The exact cause of psoriasis is still unknown. Many studies have been conducted, but we still do not know what triggers it exactly. However, we know that psoriasis and stress are linked. Having psoriasis can be very stressful, and stress itself can also trigger outbreaks. As a matter of fact, stress management can help keep psoriasis under control. The good news is that there are many techniques and natural remedies for stress and anxiety. A better stress management may positively impact psoriasis symptoms. Here are a few tips!
What’s Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a skin disease characterized by red to brown inflamed patches, which are often covered with silvery-white scales. Skin cells on the epidermis are the culprits.
They grow more rapidly than they should. These cells form in eight days instead of twenty-eight days, causing scaly patches that cover larger and larger areas, mainly on scalp, legs, knees, elbows, ears, back, toes and fingernails.
Plaque psoriasis is the most common type, but they’re different types of psoriasis.
How Does Psoriasis Start? Is It An Autoimmune Disease?
Psoriasis is usually said to be an autoimmune phenomenon. Indeed persons with psoriasis often have a family history of this disease. Scientists believe that more than one gene is involved in psoriasis susceptibility. 20 regions of chromosomes may be involved in the disease development.(1)
However, there are still other factors that have great chances to trigger psoriasis, such as cold weather, infections, and emotional triggers.
Can Stress Trigger Psoriasis?
Psoriasis commonly begins between the age of fifteen and twenty-five, sometimes after experiencing a separation, a death, a divorce or a great amount of stress.
Studies show a correlation between the severity of psoriasis symptoms and psychological distress and the impact of adverse life events. (2)
It may also result from a problem in utilization of fat, a weaker immune system, an unhealthy colon, candidiasis, or a streptococcus infection.
Once you have it, flare-ups can be triggered by different factors, mainly by stress!
But there are a lot of other potential triggers, such as an imbalance in your hormones, illness, cuts, infections, overuse of drugs or alcohol, cold weather, skin damage, food allergies, and some medications such as lithium, quinidine or beta-blockers prescribed for high blood pressure or inflammation.
What can you do to reduce stress and improve psoriasis?
This non-contagious skin disease is said to be incurable. However many people find a way to control it, to stop it from spreading, and eventually to get rid of the symptoms probably with a better understanding of how their own body works.
Meditation and yoga can help a lot in dealing with anxiety and stress. Practicing it daily is one of the best ways to control psoriasis if the main trigger is associated with emotional difficulties.
There are many ways to help you heal step by step by looking at the principal underlying causes. If stress is a trigger, talk to your doctor about it.
Psoriasis treatment itself can be stressful. But if you have good control of your condition, you’ll be less stressed!
There are also herbs that help reduce stress, such as chamomile or lavender. One of the best essential oils to deal with anxiety is Geranium essential oil. It’s often recommended for people who have psoriasis. (3)
Although some people struggle to find the root of their disease, others find it with less effort. Don’t be discouraged! Keep positive thoughts, and don’t hesitate to get help from a mental health therapist if you feel depressed or stressed. This will help a lot.
Sources:
(1) http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090125142116.htm
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2048373
(3) http://www.optiderma.com/skin-conditions/psoriasis-treatments-remedies/
