Fast, effective psoriasis treatment online
When you’re itchy and uncomfortable, it’s hard to feel relaxed in your own skin. Whether this is your first psoriasis outbreak or you’re a seasoned pro at this point, psoriasis flare-ups can be frustrating and painful.
Thankfully, with the right combination of treatments psoriasis is very manageable. Read on to learn more about what psoriasis is, the causes and effective treatment and management options.
What is psoriasis and what does it look like?
Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune disorder that causes your immune system to speed up skin cell growth. It often presents as thick, red patches with silvery scales, called “plaques” that may appear as a few small patches or across large areas of the body. Breakouts can occur anywhere on the body, but most commonly affect the scalp, lower back, elbows, knees, feet, face and palms of hands. Affected skin is often itchy and may be accompanied with a burning sensation. While outbreaks can occur on multiple areas of the body at the same time, psoriasis is not contagious.
Some symptoms of psoriasis are similar to eczema, so it can be hard to know which skin condition you have.
What causes psoriasis flare-ups?
Medical experts aren’t certain what causes psoriasis. Genetics can play a role, so if someone in your family has it, you’re more likely to develop it. People with psoriasis go through phases of dormancy and flare-ups, which can be caused by specific triggers.
Common causes for psoriasis
- Stress — Stress can affect your physical health and can throw off your immune system, resulting in flare-ups.
- Infection — Similar to stress, when an infection hits, it weakens your immune system. A compromised immune system can mean psoriasis will flare-up.
- Skin damage — Whether you experience a scrape, cut or burn, a flare-up can occur when your skin is injured.
- Weather changes — Dry air can also dry out your skin—triggering new psoriasis flare-ups, or making an existing one worse.
Most people who develop psoriasis experience their first flare-up between the ages of 13 to 35, and continue to have flare-ups throughout life. Thankfully, there are things you can do to help manage symptoms and prevent future flare-ups.
How is psoriasis treated?
Currently, there is no cure for psoriasis, so treatment is focused on reducing symptoms and preventing additional flare-ups. While a psoriasis flare-up will eventually resolve on its own, there are plenty of ways to encourage your skin to heal.
Tips to prevent psoriasis flare-ups
- Avoid scratching the area — While tempting, it's important to be gentle with the affected area(s) and do your best not to scratch
- Try over-the-counter topical steroids — Hydrocortisone creams can help reduce redness and temporarily diminish itching and irritation.
- Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize — To keep dryness at bay, use a thick, fragrance-free moisturizer or ointment, like Eucerin or Aquaphor, frequently.
- Take short, warm showers — No need for cold showers, but don’t let the water temperature run too hot as hot water can dry your skin out. Remember to moisturize as soon as you towel off.
- Manage stress and sleep — Aim to get seven to nine hours of sleep per night and take steps to support your immune system.
- Skip the fragrance — Switch to hypoallergenic soaps, detergents and lotions that are more gentle on your skin.
- Limit alcohol intake — Alcohol can make psoriasis flare-ups worse, so it’s best to avoid drinking alcohol until your symptoms improve.
Can I get online treatment for my psoriasis?
Treatment for psoriasis focuses on improving the appearance of your skin, reducing discomfort and preventing future flares. Additionally, one of the most effective ways to manage and find relief from psoriasis symptoms is through prescription medications.
Whether you have an existing diagnosis or suspect you may have psoriasis, getting online psoriasis treatment is easier than you think.
Itching for quick psoriasis treatment?
With the right combination of prescription and over-the-counter treatments and a preventative self-care routine, psoriasis is very manageable.
Start managing your psoriasis symptoms today. Our certified nurse practitioners are here to help — start your visit with Virtuwell and feel better fast.
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