Myths and Facts About Psoriasis

Stress and anxiety:
Can cause psoriasis
Can trigger a flare
Have no link to psoriasis
Stress and anxiety:
Some research suggests that stress can also make some psoriasis treatments work more slowly. So it’s key to find ways to manage it. Talk to your doctor about whether things like exercise, meditation, or counseling could help.

Talking about your psoriasis on social media:
Can be good for you
Is sharing a bit too much
Talking about your psoriasis on social media:
Getting things off your chest can help. So can learning how others have handled things you may be going through. You can find places on social media dedicated to supporting people who have psoriasis. Checking them out can help show you that you’re not dealing with the condition alone.
Cold showers may:
Help relieve itch
Make itch worse
Have no effect
Cold showers may:
While a warm shower may relax you, it may not be good for your psoriasis. Hot water dries out your skin. It can irritate it, too. Cooler showers are better. You can also use ice packs to help ease the itch. It can be a good idea to put your creams in the refrigerator, too.

Which of the following may help with scalp psoriasis?
Apple cider vinegar
Corn oil
Olive oil
Which of the following may help with scalp psoriasis?
It can help cool the skin on your scalp. You can put it on directly, but it’s best to mix it in a 1:1 ratio with water. Don’t use it if you have areas that are cracked or bleeding. It can irritate them and cause a burning sensation.

Watching how much sugar you eat can help your symptoms.
True
False
Watching how much sugar you eat can help your symptoms.
Too much sugar can lead to inflammation. That can cause a flare or make one worse. Keep an eye on the amount of caffeine you drink and how much corn and dairy are in your diet, too. They can cause the same issues.

Which of these fish can help ease your symptoms?
Herring
Sardines
Salmon
All of the above
Which of these fish can help ease your symptoms?
Along with mackerel and anchovies, these all have omega-3 fats, which can help with inflammation. They also may boost your heart health. One or two 3-ounce servings a week is all you need to get the benefits of those “good” fats. Don't like fish? Omega-3 supplements can help, too. Talk with your doctor.

How much time should you spend in the sun without covering your skin?
None
Short periods
At least an hour at a time
How much time should you spend in the sun without covering your skin?
Small amounts of sunlight can be good for you. Talk with your doctor about how long you should stay outside, though. Too much sun can trigger outbreaks or make ones you have worse. Be sure to wear sunscreen on areas that don’t have psoriasis.

Regular, vigorous exercise can release chemicals that trigger flare-ups.
True
False
Regular, vigorous exercise can release chemicals that trigger flare-ups.
Among its many benefits, regular exercise may ease anxiety, which can be a trigger. Working out releases brain chemicals called endorphins that may boost your mood and energy and help you sleep. In one study, women who got regular, vigorous exercise were less likely to get psoriasis than those who didn’t.

How should you handle the scales on your psoriasis patches?
Leave them alone and let them flake off
Use products to try to get rid of them
How should you handle the scales on your psoriasis patches?
Over-the-counter creams, ointments, and oils can help get rid of dead skin. This can ease itching and prevent cracking and flaking. It also can make your treatments work better.

People who have psoriasis are more likely to have:
Migraines
Type 2 diabetes
Vision problems
People who have psoriasis are more likely to have:
They’re also more likely to have heart disease and stroke. That’s why it’s really important to stay a healthy weight if you have psoriasis. Talk with your doctor about what your healthy weight is. They can also show you how to shed extra pounds, if you need to.

Which of the following can keep your psoriasis medication from working like it should?
Alcohol
Diet soda
Grapefruit juice
Which of the following can keep your psoriasis medication from working like it should?
It’s best to stay away from it altogether. But if you do drink, keep it in check. Alcohol can affect your treatment and make your flare-ups worse. The guidelines for moderate drinking are no more than two drinks a day for men and one a day for women.

Which plant is used in some creams and pastes to soothe psoriasis patches?
Aloe vera
Basil
Mint
Which plant is used in some creams and pastes to soothe psoriasis patches?
Other herbs and spices can help with the itch of psoriasis, too. For example, the ingredient in chili peppers that makes them hot, capsaicin, is used in some ointments and creams because it can block pain signals to your brain. It also may help ease inflammation, redness, and scaling. Talk to your doctor before trying any herbal treatments, though.

During pregnancy, psoriasis:
Gets better
Gets worse
Can go either way
During pregnancy, psoriasis:
For some women, it gets better when they’re pregnant, but it can be just the opposite for others. Both men and women who are thinking of starting a family should talk with their doctors. Some psoriasis treatments can cause issues for a developing baby. If necessary, your doctor can suggest other ways to control your psoriasis.

Baths with Epsom salts:
Can irritate your skin
Can help ease your symptoms
Can make your skin smell nice
Baths with Epsom salts:
Taking a 10-minute bath every day in bath oils, Dead Sea salts, or colloidial oatmeal can help your skin and ease your inflammation. Just make sure the water isn’t too hot and that you use a mild soap. After your bath, put a moisturizer on your skin before it dries.