Psoriasis can be an ordeal in the best of times. For many people with this chronic autoimmune disease, trying to manage symptoms under lockdown is taking its toll.  Although scientists still don’t know exactly what causes psoriasis, stress is a well-known trigger, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation. At the same time, a psoriasis flare can cause stress, resulting in a frustrating vicious cycle. 

To assist psoriasis sufferers reduce stress levels in general, meditation and relaxation breathing exercises may be helpful. But avoid a long soak in a hot bath, as appealing as that may sound. For your skin’s sake, the less time in hot water, the better. Take shorter and more tepid showers and baths.

Meanwhile, try to do all the things you do under normal circumstances to help ease your psoriasis symptoms and avoid a flare: follow the treatment plan recommended by your dermatologist, get plenty of sleep, wear loose cotton clothing, and forgo junk food in favor of whole, unprocessed foods like fruits and veggies. Inflammatory ingredients like sugar, alcohol and dairy should be avoided while upping your intake of anti-inflammatory choices like berries, salmon, and turmeric.

The additional hygiene precautions we’re all practicing to prevent the spread of COVID-19 may also be taking their toll on people with psoriasis. Be careful about extra handwashing. A gentle cleanser used appropriately (at least 20 seconds with warm water) will do the job. Avoid alcohol-based hand sanitizers, which can really dry out compromised skin caused by psoriasis.

Wearing face masks and gloves and using chemical disinfectants in the home can also aggravate chronic skin conditions and increase dryness, which can make psoriasis worse. To keep skin moist, use a thicker moisturizer on your body both day and night. After your bath or shower, ‘seal’ your skin with a salve, like PsoriaCare ointment. Apply this to affected areas at night before bed and cover them with something—even plastic wrap—to retain moisture.” 

The upshot is keep calm, eat well, and moisturize. Not always easy to practice in real life, but certainly a goal to strive for … The following products will help.