Skin Care Tips

In addition to the many psoriasis treatments available, there are also lots things you can do at home to take care of your skin and prevent psoriasis flare-ups. And please don't give up! Together with your doctor, you can find a way to manage your psoriasis and feel comfortable in your skin again.

Here are a few tips for preventing flare-ups and soothing your skin during a flare-up:

Be gentle with your skin. Always take warm, never hot, baths and pat your skin dry. An oatmeal bath can be particularly soothing.

Moisturize! Keeping your skin moist will help prevent excessive dryness and cracking. Try using a moisturizer during the day and a heavier lotion or ointment at night.

Always apply a moisturizer after bathing to seal in the water.

Use only fragrance-free, hypoallergenic skin care products, including moisturizers.

Avoid scratching at all costs. If this means taking an antihistamine at night so you can get a good night's sleep, talk to your doctor about which one would be best for you.

Don't pick at lesions: Leave them alone and they'll go away; pick at them and they may become infected.

Quit smoking! Smoking may actually trigger a psoriasis flare-up.

Use cool compresses to calm inflamed skin and soothe itchiness.

Don't forget your sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat. While a little sun can help with the psoriasis healing process, a sunburn can trigger a flare-up.

Use a humidifier during the winter months to counteract the dry air that circulates in your house when the heat is always on.

Wear cotton clothing to let your skin breathe. Avoid scratchy fabrics.