If you suffer from psoriasis, the skin ailment is always present, lying dormant and preparing to strike. There are a variety of foods, actions, and environmental factors that can trigger psoriasis and cause a flare-up, but one of the most well known is stress.
What Came First, the Stress or the Psoriasis?
You are stressed because you have a psoriasis outbreak. You have psoriasis because you are stressed. The link between psoriasis and stress is similar to the famous question, “What came first, the chicken or the egg?” While many would say there is unequivocal evidence showing a link between stress and a psoriasis outbreak, others argue that it is hard to tell since living with psoriasis can be so stressful.
How Does Stress Trigger Psoriasis?
When your body is injured or under attack by an infection, your immune system responds to the threat by trying to heal the wound. In an attempt to fight the infection or injury, your body sends out chemicals that cause inflammation, and scientists believe that the body responds the same way to stress. Since psoriasis is the result of your body’s immune system sending out too many chemicals, stress can compound the problem and cause a psoriasis flare-up.
How Can I Manage My Stress to Reduce Psoriasis Flare-Ups?
There are a variety of different stress management techniques. If properly utilized, these techniques can reduce your level of stress and hopefully reduce your psoriasis flare-ups. Here are a few of the most effective stress management tips.
Meditation
Meditation is a technique to calm down your body and mind, controlling your environment by paying special attention to your breathing. The technique aims to clear your mind and get to a level of internal Zen. Next time you are feeling stressed, try to meditate and push all negative thoughts out of your head.
Yoga
Another great way to relieve stress is yoga. Yoga helps you to sweat out unwanted toxins, stretches your body so you are feeling great, and has a great message of peace and tranquility.
Exercise
Exercise floods your body with endorphins, giving you the infamous “runner’s high”. The endorphins flood your body with good feelings that can make any day seem instantly better. Exercise can also help you sleep better and reduce anxiety. Finally, if you exercise and get into great shape, your self-confidence level will rise and can subsequently reduce your stress.
Psoriasis Treatment at California Dermatology and Clinical Research Institute
Regardless of how well you are able to manage your stress levels, a flare-up is bound to happen. If you regularly experience psoriasis flare-ups, you need a treatment method that can keep the itching and irritation at bay. At California Dermatology and Clinical Research Institute in San Diego, we provide individuals with the latest psoriasis treatment for free through clinical research trials. If you are interested in joining a study, give us a call at (760) 203-3839.