If you suffer from psoriasis, you know that flare-ups can be caused by a variety of triggers from the environment. While you may not be able to control all of these factors, there are some things you can do to help prevent psoriasis flare-ups, and we'll cover this below.

There are a few different types of psoriasis, each with its own set of symptoms. The most common form, plaque psoriasis, appears as dry, red patches of skin covered in white or silver scales. You may also find that these patches are itchy or sore, and you might experience nail changes, like pitting. If you have psoriasis, it’s important to be on the lookout for any changes in your skin, as well as any new symptoms that might show up. When your immune system is working properly, it helps to fight off infection and keep you healthy. But in people with psoriasis, it's thought that the immune system triggers inflammation for no reason, which leads to the thick, scaly patches of skin.

Triggers are things from our environment that can cause psoriasis flare-ups. Some people find that their psoriasis is triggered by stress, while others may have flare-ups after exposure to certain weather conditions, like cold or heat. Other possible triggers include:

 

• Smoking
• Injury to the skin
• Certain medications

 

Natural tips for preventing triggers include avoiding certain trigger foods that may trigger psoriasis flare-ups for some people. These include nightshade vegetables including tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers; gluten found in wheat, barley, dairy and shellfish. You might be unsure which of these causes your psoriasis to flare, so it may be a good idea to keep a diary or food journal. Doing this can help you figure out which foods cause your body to react, and then you can start taking steps to avoid them. Everyone's body is different, so what may trigger a flare-up for one person might not have the same effect on another.

Avoiding injury to your skin is important for preventing psoriasis flare-ups. This means being careful not to scratch or pick at your skin and avoiding any excessive sun exposure. If you do go out in the sun, make sure to wear loose-fitting clothing and hats, and avoid staying out for prolonged periods of time. Burns can easily trigger flare-ups and many other issues, so be sure to take care of your skin.

While you may need to stay away from certain foods, there are others that can benefit you and help you manage symptoms. Taking our probiotic supplement can help you control flare-ups by replenishing and nourishing the gut, which lessens inflammation. Anti-inflammatory foods such as omega 3s and vitamin D are also excellent options to include in your diet to assist your skin as it heals.

Infections can cause many problems, and some forms of psoriasis are even a direct result of an infection. To help prevent this, it’s important to practice good hygiene and avoid sharing personal items with others. If you have a cut or scrape, be sure to clean it well and keep it covered until it heals to avoid any bacteria getting in and causing an infection.

Stress is a big trigger for psoriasis flare-ups, so finding ways to manage it is essential for preventing symptoms. Some stress-relieving techniques you can try include yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises, spending time in nature, exercising and getting enough sleep.

 

When high levels of cortisol are present in our bodies, it can cause inflammation, which may lead to worsening psoriasis symptoms. That's why it's crucial to find ways to de-stress and calm the body so it can repair itself.

For some people, extreme weather conditions may cause their psoriasis to flare. The cold, dry air in winter can cause the skin to crack and become irritated, while hot, dry weather can make symptoms worse. It’s important to take extra care of your skin during these times and to avoid any excessive exposure to either extreme. What's more, take note of the seasons, as high-pollen counts in spring and summer can also act as a trigger for some.

If you've been struggling with psoriasis symptoms, these tips may help you avoid your triggers and keep flare-ups at bay. Hanna's best-selling book, Radiant, can provide you with more tips and natural methods for managing your skin conditions and helping your skin to heal.