People with psoriasis should learn to accept their condition, learn to manage it well and live a full life despite the condition, says a dermatologist. Here's how to stay positive with the skin condition.
Key Highlights
- In psoriasis, people develop thick, itchy and painful skin patches all over the body and often feel embarrassed if their condition is severe and the patches are visible
- Being diagnosed with psoriasis also puts patients at a higher risk of several other medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, eye problems and arthritis
- And here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re living with psoriasis
Tips to live a healthy, fulfilling life with Psoriasis | Photo Credit: Getty Images
New Delhi: Psoriasis is a lifelong skin condition that can sometimes feel like a heavy burden to carry every single day for the rest of a patient's life. In psoriasis, people develop thick, itchy and painful skin patches all over the body and often feel embarrassed if their condition is severe and the patches are visible. What makes it even worse is the common misconception that psoriasis is contagious, which can make others distance themselves from the patients.
Being diagnosed with psoriasis also puts patients at a higher risk of several other medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, eye problems and arthritis. All of this can affect both the physical and mental health of the patient. Yet, the stress on the patient’s body and mind can worsen the condition, thus, creating a vicious cycle. There is no cure for psoriasis, but patients can manage the symptoms.
If you are planning to get pregnant: Speak to your doctor - It is important to bring symptoms under control before trying to conceive. The doctor may also need to change some of the prescribed medications to ensure that the medicines are safe for the baby.
If you are expecting a baby: In some women, psoriasis symptoms can worsen during pregnancy, while for others, the symptoms may get better. In some cases, a doctor may have to lower the dosage of the prescribed treatment dose.
It has been observed that patients who are better informed about their condition are able to manage it better, which improves their overall quality of life. It is also important that patients take their medication as prescribed and visit the doctor as often as recommended.
Being diagnosed with psoriasis also puts patients at a higher risk of several other medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, eye problems and arthritis. All of this can affect both the physical and mental health of the patient. Yet, the stress on the patient’s body and mind can worsen the condition, thus, creating a vicious cycle. There is no cure for psoriasis, but patients can manage the symptoms.
How to live better with Psoriasis
“I would like to encourage people with psoriasis to learn to accept their condition, learn to manage it well and live a full life despite psoriasis. What is needed is a deeper understanding of the condition and how to manage it better,” said Dr Arshdeep Kaur, Consultant Dermatologist, Kubba Skin Clinic, New Delhi. And here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re living with psoriasis:- Bring your weight under control: Many patients respond better to their psoriasis medication after they have lost the extra kilos and are within their ideal weight range.
- Follow a healthy lifestyle: Patients can lower their risk of high blood pressure, high lipid, and high blood sugar levels by staying physically active and exercising regularly which significantly improves psoriasis management also.
- Take care of your mental health: There is a clear link between psoriasis and a higher risk of depression and anxiety. If this is caused by the social stigma they face then it is vital for patients to know that there is no need to be embarrassed because of psoriasis. Instead, they should focus on participating in activities that make them happy, feel relaxed and reduce stress.
- Give up the ‘vices’: For patients with psoriasis, smoking and alcohol consumption are likely to reduce the effectiveness of treatment and cause the worsening of symptoms. They should talk to their doctor about how to gradually cut down and give up alcohol and cigarette smoking.
If you are planning to get pregnant: Speak to your doctor - It is important to bring symptoms under control before trying to conceive. The doctor may also need to change some of the prescribed medications to ensure that the medicines are safe for the baby.
If you are expecting a baby: In some women, psoriasis symptoms can worsen during pregnancy, while for others, the symptoms may get better. In some cases, a doctor may have to lower the dosage of the prescribed treatment dose.
It has been observed that patients who are better informed about their condition are able to manage it better, which improves their overall quality of life. It is also important that patients take their medication as prescribed and visit the doctor as often as recommended.
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