How to Break the Psoriasis-Stress Cycle

• August 23, 2017
• Amber Specialty Pharmacy
• Inflammatory

Roughly 7.5 million people in the U.S. are living with psoriasis. As August is Psoriasis Awareness Month, I’d like to share a few stress-reduction tips for people living with psoriasis.

Having psoriasis itself can cause stress and stress can worsen psoriasis—making it a vicious cycle. If you’re living with psoriasis, you may have recognized this already.  I hope these tips help you manage stress and better understand what triggers your psoriasis symptoms.

Inflammation is how the body deals with stress. The immune system sends out chemicals that cause inflammation and help heal the body. In people with psoriasis, the immune system over-responds under stress and causes added inflammation. This makes managing stress very important if you have psoriasis.

If you have psoriasis, I encourage you to try these stress-reduction tips.

• Identify what is causing stress in your life. Is it something you can avoid or reduce the effects of? If it can’t be avoided, it’s still helpful to know what triggers your stress. You should also know when to say “no” to new responsibilities that cause stress. Ask for help if you can’t say no to something.
• Exercise improves your mood and increases your energy. It also helps you sleep at night. Exercise like yoga and tai chi can be especially helpful if you’re feeling stressed. The slow movements combined with breathing can help your body relax.
• Getting enough sleep is an important part of keeping stress at bay but it can be tough if you have psoriasis. The pain and itching caused by psoriasis make sleep difficult, which leads to fatigue and worsened symptoms. To improve your sleep habits, try going to bed at the same time every night and waking up at the same time every morning. Turning off your cell phone and television at least one hour before bed can also help get your body ready for sleep.
• Eating a well-balanced diet can reduce stress and help with psoriasis symptoms. I recommend the National Psoriasis Foundation’s diet tips if you’re looking for advice on how to eat healthy.
• It’s important to take some time for yourself and do something you enjoy if you’re feeling stressed. Try going on a walk, taking a bubble bath, having a hobby, reading a book or journaling.
• People with psoriasis often stress about what others will think of their skin. Have a comeback ready if somebody says something about your psoriasis. For example, “I have psoriasis but don’t worry, it’s not contagious.” You should feel less worried by having a response prepared.
• Stop negative thoughts. Negative thinking can lower your self-esteem and impact your relationships with others. This includes not overgeneralizing or making too much of an unpleasant event that only happened once. Try not to always think about the worst-case scenario or feel upset about something that has never happened.
• Seek help. Speak to a therapist or try joining a support group if you’re having a hard time managing stress. Others with psoriasis may have additional tips to share. The National Psoriasis Foundation has an online support community where you can ask questions and empower others.

I hope these tips will help you break the psoriasis-stress cycle or better prepare you for future psoriasis flare-ups. If you’re recently diagnosed with psoriasis, I recommend visiting the National Psoriasis Foundation’s website for helpful resources and information about the condition.

Amber Specialty Pharmacy is also here to help. Our Dermatology Center of Excellence offers personalized patient care, access to needed medications and clinical support.

Source: The National Psoriasis Foundation, www.psoriasis.org.