Stress and Psoriasis: How to Control Psoriasis Triggers

Psoriasis is a medical condition that affects the skin. It gives rise to long-term itchiness and discomfort and is related to stress in a lot of ways. Stress can not only trigger psoriasis episodes every now and then; it can also affect overall mental health in a negative way.

If you have psoriasis, your immune system can cause your skin cells to multiply at an increased rate. The buildup of cells can form red patches and silvery scales on the skin and can cause inflammation throughout the body. This is why people with psoriasis should not be under too much stress. Control of stress also means control of psoriasis.

How Can Stress Trigger Psoriasis?

Mental stress has been connected to inflammation in the body, which may exacerbate conditions like psoriasis. If you have problems with your immune system, you can have excessive growth of skin cells as what is found in psoriasis. However, until now, the cause of this is unknown.

It is necessary to control stress so that inflammation is controlled within the body and for symptoms of psoriasis to subside.

Recent studies have also shown that women with depression have a higher risk of having psoriasis. Some findings also report that relaxation techniques can help decrease psoriasis flareups and symptom severity.

How to Control Psoriasis Triggers

Relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, Tai chi and mindfulness techniques can actually help ease mental stress which can also relieve the symptoms of psoriasis.

While we cannot always stay away from stress forever, there are many things that we can do to reduce the effects of stress on the mind and body.

Here are some ways that may help decrease the effects of stress to a person with psoriasis and control its flareups:

Exercise

Even simple walks everyday can help release endorphins within the body. Endorphins are substances in the body that decrease stress and promote a feeling of wellness and relaxation.

Meditation and Yoga

These exercises can help lessen stress and anxiety. Yoga is a physical way of meditation and can bring about many benefits to health. It can also increase endorphins similarly as other exercises do.

Tai chi

Tai chi is also a physical form of exercise that makes use of mindfulness. It consists of slow yet sure movements of the body that are synchronized to breathing. It helps lessen feelings of stress and anxiety.

Massage

Massage helps diminish stress and muscle strain, and additionally brings about a feeling of wellness.

Do Some Lifestyle Changes

Abstaining from smoking or drinking excessive alcohol and eating a healthy diet that consists of more fruits and vegetables can likewise reduce stress in people with psoriasis.

Oftentimes, it is hard to manage stress despite doing all these activities. If you find it hard to make the above-mentioned lifestyle changes, you can consult a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or a psychiatrist. Therapists can also help you manage the emotional stress that psoriasis also brings about.

You need to have faith in your doctor so that both of you can work on the treatment that is best suited for you. Remember, only you can hold the key towards fighting psoriasis! Let’s live a stress-free and psoriasis-free life!

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-Medical Observer