5 Things You Need to Know About Caring For Psoriasis

1. Learn to Leave Your Skin Alone

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes dry, flaking and red and irritated skin. As hard as it may seem, try not to scratch or pick at your skin, as it will only make your symptoms worse. Additionally, you should try to wear loose-fitting shoes and clothing and avoid watches or bracelets that scratch the skin. Even careless nail trimming that nicks the skin around your nails can cause a flare-up of symptoms.

2. Super Soaps for Psoriasis

One of the most important skin care tips for psoriasis is to choose a mild soap that doesn't aggravate your symptoms. The most common soaps that doctors recommend for psoriasis include Basis, Dove and Neutrogena; through trial and error, you can find the right soap and brand for you. Look for soaps with natural ingredients and no perfumes. Both harsh chemicals and artificial scents can aggravate psoriasis.

3. Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

Applying lotion to your skin at least twice a day is essential skin care for psoriasis. Again, select creams or lotions that are mostly made of natural products and do not contain chemicals. You will get the best results from your moisturizers if you use them as soon as you leave a shower or bath, as they will help to hold the moisture in your skin. You may also find that adding bath oils to the tub as you soak can help to deeply moisturize your skin.

4. Olive Oil to the Rescue

If your daily moisturizer just doesn't cut it for more severe flare-ups of psoriasis, try applying a generous layer of cold-pressed olive oil to effected areas and then wrapping with plastic wrap. Olive oil works in a number of ways, helping to exfoliate excess dead skin cells, repair damaged skin and moisturize deeply without aggravating open wounds. A natural moisturizer that will not clog pores or cause acne, olive oil can also be used as a massage oil, a fantastic way to help relieve full body symptoms of psoriasis.

5. Tricks and Tips for Soothing Psoriasis

In addition to basic skin care, adjusting your climate can do wonders for psoriasis symptoms. Psoriasis tends to flare up when the body is subjected to cold, so keep the temperature inside of your house warm and bundle up when going outside. Additionally, a humidifier in your home can help to prevent over-drying of skin, particularly if you are using artificial heating.