Living With Psoriasis
- Kim experienced her first psoriasis flare-up at age 25 after she battled a common cold, which she says may have triggered the outbreak.
- Psoriasis affects up to 3.2 percent of the U.S. population, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. If you ever start to notice red, scaly spots on your body, it is recommended that you see a dermatologist right away, so you can get a proper diagnosis and the care you need.
- People with psoriasis often report increased stress and anxiety. In most cases, psoriasis causes more than just cosmetic symptoms. The majority of people with psoriasis report that the condition negatively impacts their quality of everyday living. Patients should be reminded that psoriasis is a very common condition. There are a variety of treatment options available to ease the burden of the disease, as well as support groups to emotionally connect with others who also struggle with the disease.
The Kardashians star, who has been dealing with the often uncomfortable autoimmune condition since she was 25 years old, admitted earlier this year in an Allure Q&A session that she simply just “can’t do long nails” like her famed sisters.
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In regards to avoiding artificial nails, the AAD says: “Nail polish and gentle nail buffing are okay and a great way to hide dents (nail pitting) that can develop when you have nail psoriasis. Artificial nails, however, can increase the risk of your nails separating from your fingersa common problem in nail psoriasis.”
Additionally, My Psoriasis Team urges people with psoriasis not to get artificial nails, specifically acrylic.
“Those with psoriasis may be sensitive to the material of the nail itself, to the glue used to adhere it, or to the chemicals in the polish used on it. Any of these could trigger a psoriasis flare or worsen existing symptoms,” the team explains. “Acrylic nails can be particularly damaging. Because of how they're applied, acrylic nails can make it more likely that your natural nail will separate from the nailbed. This damage increases the risk of developing an infection under the nail.”
Kim Kardashian's Psoriasis
Kim experienced her first psoriasis flare-up at age 25 after she battled a common cold, which she says may have triggered the outbreak. Her mother and momager, Kris Jenner, 66, also suffers from this autoimmune disease.
"My journey has been very different from my mom's, but I see so many similarities as well. She had it in her scalp and all over her body, and I'd see it all the time and remember her going to the tanning salon to try and ease it. Getting UV rays directly on the spots really helped my mom," she shared on sister Kourtney's Poosh lifestyle site.
"For me, however, that remedy would burn the areas and cause them to itch, so I always felt helpless. I am the only child my mom passed down her autoimmune issue to. Lucky me, lol,” the reality TV star explained.
At the time of her first flare-up, Kim got a cortisone injection from a dermatologist and luckily the spots, which were mainly on her stomach and legs, disappeared for around five years. Then it came back. Since then, she said her skin has been "unpredictable," but Kim isn't letting the frustrating condition bother her these days.
"I've become extremely comfortable with my psoriasis. No matter where it is on my body, sometimes I am fine with showing it off and other times I don't want it to be a distraction, so I cover it up with body makeup," she wrote.
What is Psoriasis? Understanding the Different Types and Symptoms of This Skin Condition
Kim tries to minimize stress and manage symptoms with healthy lifestyle choices like eating a plant-based diet.
"I hope my story can help anyone else with an autoimmune disease feel confident that there is light at the end of the tunnel."
Learning More About Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes red, itchy patches to develop on the skin. It is a chronic disease, which means that it does not have a cure. Fortunately, symptoms can often be managed with different treatments and, for some, even lifestyle adjustments.
The disease is rare; only about 3.2% of the U.S. population has it, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Still, there have been major developments when it comes to treating psoriasis in recent years.
"Psoriasis is a chronic, auto-immune skin condition where you have red, scaly patches on the skin," Dr. Saakshi Khattri, a dermatologist/rheumatologist at Mount Sinai Health System, tells SurvivorNet. "It is a chronic condition, which can ebb and flow. You can have good days and bad days."
Dr. Saakshi notes that while anyone can develop psoriasis, the disease is more common in people between the ages of 30 and 50. Researchers believe genetics, as well as environmental factors, may play a role in the development of psoriasis.
If you are suffering from psoriasis, go see a dermatologist who can help determine the treatment plan best for you. Just know that you don't have to suffer alone. There are many things you can do to help lessen the severity or completely clear your symptoms.
Psoriasis and Lifestyle Changes
Since psoriasis is known as an autoimmune disease, which is typically an inflammatory condition where the body mistakenly attacks your own cells, there are certain natural lifestyle changes that you can incorporate that won't put as much stress on the body. In turn, the flare ups may diminish, or clear up completely for the lucky ones.
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"Naturally, humidity and the sun work for me," a psoriasis patient tells us. "This [condition] popped up when I was 35. As I got older is when it slowly started appearing; on my elbows, my legs, my scalplittle by little I was a mess. And nobody in my family has it," he adds.
For some, the sun will exacerbate symptoms. Salt water from the ocean, however, can be good for clearing up skin conditions.
Also, eating an anti-inflammatory diet can reportedly help immensely for controlling flare-ups.
Some people with psoriasis try to combat its distressing effects by following a paleo diet.
A paleo diet, by definition, mainly consists of meat, fish, vegetables, and fruit, and excludes dairy or grain products and processed food.
According to the Paleo Diet website, "Foods that cause inflammation include refined carbohydrates, wheat and other cereal grains, soda and other sugar-sweetened beverages, margarine, shortening and lard, and processed meats."
These types of foods can cause insulin (a hormone that controls our blood sugar) to spike in our bodies, which can contribute to inflammation and also alter our gut health, meaning change the ration of good bacteria vs. bad bacteria, which can wreak havoc on the body.
Overall, getting an adequate amount of rest and 7-8 hours of sleep every night is a tried and true method of putting less stress on your body, therefore lessening the severity of certain conditions like psoriasis.
Understanding How to Cope with Psoriasis
People with psoriasis often report increased stress and anxiety. In most cases, psoriasis causes more than just cosmetic symptoms. The majority of people with psoriasis report that the condition negatively impacts their quality of everyday living. Patients should be reminded that psoriasis is a very common condition. There are a variety of treatment options available to ease the burden of the disease, as well as support groups to emotionally connect with others who also struggle with the disease.
Contributing: SurvivorNet
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