August is Psoriasis Action Month, dedicated to taking steps to manage psoriasis and understand its impact. This August, it’s more important than ever to dedicate yourself to de-stressing and achieving a more manageable, sustainable lifestyle. Here’s why it’s important to take care of yourself this month and how you can prioritize self-care to prevent flare-ups.
Find ways to destress
Stress is a well-known trigger of psoriasis flare-ups, and as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, you’re likely familiar with the effects of long-term stress. Finding ways to destress and give yourself adequate rest is essential. It’s normal to feel the need to be productive and push through fatigue, but Psoriasis Action Month is about finding ways to reduce the emotional drain on your daily life – consider taking stock of your workload at home and at your job to make more time for the things that bring you energy and recovery. This might mean making more time to take a walk every day, finding ways to simplify your daily tasks, setting more time aside for your hobby, signing up for a yoga class, or improving your sleep hygiene.
Dedicate time to your psoriasis
There are many ways you can manage your psoriasis at home, so consider adding one or two to your normal schedule as a way of better preventing and taking care of flare-ups. This might mean adding a lukewarm bath to your nightly routine, spending time outside in the sun while you eat your lunch, or establishing a daily skincare routine developed specifically for psoriasis. It’s easy to become too busy to take care of your psoriasis until it becomes a problem, but dedicating a little time each day to it can help prevent flare-ups before they happen.
Meet with a mental health professional
People with psoriasis and other chronic conditions have a higher risk of developing depression and anxiety. A mental health professional can help you find ways to manage your symptoms in your day-to-day life while also helping you understand the impact they can have on your mental health. If you think you can’t afford a therapist or aren’t sure where to find one, consider reaching out to your local mental health organization or psoriasis support group for help.
Meet with a dermatologist
If you feel like you’ve been too busy to meet with a dermatologist or don’t think it will help, then try to set aside some time for it this month. A dermatologist can help with more than just prescribing the right medications – they can help you find ways to manage and prevent psoriasis flareups, help you understand your triggers, explore professional treatment options, and help you find resources to live with psoriasis, like support groups or organizations.
Schedule an Appointment
At HMGS Dermatology, we’re here to help you manage psoriasis and find ways to live your best life. To meet with our team of knowledgeable dermatologists, contact our South Jersey office by calling (856) 452-8586.
