Thank God appearances aren't everything!
Psoriasis might look yucky but you can get through the summer season in style. In fact it might do you some good to get out there and lounge around in the sun.
Get a headstart on the sun by hanging out at a tanning booth. By developing a base tan inside, you are less likely to burn outside. You may also see a reduction in your psoriasis lesions, which to me is the real reason to go to a tanning booth.
Whether it's inside or outside, moisturize frequently. Your skin dries out when you spend time under UV rays, and this effect is magnified when you have psoriasis.
Drink plenty of water. Water not only helps you stay hydrated, it flushes out toxins that build up in your body. I find that I actually itch less when I'm properly hydrated. Even if you don't get that effect the extra water will be beneficial to you in many other ways.
Get plenty of exercise. This also helps flush out toxins and will make you feel better all over.
When you're out in the sun, be sure to plan ahead for things that you will need - sunblock, water, cover-ups - so that you don't have to stop having fun. And don't forget to get out of the sun every once in a while. If you're feeling itchy anyway, the last thing you need is to fry yourself to a crisp and make yourself sick on top of it.
Rest up! I don't have any scientific proof to back this up, but I am always more prone to itching when I don't get enough sleep. All kinds of medical conditions are aggravated by inadequate sleep.
Swimming is a great way to unwind but some people with psoriasis can't tolerate chlorinated water. Try covering lesions with a bandage to see if that helps. Sometimes it's the amount of chlorine that is irritating - I do fine in private pools but not so well in public pools. If chlorine is completely aggravating to your psoriasis, stick to fresh water or salt water.
The hardest part of having fun this summer may be forgetting about what other people think of your psoriasis. It takes thick skin to ignore some of the comments, but don't let someone's opinion of your skin inhibit your enjoyment of life. You deserve to have fun. Now go out there and find it!
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