If you suffer from psoriasis, you may often feel isolated and alone in your experiences. Perhaps you feel ashamed or embarrassed when you flare.

Psoriasis is a physically and mentally taxing condition, but it’s not one that you have to go through alone.

In this post, we’ll explain what psoriasis is and its most common triggers. We’ll then share four coping strategies for dealing with a psoriasis flare-up, including how to manage the condition both physically and emotionally.

What Is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes a build-up of skin cells on the surface of the skin. When this happens, it leads to itchy, scaly patches.

The most common areas for psoriasis to flare-up include the knees, elbows, trunk, and scalp. However, you can experience a flare-up on most any part of your body.

The exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, though research indicates it’s an immune system dysfunction.

What Triggers Flare-Ups

There are a variety of external triggers, but the underlying internal trigger is the same: an impact to the immune system. Essentially, the immune system feels attacked so it goes on the defense.

The most common list of triggers for a psoriasis flare-up include stress, injury to the skin, certain medications, and illness.

4 Tips for Managing Psoriasis Flare-Ups

During a flare-up, you should be sure to follow the care plan you have developed with your dermatologist. In addition to that, though, consider these four tips.

1. Limit Showers and Baths

While a nice hot shower after a stressful day can seem like a good idea, it may lead to more stress down the road.

The less time you can spend in water, the better. This means keeping your showers and baths to a minimum, especially during the colder months. You should also keep the temperature of the water lukewarm as opposed to hot.

Of course, you’ll also want to apply a lotion or moisturizer afterwards to prevent further moisture loss.

2. Use a Heavy Cream Moisturizer

For people with psoriasis, a typical moisturizer or lotion won’t be enough to quell the symptoms. Instead, you need to add a heavy cream moisturizer to your routine.

When moisturizing, you want to think of how well the product can deliver hydration to the skin as well as how well it can lock it in. A cream moisturizer is thicker than typical moisturizers. They also will often include hyaluronic acid. Both of these properties mean that the moisturizing and hydrating effects will be locked in for longer.

3. Reduce Stress

For many people, stress is a big trigger for psoraisis flare-ups.

While you can’t avoid stress altogether, you can do your best to reduce your stress levels. This will look different for everyone, but a few ideas include:

• Get active.
• Practice yoga.
• Practice meditation.
• Get enough sleep.
• Keep a journal.
• Pick up a new hobby.

You should also ensure you have a solid self-care routine established. This will ensure, even during stressful periods in your life, that you’re meeting your bare minimum self care needs.

4. Join a Support Group

While the physical symptoms can be difficult to manage, so too can the emotional symptoms. Psoriasis can be a difficult pill to swallow, but joining a support group can help.

The National Psoriasis Foundation has community and support resources on their website. You may also consider asking your dermatologist if they know of any support groups in your area.

If you’re someone who has avoided a support group in the past, I encourage you to give one a try. The emotional support can make a world of difference especially when you’re dealing with a particularly difficult flare-up.

What flare-up management tips do you have for your fellow psoriasis sufferers?