RISK FACTORS & WELLNESS TIPS FOR PSORIASIS
CAUSES/RISK FACTORS
It has been estimated that if a child has one parent with psoriasis, the child's risk of
developing the condition is between 10 and 25 percent. If both parents have psoriasis, the
child’s risk of developing the disease is about 50 percent. A number of internal and
external factors can influence whether a person with a family history of psoriasis will be
affected by the disorder.
WELLNESS TIPS
Get some sunlight. Although exposure to ultraviolet light is associated with skin cancer
and may actually cause psoriasis to worsen, regular sun exposure helps control the condition
in people with mild to moderate psoriasis. Do not stay out in the sun long enough to burn.
Use a moisturizer. It is especially important to use a moisturizer in winter, when dry
air robs moisture from the skin, causing psoriasis to worsen. If skin becomes overly dry,
it may crack open and become infected.
Don’t scratch. Scratching psoriasis lesions will make them itch more and increase
the risk of infection. Try using a humidifier in your home. It will help keep the air moist
and your skin less itchy.
Take a bath. Bathe in lukewarm water and never for more than 15 minutes. Add a moisturizing
bath oil to the water. (Avoid scented bath products, including perfumed soaps.) Afterwards,
apply a mild but effective moisturizer such as Vaseline.
Get emotional support. Experiencing constantly negative emotions can cause psoriasis to
flare up. Using relaxation techniques can help you feel better, particularly if you are under
constant stress.
Get your folic acid. Folate is important in the management of psoriasis. Some studies have
suggested that folate may be deficient in people with psoriasis, so consumption of folate-rich
foods is recommended. Folate is a B vitamin found in liver, asparagus, fruits, green leafy
vegetables, dried beans and peas, and yeast.
PREVENTING FLARE-UPS
Triggering factors that cause psoriasis flare-ups include:
- Climate change. Long-term exposure to a dry climate with
a low relative humidity can cause psoriasis to worsen. Many
people experience lessening of symptoms after exposure to
sunshine during the summer months. Others, however, are
sensitive to ultraviolet light and experience flare-ups
if exposed to it.
- Injury to the skin. Psoriasis may worsen after an injury
to the skin such as a burn, insect bite or scrape, or following
a rash. It is therefore important to treat an injury or
rash quickly.
- Infection. Strep throat can lead to psoriasis in children
and young adults. Anyone with psoriasis who develops strep
throat should immediately be treated with antibiotics to
prevent a flare-up.
- Drug reactions. Certain prescription and over-the-counter
medications may make psoriasis worse. These include lithium,
beta blockers, anti-malarial drugs and NSAIDS such as ibuprofen.
- Stress. Severe emotional stress appears to cause psoriasis
flare-ups in some people. If stress seems to play a role,
stress-reduction techniques such as meditation or going
for a walk may help reduce flare-ups.
- Try Nutricol®. Ask your doctor / healthcare professional
about Recovery®
with Nutricol®, a food-based non-drug supplement formulated
to help improve quality of life* and speed cellular repair.
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