Preventing Psoriasis Flare Ups

Psoriasis is not only embarrassing, but is physically painful. The itching and burning can be unbearable at times. Treatment options may not always be effective. It is just as important to focus on prevention of flare ups as what it is treatment. Psoriasis flare ups can be caused by a number of things and may vary from one person to the next. However, there are a few common things that are likely to irritate the skin and cause psoriasis to flare up.

Some of the most noted psoriasis irritants may include laundry detergents, bath products and soaps, some cosmetics and skin care creams. Almost anything extremely drying to the skin is guaranteed to cause a flare up of psoriasis. Many of these products are used frequently and can not be avoided, such as the soaps and laundry detergent. That's why it's critical to find what will and won't work for you.

Try to use hypoallergenic and fragrance free products when possible. The use of facial astringents should be minimized or avoided completely. As they may not only induce a flare up, but burn the skin on contact. Before trying a new skincare product, test it on a small unnoticeable area of the skin first. If it does indeed irritate the skin, even mildly, do not use it. Baby lotions and similar products are really good to use, they are designed for delicate skin.

Exfoliating daily may help reduce psoriasis outbreaks drastically. I recommend using a mild exfoliant daily. It helps to slough away the dead skin cells before they turn into scales. A harsh scrubbing is not needed. Gently rub the product into the skin using a circular motion. Instead of just rinsing, use a washcloth as it helps remove the exfoliant and will assist in removal of dead skin and/or scales. This may leave the face red for a few minutes afterwards. You should either allow it to dry naturally or lightly blot. Always apply moisturizer after cleansing.

Moisturization itself is vital, it is one of the best ways to prevent psoriasis from flaring up. You can buy moisturizers over the counter that are specifically targeted to prevent flare ups. It's also a good idea to avoid scratching the skin. Doing so may damage nearby areas and further escalate the flare up or lead to infection. Although these tips may help reduce the irritation of the skin, you may not always be able to prevent psoriasis flare ups.

As someone that has suffered the discomfort of psoriasis for years with a background in healthcare, I have found that these tips personally work for me. However, it is important to note that results may vary by the individual. If your psoriasis is more severe, you should ultimately consult your dermatologist.