Going smokeless

Why giving up smoking is a benefit

Having a cigarette can sometimes feel like a quick and useful way of relieving stress, but it may help to remind yourself that quite a lot of this response is actually caused by the addictive nature of smoking. Stopping smoking may help to lower stress in the long-term.

Many people talk about the vicious cycle linking stress and psoriasis, but smoking may make this worse. Smoking can increase inflammation in the body and psoriasis is an inflammatory condition.

Stopping smoking can reduce inflammation and is also a great thing to do to improve your skin health (in addition to all the health benefits you will know about already such as preventing heart disease and many cancers).

Never give up on giving up smoking! The more you try, the better your chances.

After smoking a cigarette our bodies can go into withdrawal from the nicotine it contains, causing us to feel physically stressed. As a result, when we have the next cigarette, we experience temporary relief… until, of course, we feel like we need that next cigarette...

If you have been using cigarettes in this way, you may want to look at one of the many healthy ways to reduce or cope with stress.

Expect and plan for a LAPSE (= a temporary slip)
Avoid a RELAPSE (= a return to smoking)
Remember a lapse doesn't have to lead to a relapse

For more information about cutting back, or stopping smoking visit the NHS better health quit smoking website where you can also find your local support service.

Permanently giving up smoking can have a positive effect on your psoriasis. When you stop smoking, it is possible that your psoriasis symptoms may improve. In addition, your psoriasis treatment will work better, which could lead to less severe symptoms.