Psoriasis care: practical tips to reduce flares and soothe skin

Psoriasis can feel stubborn, but small daily changes make a big difference. Want fewer flares and less itching? Start with a simple routine you can stick to and use treatments that match your symptoms.

Daily skin routine that works

Clean gently. Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser and lukewarm water—hot showers strip oils and worsen dryness. Pat skin dry instead of rubbing.

Moisturize twice a day. Choose a thick, fragrance-free cream or ointment and apply while skin is slightly damp to lock in moisture. For hands, feet, and elbows, use a heavier ointment at night and consider cotton gloves or socks to boost absorption.

Try wet wraps for bad flares. Apply a medicated cream or moisturizer, put on a damp layer of cloth, then a dry layer over it for several hours or overnight. This helps creams penetrate and calms severe redness and scaling.

Be gentle with scales. Use a soft cloth, an emollient with salicylic acid, or a medicated shampoo on the scalp to lift scales—don’t pick them, that makes flares worse and can cause infection.

Manage triggers and lifestyle habits

Watch for common triggers: stress, smoking, heavy alcohol use, weight gain, certain medications, and skin injuries like cuts or sunburns. If you spot a pattern—say flares after an illness or a new med—bring it up with your clinician.

Keep stress in check. Short daily habits like deep breathing, a quick walk, or 10 minutes of focused breathing help many people lower flare frequency. Movement and sleep also matter—aim for regular exercise and consistent sleep hours.

Mind your diet. No single food fixes psoriasis, but losing extra weight if you’re overweight often reduces inflammation and flare intensity. Some people find less processed food, less sugar, and more omega-3s helpful. Try small changes and track how your skin responds.

Protect skin from infections and harsh chemicals. Use gloves for cleaning, patch-test new products, and treat cuts quickly.

Know when to see a doctor. If your psoriasis covers large areas, affects your nails, scalp, palms, or groin, or you feel joint pain or stiffness, get medical advice. Psoriatic arthritis can quietly progress and needs early treatment.

Medical options vary. Over-the-counter hydrocortisone and medicated shampoos work for mild cases. Prescription topical steroids, vitamin D analogs, or retinoids help more stubborn plaques. Phototherapy (light treatment) helps many people, and systemic drugs—like methotrexate or modern biologics—are available for moderate to severe disease. Discuss risks, benefits, and monitoring with your provider.

Finally, you’re not alone. Support groups and online forums can share practical tips, product recommendations, and coping strategies. If one approach doesn’t help, try another—psoriasis often needs a mix of routines, triggers control, and medical options to stay under control.