How I m Managing My Psoriasis in the Shadow of the Coronavirus Everyday Health MenuNewslettersSearch Coronavirus: Must-Know InfoPsoriasis
How I m Managing My Psoriasis in the Shadow of the Coronavirus
Living with a chronic condition in these unprecedented times requires flexibility and persistence. By Howard ChangFor The Itch to Beat PsoriasisReviewed: March 31, 2020Everyday Health BlogsFact-CheckedAll the news about the pandemic can make you feel stressed and anxious, which, in turn, can trigger psoriasis and eczema flare-ups.iStockThe shelter-in-place order for Yolo County, in Northern California where I live, to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus came as a surprise. The next day, the governor of California ordered all residents to stay at home. That order marked the moment when I began to feel overwhelmed with anxiety, knowing that I am at a higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 due to asthma. Infections also tend to flare my psoriasis and eczema — another reason to worry. In the span of a week, our lives changed. Just days before, my wife and I worried about the kids’ midterms and summer plans. With the lockdown in place, I began to wonder what the pandemic meant for my family, especially my elderly parents and my daughter away at college. It didn’t take long to become concerned about how to best care for my health and psoriasis in the shadow of the coronavirus. What follows are ways I’m caring for myself and my psoriasis in the midst of the pandemic. RELATED: Glossary of Key Coronavirus-Related Terms Communicate with Healthcare Providers
My local dermatology clinic shares a building with an urgent care center. Taking every precaution, I canceled my appointment with my dermatologist, Dr. Carroll, just before the lockdown to avoid possible exposure to anyone sick. Even though I did not see my doctor in person, we messaged that day about my skin conditions and medications. Online medical support, including telemedicine, is one way to stay closely connected with healthcare providers when you cannot go to the clinic. I felt better knowing if I need anything from my healthcare team, they are accessible by phone or online. Finding out what online medical resources might be available to you can give you the peace of mind of knowing where to turn if you have a skin flare or other medical concern. RELATED: Your Everyday Guide to Telemedicine Take Inventory of Medications
Staying at home provided me time to take stock of my prescription medications and over-the-counter products. I like to have enough on hand to avoid missing doses or treatments. With the pandemic still spreading, I want to know how much medication I have and how to get more when I need it. The local pharmacy is still open, but I would rather not go into the store. So I learned how to utilize the online mail-order pharmacy system through my pharmacy benefit provider’s website. Within minutes I registered for an account and refilled a prescription to be delivered to my house in less than a week. Spend a moment to list your medications and skin-care products, including how much you have on hand. Note if you need to adjust how you will get refills and order early to allow for possible delays. RELATED: Coronavirus and Your Prescription Medications Manage Stress and Anxiety
I don’t like to admit it when I become stressed or anxious. The initial days of the coronavirus pandemic, though, left me feeling uneasy. The more news I watched, the more I felt insecure and worried about what would happen next. A national poll by the American Psychiatric Association found that almost 40 percent of Americans are anxious about dying or becoming seriously ill from the novel coronavirus, and 62 percent are anxious about family and loved ones getting COVID-19. Stress and anxiety are triggers for my psoriasis and eczema. I need to address stressors related to the coronavirus in a healthy way to avoid flares. In response, I watch less cable news, with its nonstop coronavirus reporting. I take walks in my neighborhood while carefully practicing social distancing. My wife and I talk and pray daily to support each other. I practice gratitude by thinking of five things I feel thankful for at the end of the day. If you’re feeling stressed or anxious about the coronavirus and your skin, know that you are not alone. Engage in activities that you can enjoy safely and be mindful of your stress level. RELATED: How to Handle Anxiety in the Time of COVID-19 Maintain Skin-Care Routines
I don’t feel like doing much, including taking care of my skin, when anxious or worried. But keeping up my skin-care routine is exactly what I need in a time of crisis. Caring for my skin reduces the chance of worsening my psoriasis while allowing me to proactively address any skin concerns that could lead to more stress. My routine also keeps me on a regular schedule in the absence of work. In the morning, I apply a medium-strength prescription ointment to psoriasis lesions along with moisturizers on my body. In the evening, I use a phototherapy home unit (three times a week), shower, then apply ointment and moisturizers again. Sticking to your normal skin-care routine can provide structure and normalcy to your day while maintaining your skin health. I hope the stay-at-home orders and other measures to stem the spread of the coronavirus will end soon, with as few people affected as possible. In the meantime, managing a chronic illness like psoriasis takes flexibility and persistence. Be safe and healthy, and feel free to let me know ways you are managing your psoriasis in these unprecedented times. You can read more about my experiences in my blog for Everyday Health and on my website. Important: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not Everyday Health.See More NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Psoriasis Newsletter
SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The Latest in Psoriasis
What s a Typical Day Like With Psoriasis
By Howard ChangSeptember 30, 2022 Best and Worst Drinks for Psoriasis
Can drinking more water help ease psoriasis symptoms? How good or bad is alcohol, tea, or soda? Here’s how to make the healthiest choices for your skin...By Becky UphamSeptember 30, 2022 FDA Approves Sotyktu Deucravacitinib for Moderate-to-Severe Psoriasis
This daily pill could be an option for patients who want to avoid injectable medications.By Becky UphamSeptember 12, 2022 My 5 Biggest Psoriasis Mistakes
By Howard ChangSeptember 2, 2022 My 4-Part Action Plan for Building Confidence
By Howard ChangAugust 15, 2022 FDA Approves New Treatment for People With Plaque Psoriasis
Zoryve is the first steroid-free topical cream to specifically demonstrate efficacy for psoriasis found in skin folds.By Becky UphamAugust 1, 2022 6 Ways Psoriasis Is Different for Women
From emotional health to the impact of sex hormones, women with psoriasis have special concerns.By Pamela AppeaJuly 26, 2022 How to Safely Remove Psoriasis Scales
Removing psoriasis scales can have benefits, but don’t pick or peel them, which can trigger flares. There are several safe and effective ways to free ...By Elizabeth YunJuly 26, 2022 What to Know About CBD for Treating Plaque Psoriasis
This component of cannabis doesn’t bring on a “high” — but it may help fight inflammation and ease anxiety and stress that trigger flares.By Johanna NeesonJuly 26, 2022 Psoriasis Has Changed How I Eat
By Howard ChangJuly 7, 2022 More In The Itch to Beat Psoriasis What s a Typical Day Like With Psoriasis
My 5 Biggest Psoriasis Mistakes
My 4-Part Action Plan for Building Confidence