Spic & Span

Now, who does not like a clean house, firstly the clean smell is wonderful. Secondly, it is a good plan to keep things clean and hygienic within reason. Do you have to keep your house clean just for yourself? When you have psoriasis cleaning is a daunting task even on a good day? Does this sound like you? It sure sounds like me. Okay, I will be honest, cleaning is not on my list of things to do therefore in my house it is a task that needs to be done. I have friends who get some kind of pleasure from cleaning, my brain cannot compute this. So for it to be motivating for me, I use all sorts of nice smelling, super strong “make cleaning easy” products. *(Insert psoriasis here)* Since being diagnosed with psoriasis this has become a task unto itself. One would think that it would be as easy as slipping your hands into rubber gloves and carrying on, but one would be mistaken. It could never be that simple.

Learning what cleaning products trigger my psoriasis

Common sense, oh if only it were commonplace. Sometimes I astonish myself and the silly things I get up to. Things that I do not only know better of but well and truly are common sense. My skin is super sensitive, the psoriasis is easily triggered and hard to control. It is as stubborn, as the person where it resides. Cleaning products and I do not gel very well at all, physical contact is not an option for me. If I am in a flare and I open a bottle it makes the skin on my face and any part that comes into contact with the fumes burn like hellfire. I soon enough learned to stay away from stronger products.

Alternative cleaning products that won't irritate my psoriasis

I have found over the year that there are some great alternatives to the mainstream chemical cleaning products. Browse your web and look for the magic that is cleaning the natural way. Your skin will thank you. Here are some commonly used items for cleaning that I find work very well and are easier on my skin. You still need to be careful with what you use. Additionally, I would suggest slipping your hands into cotton gloves and then into rubber gloves. I find that the rubber gloves on their own do not agree with my skin. Keep all the gloves super clean and dry too, turn them inside out and let them air and dry properly after use. They tend to be a breeding ground for fungus, which is the last thing you want to expose your psoriasis too. In fact, you do not want to expose yourself to it. Here is what I find helpful to clean with and less harmful to my skin.

• Apple cider vinegar
• Bicarbonate of Soda (Baking soda)
• Aromatherapy oils ( these also make things smell wonderful)
• Liquid castile soap
• White vinegar
• Natural dishwashing liquid
• Boiling water.

Tips for making your own cleaning products

These things can be used in various ways, so best is to look up if you want a wash, a soap or a spray and mix accordingly. I do find that the aromatherapy oils add a wonderful scent and have their own amazing properties, therefore, they will leave your house not only clean but smelling fresh and wonderful too. My favorites are, grapefruit, lemon, orange, lavender, peppermint, and tea tree, always be careful with these products/oils on your skin.

Once you have changed this, I bet you won’t want to go back. Last but not least they are environmentally friendly, which is great. Do remember to clean at your own pace, and ask those around you to help you when you can.