Skincare and Flare Management with Psoriasis

There are easy ways that you can look after your skin to help manage or control your psoriasis:

• After a bath or shower gently pat yourself dry rather than rubbing

• Moisturise! Especially after a bath or shower as it helps to lock in the moisture

• If you have psoriasis on your face don’t shave every day. Use an electric razor rather than a disposable one

• Wear loose fitting natural fibres, such as cotton, that allow your skin to breathe

• Wear sun cream. The sun will help your psoriasis but you need to be careful not to get sunburnt. Some treatments can also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight so you will need to cover up

Flares are periods of increased disease activity during which people’s disease symptoms are more severe. It’s important that you are aware of triggers for your psoriasis. Recognising triggers will help you manage your condition, and help your doctors identify the best ways to support you.

Possible triggers include:

• Streptococcal throat infection

• Stress

• Skin injury (Koebner phenomenon, also know as isomorphic response, is where plaques begin to form on the skin that has suffered an injury in areas not typically associated with the usual appearance of psoriasis)

• Some medications (for example: lithium for depression, beta blockers for heart disease, some anti-malarials)

It is important you look after yourself as self-care and limiting flare ups of your psoriasis will help you to have a better quality of life.

Ask your doctor to help you put together a care plan to help you to manage your treatment and live the best lifestyle possible to manage your condition.