Are you wondering if psoriasis is painful or not? Are you worried about how to manage its flare-ups? Well, the fact is that psoriasis is actually very painful and knowing about the ways to manage its flare-ups can help to a great extent.
Is Psoriasis Painful?
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition which leads to a rapid buildup of the cells on the surface of the skin. It makes the skin itch and burn. People often wonder if psoriasis is painful and are worried about how to manage its flare-ups. Let us look at it in detail, understand the cause and triggers of psoriasis, in addition to ways to manage its flare-ups.
Psoriasis is a painful condition, but the actual cause is not known. It is thought to be due to immune system dysfunction. There are certain trigger factors which worsen psoriasis such as injury to the skin, stress, smoking, vitamin D deficiency, alcohol consumption and any other infection like strep throat or skin infection. Psoriasis cure is difficult but symptoms can be managed and the flare-ups can be controlled.
The presentation of signs and symptoms of psoriasis is different in everyone. Before understanding about how to manage flare-ups, it is important to know the common symptoms of psoriasis, which often present or worsen during flare-ups. These include:
- Red, thick, silvery scales on the area affected
- Cracks on the skin which bleed and are painful
- Itching, soreness, and burning in the area
- Thick nails, which are ridged or pitted
- Swelling and stiffness in joints, which may be painful
The psoriasis patches can be present on small spots or even larger areas. Patients might experience a complete flare up which may last for few weeks or months after which the symptoms may subside completely to remission stage. In the presence of any triggers, the painful psoriasis may again cause flare-ups.
How to Manage Flare-up of Psoriasis?
A psoriasis flare-up can prove to be actually painful. Knowing the remedies and ways to manage flare-ups in psoriasis can help soothe the burning sensation and pain.
However, if there is excessive pain and the skin is crusty yellow and oozing, seek medical advice to prevent the lesion from getting infected.
- Moisturize the Skin – As in psoriasis, the skin becomes dry, scaly, and itchy, a moisturizer can prove to be a real friend. Keeping the skin moisturized is one of the best ways to manage flare-ups in psoriasis. More greasy or thick the cream is better it is for the skin. Look out for ceramide in the moisturizers. Even petroleum jelly can help lock the moisture in the skin. Lotions containing salicylic acid, lactic acid or glycolic acid can break the skin cell build up on the psoriasis plaques. Apply it on the skin and wrap up the area with a plastic wrap. This helps the skin to absorb better by keeping the cream in place. Bathing with soothing products such as tar solutions may also give a good relief. Keeping lotions in the refrigerator and then applying on the skin relieves burning sensation.
- Avoid Dry, Cold Weather – Many times cold weather aggravates the condition in few people. It increases the dryness of the skin, which can make the skin stretch more. Hence, once of the ways to manage flare-ups in psoriasis is to avoid going to areas having a dry and cold temperature.
- Avoid Stress – Stress triggers psoriasis as body copes with stress through inflammation. Meditation and relaxation techniques are of great help in relieving anxiety, which is one of the important ways to manage flare-ups in psoriasis. Similarly, yoga, exercises, and spending time doing things you enjoy, can lower the stress levels. Studies show that psoriasis is less common in people who are physically active.
- Healthy Diet – If you are wondering how to manage flare-ups in psoriasis, you may also consider your diet. Though there is not any confirming relation between diet and psoriasis, what you eat can affect how you respond to the treatment. Food rich in omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and can help with psoriasis as well. Food such as fish oil, fatty fishes, nut and seeds, soy, and vegetable oil are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. A healthy diet encourages weight loss and reduces the flare ups.
- Alternative Treatments – Various remedies from alternative treatment prove to be of great help in offering relief from psoriasis flare-ups. It is best to consult the specialist for the same. Apple cider vinegar can help soothe an itchy scalp. Massage the vinegar on the scalp and wash it off when it dries.
While it is true that psoriasis is a painful condition, there are many ways to manage its flare-ups. However, if these measures do not offer relief it is important to seek medical advice.
Also Read:
- Scalp Psoriasis: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Prognosis, Home Remedies
- Psoriasis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Ways To Cope
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- Travel Tips for Psoriasis Patients
- Eczema Vs Psoriasis: Differences Worth Knowing
- What is Plaque Psoriasis & How is it Treated?
- How to Cope With Psoriasis at Work?