As the UK finally begins to warm up, many of us in the UK look forward to finally spending more time outdoors and showing off our summer outfits. However, for those who suffer from skin conditions like psoriasis, the heat and humidity can be a source of stress rather than joy. The prospect of exposing irritated skin to other people’s eyes, as well as concerns about exposing tender skin to the sun can be daunting.
Psoriasis, a chronic skin condition affecting around 2% of people in the UK, manifests as red, flaky patches of skin covered with silvery scales. These patches can appear anywhere on the body but are most commonly found on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back. The severity of psoriasis varies widely; for some, it’s a mild annoyance, while for others, it significantly impacts their quality of life.
Psoriasis is believed to be an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells. This leads to an overproduction of skin cells, which build up and form the characteristic patches. While the exact causes of psoriasis are not fully understood, it is well-known that stress can be a significant trigger. Stress can initiate or exacerbate flare-ups, creating a vicious cycle where the stress of having psoriasis leads to more flare-ups, which in turn causes more stress. Research from 2018 found that psoriatic outbreaks were more common in people who had experienced a stressful event in the previous year, showing that the inflammatory compounds released by the body when a person experiences stress impact upon their immune functioning.
While there is no cure for psoriasis, treatments are available that can help manage the symptoms. Traditional approaches include topical treatments like creams and ointments, phototherapy, and systemic medications. However, these treatments often focus on the symptoms rather than addressing the root causes of the condition. This is where hypnotherapy comes into play, offering a unique and holistic approach to managing psoriasis. The supportive function of hypnotherapy for reducing the severity and length of psoriasis outbreaks has been documented since 1988.
Hypnotherapy can help break the cycle of autoimmune activity by addressing the underlying stress and anxiety associated which sets off the psoriasis outbreak. Through hypnosis, individuals can learn to both manage their stress more effectively, and to reduce the impact of past traumatic or stressful events, thereby reducing the frequency and severity of flare-ups.
A trained hypnotherapist can guide a person to explore the underlying emotional factors that may be contributing to their psoriasis. For some, psoriasis may act as a form of “emotional armour plating,” a physical manifestation of inner turmoil.
By identifying and addressing these emotional triggers, hypnotherapy can help reduce the stress and anxiety that often accompany psoriasis. Techniques such as visualisation, relaxation exercises, and positive affirmations can help individuals to develop a more positive outlook and build resilience against stress.
Members of the National Council for Hypnotherapy (NCH) have reported success in treating psoriasis through hypnotherapy. Addressing the emotional factors behind psoriasis can lead to significant improvements.
If you suffer from psoriasis and find it stressful or a cause for anxiety, hypnotherapy could offer a new way to manage your condition. By working with a trained hypnotherapist, you can explore the emotional and psychological aspects of your psoriasis, reduce stress, and improve your overall well-being.
The National Council for Hypnotherapy’s therapist directory can help you find a qualified hypnotherapist near you. Hypnotherapy might just be the key to unlocking a more positive and confident approach to managing your psoriasis, allowing you to enjoy the summer with greater peace of mind.
