As an autoimmune disease with no visible cure, psoriasis has inevitable symptoms triggered by natural triggers such as heredity, hormonal changes, and other illnesses.
However, some unintentional attitudes can worsen the condition and should be stopped as soon as the signs appear.
Tips for Choosing the Best Clothes to Wear With Psoriasis
Fabric
Synthetic fabrics are not advised, as they can trap sweat and make psoriasis worse.
Most clothing today is made of synthetic materials, which are cheap for the clothing industry but harmful to our health.
They concentrate on many chemical molecules that can be very irritating to the skin or even allergenic.
We find acrylic, polyester, nylon, lycra, and artificial fiber such as viscose to imitate silk or synthetic leather among the best-known synthetic materials.
Give preference to clothing made of natural fabrics, such as cotton or “performance” fabrics designed to wick moisture.
Wool
Wool is a 100% natural material; however it is too irritating to the skin.
Not the wool in its pure state, but the products that are used during the manufacturing process.
Lanolin is a kind of alcohol used in the manufacturing process of wool that can cause severe itching and irritation and can aggravate your psoriasis.
Allergenic Material
Latex is a material found in many garments, even the elastic in underwear.
It is trendy but also very allergenic, causing redness and skin reactions. Latex can be found in costumes and even in party clothes. Try to avoid them;
Latex underwear may cause genital psoriasis in people who are extremely sensitive to it.
Chemical Dyes
Clothing dyes can also be very irritating and allergenic due to azo dyes’ presence formulated with benzidine and other derivatives.
They can cause severe skin rashes and contain carcinogenic substances. For example, the dye called Paraphenylenediamine is present in dark colors.
People with psoriasis and susceptible skin are more likely to be allergic to this component. For example, the dye called Paraphenylenediamine is present in dark colors.
People with psoriasis and susceptible skin are more likely to be allergic to this component. Before purchasing your clothing, be aware of its composition.
Color
In black or darker clothing, flakes become more evident.
Choose clothing in lighter colors to your liking, and this will bring you more confidence as you don’t have to worry about being on the lookout for possible flakes trapped in your clothing.
Strategic Accessorizing
There are days and times when you don’t want to have to deal with questions and reactions from strangers or stares from the sidelines.
On those days, make use of scarves in strategic places, long sleeves, hats, long pants, matte socks, etc.
Looser Clothing
Wear looser clothing; tight clothing can aggravate psoriasis symptoms as the lesions suffer more friction which can make them more irritated.
Restrictive clothing can make them start to bleed. Looser clothing, including underwear, can help a lot.
Detergents
Less dye or fragrance is preferable since they use fewer chemicals and become less harsh on the skin.
Avoid solid detergents; they have a harder time dissolving and can stick to clothes. Liquids are the ideal choice;
Your Choice of Clothing Is Likely to Worsen Psoriasis
Although not often mentioned, one of the factors that can trigger psoriasis can be choosing what to wear.
Many patients suffer from depression and low self-esteem. The disease symptoms are manifested on the skin, in areas such as elbows, knees, and scalp, which show the lesions.
But covering the skin all the time can make the symptoms worse. Maintaining self-esteem and not being intimidated by exposing your skin is an essential part of the treatment.
Clothes made of synthetic or artificial fabrics may last longer, be fadeless, and feel softer.
However, when psoriasis lesions are apparent, such clothing tends to make the problem worse.
This is because the moisture absorption is impaired and the surface remains damp, further promoting barrier imbalance, dryness, and flaking.
This can cause itching and even pain in case of wound formation.
Wear clothes developed with natural fibers, totally anti-allergenic, and have adequate moisture absorption capacity, keeping the skin always dry and less susceptible to symptoms.
Can You Use Jewelry With Your Psoriasis?
Jewelry often contains copper and nickel, which can release salts and promote oxidative stress in contact with the skin.
In silver, there can also be a transfer of oxidized metal to the skin, which can cause itching.
However, this chemical element is less reactive and dangerous than the previous ones.
Gold jewelry, on the other hand, does not undergo oxidative processes and therefore will not cause ion deposition, as long as the copper content in the accessory is significantly low.
However, it is worth pointing out that the use of these ornaments may favor the accumulation of residues from the evaporation of sweat, inducing an increase in itching.
Moreover, nickel is very allergenic, and the exposure of more reactive skin to this metal can lead the patient to an allergic condition more quickly.
Patients with psoriasis should always avoid direct skin contact with costume jewelry.
Which Clothing Is Better to Wear With Psoriasis
When choosing to clothe, psoriasis patients should give preference to cotton, a fabric made from natural fibers.
Avoid materials that do not allow perspiration, such as lycra and polyester, for example. They favor the proliferation of fungus.
Comfort must be the watchword. Always choose garments that do not restrict your movements.
Pro tip: Tight clothes are uncomfortable for patients because they rub more easily against the skin, triggering more flaking and itching crisis.
Remember to put a cotton garment under leather and wool coats to avoid direct skin contact with allergenic materials in winter.
When washing clothes, prefer coconut or neutral soap to avoid allergic reactions. Avoid fabric softeners.
A tablespoon of vinegar in the last rinse helps soften clothes. Besides, vinegar has a bactericidal effect.
Maintain self-confidence and avoid covering the affected areas whenever possible.
With all this in mind, use the following valuable tips when choosing and taking care of your clothes.
Conclusion
Choosing the appropriate clothing when you have psoriasis makes all the difference, I will prevent irritation and the risk of aggravating your psoriasis plaques.
The right clothes can give you all the confidence you need to have a great day.