Meet the Expert
Marisa Garshick, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor of dermatology, practicing at the Medical Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery Center in New York City.
Verywell Health: What are some helpful ways that people with psoriasis can avoid triggers and flare-ups?
Dr. Garshick: Those with psoriasis can avoid triggers and flares by minimizing injury or trauma to the skin. Psoriasis can worsen in the setting of the Koebner phenomenon, where injury to the skin can trigger new plaques to develop. This is why getting tattoos can actually trigger psoriasis in those who are susceptible.
Keeping the skin moisturized can be helpful to keep the skin feeling soft and smooth and also to minimize the itching that may aggravate psoriasis. Since some medicines and infections may trigger psoriasis, it is important to let your provider know that you have psoriasis if you are taking any new medications or if you develop an infection.
Verywell Health: What other aspects of a person’s life are important in managing their condition?
Dr. Garshick: Reducing alcohol intake and stopping smoking may help to reduce flare-ups and triggers. Additionally, keeping the skin moisturized can ease dryness and itching. In general, it is important to use gentle skin care products to minimize irritation on the skin. That said, the use of gentle exfoliants can be helpful to get rid of dead skin buildup that can be seen in psoriasis.
Certain medications may worsen psoriasis so it is always important to consult your provider before taking a new medicine. Stress can contribute to psoriasis, so stress management is important, as are lifestyle changes, including healthy eating and exercise.