As mentioned in a previous post, psoriasis is an autoimmune condition, which means, for those who have it, will typically have flare ups when their immune system is down. It can be very uncomfortable and in more than 70% of cases, it can be itchy and sometimes cause a feeling of burning.

If you suffer from psoriasis, you may already have experimented with different ways to combat flare ups. Here’s a list of at least 7 ways to reduce its chances of flaring up:

Vitamin D

Vitamin D has been a medical marvel for many cases, including cancer, bone health, skin health, and more. For psoriasis, there is a major difference in what it can do for the skin’s cell growth as well as the immune system itself.

With regards to the skin, studies show that Vitamin D can create a tightening response between the peptide and the DNA, which inhibits the inflammatory process that triggers the psoriasis flare ups.

There’s a danger to taking too much Vitamin D. So being mindful of the amount you intake is very important.


Phototherapy involves exposure to ultraviolet light. This is very effective in that it slows down the growth of affected skin cells. It involves targeting the area(s) with artificial, ultraviolet light. Depending on the instrument used, the exposure may be as quick as a split second or a few minutes at a time to gain the exposure it needs per treatment.

The key to successful phototherapy treatments is consistency. It takes patience and consistent treatments for a patient to gain the full effects of phototherapy. Psoriasis comes and goes, but phototherapy is a treatment that often has successful results due to its ability to keep psoriasis flare ups for coming back sooner than expected.

Avoid Cold Climates or Invest in a Humidifier

For many people, the worst part about having psoriasis flare ups is the inability to hide it. Some people feel embarrassed about its appearance as people who don’t understand what it is, tend to stay away from it. Psoriasis is NOT contagious.


Cold weather is the most common times psoriasis can occur. It makes the skin dry, flaky, and more likely to create plaque for people who suffer from psoriasis. It’s wise to stay away from cold climates, but for those who can’t, a humidifier or the proper heating system is very helpful.

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can go hand-in-hand with everything. The way you eat, how much sleep you get, your stress level, exercise, and your overall lifestyle.

It’s important to realize that even though you eat healthy, exercise, and put on creams the way you should, what you do for leisure also makes a difference.

Don’t Smoke

Nicotine from cigarettes are said to have a negative effect on the immune system, not to mention the negative effect it has on the skin itself. Just take a look at a smoker’s skin, if you’re looking at it from an anti-aging perspective, compared to a non-smoker’s skin. Notice a major difference?

Don’t Drink

Reducing alcohol intake should be a no brainer. After all, it can inhibit the normal functions of your many wonder organs, such as your liver, your brain, your digestive system, and the works.

A study from researchers in a Women’s Hospital in Boston distributed a questionnaire filled by at least 82,000 nurses who stated that women who drank beer at least 5 times a week had a higher likelihood of developing psoriasis.

Alcohol can also counteract the effects of some medications that help reduce the appearance of psoriasis.

Maintain a Healthy Diet

What you put into your system is also a very important element to your health, which makes a difference in the functions of your overall body.

Processed Food

Processed food is known as any type of food that’s been altered from its natural state. Some might have too much salt, too much sugar, an in many cases, it includes artificial ingredients our body does not agree with.


Studies have shown that gluten antibodies are often found in psoriasis patients. In some cases, patients with celiac disease can also have psoriasis. Most celiac patients are highly sensitive to foods with gluten, which can be found in the following foods:

  • Pasta
  • Cereal
  • Bread
  • Beer
  • French Fries
  • and many more


Dairy products contain a natural inflammatory acid, called arachidonic. A good alternative could be soy, almond milk, and other dairy substitutes.

Red Meat

Red meat is often a culprit and can cause inflammation due to the polyunsaturated fat found in them. With that said, it may be a good idea to cut out processed meat altogether. Just think of the double wammy it creates.


There are ingredients in condiments that can increase the inflammation of psoriasis. Of course it depends on the individual, but most condiments are artificially flavored and sometimes rich in sugar and other ingredients that can create flare ups.

Junk Food

With all the above mentioned, junk should intake should be clear. Just don’t do it!

Skin Care Ingredients to Use

Topical ingredients can be very helpful for maintaining psoriasis conditions. However, being aware and mindful of the ingredients in these products makes a big difference. Some are effective and some of them might create negative reactions, possibly making psoriasis conditions worse.

Coal tar is a good example of ingredients you should watch out for. It’s FDA approved to treat psoriasis, but it can still cause redness and irritation for some people. Just make sure you test it in a small area before you apply it everywhere else.

Be cautious of ingredients that smell nice, but may create irritation. Alcohol and fragrance can create dryness and sensitivity.


There are a lot of benefits, besides losing weight, to exercise. It’s a great way to naturally rid your body of toxins, helps release endorphins, which promotes stress reduction, helps your overall mind and brain functions, and can help you create positive outlooks in life. Overall, it’s great for you! A positive mind can create positive energy, which in turn creates many more health benefits.

Drink Plenty of Water


Water is good for you! It’s one of the most inexpensive and effective ways to prevent psoriasis outbreaks.

As you may have heard, water is made up of 70% of our body. So it’s only fitting to understand that maintaining a natural flow through our system would be good for our immunity and overall health.

Water can provide many benefits to a healthy body:

  • Detoxification
  • Anti-Inflammation
  • Good Blood Circulation

What you put into your body can be a reflection of what your skin looks like. Being that it’s an autoimmune condition, psoriasis can be very sensitive to the internal as well as the external functions of your body. Your skin’s health depends on YOU!