Psoriasis Prevention

Because scientists aren’t sure what causes psoriasis, there is no known way to prevent it. Instead, psoriasis prevention focuses on reducing the number of disease recurrences and severity. Methods for psoriasis prevention include:

Identify your specific psoriasis triggers.

The most common are infections, injuries to your skin, prolonged sun exposure, stress, smoking, and drinking. By avoiding these triggers whenever possible, you reduce the likeliness of experiencing a flare-up.

Keep your skin moisturized.

Use moisturizing lotions, creams, and ointments frequently, especially during dry weather.

Take showers daily.

Good hygiene promotes cell turnover and reduces the likelihood of plaques developing.

Don’t scrub too hard.

You may actually irritate the skin and cause the disease to return or become worse.

Avoid certain medicines.

Beta-blockers (prescribed for high blood pressure), lithium (prescribed for depression), and antimalarial drugs have been shown to aggravate psoriasis symptoms.

Learn relaxation and anti-stress techniques.

They may help prevent a recurrence of psoriasis or reduce symptoms during a flare. (However, it’s important to note that the link between stress and psoriasis flares isn’t well established.) As many as 80 percent of people with psoriasis flare-ups report a recent emotional trauma, such as the death of a loved one.

Limit alcohol.

Alcohol consumption should remain at no more than two drinks a day for men or one drink a day for women. Excessive amounts of alcohol can cause symptoms to flare or become worse. 

Don’t smoke.

Cigarette and pipe smoking increase your likelihood of experiencing worsened symptoms. Smoking may also make symptoms last longer than they would otherwise.