Actionable tips for preventing flare-ups including skincare, dietary, and lifestyle strategies.

August is Psoriasis Action Month, bringing national attention to this chronic autoimmune condition that affects around 7.5 million Americans. Psoriasis is mostly found in adults – particularly the 45 to 64 age group – and manifests as scaly, itchy patches of skin caused by a buildup of skin cells.

These areas can appear anywhere on the body but tend to be found on the scalp, elbows, knees, and trunk (the chest, back, pelvis, and abdomen). Psoriasis patches can be dry and cracked, varying in shades of pink, red, silver, gray, brown, purple, or black.

The exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, but experts believe it has roots in immune system responses and genetic inheritance. Severity also varies among individuals, and even within the same individual at different times, as the condition can flare unpredictably. 

The good news is that there are some simple steps you can take to manage psoriasis and reduce the incidence of flare-ups. Here’s what you need to know.

Dietary factors

Dietary choices can play a positive role in strengthening the immune system, which can be particularly helpful for psoriasis sufferers since the immune system can influence the condition. The best foods to include in the diet for psoriasis prevention are those that can boost skin health and healing.

Stress can also cause psoriasis flare-ups, so adding stress-reducing foods to your diet may help. These include foods high in B vitamins, protein, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids, such as beef, chicken, fish, nuts, seeds, and fruits.

When eating to prevent psoriasis flare-ups, it’s also best to avoid pro-inflammatory foods such as:

• Processed foods
• Gluten
• Dairy
• Trans fats and saturated fats
• Sugar
• Alcohol

Talk with your doctor before making any dietary changes. A medical professional can help determine the best dietary changes for you.

Skincare

The importance of skincare for psoriasis prevention can’t be overstated. The hardest step is to avoid scratching, rubbing, or picking, all of which can worsen the situation by breaking the skin and causing infection.

Several over-the-counter and prescription skincare products can help soothe psoriasis, including various lotions, aloe vera, and petroleum or paraffin jellies. Moisturized areas can be protected by wrapping them; this prevents topical applications from being wiped away by clothing or evaporating too quickly in hot conditions.

Also take care when showering or bathing, as the motion of running water, excessive scrubbing, and overly hot water can aggravate psoriasis. As a general rule, it’s best to keep showers and baths lukewarm and avoid bathing for longer than 15 minutes or showering for longer than five.

Adding coal tar, ground oatmeal, or bath oils to water can gently exfoliate psoriasis scales, as can using shampoos that contain those ingredients. Look for products that have earned the National Psoriasis Foundation’s Seal of Recognition for personal care.

Environmental factors

Dry and/or cold weather can cause psoriasis flare-ups, as can dark, overcast conditions that inhibit the body’s production of vitamin D, which is known to help in some cases of psoriasis. Medically approved exposure to sunlight, which spurs vitamin D production, can also help some psoriasis patients.

Reduce your exposure to environmental triggers by dressing warmly in cold weather and moisturizing psoriasis patches. Warm, sunny weather may require broad-spectrum sunscreen and light protective clothing to prevent sunburn. Speak to your doctor about what to wear in the sun and how long to stay outdoors.

Indoors, using a humidifier can keep the air moist and potentially help prevent psoriasis patches from drying out. Humidifiers are just as useful in cold weather as in hot weather, so ask your doctor if investing in one may help. You might consider a Dyson, which was the first of its kind to earn a certification from the National Psoriasis Foundation.

Medications 

There are some medications that can potentially increase the risk of psoriasis flare-ups. This list includes (but isn’t limited to):

• Alprazolam (Xanax, Niravam)
• Atenolol 
• Clonazepam (Klonopin)
• Diazepam (Valium)
• Indomethacin (Tivorbex)
• Lithium 
• Metoprolol
• Naproxen (Aleve)
• Propranolol
• Quinidine

Talk to your doctor if you experience flare-ups when taking these – or any other – medications. There may be alternative treatments or prescriptions available that won’t exacerbate your psoriasis. Never stop taking a prescription without first talking to your doctor.

Medications used to prevent psoriasis vary widely from topical creams, ointments, and analogs (synthetic vitamin D) to light therapy and oral or injected medications. The latest research on psoriasis management recommends keeping fit, regulating gut microbiomes, and maintaining a healthy body weight. Once again, always consult with your doctor before making any lifestyle changes.

Healthy living with psoriasis

Psoriasis affects everyone differently, but there are many ways to manage this condition – some of which can also improve other areas of your health. The National Psoriasis Foundation offers a host of resources to help you learn more about care and awareness.

Of course, one way to reduce psoriasis stress is by making it less complicated and expensive to treat. And that’s where ModRN Health comes in. We can help you find the lowest-cost brand name and generic prescription prices in your area and make it easier to keep up with your refill schedule. And when you use our service, you also earn rewards points redeemable for vouchers at some of your favorite stores. 

If all that sounds good to you, sign up for a free ModRN Health account and start saving up to 90% on your current medication expenses today!