Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects more than eight million Americans and 125 million people worldwide. It occurs when an overactive immune system speeds up skin cell production, resulting in thick, scaly lesions known as plaques.
Finding long-term relief from these symptoms starts with expert medical guidance. Carlos Ricotti, MD, and the team at Miami Dermatology & Skin Care provide comprehensive treatment strategies to help keep your skin under control.
While there’s no cure for psoriasis, your daily habits play a key role in reducing the frequency and severity of your symptoms. Read on to explore our tips for preventing future flare-ups.
Psoriasis symptoms often worsen, or flare, in response to specific environmental, health, and lifestyle factors. While these triggers vary from person to person, some common culprits include:
To pinpoint what’s bothering your skin, consider keeping a symptom journal — a daily log that tracks any changes in your skin alongside possible triggers. Documenting things like high stress levels, recent weather patterns, and minor scrapes can help you connect the dots and better avoid flares.
Many people think psoriasis causes dry skin — and it can — but dryness itself may also trigger flare-ups. Applying a thick, fragrance-free cream or ointment immediately after bathing helps seal in moisture and soothe dry, irritated plaques.
When showering, opt for lukewarm water. Hot water can strip away your natural oils and worsen inflammation. Afterward, gently pat your skin dry with a towel; never rub.
Emotional stress is one of the most common psoriasis triggers. When your stress levels rise, your body releases hormones and inflammatory chemicals that can overstimulate the immune system, making flare-ups more likely.
At the same time, painful or visible flares can cause additional stress and anxiety, which creates an ongoing cycle of inflammation.
Finding healthy ways to unwind is essential for keeping both your mind and your skin calm. Try to make time each day to practice simple relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or quiet walks in nature.
It can be tempting to pick or scratch at psoriasis plaques, especially when they’re itchy. However, scratching your skin creates microscopic injuries that worsen irritation and may cause new plaques to form in the same area.
Instead of scratching or rubbing the skin roughly, apply a cool compress or a thick moisturizer to calm the itch. A lukewarm bath with colloidal oatmeal can also help soothe irritation and reduce dryness.
For some people, certain foods may aggravate their symptoms. If you notice flare-ups after making changes to your diet or eating specific things, there could be a connection.
Highly processed foods, refined sugars, and saturated fats can increase the level of inflammation in the body, potentially making flares more likely. To support your skin from the inside out, fill your plate with a variety of nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods like fish, leafy greens, berries, and olive oil.
If you need help identifying your triggers or finding skincare products that work, turn to our experts at Miami Dermatology & Skin Care in Miami, Florida. Call us or fill out our convenient online booking form today.
