How to Manage the Pain
Manage the Itching
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to get rid of the itch with one simple remedy? Unfortunately, that’s just not the case for many psoriasis sufferers, and instead they must use trial and error (and an open mind) to find a combination that works reasonably well. Luckily, there are plenty of remedies to try before you painfully scratch through your skin.
De-Stress
Stress interferes with your immune system, which means a rising stress level can easily trigger a psoriasis flare or aggravate your itch. If you’re in a particularly stressful period, put aside more time to relax and also to exercise.
Both are extraordinarily helpful when it comes to chasing away worries and refocusing your mind. If regular exercise and meditation don’t work, it’s time to seek some outside help to bring your stress back to a reasonable level as soon as possible.
Moisturize
First and foremost, keep your skin moist all day long. A heavy, simple (fragrance-free) cream can do the trick, or try rubbing a spoonful of olive oil or coconut oil for psoriasis into your dry areas.
If you need something more heavy duty, see your doctor about a prescription steroid cream or something with salicylic acid. But be careful: stronger ingredients might relieve itch, but they can also make pain worse.
Prevent Cracks
Dryness leads to cracking, cracking leads to pain, and severe cracking can lead to infection of the exposed tissue. Once an infection sets in, you can bet your pain and discomfort will get a lot worse. So, while it’s easier said than done, you should do everything in your power to protect your plaques from cracking in the first place.
Although moisturizing creams and lotions can be good for psoriasis plaques and itchy scales, most varieties are not suited for cracked skin — they’ll probably bring more irritation than relief. See your doctor about a prescription for a greasy ointment instead; the thicker the layer that stays on top of your plaques, the better protected your body will be.
Try Acupuncture
Although there isn’t much hard evidence that acupuncture can relieve autoimmune disorders, it has been shown to help with pain. A 2012 study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found acupuncture to be effective at treating chronic pain, so there’s a chance it can help with your psoriasis pain, too.
Considering this ancient practice has also been used to reduce stress — a major psoriasis trigger — it could also help to fight your symptoms at the source.
Pain isn’t always easy to deal with, and since everyone experiences it a bit differently, it can be difficult to describe. Try to make some detailed notes as soon as your psoriasis flares up, so you can better describe the sensation and the progression to your doctor. Although psoriasis can take many forms, there could be another issue at play as well, especially if you notice new or worsening symptoms.
