By Dr. Jerry Bagel
Recent studies have shown there is a 50% increase frequency
of depression in psoriatics compared to non-psoriatics. Psoriatics are also
treated for depression 71% more than non-psoriatics.
Mostly, psoriatics feel embarrassed or self-conscious about the
appearance of psoriasis plaques.
While today, the general public has a pretty
good understanding of psoriasis, it wasn’t always like this. Patients who are
now middle-aged and older often tell our staff stories of being ridiculed
throughout their childhoods. They were not able to play with other kids because
their parents thought their skin condition was contagious. Imagine never being
able to attend a public pool because of the appearance of your psoriasis.
These experiences have lasting effects on the psyche and
having psoriasis as an adult is often seen as a difficult burden as well. Some
psoriatics report high anxiety and even suicidal thoughts. Their suffering is
prolonged because of the chronic nature of the disease—decades upon decades of
dealing with outbreaks. Adult patients often slip into an emotional
cycle—stress triggers psoriasis outbreaks and then the patient becomes even
more worried about their appearance. This may keep them from seeking
relationships, getting exercise and generally enjoying hobbies that people
without psoriasis might take for granted.
But there are many reasons for psoriatics to be optimistic.
With so many treatments and ways to alter your lifestyle to reduce flare ups,
you don’t have to imprison yourself.
Seek treatment from
an experienced dermatologist. Most obviously, patients shouldn’t wait for
psoriasis to go away on its own. If you lessen the appearance and chance of
flare-ups, the better you will feel, physically and emotionally. One study
conducted by the manufacturers of Enbrel shows depression improves over a 12
week period as the psoriasis improves. It’s important to see a dermatologist
with substantial psoriasis experience who can help find the treatment that is
right for you. Windsor Dermatology regularly offers clinical trials to help
deliver the most cutting-edge treatment for psoriasis available.
Reduce stress.
Sometimes the chaos of life is unavoidable but there are small steps you can
take to ensure you are lessening the chances of a psoriasis outbreak. Try to
get more sleep, don’t take on any extra responsibilities and think about
integrating meditation or yoga into your routine.
Take the healthy
route. It’s easy to binge on junk food when you are feeling bad about
yourself, but the best thing for psoriasis is to stick to a diet comprised of
lots of fruits and vegetables, lean meats and fish. Limit your sugar and
alcohol intake, as well as fatty and processed foods. Staying committed to this
diet can vastly improve your psoriasis, as well as your overall health,
emotional well-being and longevity.
These lifestyle changes take effort, but if you find
yourself fed up with feeling trapped by your psoriasis, it’s time to take
action against it. You don’t have to just give into it. Let the professionals
at the Psoriasis Treatment Center of Central New Jersey
help you customize a plan that works for you. Call us today at (609) 443-4500.
