Stress and Psoriasis
Stress and Psoriasis
Stress and psoriasis seem to go together. Stress can make psoriasis worse, and psoriasis can make you stressed. But there are ways to ease stress that may help your psoriasis, too.
Learn techniques to relax. Try one of these stress-busters:
Alternative Ways to Treat Psoriasis
You have a lot of options for treating your psoriasis. Along with medications, there are simple ways to fight flares and ease your symptoms.There's more research on psoriasis drugs, which are closely regulated by the FDA, than alternative therapies. But if you find a solution that works for you, it could be a great way to make your skin feel better.
Read the Alternative Ways to Treat Psoriasis article > >
They can lower stress and may even help your treatment. One study found that people who listened to meditation tapes while they got light therapy did twice as well as those who only got light therapy.
Long walks and long baths are also good ways to ease stress.
Get a massage. A good massage can:
If you can, find a massage therapist who has worked with people who have psoriasis.
Trust your doctor. To ease stress, you need to have faith in your doctor to work out the best plan for your treatment. You are partners. If you don't feel like you are, or if you have doubts about your treatment plan, see another doctor.
Get professional help. If you find stress and psoriasis hard to handle -- or feel very anxious or depressed -- see a mental health therapist.
A therapist can help you manage some of the hard emotional issues that stem from life with psoriasis. A therapist can also teach you useful ways to calm stress.
Get better treatment.Psoriasis treatment itself can sometimes be stressful. But it can also be the best cure for both your stress and psoriasis. If you have good control of your condition, you get rid of the core cause of your stress.
Experts aren't sure how psoriasis and stress are linked. It may have to do with an effect on the immune system. Some people have their first flare of psoriasis during a very stressful time in their life.
So what aspects of psoriasis may cause stress?
Stigma.Living with psoriasis can make you self-conscious and ashamed. Any aspect of being social can be stressful, from going on a date to shaking someone's hand.
Finances.Psoriasis treatments can be costly. A year's supply of biologic drugs can cost more than $25,000. And even cheaper treatments add up.
Learn techniques to relax. Try one of these stress-busters:
Recommended Related to Psoriasis
Alternative Ways to Treat Psoriasis
You have a lot of options for treating your psoriasis. Along with medications, there are simple ways to fight flares and ease your symptoms.There's more research on psoriasis drugs, which are closely regulated by the FDA, than alternative therapies. But if you find a solution that works for you, it could be a great way to make your skin feel better.
Read the Alternative Ways to Treat Psoriasis article > >
- Deep breathing
- Meditation
- Tai chi
- Yoga
They can lower stress and may even help your treatment. One study found that people who listened to meditation tapes while they got light therapy did twice as well as those who only got light therapy.
Long walks and long baths are also good ways to ease stress.
Get a massage. A good massage can:
- Ease muscle tension
- Lower stress
- Help you relax
If you can, find a massage therapist who has worked with people who have psoriasis.
Trust your doctor. To ease stress, you need to have faith in your doctor to work out the best plan for your treatment. You are partners. If you don't feel like you are, or if you have doubts about your treatment plan, see another doctor.
Get professional help. If you find stress and psoriasis hard to handle -- or feel very anxious or depressed -- see a mental health therapist.
A therapist can help you manage some of the hard emotional issues that stem from life with psoriasis. A therapist can also teach you useful ways to calm stress.
Get better treatment.Psoriasis treatment itself can sometimes be stressful. But it can also be the best cure for both your stress and psoriasis. If you have good control of your condition, you get rid of the core cause of your stress.
How Psoriasis Causes Stress
Experts aren't sure how psoriasis and stress are linked. It may have to do with an effect on the immune system. Some people have their first flare of psoriasis during a very stressful time in their life.
So what aspects of psoriasis may cause stress?
Stigma.Living with psoriasis can make you self-conscious and ashamed. Any aspect of being social can be stressful, from going on a date to shaking someone's hand.
Finances.Psoriasis treatments can be costly. A year's supply of biologic drugs can cost more than $25,000. And even cheaper treatments add up.
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