Psoriasis: The 3 Best Things To Do That Help Reduce Flare-ups

Psoriasis is one of the most common skin diseases in the world, affecting about 2% of the global population. It’s a chronic autoimmune disease that can be triggered by external factors- such as stress and weather. In this article, we’ll take a look at 3 different things you can do to reduce flare-ups and make psoriasis easier to manage.

The 3 Best Things You Can Do to Help Reduce a Flare-Up

If you’re struggling with psoriasis, you’re not alone—about 7.5 million Americans have this chronic inflammatory skin condition. While there’s no cure for psoriasis, there are treatments that can help reduce flare-ups and improve your quality of life.

Here are 3 things you can do to help reduce psoriasis flare-ups:

1. Keep your skin moisturized. Dry, cracked skin can worsen psoriasis symptoms, so it’s important to keep your skin hydrated. Use a gentle, unscented moisturizer regularly, and apply it immediately after showering or bathing while your skin is still damp.

2. Avoid harsh soaps and cleansers. Harsh chemicals can irritate the skin and trigger psoriasis flare-ups. Look for mild or gentle soaps without added fragrances, dyes, or other harsh ingredients. And avoid scrubbing or excessive rubbing when cleansing affected areas—this can further irritate the skin.

3. Take warm baths with Epsom salt or colloidal oatmeal. Soaking in a warm bath can help soothe itching and pain associated with psoriasis flare-ups. Add 1–2 cups of Epsom salt or colloidal oatmeal to your bathwater to help ease symptoms even further. Just be sure not to stay in the tub for more than 20 minutes at a time to avoid drying out your skin.

What Causes a Psoriatic Flare-up?

There are a number of things that can trigger a psoriatic flare-up, and what triggers a flare-up can vary from person to person. Some common triggers include:

-Stress: Stress can cause all sorts of skin problems, and psoriasis is no exception. If you’re under a lot of stress, it’s important to find ways to manage it so that it doesn’t take a toll on your skin.

-Injury to the skin: Any sort of injury to the skin, whether it’s a cut, scrape, or burn, can trigger a psoriatic flare-up. Be sure to protect your skin from injuries as much as possible.

-Certain medications: There are some medications that can trigger or worsen psoriasis flare-ups. If you’re taking any medication, be sure to talk to your doctor about the possibility of it causing flares.

-Weather: Cold weather and dry air can both trigger psoriatic flare-ups. If you live in an area with cold winters, make sure to take extra care of your skin during those months.

How to Reduce Your Risk of Getting Psoriasis

If you have psoriasis, you know that flare-ups can happen at any time. But there are things you can do to reduce your risk of getting a flare-up. Here are some tips:

1. Keep your skin moist. Moisturize regularly, especially after bathing or showering. This will help to prevent dryness, which can trigger a flare-up.

2. Avoid triggers. If you know what triggers your psoriasis (such as stress, certain medications, or infections), try to avoid them.

3. Take care of your skin. Avoid things that can irritate your skin, such as harsh soaps or detergents. And don’t scratch or pick at your skin — this can make the problem worse.

4. Get regular exercise. Exercise can help reduce stress and improve your overall health, both of which may help prevent flares.

5. Eat a healthy diet. Eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may help reduce inflammation throughout your body and keep your skin healthy.

What is the Best Treatment for Psoriasis?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best treatment for psoriasis will vary depending on the individual and the severity of their condition. However, there are a few things that people with psoriasis can do to help reduce flare-ups and improve their skin health.

Some of the best treatments for psoriasis include:

• Topical treatments such as corticosteroids, calcipotriene, or coal tar. These can be applied directly to the affected areas of the skin to help reduce inflammation and itching.

• Phototherapy, which involves exposure to ultraviolet light. This can be done in a doctor’s office or at home with a special device.

• Systemic therapies such as methotrexate or cyclosporine. These are taken orally or by injection and work by suppressing the immune system to reduce inflammation throughout the body.

• Biologics, which are genetically engineered proteins that target specific parts of the immune system. These are given by injection or intravenously and can be very effective for severe cases of psoriasis.

Some Tips That Can Help You Deal With the Symptoms of Psoriasis

If you have psoriasis, you know that flare-ups can be frustrating and even painful. But there are things you can do to help reduce the frequency and severity of your flare-ups. Here are some tips:

1. Keep your skin moist. This will help to prevent dryness, which can trigger a flare-up. Use a gentle, unscented moisturizer regularly, and consider using a humidifier in your home.

2. Avoid triggers. If you know what triggers your flare-ups (e.g., certain foods, stress, weather changes), try to avoid them as much as possible.

3. Take care of your skin gently. Avoid scrubbing or scratching your skin, as this will only make things worse. Instead, use a soft cloth to gently cleanse your skin, and be sure to pat it dry afterward.

4. Get some sun exposure (in moderation). Sunlight can help to improve the symptoms of psoriasis, but too much sun can actually trigger a flare-up. So aim for moderate sun exposure – about 15 minutes per day – and use sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

5. Try topical treatments. There are many over-the-counter options available, but you may also want to talk to your doctor about prescription options if OTC treatments aren’t working for you.

6. Consider light therapy/phototherapy. This treatment involves exposure.

Conclusion

If you have psoriasis, chances are that you’ve tried a variety of treatments to help reduce flare-ups. Some work better than others, and some may not work at all. The best thing to do is to experiment and find what works best for you. We hope our list of 3 things to do that help reduce psoriasis flare-ups has given you some ideas on how to manage your condition. Do you have any other tips that have worked well for you? Let us know in the comments below!