My ‘itchy’ Situation.

So, I understand this is not the most enticing title, but I really could’t think of anything better for this post.

I have this pesky skin condition called psoriasis. The weird thing is, it popped up while I was pregnant. I assumed this was something that was genetics but apparently this is not always the case, but it is an auto- immune disease, and those do run in my family.

Other causes or triggers are stress, infections, smoking, medications and cold weather.

I breakout on my scalp and in my ears. Yes, inside my ears. Before I knew what it was I was going crazy because I thought I might have gotten ear mites from my dog!

I know, I know that’s impossible, but I was so miserable, I wasn’t thinking clearly. It would keep me up at night and I would take benadryl, thinking maybe it was an allergic reaction, but if not at least it would knock me out and I could get some rest. Finally, after year of breakouts I went to my dermatologist and she diagnosed it is psoriasis.

Basically, psoriasis causes skin cells to grow too quickly which results in flaky, itchy skin that leaves you with red or white patches of dry skin.  Here is a full description. Anyone who suffers from this knows how much it can effect your daily life.

My dermatologist basically gave me a high dosage of topical steroid to use anytime I have a breakout, but I would really love to prevent them all together instead of putting something so harsh on my skin for two weeks every month.

I wanted to share with you guys my research and what I have been doing to prevent breakouts.

Tar Shampoo- This softens and loosens the scales on your scalp to be removed. It’s smelly and a blackish brown color. I know, not attractive but I have seen improvement. I use tea tree oil conditioner after and it takes away the weird smell. I use Neutrogena T/Gel. 

Avoid Alcohol- Studies have shown that people (mostly men) who abuse alcohol have a higher risk of having psoriasis and being unresponsive to their medications. Limiting intake of alcohol may reduce outbreaks.

Get a little sunlight- Sun rays can help slow the growth of skin cells, but make sure you don’t get too much because a sunburn can worsen psoriasis.

Keep skin moisturized- Dry skin can trigger an outbreak so stay moisturized. Body butters or oils are best.

Keep calm- Stress is linked to psoriasis, and I can attest to this. I had my first outbreak while I was pregnant, at the most stressful job I’ve ever had. These days I try to relax with a warm bath or a good book.

Healthy Diet- Psoriasis is linked to obesity. It is recommended to eat a clean diet with lot’s of fruits and veggies. Certain studies have shown that some patients with psoriasis have a gluten sensitivity, thus a diet free of gluten helped prevent breakouts.

Do any of you suffer from psoriasis or any other auto- immune disease?

How do you deal with it?