Cook County Health Offers Three Tips for Dealing with Psoriasis
August is Psoriasis Awareness Month. Psoriasis is a lifelong disease related to the immune system that causes inflammation in the body and a sped-up growth cycle of skin cells, which leads to skin lesions. It is not contagious.
In recognition of Psoriasis Awareness Month, Cook County Health​ has three reminders for patients living with psoriasis for how to control the painful itching that comes with the condition.
Keep your skin moisturized. Use a moisturizing cream after every hand washing, bath or shower, to keep in much-needed moisture in your skin. This helps reduce redness and itch as well as assists with skin healing. Keep lotion in the refrigerator to keep it cool and help soothe irritated skin.
Apply a cold compress. The cold can reduce the need to itch by blocking the nerves.
Skip long baths or showers, especially hot ones. Hot water can make skin irritation and dryness worse.
Stress can be a trigger for psoriasis so find ways to control your stress through meditation or exercise.
If you need help controlling your psoriasis symptoms or need to speak to a doctor, call Cook County Health at 312-864-0200.