If you love gardening, you don’t want anything to get in the way of your ability to do so. However, psoriasis can make activities that are usually fun into uncomfortable, itchy occasions. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, psoriasis usually emerges between the ages of 15 and 35. But that doesn’t mean it can’t show up at any time. If you’re a gardener and want to keep gardening despite your psoriasis, there are ways to do so. If you’re prepared and careful, you can stay comfortable in your garden.
Wear Gloves and Long Clothing
There are a lot of irritants in the garden that can lead to a psoriasis flare-up. One of the simplest ways to avoid this is to keep these things from contacting your skin. This includes common allergens like pollen or ragweed, but it might also include specific saps and dirt. Wear gloves whenever you’re working in the garden. You’ll also want to make sure that your limbs are covered, so wear pants and long sleeves in the garden. Make sure that they’re loose and flowy to keep yourself from overheating as you work. Consider fabrics like linen to keep you cool even on hot days.
Stay Hydrated
Your body needs to be hydrated if it’s going to fight off an oncoming psoriasis flareup. Make sure that you drink enough water regularly to help you set a foundation for healthy hydration. Staying hydrated will provide both energy and help to your immune system in avoiding reactions. Then drink even more water if you’re gardening on a hot day. If you sweat, you’ll lose water faster and you run the risk of getting dehydrated. When you’re in the garden, make sure you bring a water bottle with you. This is a convenient way to remember to drink water without having to leave what you’re doing in order to do so.
Don’t Garden when the Sun is Hottest
Heat is another thing that can trigger a psoriasis flare-up. While you can’t avoid all of the summer heat when gardening, there are ways to avoid the worst of it. Stay inside during the mid-day, when the sun is strongest. Then do your gardening in the early mornings or early evenings when it is cooler. This will not only be more comfortable and enjoyable, but it will also reduce your risk of a flare-up. If you schedule your gardening to line up with the cooler parts of the day, it can make gardening with psoriasis much more doable. It just requires a little bit of planning before you start your day.
Treat Wounds As Soon As Possible
If you get any kind of wound in the garden, you need to stop what you’re doing and treat it. This includes very minor things like scrapes or thorn punctures as well as more serious issues. If you ignore these wounds, it opens you up to both allergens and germs getting into your body. Your risk of both a flare-up and any other illness will increase. So go inside and treat the cut with antimicrobial cream, then cover it before getting back to work. While it will take a little extra time away from gardening, it is worth it in the long run.
Psoriasis is frustrating, uncomfortable, and awkward to live with. But it doesn’t need to take you away from the things you love in life. If you’re passionate about gardening, you should continue to garden. Gardening is very good for your health. However, it is important that you take precautions. With some preparation and extra caution, you can avoid triggers and continue to garden with psoriasis.
