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General tips to manage and prevent flare-ups

In addition to taking your medications as recommended by your doctor, dermatologist, or pharmacist, there are several things you can do to help manage your psoriasis flare-ups.

  • Keep your skin moist and lubricated (see "Keeping your skin hydrated" in this feature). Moisturizing will help prevent dry skin and itching. By keeping your skin well-moisturized, you may also be less likely to scratch.
  • If you feel itchy, try not to scratch your skin, as this can lead to further psoriasis lesions. Psoriasis worsens in areas of skin injuries, so avoid picking at existing scales.
  • Prevent strep (streptococcal) throat infections. For children with psoriasis, an attack of symptoms may occur with strep throat. These flare-ups in children are usually of the "guttate" variety (round, small lesions). An adult with chronic psoriasis may also develop a flare-up after a strep throat infection. Practice good hand-washing techniques in the workplace and at home, if someone you work or live with has had a recent bacterial infection. Also, a healthy diet and lifestyle (see "Lifestyle modifications" in this feature) will help to keep the immune system strong and reduce the likelihood of bacterial infection.
  • Many safe, effective treatments, such as ointments and creams, can improve psoriasis and reduce recurrences of swelling, redness, flaking, and itching. Some can be used to reduce new flare-ups of lesions. Use prescription and over-the-counter psoriasis medications as directed by your doctor, dermatologist, or pharmacist. Because psoriasis is chronic and unpredictable, it can present a challenge to treat. Remain patient if, under the direction of your doctor, you have to try more than one skin care regimen.
  • In general, protect your skin by using mild skin cleansers, wearing cotton-blend clothing, removing laundry-soap residue from clothing by rinsing twice, and using sunscreens to avoid sunburn.

A final suggestion: Care for your skin and help relieve your psoriasis symptoms by setting aside some time each day for treatment.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Psoriasis-Managing-and-Preventing-Flare-Ups

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