Since I’ve been living with psoriasis for over 15 years, you’d think I’d have this disease figured out by now. But when you live with a chronic disease, there will always be curveballs.
As much as you may think your psoriasis is under control, you may still be prone to unexpected flare-ups.
It’s best to be prepared for any situation. That’s why I’m sharing the three things I never leave home without.
This might sound cliche, but I always carry a travel-size bottle of lotion in all my bags.
You never know when your flare-ups are going to bother or irritate you. Having lotion with you wherever you go means you’ll always have something nearby to help ease the irritation.
Also, living that #MomLife means I’m always carrying baby lotion. It works great on my flares when I’m in a pinch. I love finding products that serve multiple purposes.
If you have psoriasis, it is recommended that you apply moisturizer at least once a day — more often if your skin is very dry.
While lotion is not a substitute for any prescribed treatments, it can help with itching and flaking. When looking for a moisturizer, try to pick one without fragrances. Products with fragrances can further irritate your skin. The National Psoriasis Foundation Seal of Recognition can be found on products meant to be safe and non-irritating for individuals with psoriasis.
When it comes to finding the right lotion, everyone is different. Keep in mind that it can take some trial and error to find the right lotion for you.
Check out the National Psoriasis Foundation’s approved products here.
I know others can relate to the notoriously dry skin you get when living with psoriasis. My lips get super dry as well.
No matter where I go, you’ll always see me carrying around lip balm. I like organic lip balms with minimal ingredients I can actually pronounce.
For example, one of my favorite lip balms is made with only organic cocoa butter, beeswax, extra-virgin coconut oil, and essential oils.
Keep in mind that beeswax and essential oils may cause a contact dermatitis reaction for some individuals.
In a pinch, I even apply the balm to minor flare-ups. I get small patches of psoriasis along my hairline and ear every now and then. Lip balm is my lifesaver, for sure.
Does anyone else seem to get cold whenever they leave the house? Even if it’s 90 degrees out, I’ll still feel cold at some point.
In these situations, a lightweight cardigan has saved me so many times. I tend to stick to cotton or viscose since these fabrics are the most breathable.
Try to avoid wool and other heavy fabrics, as these can irritate your skin. Choose gentler fabrics that allow your skin to breathe, such as cotton, silk blends, or cashmere.
If you are wearing a thicker fabric for warmth, you may consider layering a gentler fabric underneath.
Because I’m prepared, I don’t have to worry about irritating my flare-ups when it’s on the chilly side.
When I’m looking for skin care products, I always make sure they can be used in multiple ways. If you can get more than one type of use out of an item, why wouldn’t you get it?
It’s even better when you know exactly what’s in the products you use. With a chronic disease like psoriasis, you never know what can be an irritant for your flare-ups.
When you know what the products you’re using are made from, that becomes one less thing you have to worry about.
Healthline’s Bezzy Psoriasis
If you’re looking to connect with other people with your condition, resources like Healthline’s Bezzy Psoriasis offer an online community for community, peer and expert guidance, and support.
Sabrina Skiles is a lifestyle and psoriasis blogger. She created her blog as a lifestyle resource for millennial women and those living with psoriasis. She shares daily inspiration on topics such as health and wellness, motherhood and marriage, and managing a chronic disease while living a stylish life. Sabrina is also a volunteer mentor, coach, and social ambassador for the National Psoriasis Foundation. You can find her sharing psoriasis tips while living a stylish life on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
