Psychological Impact of Psoriasis on Patients

The visible nature and complications associated with psoriasis patches can potentially lead to a number of psychological issues like anxiety and stress. This creates a burden on patients that extends beyond the physical challenges. Addressing the psychological effects of psoriasis and learning coping strategies may benefit the patient in dealing with depressive thoughts. 

Psoriasis, a long-term skin condition caused by the malfunctioning of our immune system, leads to the formation of reddish, scaly patches all over the body. It affects approximately 1.5%  to 3% of the total world’s population. Men and women are equally affected by the symptoms, and the condition can occur at any age. 

The relationship between psoriasis and emotional health is mutual. Yes, stress can also be the reason behind frequent psoriasis flare-ups. That is why it becomes important for patients to learn about strategies to handle the emotional pressure. This blog consists of multiple strategies to cope with this. Read to know more. 

Managing the Symptoms

The very first important thing a patient must learn is to manage the symptoms of skin psoriasis effectively. Only when you can take charge of your physical well-being, will you have the time and patience to take care of your emotional health. 

Otherwise, you will mostly be frustrated by the itching and irritation caused by the condition, and flare-ups will make your mood even worse. So, here we mention some proven home remedies that may help manage and calm psoriasis symptoms.

Psoriasis treatment home remedies

1. Coconut oil: Well this oil is considered to be a natural remedy for scalp psoriasis, and it also provides relief from the dryness of the skin caused by this disease.
2. Aloe vera: It is one of the most common natural ingredients known for its benefits on skin health. In fact, multiple researches have also shown that aloe vera can help reduce redness and scale skin cells that arise due to psoriasis. 
3. Turmeric: You might have grown up listening to your grandparents about the medicinal benefits of turmeric. However, if you are wondering, can I apply turmeric to psoriasis? Well, the answer is yes. Adding turmeric to your meals can help your body fight inflammation. 
4. Stay Hydrates: Adequate hydration helps prevent your skin from becoming excessively dry, as the human body is composed of up to 60% water. It’s crucial to continuously replenish your body’s water supply.
5. Dietary changes: There’s no exact psoriasis diet, but your food choices can either help or make your symptoms worse. Good foods for psoriasis are anti-inflammatory, while bad foods are inflammatory. Alcohol, dairy, and gluten should be limited if you have psoriasis.

So, these were the top 5 remedies that might benefit in the short-term management of psoriasis triggers. It is advisable to consult skin specialists before implementing these remedies. One more thing to mention here is that these remedies are not a replacement for your medical treatment plan. Please be consistent with it. 

How psoriasis affects mental health and ways to cope with it. 

Once you have learned to deal with the signs and symptoms of psoriasis, it is time to understand the methodologies by which the disease can lead to emotional stress. We will also mention about the coping strategies to handle it. There are two major aspects in which psoriasis can affect people, firstly at a personal level, creating issues such as negative body image. Secondly, there is a lot of social stigma associated with the condition. 

• Body image and self-esteem:

The disease can affect the perceptions about the body image of the patient. It can especially impact younger patients. They might get affected by the opinions of others and get tired of dealing with explaining their condition to people. 

Sometimes, they might feel less than others. It can be important for the patients to build a positive body image and develop the habit of self-acceptance. You can implement the following procedures to achieve it; 

• Practise positive self-talk: Avoid negative self-talk and focus on what your body can do. 
• Take care of your body: Eat a variety of foods, get enough rest, and exercise for fun. 
• Set healthy boundaries: Distance yourself from people who disturb your mental peace.

• Social Stigma and Daily Stress:

Psoriasis patches can appear suddenly, causing itchiness, tightness, and pain. This can be stressful, especially for those with the condition for a long time, as stress can worsen the symptoms. 

This creates a cycle of pain and flare-ups, causing stress on a daily basis. People can also face social discrimination due to this condition. Here, we mention coping strategies to handle it; 

• Educate Yourself and Others: Psoriasis is not contagious, yet it’s common for people to be judgmental due to a lack of understanding. By educating yourself and others about psoriasis and sharing your personal experiences, you can help reduce the stigma associated with the condition.
• Find a Support Group: Connect with others who are living with psoriasis through support groups or organisations. These communities can provide exceptional support and understanding.
• Advocacy for Yourself: Be open about your condition and advocate for the accommodations you may need. This can help ensure that you can live your life to the fullest.
• Accept Flares as Part of Life: Even with treatment, it’s possible to experience future flare-ups. Accepting this reality can lead to a more fulfilling life, as it allows you to focus on what you can do rather than what you can’t.
• Consider Seeking Mental Health Support: If you’re struggling with feelings of low self-esteem and negative body image, it’s important to seek help from a mental health professional.

So, these were strategies to cope with psoriasis psychological pressure. However, to achieve a permanent solution for psoriasis, it is important to seek appropriate medical help. Homeopathy comes forward with its natural treatment procedures, offering complete relief from a number of health issues. The medical system has been widely appreciated by patients for its efficacy and long-lasting results. However, the choice of hospital is also important when receiving medical help for a disease.

Why choose us?

Bharat Homeopathy is the top choice for people looking for effective homeopathic treatment for their health problems. Our hospital is famous for its successful work in treating different health issues. We have a history of helping hundreds of people with long-lasting skin problems like psoriasis and vitiligo. We make sure that our homeopathic treatment for plaque psoriasis is made just for you, considering your mental health, physical symptoms, and other personal details. 

Our doctors completely analyse the patient’s condition and medical history to prescribe the best homeopathic remedy for psoriasis. We also offer a complementary diet plan to our patients for better management of the condition. Contact us to learn more about our treatment plan.