually slows the growth of skin cells that are triggered by psoriasis. In case you're willing to try it out, you'll need patience because it requires frequent and consistent sessions. 

Even if you've only been through one treatment, you'll feel the benefits right away, and the pain and itchiness will minimize. On the other hand, there are many light therapy types, so take time to investigate and talk to your health practitioner about which one is the most suitable for you. Also, keep in mind that you shouldn't mix tanning beds with this treatment, as too much sunlight actually worsens psoriasis. 

8. Avoid Fragrances

For most people, fragrances are completely safe, and we use them to make the products smell good. But if you're dealing with certain skin conditions, including psoriasis, they can cause irritation. So what can you do when this ingredient is found basically in everything?! 

For starters, begin reading the labels, and do this first with your hair care and skincare products. Many people suffer from sensitivity in today's day and age, so it's really not that hard to find fragrance-free cosmetics. You should also watch out for perfume in your laundry detergent, as the trace of it on the clothes you wear can ignite psoriasis symptoms. 

7. Avoid Alcohol

In case you're dealing with this annoying skin condition, you must be aware that you should avoid alcohol at all costs. Actually, a study from 2015 proved an increased risk of psoriasis in women who drank non-light beer. To put into perspective, those who consumed this beverage at least five times a week were almost twice as likely to develop this skin condition than those who didn't. 

On the other hand, you should also be careful what you put on your face and body, as many lotions and creams contain alcohol. It's often used in products as a preservative, but you only have the luxury of using it if you don't have sensitivity issues. In fact, alcohol has a drying effect, destroying your skin's protective barrier and not letting moisture retain. 

6. Stop Smoking

We already know that smoking isn't a good habit and can contribute to getting many illnesses. So you shouldn't do it even if you're healthy, but especially if you're already struggling with some issues. If you're fighting psoriasis, tobacco will only make your symptoms worse. 

In case we haven't convinced you what a health hazard smoking is, we'll name you just some of the benefits if you quit. For example, you'll immediately reduce the risk of the inflammation that affects your blood vessels, heart, and liver. Also, flare-ups of psoriasis will happen less and less as time passes. Additionally, it might lead to them not occurring at all if you stick long enough. 

5. Reduce Stress

You may not know this, but stress will worsen flare-ups because your body deals with it through inflammation. The specific thing about people with psoriasis is that their bodies release chemicals that appear during an injury or an infection. It truly can be a never-ending cycle, as the illness causes you stress, and then your mental state affects your physical well-being. 

What you can do is participate in some activities that bring you joy, where you'll release all the negative energy. For instance, consider taking yoga classes or meditation to help you go through difficult times. Also, you might find it useful to talk to other people who share your concerns and find a psoriasis support group. 

4. Eat Healthy Foods

Diet can play an essential role in controlling psoriasis, as eating healthy can prevent and reduce flare-ups and inflammation. For instance, a 2013 study linked obesity to the severe symptoms of this illness. Then what should you eat to ensure that you're doing the best for your body? 

According to doctors, you should consume omega-3 acids, whether through supplements, fatty fish, nuts, and seeds. On the other hand, strictly avoid gluten, red meat and diary, because they ignite inflammation in your body. Instead, consume lots of fruits and vegetables, as they're rich in antioxidants and reduce oxidative stress. 

3. Moisturize

The best thing you can do for irritated and dry skin is to keep it lubricated, as this will prevent redness and heal it. Instead of using lotions containing alcohol and perfume, opt for heavy creams or ointments that lock in moisture. Besides, know that you can also apply natural oils to nourish your skin and keep it moist longer. 

When taking a shower, be careful to use lukewarm water and to utilize a moisturizer right after. In case you prefer taking baths, you can add some oil to the water, as it will soothe dry skin. You can also try putting creams in the refrigerator as the products' cold temperature will ease the burning sensation during a flare-up. 

2. Don't Scratch

We understand that it's tough to keep your hands to yourself when experiencing a flare-up of psoriasis. But try to resist this urge to scratch the skin or rub your scalp, as it will only worsen your condition. This behavior leads to scabbing, bleeding, and in extreme cases, hair loss. 

So, prevent getting in that situation by avoiding shampoos containing irritants including alcohol, sulfates, and fragrance. While you wash your hair, be gentle, and don't use hot water that irritates your scalp. And we can also recommend you try out products containing salicylic acid, as they can help soften the patches of psoriasis flare-ups. 

1. Dietary Supplements

When dealing with a condition such as psoriasis, it's important not only to treat it topically but also to deal with it from the inside. In that case, you may want to try some dietary supplements that can be pretty helpful. For example, vitamin A and D, fish oil, and aloe vera have been reported to ease this illness's symptoms.

Omega-3s will boost your immune system while dealing with the inflammation in your body and consequently improve your overall health. Also, vitamin A diminishes psoriasis symptoms because it regulates the overproduction of skin cells. However, before implementing any supplement into your diet, we advise you to check with your doctor first, as a professional will always provide the best guidance. 

Finally, we must tell you that dealing with these conditions can put a strain on your mental health, so don't stray away from talking to other people about it. Your job in this situation is to take care of yourself, including maintaining a positive outlook on life. Of course, the doctor who treats you will be your best friend in this situation and give you the necessary information to combat this illness. 

In the end, we'd like to know what did you think of our top ten list about ways to deal with a psoriasis and let us know if it was helpful. Write to us in the comments section. 

Cover photo: TopTens.fun/Midjourney