The Trick of Getting Too Comfortable

If I'm not in a full-blown flare and my psoriasis symptoms have settled down, I immediately fall victim to getting too comfortable. When I don't have to stay on top of my skin so intensely, my routines relax, and my diet loosens.

Psoriasis will always find a way to remind you it's still there.

This kind of lackadaisical comfort continues into skipping supplementals and forgoing my bi-weekly hair routine - the one that keeps my scalp psoriasis at neutral. While this out-of-sight, out-of-mind approach feels good and a bit free, I am always eventually snapped back to reality.

More recently, it was over the holiday season when I found myself in the sweet spot of comfort in my psoriasis management. Even though the winter can be harsh on my skin, it seemed like I had everything under control for the most part. Or so I thought.

The holiday season means celebrations - and celebrations can sometimes mean libations! Since my psoriasis was under control and my last flare was far behind me, I indulged. From there, I was quickly reminded that cold and alcohol triggered me. 

It started with an incessant itching on my back, then my legs, and boom, the plaques popped up. What has done me most recently has been the achiness I feel in my joints, especially my hips.

A painful reminder about psoriasis routines!

After seeing my dermatologist in January, she reminded me that consistency is key (Duh!). Since we don't know when a flare can occur, keeping consistency with a routine is important. We discussed biologics, diet/exercise, and even talked about some natural things like turmeric to help with my joints. 

Even though the freedom of remission tricks you, psoriasis does not simply disappear because you do not have active plaques. In it all, it's better to be proactive than reactive. Remain consistent with all the things that helped lead you into remission. 

That means limiting my libations, eating all the good green stuff, eliminating gluten, sticking to my scalp regimen, meditating, and exercising. 

It also means using my topicals if necessary and keeping myself moisturized, especially during the cold season.

How can we get ourselves back on track?

If there's anything we can do to contribute towards living plaque and pain-free from psoriatic disease, I will do it. I will even challenge myself and make it a habit. I don't want to contribute to my psoriasis flares being awful simply because I didn't do the things I needed to do for myself.

We all hold some power when we are aware of our triggers. It has me thinking of something my grandfather would always say, "You prepare for war in times of peace."  So, my intentions will be different, and if I ever slip since I am human, I will hold onto these reminders.

Have you experienced anything similar going through remission? How do you get yourself back on track? I'd love to hear about it.