One of the most common yet overlooked skin condition!

Psoriasis^[1] is a common, chronic, non-communicable skin disease without apparent cause or cure. Still, it negatively impacts a patient's quality of life, characterized by itchy red patches covered with silvery-white scales. In addition, social exclusion, discrimination and stigma are psychologically more devastating for a Psoriasis patient. 

Common Triggers & How to avoid them.^[1,3]

The primary treatment of psoriasis objective is to control the symptoms. The need for treatment is usually lifelong, and there is frequent reappearance. 

Here's what one can do:^[3,4] 

Manage Stress - Meditate daily, try deep breathing and yoga & remain active physically. 

Physical injury to skin- Avoid scratches, insect bites, cuts, sunburn and friction from clothing to reduce flaring; use topical ointment judiciously.

Skin Infections- Treat any infection at the earliest to avoid flaring of symptoms. 

Avoid temperature extremes- 

1. Wear sunscreen & sun-protective clothing

2. Use warm, not hot, water for bathing

3. Avoid sweating 

4. Stay hydrated.

Foods:

To Avoid:^[4,5]

1. Smoking & Alcohol - Avoid- to get rid of symptoms flare

2. Fatty Red Meat- like Beef, Pork & processed meat.

3. Foods with Gluten content and refined carbohydrates.

4. Sugar & Caffeinated food & drinks

5. Nightshade vegetables, Peppers & Paprika

To Take:^[5]

1. Whole Grains, 

2. Fruits and veggies, especially berries, cherries, and leafy greens

3. Salmon, flax seeds, and small fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids

4. Antioxidant-rich herbs and spices like thyme, sage, cumin, and ginger

5. Heart-healthy sources of fat, like olive oil, seeds, and nuts 

What else?^[2] 

1. Aloe Vera: Apply gel to soothe the lesions.

2. Turmeric: Use as a paste on skin apart from food. 

3. Apple Cider Vinegar: Apply in 1:1 dilution to reduce skin irritation.

4. Oats-Scrubbing body with oats has a calming effect.

[1] https://bit.ly/3Q0WZgJ

[2] https://rb.gy/ixrftn

[3] https://rb.gy/0iqjwi

[4] https://rb.gy/zzesfs

[5] https://bit.ly/3JJoSaV​​