Should You Try a Special Diet for Your Psoriasis?

From healthcentral.com

A first-of-its-kind study shows that an anti-inflammatory eating pattern may dramatically improve psoriasis symptoms 

A new treatment is making waves in the psoriasis community and it doesn't involve drugs. Researchers behind a randomized clinical trial published in JAMA Dermatology found that following a Mediterranean diet rich in extra virgin olive oil, polyphenols, and omega-3 fatty acids led to dramatic improvements in psoriasis severity in just 16 weeks. The findings add weight to growing evidence that nutrition could be a powerful tool in managing the condition and offer people with psoriasis an effective way to take control of their health.

How Diet and Psoriasis Are Connected

Psoriasis happens when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, triggering chronic inflammation and causing thick, scaly patches called plaques. While this immune misfire isn’t fully understood, its effects go far beyond the skin. Psoriasis is now recognized as a systemic inflammatory condition that can affect the heart, metabolism, and other organs.

People with psoriasis face higher rates of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar, all of which raise the risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. That’s why lifestyle approaches that calm inflammation can be especially meaningful.

“Improving blood sugar control may reduce systemic inflammatory signalling that sustains the disease,” says Javier Pérez Bootello, M.D., dermatologist at Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal in Madrid and lead author of the MEDIPSO study. One of the most effective ways to lower inflammation levels? Rethinking what’s on your plate.

Powerful Proof: Food Matters

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In the new study, 38 adults with mild to moderate psoriasis who were already using topical medications were split into two groups. One received standard low-fat diet advice. The other completed a 16-week Mediterranean diet program with ongoing nutrition counselling.

The results? Nearly 70% of participants following the Mediterranean diet saw at least a 50% reduction in psoriasis severity, without changing their medications. Almost half saw a 75% reduction. (By comparison, none of the control group reached that level of improvement.)

The more closely someone followed the diet, the better their psoriasis became. Participants also reported less anxiety and insomnia and an overall boost in quality of life.

An added bonus: The Mediterranean diet group improved their A1C, which measures long-term blood sugar and corresponds to heart disease risk. “This dietary pattern simultaneously targets inflammation—the core of psoriasis biology—and addresses an additional major disease burden that affects long-term prognosis,” says Dr. Bootello.

And importantly, people didn’t need to lose weight to benefit. “The Mediterranean diet group showed a significant reduction in A1C despite minimal weight change,” Dr. Bootello says. “This suggests that improved metabolic control, not just weight loss, may be one of the mechanisms through which diet helps improve psoriasis.”

Why Go Med?

While previous research has suggested that very low-calorie diets may help reduce psoriasis (weight loss alone has also been linked to symptom improvements), simply trying to “eat healthier” doesn’t always lead to measurable changes, says Jessica Kaffenberger, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist specializing in psoriasis at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

That’s where the Mediterranean diet comes in. “Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory disease, and the Mediterranean diet has a well-documented anti-inflammatory and antioxidant profile,” says Dr. Bootello. Its abundance of extra-virgin olive oil, omega-3s, fibre, polyphenols, and antioxidants helps lower oxidative stress, metabolic dysfunction, and inflammation—all key pathways involved in psoriasis.

Try It Yourself

The Mediterranean group didn’t count calories or track macros. Instead, they focused on eating more of certain foods and less of others. Key guidelines included:

• 4+ tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil daily

• 3+ servings of vegetables (at least one raw) a day

• 3+ pieces of fruit daily

• 3+ servings each of legumes and nuts weekly

• 2+ servings of fish or seafood weekly

• Dairy products (cheese and yogurts) should be eaten in moderate amounts

• Pick poultry and lean meats over red or processed meat

• Choose whole grains, not refined ones

• Avoid sugary drinks, pastries, and ultra-processed foods

While those guidelines led to symptom improvement in the study, it’s still important to stick with your current psoriasis treatments, says Dr. Kaffenberger. Dietary changes work best alongside prescribed therapies, not instead of them.

Still not sure what to eat? Get guidance if you can. Nutrition counselling helped participants turn the diet into real, sustainable habits. Monthly check-ins with a dietitian made it easier to personalize goals, troubleshoot challenges, and stay motivated.

Bottom Line

Early research suggests the Mediterranean diet may be a powerful add-on to standard psoriasis treatment, helping lower inflammation and support overall health. It’s not a cure, and it doesn’t replace medication, but it may offer a meaningful, everyday tool to help people feel and function better. If you’re considering a dietary shift, work with a dermatologist and a registered dietitian to help tailor a plan that fits your personal health needs and long-term goals.

https://www.healthcentral.com/news/psoriasis/mediterranean-diet-for-psoriasis?ap=nl2060&rhid=67ec2b8321f52bf01b0cca01&mui=&lid=141093361&mkt_tok=NTQxLUdLWi0yNDMAAAGgmxXdJZ4--lZZAfFghk2Ec9NY6iCPVBJ3Zc8N9strb102PWLYwBdEKHkKa1lBE8krMt2X-Cy6KHCptNIap6c5_ifZV_T96clRuDGETgHsVuT2l7U

Surprising Signs of Psoriatic Arthritis

From healthcentral.com

Best known for causing joint pain and skin issues, PsA can also bring on dizziness and low libido 

With psoriatic arthritis (PsA), the most common symptoms are joint pain and skin issues, like plaques, according to Zhanna Mikulik, M.D., a rheumatologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, OH. But other less-common symptoms can sometimes appear. “In some cases, you may have only one issue, like eye disease, or stiffness without pain,” she says. “That’s why it’s important to know all the potential symptoms, rather than waiting for plaques or aching joints.” If you’ve already been diagnosed with PsA, you’ll want these lesser known symptoms on your radar.

Hearing Loss

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In a study in The Journal of Rheumatology, researchers looked at 60 people with PsA with no history of problems with inner ear infections or other conditions that might affect hearing. They found that 60% of participants had abnormal hearing loss, which suggests PsA may contribute to inner ear damage. Another study of more than 10,000 people found similar results; those researchers suggested chronic inflammation from PsA affects the structure of the inner ear. The researchers noted that hearing loss may impact mental health, too. If you’ve been diagnosed with PsA and are having trouble hearing, talk to your doctor.

Dizziness

Your inner ear is responsible for preventing dizziness and vertigo. So along with hearing issues, inner ear inflammation can lead to other symptoms such as poor balance and dizziness. These effects can be particularly pronounced if you're taking medications such as antidepressants, sleep aids, or blood pressure drugs, according to Anca Askanase, M.D., a professor of medicine in the division of rheumatology at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City. Dizziness can also worsen if you're dealing with dehydration, low blood sugar, or low blood pressure, in addition to your PsA, she adds.

Low Libido

Recent research suggests that people with psoriatic arthritis are more likely to experience sexual dysfunction than those without the condition. Physical discomfort during intimacy, anxiety about lack of desire, and side effects from treatment can play a role, says psychotherapist Lee Phillips, Ed.D, a certified sex and couples therapist in New York City and Washington DC, and host of the Sex and Chronic Illness podcast. “PsA and other chronic diseases tend to disrupt the desire and arousal phases of the sexual response cycle,” Phillips says. “Talking to your health provider or a therapist can be hugely helpful for navigating this issue.”

Tendon Pain

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Enthesitis, which is inflammation at the insertion sites of tendons and ligaments into the bone (called entheses), is seen in up to 40% of people with psoriatic arthritis, says Dr. Mikulik. Unlike joint pain, which can feel sharp and deep within a joint, enthesitis is usually an ongoing ache that comes with tenderness. One common example in people with PsA is plantar fasciitis, which causes a “stretched too tight” feeling in the tendon on the bottom of the foot. Enthesitis can also target the shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, and heel of the foot. Stretching, meds, and ice can all help.

Dactylitis (a.k.a. Sausage Fingers)

Sometimes called “sausage fingers,” dactylitis is characterized by swollen, painful fingers and toes. This can affect just one digit or several, says Dr. Mikulik. Unless it’s managed, she adds, ongoing swelling may cause damage to the affected joints and make it difficult to do everyday activities. Usually, with PsA, the swelling is asymmetrical—for example, you may notice issues with your right hand and left foot. Research suggests about 40% of people with PsA deal with dactylitis. Like other PsA symptoms, dactylitis is related to uncontrolled inflammation, so treatment options address that cause.

Eye Issues

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Inflammation with psoriatic arthritis can also severely affect the eyes. The most common outcome is conjunctivitis (a.k.a. “pink eye”), which is seen in around 20% of people with PsA, says Dr. Mikulik. “This presents as redness, itching, tearing, and possibly crusting of the eye,” she notes. “It happens when the outer membrane of the eyeball and inner eyelid become inflamed.” Another concern is uveitis—a condition that can cause redness, eye pain, light sensitivity, and blurry vision. Dr. Mikulik says it occurs in about 7% of those with PsA. Conjunctivitis is usually treated with an antibiotic, while steroids are typically prescribed for uveitis.

Depression

Any chronic disease can prompt emotional health challenges, and PsA is no exception, says Dr. Phillips. A study in Rheumatology and Therapy found depression affects about 20% of those with PsA—but that number may be higher, as not everyone with psoriatic arthritis and depression gets diagnosed. The study suggests that depression is more likely if PsA is accompanied by an additional chronic disease, known as a comorbidity. If you’re struggling with sadness, anger, or irritability, be sure to bring it up with your doctor so you can start on the path to feeling like yourself again.

Lower Back Pain

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As a result of PsA, you may develop a condition called spondylitis, which involves inflammation in the joints of the vertebrae. Spondylitis causes stiffness, Dr. Mikulik says, which tends to be worse in the morning, but gets better with activity. For this reason, gentle stretching and regular movement is recommended. This type of pain and stiffness is most common in the lower back, but can occur anywhere in the spine, including the neck.

High Blood Pressure

The risk of heart disease may be nearly double in people with psoriatic arthritis, according to the Arthritis Foundation, due to body-wide inflammation that can lead to high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Because of this, it’s crucial to get regular check-ups and manage your PsA well, says Dr. Askanase. Uncontrolled inflammation can narrow arteries and reduce the flow of blood to the heart and other organs, putting you at higher risk for a cardiovascular event like heart attack or stroke. Bottom line: If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, talk with your doctor. Together you’ll come up with a plan to keep PsA at bay.

https://www.healthcentral.com/slideshow/ways-psoriatic-arthritis-affects-your-body?ap=nl2060&rhid=67ec2b8321f52bf01b0cca01&mui=&lid=141093361&mkt_tok=NTQxLUdLWi0yNDMAAAGgmxXdJZxhTum4Nzb_JpUkx8UCUV9uREXlc31mwz374IoHVkX9YIqw0VzKGl_1o6bD0mulCkZLRqH_J2GmXVgB7tyf0xpWcFNDm9Zl24bxg_ayHXU 

Psoriasis and Your Diet

From gcnews.com

By Charlyn Fargo

Can what you eat help calm psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the skin? It’s identified by the development of thick, red patches with silvery scales, causing the area to itch or become sore. And it can occur anywhere on the skin, but it typically affects the scalp, face, elbows and knees.

As with other autoimmune diseases, the exact cause of psoriasis is not known. In many cases, it appears to be influenced by genetics and environmental aspects, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Risk factors for individuals with psoriasis include an elevated body mass index, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease and psoriatic arthritis.

According to research, carrying excess body weight is associated with more severe psoriasis symptoms as well as a decreased response to medication and other treatments. A 2018 systematic review, published in JAMA Dermatology, looked at several diet-related factors and how they impact psoriasis severity. Researchers found that weight loss among individuals with a BMI in the overweight or obese range was associated with improved psoriasis symptoms. The researchers also found that despite an increased risk of celiac disease among individuals with psoriasis, evidence did not support the use of a gluten-free diet for controlling psoriasis severity among these individuals without confirmed celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Some studies have found that foods with anti-inflammatory properties may help in the management of psoriasis severity. Obtaining the recommended amount of omega-3 fatty acids has been considered beneficial; however, results have been mixed when evaluating the effectiveness of oral fish oil supplements and psoriasis severity, so obtaining them through dietary sources is better. Additional studies have investigated the effect of a Mediterranean dietary pattern in patients with psoriasis, so a trial of this type of eating style may be considered along with conventional treatment. Additionally, vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased severity of symptoms. However, studies have not found vitamin D supplementation to be helpful in managing psoriasis in the absence of a deficiency.

The bottom line? Choosing more fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, seeds, whole grains, lean meat and low-fat dairy is a healthy way to eat and may even help lessen symptoms of psoriasis. Choose the whole foods rather than supplements to get the most benefit.

Charlyn Fargo is a registered dietitian with SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, Illinois, and the current president of the Illinois Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. .

https://www.gcnews.com/articles/psoriasis-and-your-diet/ 

Psoriasis and Allergies: What’s the Connection?

 From everydayhealth.com

Psoriasis — a skin disease in which cells build up quickly, typically causing red or discoloured, scaly, and itchy patches — is often seen in people with other allergic or inflammatory conditions. These conditions include eczema (atopic dermatitis), nasal or respiratory allergies (allergic rhinitis), and asthma.

While estimates vary, one study found that among U.S. adults, people with psoriasis were more than twice as likely as those without psoriasis to have asthma or allergic rhinitis. And while psoriasis and eczema are distinct skin conditions, research shows they share some common features, including skin barrier dysfunction.

Here’s what you should know about the connection between psoriasis and allergies, including how treating or controlling one condition could affect the other.

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The Psoriasis-Allergy Connection

There are some notable similarities and differences between psoriasis and allergic conditions.

“Psoriasis, seasonal allergies, and eczema are all immune-mediated. They are attributed to immune system dysfunction,” says Lauren Taglia, MD, PhD, a dermatologist at Northwestern Medicine in Geneva, Illinois.

But psoriasis tends to involve different pathways in the immune system compared with allergic conditions. For example, one analysis found that in skin biopsies (tissue samples) from people with psoriasis or eczema, different kinds of immune cell clusters were found for each condition. What’s more, inflammation was seen in different kinds of cells in blood samples taken from people with each condition.

Both genetic and environmental factors may contribute to psoriasis as well as conditions like eczema and allergic rhinitis. People with one allergic condition are also more likely to develop another allergic condition, possibly due in part to genetic factors.

Allergic conditions are often activated by a known allergen, such as pollen, foods, or substances that contact your skin. Psoriasis flares can also have a known trigger, but these triggers may be less specific and predictable than is typically seen in allergic conditions. Psoriasis triggers can include infections, skin injury, weather conditions, smoking or second-hand smoke, alcohol consumption, and certain prescription drugs.

For allergic conditions, treatment typically focuses on preventing exposure to known allergens and possibly taking medicines to reduce your immune system’s reaction and improve symptoms. For psoriasis, there are medications that treat disease flares as well as injected or infused medications that can keep some people symptom-free for months or even years.

Does Controlling One Help Control the Other?

For people with both psoriasis and allergies, it’s possible but not a certainty that the two conditions could interact.

“Skin allergies can exacerbate psoriasis” by increasing inflammation in the body, says Jeffrey Weinberg, MD, a clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai in New York City. “If we minimize allergies, it could minimize flares of psoriasis because of that inflammatory effect.”

But allergies are typically considered a less common psoriasis trigger, so there may be limited interaction between the conditions in many people. “Allergies typically do not play a role in psoriasis, as a cause or as part of therapy,” says Kim B. Sanders, a certified physician assistant and associate professor of dermatology at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland.

It’s unlikely that most medications for psoriasis will directly help with allergies, or vice versa. “Because they use different ‘highways’ in the immune system, a treatment for one doesn’t always help the other,” says Soo Jung Kim, MD, PhD, an associate professor of dermatology at the University of Washington School of Medicine in Bellevue. That’s particularly true when it comes to biologic drugs for psoriasis, Dr. Kim says.

But some treatments could be beneficial for both psoriasis and eczema, in particular. These include topical steroid creams and ointments, light therapy, and skin moisturizers and protectants.

Risk of Drug Interactions

In some rare cases, taking a biologic drug for psoriasis could increase your risk for allergic conditions — especially eczema.

“Biologic medication that successfully shuts down the psoriasis pathway might ‘tilt’ the immune system, potentially triggering or worsening eczema symptoms,” says Kim. When this happens, it’s known as paradoxical eczema.

One study found that about 1 percent of biologic drug injections or infusions for psoriasis resulted in paradoxical eczema. This risk was lower for IL-23 inhibitors compared with tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (two groups of biologic drugs), and higher for people with a history of eczema or respiratory allergies.

The opposite effect may also happen, Kim says, with biologic drugs used to treat allergic conditions potentially causing psoriasis or making it worse — although this evidence is currently limited to case reports.

But in most cases, it’s unlikely that a treatment for psoriasis or allergic conditions will have any effect on the other disease. “Overall, high-quality evidence that treating one condition reliably improves or worsens the other remains limited,” says Kim.

Lifestyle Modifications That Could Help Both

Certain lifestyle measures could be beneficial for both psoriasis and allergic conditions:

• Optimize skin care. Avoiding harsh cleansers and regularly using a moisturizer can be helpful for both psoriasis and eczema, according to Kim.
• Be aware of triggers. Knowing what activities or environmental exposures tend to make your psoriasis or allergies worse can help you avoid them, or at least plan ahead to make sure you’re treating them effectively.
• Focus on a healthy diet. Following a Mediterranean-style diet and “eating the rainbow” of fruits and vegetables can help ensure you get the nutrients needed to support your immune system and may help reduce inflammation, says Dr. Taglia.
• Manage a healthy body weight. “Obesity is strongly associated with psoriasis severity,” says Kim, adding that body fat is linked to pro-inflammatory immune system proteins. “Obesity also worsens asthma and allergic rhinitis outcomes,” she adds.
• Don’t smoke. Smoking is linked to more severe psoriasis and worse asthma control, and quitting can help with both conditions, Kim says.
• Minimize stress. To help reduce stress, “I think how we move our bodies matters,” says Taglia, which can mean getting regular exercise or performing mind-body practices like yoga. “And just making healthy choices in how we consume the world,” when it comes to things as varied as food, alcohol, and information.

The Takeaway

• Psoriasis and allergic conditions like asthma or eczema are both immune-mediated, and people with psoriasis are significantly more likely to have these co-occurring conditions.
• While treating one condition rarely controls the other, managing skin allergies may help reduce psoriasis flares by minimizing overall body inflammation.
• In rare cases, certain biologic medications for psoriasis can trigger eczema symptoms, a reaction known as paradoxical eczema.
• You can support your immune system and help manage both conditions by maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking, and using gentle skincare products like moisturizers and mild cleansers.
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• https://www.everydayhealth.com/skin-conditions/psoriasis-and-allergies-connection/
  

9 Psoriasis ‘Mistakes’ and How to Avoid Them

From everydayhealth.com

Psoriasis is an inflammatory condition that speeds up the life cycle of skin cells, causing red, scaly patches that can be itchy, painful, or cracked. 

Managing psoriasis can be tricky: There are oral, topical, and injectable therapies to try, a daily skin-care routine to maintain, and lifestyle habits to keep front of mind. And even with the best intentions, flare-ups can still occur. 

To keep psoriasis in check and improve your overall health, experts recommend avoiding the following common mistakes.

1. You Delay Seeking Help During a Flare or When Symptoms Worsen

Whether it’s a busy schedule, procrastination, or the hope that psoriasis symptoms will simply go away on their own, it’s common for people to put off seeing a dermatologist when new spots appear, says Lawrence Green, MD, a clinical professor of dermatology at the George Washington University School of Medicine in Washington, DC.

But delaying care often means inflammation has more time to escalate, which can make symptoms harder to control. “The earlier you can treat it, the easier it is to treat — and the less stress it’ll be on your body,” Dr. Green says.

Schedule an appointment with your dermatologist if you see changes in your skin, such as a rash that’s not going away, a rash that’s worsening, or flare-ups that are becoming more frequent, severe, or widespread.

Even if plaques aren’t itchy or bothersome, getting them checked early puts you on the front foot before they get more difficult to manage, Green says. 

It also gives your doctor a chance to reassess whether your current treatment plan is still appropriate or needs adjusting.

2. You Don’t Give a New Medication Enough of a Chance — or You're Reluctant to Try New Therapies

Finding the right psoriasis treatment takes patience — and some trial and error.

While it’s tempting to stop a new medication if you don’t see immediate results, it’s worth the wait to find the right combination of therapies for you, according to Steven Daveluy, MD, a professor and the program director at Wayne State University’s School of Medicine in Detroit, where he specializes in treating patients with skin diseases such as psoriasis and eczema.

That’s because — with the right combination of therapies — psoriasis should be contained to 1 percent of your skin or less. “That’s the size of the palm of your hand, including fingers and thumb. If you have more than that, it’s time to do something to reach that goal,” Dr. Daveluy says.

Different treatments work at different speeds, taking between weeks or even months to show their full effect. But by the three-month mark, the target for a new treatment is a 75 percent improvement or for psoriasis to cover 3 percent or less of your body. By six months, you should hit the 1 percent threshold.

Stick with a treatment for this recommended period — often three months — before making changes, Daveluy says.

3. You Neglect Daily Skin Care

Daily skin care is crucial for managing psoriasis, but it takes time and commitment. And it’s easy to overlook when you’re not battling flare-ups.

But your skin-care routine helps to keep plaques at bay, Green says. “If you’re not moisturizing on a regular basis, especially on dry skin areas like the arms and legs, you’re more likely to get psoriasis there,” he says.

Take a bath or shower for about 5 to 15 minutes a day using warm — not hot — water, then follow up with a fragrance-free moisturizer.

For the winter months, Green recommends using thick, heavy creams or ointments over lighter pump lotions, which can be saved for warmer temperatures. 

This applies to your topical prescription medications, too. “Some patients use their topical medications sporadically and wonder why they don’t work. You have to use the medicine as directed in order for it to work,” he says.

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4. You Forget to Apply Sunscreen

Psoriasis can flare up if you get a sunburn. This is why protecting your skin from the sun is important, says Marisa Garshick, MD, a dermatologist in New York and New Jersey, and a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at NewYork-Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medicine.

Severe sunburn can lead to skin injury, which may create new plaques or worsen existing ones. But while sun exposure can trigger short-term problems, it can also lead to long-term skin damage and risk of skin cancer. 

Medications commonly prescribed to treat psoriasis — like acitretin or methotrexate — can increase sun sensitivity, making the skin more vulnerable to burning and damage. People who have undergone extensive UVB phototherapy may also face a higher risk of skin cancer, making daily sun protection even more important.

When choosing a sunscreen, look for a broad-spectrum formula with SPF 30 or higher, ideally containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which help block harmful UV rays. Sunscreen should not be applied to open wounds or actively inflamed, cracked plaques, as this can cause irritation or stinging.

“It’s always a good habit to get into to maintain the healthiest skin you can,” Dr. Garshick says.

5. You Don’t Take Your Mental Health Seriously

Psoriasis affects more than just the skin. Research shows that anxiety and depression are more common in people with psoriasis than in the general population, and the emotional burden can be just as challenging as the physical symptoms.

Mental health is an important part of psoriasis treatment, and it’s worth discussing with your doctors, including your dermatologist and primary care provider, if symptoms are affecting your daily life, Daveluy says. While it can feel awkward to bring up, addressing mental health early can lead to better overall care and support.

Daveluy checks in on his patients but suggests patients be proactive. Patients can initiate the conversation by asking, “I heard that psoriasis and mental health can be related. Would it be all right if we discuss my mental health?”

Support extends beyond the doctor’s office, too. There are resources like patient support groups, such as those offered by the National Psoriasis Foundation, Daveluy says. “Talking to someone who truly understands the lived experience of psoriasis is so valuable,” he says.

6. You Rely on Unproven Treatments or Home Remedies Rather Than Medical Treatments

Home remedies and internet “hacks” can be tempting when psoriasis is frustrating or slow to improve, but many of these approaches are unproven and may do more harm than good.

Psoriasis can worsen with skin injury, a process known as the Koebner phenomenon, where skin trauma — like scratches — can cause plaques to spread to unaffected areas. “If you irritate the skin by applying some kind of at-home remedy or concoction, it actually can make the psoriasis worse,” Garshick says.

Green has also dissuaded his patients from trying things like applying apple cider vinegar to plaques. “As a physician, we give things that we know work,” he says. “We want things that the [U.S. Food and Drug Administration] FDA approves or we know there's scientifically sound evidence that it works.”

7. You Focus Only on Psoriasis Control and Neglect Overall Health

It’s easy to focus all your attention on managing psoriasis itself, especially if you’re seeing a dermatologist frequently. But this can sometimes lead people to overlook other important aspects of their health, such as regular primary care visits or recommended screenings.

Research shows that psoriasis is linked to a higher risk of several other conditions, including high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and psoriatic arthritis.

“It’s very important that everyone with psoriasis has a primary care provider to help detect and manage any of these other problems,” Daveluy says. If you’re at an increased risk of skin cancer because of medications or phototherapy, make sure you’re getting your skin and moles checked regularly, too, Garshick says.

Don’t look at psoriasis in a silo, and take account of your overall physical and mental health, Daveluy says. “Diet, exercise, mental health, and psoriasis are all connected, so it's really important that patients are addressing their whole health. It can be intimidating, but you don't need to change everything at once,” he says.

8. You Don’t Follow a Healthy Diet

If you’re not paying attention to what’s on your dinner plate, you may be making psoriasis harder to manage. 

Nutrition plays a real role in inflammation, weight, and overall health — all of which can influence symptom severity and how well treatments work, according to Caylee Clay, RDN, a registered dietitian-nutritionist in Brooklyn, New York, who has psoriasis and specializes in helping clients manage autoimmune diseases.

Diet also affects psoriasis patients’ risk of developing comorbidities like heart disease and diabetes, Clay says. 

Despite this, researchers say that many people with psoriasis have “imbalanced” diets, leaning toward carbohydrates, sugar, and fried foods, that can fuel inflammation.

An anti-inflammatory eating pattern, such as the Mediterranean diet, is a strong place to start when making changes to your eating habits. Clay suggests taking elements from the diet that work for you, such as a focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats like olive oil, while limiting ultra-processed foods, excess sugar, and alcohol.

9. You’re Still Smoking and Drinking Alcohol

Smoking or having a glass of wine may feel like a way to de-stress during a flare, but these habits can make psoriasis worse.

“Unfortunately, smoking and alcohol are linked to more severe psoriasis, poorer treatment response, and higher risk of comorbidities like heart disease. Both smoking and alcohol increase inflammation plus add toxins to our system that strain our organs and immune system,” Clay warns.

Cutting back or quitting isn’t easy — Clay suggests turning to healthier ways to unwind, such as journaling, going on walks, seeing a therapist, or exploring your religion or faith.

The Takeaway

• Effective psoriasis management involves regular consultation with your healthcare providers, especially during flare-ups, to adjust any treatment plans as necessary. 
• Commit to daily skin care and consistently use prescribed topical treatments to keep psoriasis under control, even if symptoms aren’t currently present. While treatment for psoriasis may involve some trial and error, it’s important to give medical therapies time to work. 
• If psoriasis is taking a toll on your emotional health, don’t hesitate to tell your doctor and seek help from mental health professionals or peer support groups.

https://www.everydayhealth.com/skin-condition/psoriasis-mistakes-and-how-to-avoid-them/