Those with chronic skin conditions can attest to this: Skin and mental health go hand in hand. Psychological factors like stress can exacerbate skin conditions and vice versa. One such skin condition is psoriasis. The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that over 100 million people all over the world suffer from this autoimmune skin condition, and its impact has been reportedly worsened throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
So, what exactly is psoriasis?
It is a chronic autoimmune (read: immunity system) genetic skin condition where skin cells multiply about 10 times faster than they normally would. This causes a build-up on the surface of skin that looks like dry patches. These can be really itchy, sore and inflamed.
Some factors that make psoriasis worse are stress, dry or cold weather, gluten-rich foods, alcohol and smoking.
Studies show the pandemic has worsened symptoms of psoriasis
In a 2020 study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, researchers found that out of nearly 1,000 people with this inflammatory condition, 43 per cent reported aggravated symptoms. This was due to factors like isolation and temporary closure of outpatient treatment in hospitals, stress due to loss of income and the pandemic.
Dealing with psoriasis during the pandemic
Given the findings of this study, how did patients of psoriasis in India deal with their chronic condition during the pandemic? For Ananya*, who was diagnosed with the disease in 2018, frequent handwashing with soap and water and regular use of sanitisers, as well as stress, were triggers. “When you have psoriasis, using drying products can cause flare-ups. Add the tension of living with a pandemic to the mix, and you’ll find that your symptoms are occurring even more frequently, and are way more difficult to manage.”
Constant stress and anxiety can be very triggering
Continuous worrying can manifest itself into all kinds of symptoms: think racing heart, aches, pains and the like. “For me, disrupted sleep has become a regular occurrence,” Ananya* explains. This can cause irritability, increase your stress levels, and in turn worsen psoriasis.
The course of treatment for psoriasis is also being hindered
Consulting a medical professional, and tweaking your topical and oral medications as per the need of a particular flare-up, are a part of the treatment for psoriasis. “Easy access to your regular dermatologist was disrupted during the pandemic, which delayed the healing process,” she explains.
With WFH, sticking to healthy habits can be easier for some
For many psoriasis patients, working from home brings with it some benefits, which include cutting down on the exposure to irritants like cold or dry weather, pollutants, as well as unhealthy foods. The hours you spent commuting to and fro from work can be spent towards meditating, exercising, cooking or even reading a book—all methods of relieving stress. Eating clean can also be easier when you have time to think about what you’re consuming, instead of what’s available near you.
“The global focus on building better diets and immunity makes managing food triggers easier, especially if you follow a plant-based diet with plenty of proteins and anti-inflammatory foods,” Ananya* says. Since the skin is the largest organ, and needs protein, vitamin D and vitamin C to thrive, getting enough of these through your diet is crucial.
Dedicating more time to your well-being is a necessity
Whether you’re working from home or not, there are a few things you absolutely need to do to manage psoriasis during the pandemic. A few things that have worked well for Ananya* include:
• Including plenty of healthy protein sources, vitamins and minerals in your diet.
• Keeping your skin hydrated with moisturisers.
• Taking time out to relieve stress through activities like yoga, meditation, exercise, etc.
• Keeping in regular touch with your dermatologist to ensure flare-ups don’t get worse.
If you’re having a tough time taking care of yourself, remember it all begins with small steps. Stay in contact with your loved ones, indulge in some self-care and try to take a step back from the news every once in a while.
*Name changed on request