When you have psoriasis, it’s important to follow the advice of your doctor. But there’s still a lot you can do on your own to help take control of your psoriasis and prevent flare-ups.
- Use moisturizing lotions. Symptoms get worse when your skin is dry, so keep it moist with creams and lotions. Thick and oily ones, like petroleum jelly, are usually best. They’re better at trapping moisture beneath the skin. To help remove scales, apply cream on top of them and cover the area with plastic wrap or another waterproof material. Leave it on for a few hours before removing it.
- Take care of your skin and scalp. Be careful with your skin. Never pick at patches or scales, as you may make your psoriasis worse. Use caution when trimming your nails. If you cut yourself, it might make symptoms flare. If you have psoriasis on your scalp, rub with topical treatments—such as tar shampoos—into your scalp. Regular bathing with soothing products, such as tar solutions, may bring relief, too.
- Avoid dry, cold weather. Climate can have a big impact on psoriasis. For many people, cold, dry weather makes symptoms worse. Hot weather usually makes it better but not always.
- Use a humidifier. It’s important to keep your skin moist. Turn on the humidifier when it feels dry.
- Avoid medications that cause flare-ups. Let your doctor know about all the medications you take, even over-the-counter ones. Ask if they could affect your psoriasis.
- Avoid scrapes, cuts, bumps, and infections. It’s extra important for people with psoriasis to avoid bumps and cuts. Trauma to the skin can cause a flare, a condition called “Koebner’s phenomenon.” Infections can also cause problems. Be especially careful when shaving. Avoid acupuncture and tattoos and do your best to prevent insect bites and chafing.
- Get some sun but not too much. The ultraviolet rays in sunlight slow the growth of skin cells, so getting moderate doses of sun is good. But make it brief—about 20 minutes or so at a time. And use sunscreen. Sunburn can trigger psoriasis, and it raises your risk of skin cancer. Some medications can make your skin more sensitive to ultraviolet rays, so talk to your doctor first.
- Zap stress. Although it hasn’t been proven, many people link flare-ups to stress. So try to relieve your anxiety. That may be easier said than done, but you can try relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga for starters.
- Watch how much alcohol you drink. The connection between alcohol and psoriasis isn’t clear, but some think it can worsen symptoms, especially in men. Alcohol can be dangerous if you’re using certain psoriasis drugs, so check with your doctor.
- Exercise, eat right and maintain a healthy weight. Although no studies have shown a link between diet and psoriasis, experts recommend that people with the condition eat a well-balanced diet that’s high in fruits and vegetables. Some people say their symptoms improve when they remove dairy or gluten. Exercise may also help. Some studies show excess weight can trigger flares, so stay at a healthy weight.
When Should I Visit a Dermatologist for Psoriasis?
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