Psoriasis flare-ups can be avoided in the first place by strictly adhering to your doctor's instructions and always taking your medicine as prescribed. There are alternative ways for psoriasis to control the severity of symptoms and experience rapid improvement. You can find ten examples below.
1. Always use a moisturizer on your skin.

Dry, itchy skin from a psoriasis flare-up is exacerbated or avoided by maintaining a consistent moisturizing routine. As a bonus, it can help soothe your skin and bring it back to health, minimizing the discomfort of your flare-up. The National Psoriasis Foundation recommends heavy lotions or ointments that trap moisture. Try to find an alcohol- and fragrance-free moisturizer. Alcohol and scented products might be detrimental to your skin's moisture levels. You can use vegetable oils or shortening to keep your skin moisturized if you prefer a more natural or inexpensive approach. If you need guidance, consult a dermatologist.
Take shorter showers in lukewarm water to prevent water loss and keep your skin supple. It would be best if you only used soaps without added fragrances. Moisturizer should be used after every cleansing, whether a bath, a face wash, or a hand washing. If you enjoy baths and suffer from dry, itchy skin, try adding oil to the water. If you have dry, itchy skin, try a bath with Epsom or Dead Sea salts. Keep your baths to no more than 15 minutes, and apply lotion as soon as possible. Try chilling your moisturizers and creams for the best results. An itchy flare-up typically comes with a burning sensation, which can help relieve it.
2. To prevent further inflammation and itching of the scalp.
Avoid scratching or rubbing your head as much as possible. Blood, scabs, and even hair loss can result from this. Don't use scented or alcohol-based shampoos. Due to their high alcohol content, these products exacerbate inflammation on the scalp or trigger new outbreaks. Be careful when you're shampooing your hair. Don't pick at or scrub your scalp. Psoriasis plaque can be loosened and made more manageable with a scale softener containing salicylic acid.
3. Lessen your anxiety

Flare-ups can occur while you're under stress because inflammation is one way your body deals with stress. People with psoriasis have overactive immune systems, which produce an abundance of molecules typically produced in response to infection or injury. If you're worried about how your psoriasis affects your mental health, it's time to see a doctor. In some cases, they may be able to recommend strategies for dealing with pressure. They may also suggest consulting with a psychiatrist, psychologist, or social worker. Meditation, yoga, physical activity, and doing activities you enjoy are all proven stress-busters.
Meeting others who have psoriasis could encourage you. Seek a psoriasis support group by contacting your nearest hospital or conducting an internet search.
4. A healthy diet
Unfortunately, no conclusive evidence between food and psoriasis has been discovered. Evidence suggests, however, that one's diet may have a role in developing psoriasis and the degree to which the condition responds to treatment.
Flare-up intensity may also be mitigated by adhering to a balanced diet.
A healthier diet and increased exercise have been shown to lessen the severity of psoriasis in those who are overweight or obese. The National Psoriasis Foundation also suggests trying omega-3 fatty acid nutritional supplements or meals. Reduced inflammation has been associated with higher intakes of omega-3 fatty acids.
The following are examples of omega-3 food sources:
- omega-3 fatty acid supplementation found in fish
- nuts and seeds, rich seafood like salmon and sardines
- oils extracted from soya beans
Before adding more fish oil to your diet, talk to your doctor. Extremely high doses are not advised for those already on blood-thinning medication.
5. Participate in a peer-counseling program.
One way to find others who understand your struggles with psoriasis is to join a local support group. And you won't feel so alone after joining a support group. You'll be able to network with people experiencing the same things you are regarding psoriasis and find out how they deal with it.
6. Take a coal tar-based over-the-counter medication.
Psoriasis symptoms can be reduced by using a coal tar solution. Considering psoriasis treatment costs, these treatments can be purchased at most pharmacies in your area and include:
Medicated cosmetics and toiletries such as shampoos, bubble baths, and soaps
Without a prescription, you can save money by purchasing medications. Your doctor could prescribe coal tar.
Coal tar treatments alleviate:
Flaky psoriasis of the plaque variety
Psoriasis of the scalp is more severe than palmoplantar psoriasis, which affects the soles of the feet and the palms of the hands.
If you fall under any of these categories, you should stay away from coal tar:
You are a pregnant woman or a nursing mother.
You seem to have photosensitivity.
Your medication increases your sensitivity to UV radiation; therefore, you should avoid exposure whenever possible.
7. Drop the habit.
The health of those with psoriasis can improve after they give up smoking due to several factors.
Decreased danger of inflammation-related issues with the cardiovascular system, liver, blood vessels, and teeth
drop in the likelihood of acquiring Crohn's disease and other autoimmune disorders
patients with palmoplantar psoriasis have fewer psoriasis flare-ups and longer remission times.
Before trying a nicotine patch to help you quit smoking, talk to your doctor. Psoriasis flare-ups have been linked to the usage of some nicotine patches.
8. Reduce your alcohol intake.
Consuming alcohol while undergoing medical treatment can have negative consequences. And here's how:
There is always a chance that your treatment will cease working or have a different impact.
A lower number of remissions may be experienced by you (lengths of time without flares).
If you have psoriasis, you should know that cutting back on your alcohol intake can help in several ways.
Female patients have a higher remission rate, and male patients have a lower likelihood of developing psoriatic arthritis.
A lower probability of having fatty liver disease
Psoriasis medication is less likely to cause liver damage.
9. Protect your skin with sunscreen.
Damage to the skin from the sun can trigger an outbreak of psoriasis.
Wearing sunscreen on all exposed skin before going outside can help reduce the risk of a flare-up if you plan to spend time outdoors. Wearing sunscreen with at least 30 SPF and water resistance is recommended.
10. Keep an eye on the forecast.
For some, the psoriasis outbreaks are worse in the fall and winter. Psoriasis can be made worse by dry skin brought on by indoor heating systems. Flares during the colder months of the year can be mitigated by moisturizing dry skin.
After each cleansing, or whenever your skin seems particularly dehydrated, apply a high-quality moisturizer. Using warm water rather than hot water when taking a bath or shower is recommended. You shouldn't soak for longer than 10 minutes at a time.