Psoriasis outbreaks can be caused by external triggers

Of the nearly 4.5 million adults in the United States who suffer from psoriasis, a non-contagious lifelong skin disease, each one has a story to tell about the many and varied psoriasis treatment options they have tried. Psoriasis sufferers are showing real relief from shielding lotions when coupled with other lifestyle changes as a non-prescription option to minimize the effects of outbreaks from external triggers.

Psoriasis is considered an immune system disorder when the immune system sends the wrong message causing skin cells to grow too quickly – every three to four days instead of the usual 30-day cycle. The skin cells build up on the skin's surface forming red, flaky and scaly patches or "plaques," that are often itchy and uncomfortable. Psoriasis generally appears on the joints, limbs and scalp, but it can appear anywhere on the body.

There are five types of psoriasis:

Plaque: The most common form characterized by raised, red patches or lesions covered with a silvery white buildup of dead skin cells, called scale

Guttate: Appears as small red spots on the skin

Inverse: Occurs in armpits, groin and skin folds and usually lacks the scaly appearance of the more common plaque type.

Pustular: Characterized by white blisters surrounded by red skin
Erythrodermic: Intense redness located over large areas of the skin

Many psoriasis treatment options can provide relief and in some instances clear psoriasis for periods of time. Your physician should always be consulted and will determine which treatment is best for you based on your type of psoriasis, its location on the body, its severity, and your age and medical history.

While there is no cure, relief may come in the form of recognizing psoriasis triggers, which can range from emotional stress, injury to the skin either by trauma or by external irritants, some types of infection and reaction to certain drugs. Although unproven, other triggers – including dietary choices, particularly food allergens, other respiratory and skin allergies, deficiencies such as a lack of zinc, and weather, such as dry skin caused by winter air – can make people more susceptible to outbreaks.

Although there is no substitution for quality medical care and treatment recommendations, some helpful suggestions to help sufferers manage psoriasis include the following:

--Keep the areas affected hydrated with a shielding lotion applied to the entire body just after bathing. Shielding lotions are excellent at providing a protective barrier that keeps the external irritants away from the skin's surface and holds moisture in the deeper layers.

--Take care of skin infections immediately. Any injury or infection is a known trigger and can complicate an already uncomfortable situation.

--Increase sun exposure on affected areas where possible. Ultraviolet light – in moderation – is a very effective treatment option for psoriasis. Be smart. Don't stay in the sun too long and expose yourself to skin cancer risks.

--Eat nutrient rich foods, particularly a diet high in oily fish – such as tuna, mackerel, sardines, and salmon. Boost zinc intake as well. There also seems to be a correlation between zinc deficiency and psoriasis.

--Avoid known food allergens and minimize other allergy causes when possible. A connection between the body's reaction to allergens and psoriasis outbreaks is suspected. Some highly acidic foods such as tomatoes, as well as fatty meats, pork products and caffeine all have been reported as triggers.

--Avoid alcohol. For some unknown reason, alcohol exacerbates psoriasis.

--Stress is a main trigger for psoriasis. Avoid stressful situations, but if you are feeling stressed, find ways to relax. Exercise and meditation are excellent stress relievers.

--Skip a day between shaves when possible, and consider using electric shavers rather than razors with blades to avoid injury to the skin or exacerbating an outbreak.

Research hopes to find a cure for psoriasis, but good hygiene, lifestyle improvements and keeping skin hydrated and supple using a quality shielding lotion are excellent psoriasis treatment options to help sufferers find some relief.

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Author, Gloria MacTaggart, is a freelance writer who contributes articles on skin care for Gloves In A Bottle, Inc. For more information, visit www.glovesinabottle.com.