Psoriasis Help 4 Friends: 2026

Thursday, 18 June 2026

How Does Red Light Therapy for Psoriasis Work?

From healthline.com

Red light therapy (RLT) is a type of phototherapy used for many skin conditions and even cancer. Some people find it helpful in treating psoriasis, though results have been mixed.

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that involves a rapid turnover of skin cells. People with psoriasis often find rough areas of painful irritation and silvery scales called plaques on various parts of their bodies.

There’s no cure for this autoimmune disease, but treatments are available that can help ease psoriasis symptoms. These include home remedies to calm the skin, topical and oral medications, and light therapy.

Keep reading to learn more about red light therapy (RLT) for psoriasis, including how it works and if it might be right for you.

What is red light therapy?
The Good Brigade/Getty Images

RLT is a form of light therapy that uses light-emitting diodes (LED) to treat conditions from acne to persistent wounds. Some people with psoriasis undergo light therapy with ultraviolet (UV) rays, but RLT doesn’t contain any UV rays.

In a hospital setting, doctors may combine RLT with certain medications. Some experts refer to this as photodynamic therapy.

You don’t necessarily need to see a doctor to test out RLT. There are various consumer products on the market aimed at cosmetic applications.

Many tanning salons, like B-Tan Tanning in parts of Florida, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, offer red light beds. These salons say that red light beds help reduce:

cellulite
acne
scars
stretch marks
fine lines
wrinkles

For more targeted RLT, you’ll need to consult a dermatologist first.

How long has red light therapy been around?

Scientists at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Quantum Devices, Inc. (QDI) first discovered red light as a way to grow plants in space back in the early 1990s.

Red LEDs produce light that’s 10 times brighter than the sun’s rays. They also learned that this intense light helps energy metabolism in plant cells and promotes growth and photosynthesis.

From 1995 to 1998, the Marshall Space Flight Center challenged QDI to study red light for its potential application in medicine. In other words, they wanted to see if the red light that energized plant cells would work the same way on human cells.

The primary focus of this research was to determine if RLT might affect certain conditions that impact astronauts.

Specifically, the scientists wanted to see if RLT could help with muscle atrophy and bone density issues that arise from long periods of weightlessness. Wounds also heal slowly in space, so that was another key focus area of their studies.

What is red light therapy used for today?

Through grants and clinical trials in the years since the initial research, RLT has proven effective for some medical conditions, including:

acne
age spots
cancer
psoriasis
sun damage
wounds

RLT can even be used to help activate certain drugs that fight cancer. Some cancer drugs are sensitive to light.

When the treated cells are exposed to certain types of light, such as red light, they die off. This therapy has been particularly helpful for treating esophageal cancer, lung cancer, and skin diseases like actinic keratosis.

Red light therapy and psoriasis

An older 2011 study in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and VenereologyTrusted Source examined the effects of RLT versus blue light therapy for individuals with psoriasis. Participants had high dose treatments 3 times per week for 4 consecutive weeks while applying a 10 percent salicylic acid solution to plaques.

What were the results? Both the red and blue light therapies were effective in treating psoriasis. The difference between the two wasn’t significant for scaling and hardening of the skin. However, the blue light therapy did come ahead when treating erythema, or reddened skin.

It’s important to remember that these treatments were done with high doses in a medical setting. The results may vary greatly if the therapy is performed at home or in a salon or wellness centre.

Risks and considerations

RLT isn’t associated with any major risks. Still, you may want to speak with your doctor if you’re taking medications that increase your skin’s photosensitivity.

There are several other types of light therapies that may help with psoriasis. Consider also asking your doctor about the following therapies:

ultraviolet light B (UVB)
natural sunlight
psoralen and ultraviolet light A (PUVA)
laser treatments

Speaking with your doctor

There’s no cure for psoriasis. However, you may find relief from your symptoms if you use the right mix of treatments. RLT is just another tool to add to your kit for finding relief. Of course, before trying anything new, it’s best to check with your doctor.

Though you can purchase red light devices for home use or arrange for therapy sessions outside of a medical setting, your doctor may have certain guidelines that will make your treatment more effective.

You may want to ask which type of light therapy would most help your specific symptoms. Your doctor may also have suggestions for how to combine oral or topical medications with light therapy, as well as what lifestyle changes will help you avoid psoriasis triggers.

https://www.healthline.com/health/red-light-therapy-psoriasis

Tuesday, 16 June 2026

9 Grooming Tips Every Man With Psoriasis Skin Rash Should Know

From stylerave.com

By Collins Badewa

Living with a chronic skin condition goes beyond appearance. It affects comfort, confidence, and your overall sense of control. For many men dealing with eczema, Rosacea, or Psoriasis skin rash, daily grooming becomes a balancing act, looking presentable while avoiding irritation. Because inflammation is often persistent, visible, and misunderstood, a more thoughtful approach to skincare is essential.

In recent years, dermatologists have shifted how they approach men’s grooming. A basic bar of soap and any lotion is no longer enough. The focus now is on targeted care, repairing the skin barrier, and maintaining consistency, especially when managing conditions like psoriasis skin rash. The good news is that with the right habits, you can reduce flare-ups, improve skin comfort, and keep your routine simple.

Here are 9 grooming tips every man with a skin condition should know…

#1. Switch to a Gentle Cleanser

psoriasis-skin-care-tips-style-rave — *Photo: Pexels*

If you’re still using a harsh bar soap on your face, it’s time to switch. Gentle, fragrance-free cleansers are far less likely to strip the skin or trigger irritation. Over-washing can also worsen dryness and inflammation, so aim to cleanse twice daily, morning and night, and keep the routine minimal.

#2. Moisturize Like It Matters

Moisturizing is essential when managing chronic skin conditions. A rich, barrier-repairing cream helps strengthen skin that is often compromised in conditions like psoriasis. Apply moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp to lock in hydration, and reapply as needed throughout the day. With consistency, this step alone can reduce itching and make flare-ups less severe over time.

#3. Prioritize Mineral Sunscreen

*Photo: Tigist Mezzanzanica/iStock Images*

Sun exposure can trigger or worsen inflammatory conditions, particularly rosacea. Mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are typically better tolerated by sensitive skin than chemical formulas. Wearing sunscreen daily isn’t just about preventing sunburn; it also protects already-reactive skin from further irritation.

#4. Learn to Read Labels

When managing chronic skin issues, ingredients matter just as much as routine. Look for beneficial components like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and colloidal oatmeal, which support hydration and barrier repair. At the same time, avoid common irritants such as fragrance, alcohol, and aggressive exfoliants. Even products labelled “natural” can aggravate sensitive skin or trigger a psoriasis flare if they contain hidden irritants.

#5. Always Patch Test New Products

Introducing a new product without testing it first can lead to unnecessary flare-ups. Apply a small amount to a discreet area and wait 24 hours to monitor your skin’s reaction. It’s also best to introduce one product at a time, so you can clearly identify what works and what doesn’t.

#6. Shave Smarter, Not Harder

Shaving can be particularly harsh on sensitive or inflamed skin. Use a single- or double-blade razor, shave in the direction of hair growth, and always use a moisturizing shaving cream. Avoid alcohol-based aftershaves and opt for soothing balms with calming ingredients like aloe or niacinamide to minimize irritation.

#7. Turn Down the Heat

Tuesday, 9 June 2026

The 4 Best Convenience Foods to Stock Up On If You Have Psoriasis

From eatingwell.com

These convenient frozen and canned staples are packed with nutrients that help reduce inflammation and support gut health and skin wellness for people living with psoriasis

KEY POINTS
Certain nutrients and dietary patterns help psoriasis by reducing inflammation.
Canned and frozen foods like sardines, berries, lentils and spinach are great options.
Reducing stress, eating consistently and moving your body also help.

Did you know that psoriasis affects more than just the skin? It’s a chronic condition that’s closely connected to overall immune health and inflammation throughout the body. While diet doesn’t cause or cure psoriasis, research suggests that certain eating patterns may help reduce inflammation and potentially reduce the severity of a flare-up. Experts often recommend focusing on nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods like colourful fruits and vegetables, legumes, whole grains, healthy fats and omega-3-rich fish.

Eating a nutrient-dense diet can sometimes feel expensive or difficult to maintain, especially when fresh produce and healthy ingredients spoil quickly and can require extra preparation. Fortunately, healthy eating doesn’t require everything to be fresh. Convenience foods like frozen and canned can be incredibly convenient, budget-friendly and nutritious additions to a psoriasis-supportive eating pattern. According to Danielle Smiley, RDN, frozen and canned foods can be excellent tools for supporting consistency, affordability and nourishment. “If healthy foods are easier to access and prepare, people are more likely to eat them regularly,” she notes.

Credit: Getty Images. EatingWell Design

Here are a few of the best frozen and canned foods that dietitians recommend stocking up on if you have psoriasis.

1. Canned Sardines

“Canned sardines are a great option for people with psoriasis, as they’re packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which help minimize the inflammatory response associated with psoriasis,” says Amy Brownstein, M.S., RDN. Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, help reduce inflammation by decreasing the production of inflammatory compounds in the body. In psoriasis, the immune system becomes overactive, which triggers inflammatory pathways that accelerate skin cell turnover and contribute to redness, itching and plaque formation.

According to Brownstein, research has linked Mediterranean-style eating patterns—which emphasize fatty fish, olive oil, fruits, vegetables and legumes—with lower psoriasis severity and reduced inflammation. “These foods provide antioxidants, fibre, polyphenols and healthy fats that may support a calmer inflammatory response,” adds Brownstein.

2. Frozen Berries

Frozen berries are loaded with antioxidants, including anthocyanins and vitamin C, which may help to combat oxidative stress linked to inflammation. Since berries are frozen shortly after harvest, they retain many of their nutrients and are available year-round, making them very convenient.

In addition to their antioxidant content, berries provide fibre. “Fibre-rich eating patterns also support gut health, which is important because emerging research suggests a strong gut-skin connection in inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis,” says Samaria Garrett, M.S., RDN.

Fibre acts as a food source for beneficial gut bacteria. When these bacteria ferment fibre, they produce short-chain fatty acids, which may help strengthen the gut lining, regulate immune function and reduce systemic inflammation. Supporting gut health through consistent intake of fibre-rich foods may help support skin health and overall psoriasis management.

3. Canned Lentils

Canned lentils are an affordable, versatile staple that provides plant-based protein, fibre, antioxidants and several other important nutrients. Lentils support gut health and help regulate blood sugar levels, both of which may influence inflammation.

Brownstein notes that canned lentils deliver vitamin E, which may help protect against cellular stress and support the skin barrier. In inflammatory conditions like psoriasis, oxidative stress is believed to contribute to increased inflammation, skin irritation and accelerated skin cell turnover. That’s why nutrients that support skin integrity, like vitamin E, are especially important. The skin barrier helps retain moisture, protects against environmental irritants and defends against bacteria and allergens. When the barrier becomes compromised, skin may become drier, more irritated and more prone to flare-ups. Vitamin E may help to support the skin barrier by protecting skin cell membranes from damage and helping maintain skin hydration and resilience.

4. Frozen Spinach

Frozen vegetables like spinach are a convenient way to boost your intake of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants without worrying about food waste. Smiley recommends frozen spinach because it contains nutrients associated with inflammation support and overall wellness. Spinach is rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C, beta-carotene, and flavonoids, which help combat oxidative stress, a process linked to chronic inflammation and inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis.

Frozen spinach is also a good source of vitamin A, which is a nutrient that plays an important role in skin cell growth and repair. Since psoriasis involves rapid skin cell turnover, nutrients that support healthy skin, such as vitamin A, may be especially beneficial. Additionally, spinach contains vitamin K, folate, magnesium and iron, which support circulation, immune function and overall cellular health.

Frozen vegetables can make it easier to consistently include produce in meals, especially during busy weeks. “One thing I often say is: nourishment that is accessible and repeatable will almost always outperform nutrition perfectionism,” says Smiley.

Other Tips for Psoriasis

While nutrition can play a supportive role, managing psoriasis involves more than just food. Experts recommend taking an inclusive approach to support overall inflammatory health.

Prioritize stress management: Chronic stress may influence inflammation, sleep quality and psoriasis flare severity. Brownstein recommends practices like stress management, exercise and quality sleep to help reduce inflammation.
Focus on consistent meals: Smiley encourages eating regular, balanced meals rather than cycling between restriction and overeating, which can affect blood sugar and energy levels.
Get enough movement: Regular physical activity can support immune health, reduce stress and promote overall recovery. Even small lifestyle shifts may positively affect quality of life and inflammation levels.

Our Expert Take

Psoriasis is a complex inflammatory condition, and while there’s no single food that can cure it, research suggests that anti-inflammatory eating patterns rich in omega-3 fats, fibre, antioxidants and colourful plant foods may help support overall inflammatory balance and skin health.

Convenient staples like canned sardines, lentils, frozen berries and frozen spinach can make it easier to nourish your body consistently and conveniently without relying solely on fresh ingredients. Combined with healthy lifestyle habits, these foods may help support overall wellness and quality of life for people living with psoriasis.

https://www.eatingwell.com/best-convenience-foods-for-psoriasis-11989964

Saturday, 6 June 2026

Can Housecleaning Irritate Your Psoriasis?

From everydayhealth.com

Keeping your home clean can be more complicated when you’re living with psoriasis. While cleaning itself isn’t considered a direct trigger of psoriasis symptoms, some aspects of the standard housecleaning routine can irritate already sensitive skin and increase the risk of flare-ups.

Most conventional cleaning products contain fragrances and harsh chemicals that may dry out or irritate the skin, while repetitive scrubbing or pressure on areas like the knees and elbows can worsen psoriasis symptoms in some people. Environmental irritants around the home — including dust mites — may also contribute to itching and, in turn, cause plaques to spread.

It’s still possible to get your weekly cleaning sessions in, though. With a few simple adjustments — like using gentler products and protecting your skin during chores — you can make housecleaning more psoriasis-friendly.

1. Choose Your Cleaning Products Strategically

If you’re grappling with symptoms like a rash or dry, flaky plaques, be aware that many cleaning products contain ingredients that can aggravate your sensitive and inflamed skin, says Sandy Johnson, MD, a dermatologist in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

“Oftentimes, people with psoriasis will have lesions on their skin that can make harsh chemicals even more irritating and enter the skin, causing more problems,” Dr. Johnson says.

That’s why you should stock your cleaning caddy with products that have “gentle formulations,” says Sheilagh Maguiness, MD, the director of paediatric dermatology at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis and the president of the Society for Paediatric Dermatology.

That means choosing cleaning products that are “fragrance-free” instead of “unscented” (which may contain chemicals to mask the scent) or “chemical-free” (which often includes essential oils that can also irritate the skin), Dr. Maguiness says.

You should also scan product labels for ingredients that can dry out the skin, including alcohol, dyes, parabens, and sulfates.

Choose a pump spray over an aerosol, and watch out for harsh ingredients, preservatives, irritants, and allergens, Maguiness says.

If you don’t need to do heavy-duty cleaning and disinfecting, even everyday household items — like lemon, baking soda, or vinegar — can get the job done, Johnson says.

Getty Images; Everyday Health

2. Wear Gloves to Protect Your Hands

Put on a pair of gloves to protect your hands while washing the dishes or working with cleaning products, especially if you have nail psoriasis.

“Wearing gloves is a great way to protect the hands from irritants, allergens, and the impact of chronic water exposure,” Maguiness says.

She recommends non-latex, waterproof, powder-free nitrile gloves. You can double up if your hands are a concern for psoriasis and use a cotton liner underneath.

But gloves should not stay on for too long. “Gloves should be removed and hands moisturized promptly after use, as prolonged occlusion with sweat inside gloves can itself be irritating,” she says.

3. Let Cleaning Tools Do the Heavy Lifting

Psoriasis can worsen with skin injury in a process known as the Koebner phenomenon, where trauma like scratches, itching, or cuts can cause plaques to spread to completely unaffected areas.

Repeated scrubbing, scratching, pressure on the knees or elbows, or even small abrasions may contribute to new plaques forming, says Chris Adigun, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in private practice in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Dr. Adigun notes that while normal cleaning activities are usually fine, minimizing unnecessary skin trauma is still a good idea. She recommends using knee pads or a gardening pad if you need to kneel while cleaning floors or bathrooms. You can also cover up affected areas with loose-fitting clothes so they aren’t exposed to cleaning products.

Breaking chores into shorter, manageable cleaning sessions may help reduce sweating, friction, and joint strain — especially for people living with psoriatic arthritis.

Sweating can be particularly irritating for some people with inverse psoriasis, which commonly affects skin folds.

Appliances like dishwashers, vacuums with HEPA filters, long-handled scrubbers, and spray mops can do the heavy lifting, saving you from the repetitive strain on your body, Johnson says.

4. Protect Your Skin Post-Cleaning

What you do after cleaning matters, too. Adigun recommends rinsing your hands — or showering after heavier cleaning sessions — to remove any lingering cleaning products, sweat, dust, or debris from the skin.

“If you are going to be exposed to cleaning products, you definitely should shower to remove the cleaning products and immediately moisturize and tend to any active areas of psoriasis,” says Adigun.

Warm water is generally preferable to hot water, which can further dry out or irritate the skin. Applying moisturizer immediately after washing and while your skin is still slightly damp may help support the skin barrier, too.

Maguiness recommends using a thick, fragrance-free moisturizer or barrier cream after cleaning, while Johnson says products like petroleum jelly can help act as a protective barrier before and after exposure.

5. Be Mindful of Allergies and Airborne Irritants

Allergens aren’t considered a primary psoriasis trigger in the same way they are for eczema, but they may still contribute to itching and skin irritation in some people — especially those who also have allergies.

Dust mites, pet dander, and other allergens are not typically part of the psoriasis inflammatory pathway. But bear in mind, allergic reactions can make the skin itchier, and repeated scratching or friction may trigger the psoriasis-spreading effect of the Koebner phenomenon, Adigun says.

Cleaning can also stir up dust, mould spores, and airborne particles that can irritate the skin or airways. “I do recommend opening windows and making sure you’re set up for success with good airflow to minimize the chance of respiration concerns and airway irritation,” Maguiness says.

6. Know When to Call Your Dermatologist

Some mild dryness or irritation after cleaning should improve with moisturizing, staying on top of your psoriasis treatments including topicals and oral medication, and gentler cleaning habits, Adigun says.

But symptoms like a worsening rash or plaques, persistent burning, cracked skin, bleeding, or signs of infection may warrant a call to your dermatologist.

The Takeaway

Many cleaning products have harsh ingredients that can irritate sensitive, psoriasis-prone skin. Choose brands labelled fragrance-free (not “unscented” or “chemical-free”) to reduce your exposure.
Because repetitive friction, scratching, and minor skin trauma can trigger the Koebner phenomenon, wear protective clothing and use knee pads and tools like vacuums, spray mops, and long-handled scrubbers.
After cleaning, rinse off lingering cleaning products with warm water and apply a thick, fragrance-free moisturizer or barrier cream while the skin is still slightly damp to help support the skin barrier.

https://www.everydayhealth.com/psoriasis/tips-for-safe-housecleaning/

Psoriasis Help 4 Friends