Staying Healthy
There are many things you can do to keep a healthy lifestyle. The key things are mentioned below; please discuss them with your healthcare team for more specific advice.
Your treatment
Make sure that you agree a treatment plan with your healthcare team and use your treatments carefully as prescribed.
You may want to keep a diary of the symptoms you experience and how they change with treatment or particular events or activities. To download a symptom diary which you can use please click here. This will help your healthcare team identify the best treatment for you and you may identify things that might make your psoriasis worse.
Diet and exercise
It is important for everyone to have a healthy balanced diet and regular exercise to stay fit and healthy.
Diet is particularly important as what you eat may affect your psoriasis. Having a balanced diet, and a diet rich in fish oils can reduce the symptoms of psoriasis whereas a lot of Gluten or alcohol can make psoriasis worse.
If you find it uncomfortable to participate in sporting activities, eg, because of the rubbing of your clothing making your psoriasis sore, speak to your healthcare team about creams that can protect your skin from such irritation. Choosing loose cotton clothing that is comfortable may also help for some people. It is important not to let your psoriasis stop you from getting exercise.
Emotional well-being
Finding out you have psoriasis can cause you to experience a range of emotions. You may feel confused, angry or depressed. It is quite common to feel this way, but such feelings can be reduced by discussing your psoriasis and the way you feel with friends and family.
Remember that in time, by working with your healthcare team, you should find a treatment that will improve your symptoms.
Sleep
When your psoriasis is uncomfortable it can keep you awake. Speak to your healthcare team about creams to soothe the uncomfortable areas of psoriasis so that you get enough sleep. This can be important because any stress caused by your lack of sleep may worsen your psoriasis.
Smoking
Smoking prevents your immune system from working properly and can also worsen the symptoms of your psoriasis. So consider stopping smoking. Your healthcare team can give you information about finding help to give it up.