Myths and Facts About Psoriasis

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.  

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.

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.  

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.  

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. 

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.