Finding Relief from Psoriasis | Anthony Fernandez, MD

Summary

In this podcast episode, Dr. Anthony Fernandez, a dermatologist specializing in autoimmune diseases, discusses psoriasis, its triggers, and effective management strategies. The conversation highlights common psoriasis flare-up triggers such as infections, stress, injuries, and environmental factors. Dr. Fernandez offers practical advice for prevention, including adopting a Mediterranean diet, exercising, managing stress, and getting quality sleep. Additionally, he shares tips for dealing with flare-ups, such as using moisturizers, taking oatmeal baths, and moderate sunlight exposure. Overall, the podcast emphasizes the importance of healthy lifestyle choices in controlling psoriasis and improving overall health.

Takeaways

• 😀 Psoriasis is a chronic condition that affects the skin and immune system, causing physical and emotional burdens beyond cosmetic concerns.
• 😀 Infections, particularly viral and bacterial ones like strep throat, are common triggers for psoriasis flare-ups.
• 😀 Major life stressors such as job loss or personal relationships can also trigger psoriasis flare-ups by affecting the immune system.
• 😀 Physical injury to the skin or certain medications can activate psoriasis symptoms.
• 😀 Sunburns and environmental irritants like allergens or pollutants can exacerbate psoriasis flare-ups.
• 😀 Healthy lifestyle choices, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and good sleep hygiene, play a crucial role in controlling psoriasis.
• 😀 The Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, has anti-inflammatory benefits that can help manage psoriasis.
• 😀 Exercise not only helps with physical health but also reduces stress, which can trigger psoriasis flare-ups.
• 😀 Managing stress effectively, through methods like exercise, reading, or relaxation, can help calm the immune system and reduce psoriasis activity.
• 😀 Quality sleep, ideally 7-8 hours per night, is essential for controlling inflammation and reducing the severity of psoriasis.
• 😀 Over-the-counter moisturizers, oatmeal baths, and moderate sun exposure are effective home remedies for alleviating itching and pain during flare-ups.

Q & A

What is psoriasis, and how does it affect people?

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition characterized by patches of scaly, discolored skin. It goes beyond being just a cosmetic issue, as it can cause significant physical and emotional distress, affecting day-to-day activities.

Are there any known triggers for psoriasis flare-ups?

Yes, common triggers include infections such as upper respiratory viral infections or strep throat, life stressors like job loss or significant breakups, injuries, certain medications, and environmental factors like sunburn or skin irritation.

Can stress cause psoriasis flare-ups?

Yes, significant life stressors can trigger psoriasis flare-ups by activating the immune system in an abnormal way. Stress management is essential for controlling psoriasis.

What lifestyle changes can help manage psoriasis?

Adopting a healthy lifestyle is crucial. This includes following an anti-inflammatory diet like the Mediterranean diet, exercising regularly to manage stress, getting adequate sleep (7-8 hours), and finding effective ways to manage stress.

Why is the Mediterranean diet recommended for people with psoriasis?

The Mediterranean diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins like fish and nuts, and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps calm the immune system, reduce inflammation, and has shown benefits for various chronic inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.

What role does weight management play in psoriasis?

Maintaining a healthy weight is important because obesity can worsen psoriasis. Losing weight can help improve the condition by reducing inflammation in the body.

What are some effective home remedies for managing psoriasis flare-ups?

Home remedies include using over-the-counter moisturizers, taking oatmeal baths, getting natural sunlight (but avoiding sunburn), and using cold compresses to relieve itching and discomfort.

Can psoriasis spread to other parts of the body?

Yes, psoriasis can spread due to the 'Köbner phenomenon', where trauma or injury to the skin can trigger the development of psoriasis in the affected area.

How can psoriasis be prevented from spreading?

There is no guaranteed way to prevent psoriasis from spreading, but minimizing injury to the skin and adopting healthy lifestyle practices to keep the immune system calm can reduce the risk.

What should someone with psoriasis do if they experience a flare-up and have no prescription medications available?

In such cases, focus on managing the symptoms with home remedies like moisturizers, cold compresses, and natural sunlight. It's also essential to maintain healthy lifestyle habits, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and good sleep hygiene.