In people with psoriasis, the immune system sends faulty signals to their own skin cells to grow within a matter of days, rather than weeks in those without the condition. And instead of shedding overstimulated and overgrown skin cells, they pile atop the skin's surface and causes psoriatic patches to appear. Psoriatic symptoms vary mostly between the type of psoriasis, including plaque, guttate, pustular, inverse, and erythrodermic psoriasis that are detailed here. But despite the type and individualized signs and symptoms, tracking psoriasis symptoms can be an effective means for applicable management.
4 Reasons to Track Psoriasis Symptoms
1. Identify Triggers
Especially if first experiencing psoriatic symptoms, journal writing can help identify triggers and the reactions they cause. This is extremely valuable for diagnosing the type of psoriasis managing and improving treatment, which is described below.
2. Improve Treatment
Being able to describe such triggers and symptoms is exceptionally beneficial for both self-care and tailored treatments by a physician. Better understanding psoriatic symptoms can help improve management options both initially and later down the road.
3. Boost Immune System
Reducing acknowledged triggers and symptoms can lessen the risk of inflammation in the body. Offering a so-called break from inflammatory processes may in turn boost the immune system, which may further lessen the risk of illness or chronic disease in the future.
4. Improve Life Outlook
Psoriasis has a significant negative impact on psychological wellbeing and quality of life. But especially as triggers, symptoms, and management become more recognized, individuals can gain heightened control over the disease, subsequently improving life quality and outlook. A compilation of documentation from psoriasis patients can also increase awareness and knowledge of the condition, allowing researchers to aim for a cure and reduce feelings of helplessness of those affected.
Track Psoriasis Symptoms: 6 Tips
1. Record Daily
Establishing regular journaling times help establish a more routine schedule and allows individuals to remember aspects that may be key in determining triggers. Whether an outbreak occurs or not, recording daily trends can help identify triggers you may be experiencing.
2. Ask Standard Questions
Ask yourself and answer standard questions, including whether or not you switched a cleaning, how the weather has been, if stress has been heightened, etc. Ultimately, be sure to identify the environment exposed in, activities completed, and foods consumed, as all of these factors may instigate (or not) a flare-up.
3. Detail Flare-Ups
Detail as many important details as possible regarding a flare-up, as doing so is important for yourself and doctor to know. Indicate the affected body part, the appearance, what may have triggered it, and the level and type of pain.
4. Document Anything Medically-Related
Along with detailing psoriatic symptoms, documenting and logging all medications and treatments previously tried is also very beneficial. Doing so helps identify any side effects encountered and a detailed, complete medical history is very valuable for physicians and even insurance companies.
5. ...and Mentally-Related
Along with describing the actual condition, tap into your psyche and describe how you felt and are feeling. How did your day or week go? Did you lose sleep or stray away from social activities? Mental factors can help gear an individualized treatment plan and improve quality of life.
6. Download an App
One of the greatest aspects of technology is its allowance to expand to quick and convenient documentation. Individuals with psoriasis can benefit from these best apps for psoriatic disease.
Reference:
Tracking Your Psoriasis Outbreaks. WebMD.
