Psoriasis is a skin condition that can change over time. There may be periods when the skin looks better, followed by flare-ups when redness, itching, scaling and irritation become more noticeable. These changes can sometimes be linked to everyday factors such as stress, weather, sweating, skin irritation, clothing and lifestyle habits.
Knowing what can trigger a flare-up is useful for making simple changes to everyday routines. At the same time keeping the affected skin moisturised and following a consistent topical routine can be an important part of psoriasis management.
For those looking for an oil for psoriasis, Dr. JRK’s 777 Oil is formulated for all types of psoriasis. It addresses common concerns such as scaling, redness, itching and inflammation while providing moisturization to the affected skin.
What Is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes skin cells to build up faster than usual. This rapid buildup can result in thick, dry and scaly patches on the skin. These patches may appear red and can be accompanied by itching and irritation.
Psoriasis can affect different parts of the body, commonly including the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back. It is not contagious and cannot spread from one person to another through touch.
The condition often follows a cycle of flare-ups and periods of improvement. A flare-up can occur when psoriasis becomes more active, making existing patches more noticeable or causing new patches to appear. The factors associated with flare-ups can vary from one person to another.
What Can Trigger a Psoriasis Flare-Up?
There is no single trigger that affects everyone with psoriasis. However, certain environmental, physical and lifestyle factors are commonly associated with worsening symptoms.
Recognising individual triggers can be useful, particularly when the same pattern appears repeatedly.
Stress
Stress is a commonly reported trigger for psoriasis flare-ups. During periods of emotional or physical stress, some people may notice increased itching, redness or scaling.
Regular sleep, relaxation and a consistent daily routine can be useful additions to an overall psoriasis routine.
Skin Injury and Scratching
Small cuts, scratches, insect bites and burns can sometimes cause psoriasis lesions to develop at the site of injury.
Repeated scratching can also irritate affected skin. Keeping nails short and avoiding unnecessary scratching can reduce repeated skin trauma.
Infections
Certain infections may be followed by a psoriasis flare-up. Respiratory infections and streptococcal throat infections are among those associated with psoriasis worsening.
A sudden or unusually severe flare-up following an infection should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Cold and Dry Weather
Cold temperatures and low humidity can leave the skin dry and may increase scaling and irritation. Indoor heating can further reduce moisture in the air.
Regular moisturization is particularly important during colder and drier periods.
Heat and Excessive Sweating
Hot weather, physical activity and excessive sweating can make psoriasis-affected skin feel more irritated. Sweat trapped beneath clothing may also increase friction.
Changing out of damp clothes after sweating and keeping the skin clean can reduce prolonged irritation.
Dressing Choices During Psoriasis Flare-Ups
The clothes worn every day can make a difference to how psoriasis-affected skin feels. Tight clothing, rough fabrics and materials that trap heat may cause additional friction or irritation.
Choosing loose-fitting, soft and breathable clothing can reduce rubbing against affected areas. Lightweight fabrics can be particularly suitable during hot weather.
It is also preferable to change out of sweaty or damp clothes rather than allowing them to remain against the skin for long periods.
Food Choices and Psoriasis
Food affects people with psoriasis differently. There is no universal psoriasis diet, but balanced food choices can form part of a healthy lifestyle.
Choose a Balanced Diet
A varied diet can include:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Pulses and legumes
- Nuts and seeds
- Fish and other suitable protein sources
- Adequate water
Rather than focusing on a single food or nutrient, a varied diet provides a broader range of nutrients.
Limit Highly Processed Foods
Foods such as fast food, packaged snacks, highly refined carbohydrates and foods high in added sugar can be limited as part of a balanced eating pattern.
Choosing more fresh or minimally processed foods can make everyday meals more balanced.
Avoid Alcohol
Excessive alcohol consumption has been associated with psoriasis worsening in some individuals. Those who notice a repeated connection between alcohol consumption and flare-ups may consider reducing or avoiding it.
Identify Personal Food Triggers
Not everyone with psoriasis reacts to the same foods. A simple food-and-symptom diary can be useful for identifying whether a particular food consistently coincides with changes in symptoms.
Restrictive diets should not be followed unnecessarily, as they may reduce overall nutritional variety.
Other Everyday Factors to Consider
Avoid Very Hot Baths
Very hot water can increase skin dryness and irritation. Lukewarm water and shorter bathing periods are preferable for dry, psoriasis-prone skin.
Moisturise After Bathing
Applying a suitable moisturising product after bathing can reduce dryness and scaling. This is especially useful when the skin feels tight or rough.
Take Care While Shaving
Shaving can cause small cuts and irritation, particularly over affected areas. Gentle shaving techniques and reduced friction can minimise unnecessary skin injury.
Protect the Skin from Sunburn
Sunburn can injure the skin and may trigger psoriasis lesions in some people. Appropriate sun protection is therefore important when spending extended periods outdoors.
The Role of 777 Oil in a Psoriasis Routine
Identifying personal triggers is one part of managing psoriasis. A consistent topical routine is another important consideration, particularly when the skin is dry, scaly, itchy or inflamed.
Dr. JRK’s 777 Oil is formulated for all types of psoriasis. It contains Wrightia tinctoria 50% w/v and coconut oil 50% w/v.
The oil is applied to affected areas and addresses common psoriasis-related concerns such as itching, redness, inflammation and scaling while providing moisturization to the skin.
Micro-Sized Particles
777 Oil contains micro-sized particles of approximately 40 μm. Comparative product observations showed evenly distributed micro-sized particles in 777 Oil, while larger or unevenly distributed particles were observed in other market samples.
The smaller particle size promotes faster dermal absorption.
Clinical Findings with 777 Oil
Clinical studies have reported improvements in psoriasis severity with 777 Oil.
In a 12-week clinical trial involving 14 patients, 777 Oil showed a reported 74.1% reduction in psoriatic symptoms from the initial Physician's Global Assessment (PGA) score.
In another 12-week clinical trial involving 26 patients with chronic plaque psoriasis, the reported improvement in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) was 91.9% with 777 Oil, compared with 90.8% with calcipotriol.
How to Use 777 Oil
- Morning application: Apply 777 Oil over the affected areas.
- Sunlight exposure: After application, expose the affected areas to sunlight briefly as directed.
- Bathing: Bathe with JRK’s Psorolin Derma Skin Care Soap after the recommended sunlight exposure.
- Evening application: Apply 777 Oil again in the evening when require
Conclusion
Psoriasis can be unpredictable, with periods of improvement followed by flare-ups. While triggers differ between individuals, stress, skin injury, infections, cold and dry weather, excessive sweating, clothing-related friction and certain lifestyle habits can coincide with worsening symptoms.
Simple everyday choices can make a psoriasis routine more skin-friendly. Wearing soft and breathable clothing, choosing balanced meals, limiting highly processed foods and excessive alcohol, avoiding very hot baths and keeping the skin moisturised are practical measures to consider.
For those searching for an oil for psoriasis, Dr. JRK’s 777 Oil is formulated for all types of psoriasis and combines topical action with moisturization. Its approximately 40 μm micro-sized particles and reported clinical findings make it a suitable addition to a regular psoriasis routine.
FAQ’s
1. What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes skin cells to build up faster than usual, resulting in thick, dry, scaly patches on the skin.
2. What are the most common symptoms of psoriasis?
Common symptoms include red patches, itching, irritation, dryness and scaling. The affected areas may vary from person to person.
3. Can weather conditions affect psoriasis?
Yes. Cold and dry weather can make the skin drier and may worsen psoriasis symptoms. Hot weather and excessive sweating may also cause irritation for some people.
4. What type of clothing is suitable for psoriasis-prone skin?
Soft, breathable fabrics such as cotton, linen and bamboo are generally suitable. Loose-fitting clothing can also reduce friction and irritation.
5. Can certain foods affect psoriasis symptoms?
Food triggers vary from person to person. A balanced diet with fewer highly processed foods may be appropriate, while alcohol may worsen psoriasis in some individuals.
6. What is the role of 777 Oil in psoriasis?
777 Oil is formulated for all types of psoriasis. It addresses scaling, redness, itching and inflammation while providing moisturization to the affected skin.
7. How should 777 Oil be applied?
Apply 777 Oil to the affected areas as directed. Morning application may be followed by brief sunlight exposure as recommended and bathing with JRK’s Psorolin Derma Skin Care Soap. An evening application may be used when required.