Treating psoriasis can vary depending on the type of psoriasis you suffere from. Below are some basic tips to assist you in living with psoriasis.
1. Keep the body well hydrated with water. The smallest person should consume at least 8 eight-ounce glasses of water a day. The average person should consume 10 to 12 glasses daily. A person with an above-average exercise program, or who lives in a cold climate, should have 12 to 16 glasses.
2. Be sure to moisturize your body with creams or lotions such as Jojoba oil (found in most health stores), Keri lotion, 10% urea cream, or Eucerin. Vaseline and ointments can block sweat glands and cause rashes to worsen, therefore they should be avoided. Jojoba Oil is the preferred psoriasis treatment to moisturize the skin.
3. Antihistamines, such as Benadryl by Parke-Davis (25 mg.), can be taken after 7:00 PM to control itching, which tends to be worse at night.
4. Keep nails clean and short to prevent scratching, which can cause infection or irritation.
5. Avoid skin irritants such as animal dander (dogs and cats), feathers, harsh fabrics (denim and corduroy), tight clothing, and sometimes even wool and silk. Cotton clothing is recommended as much as possible.
6. Launder clothing with mild soap or detergent (Dreft, Ivory Snow, certain sans-additive detergents such as Tide Free). Use no additives such as enzymes or fabric softeners. Wash new clothing prior to wearing.
7. Avoid temperature and humidity extremes, don't overdress or overheat. When humidity is low as during the winter in heated homes, a humidifier may be helpful.
8. Avoid swimming in chlorinated pools. Lake and ocean swimming is fine. Apply moisturizers afterwards.
9. Reduce or eliminate coffee and other stimulants, including alcohol. Stimulants are acidic, which works against psoriasis treatment.
10. Use soap substitutes such as Cetaphil 'gentle cleansing bar for dry sensitive skin' (not the aggressive antibacterial for acne, the oily skin, or the Cetaphil pump liquid with two alcohols), Emulave, or Neutrogena. Cetaphil cleansing bars can be purchased at your local drug store or pharmacy. Bubble bath should never be used as it may cause dryness and irritation of the psoriasis.
11. Try to find ways to reduce stress.
