6 Surprising Things That Can Trigger a Psoriasis Flare, According to a Dermatologist

From people.com

From “good” stress to your skincare routine, a dermatologist breaks down the unexpected factors that may make psoriasis worse 

NEED TO KNOW

• Psoriasis is a chronic condition linked to immune system overactivity that can worsen with lifestyle and environmental factors
• Dermatologist Dr. Adrienne Rencic emphasizes the importance of managing stress, sleep and diet to reduce the frequency of flare-ups
• Psoriasis can be triggered by skin trauma including scrubbing or irritation from skincare products, according to experts

If you have psoriasis, you may already know flares seem to come out of nowhere, no matter how well you’re managing the condition. But some of the things that can trigger or worsen psoriasis may be counterintuitive, or possibly not on your radar at all.

Psoriasis is a chronic disease in which the immune system becomes overactive, causing inflamed, scaly patches of skin. Symptoms can cycle between flares and periods of improvement, and common triggers can include stress and skin injuries, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS).

Get to know six surprising factors that may contribute to a psoriasis flare.

1. “Good” stress

Turns out you don’t necessarily have to feel anxious or upset for your body to experience stress. Even positive events can put physiological stress on the body. 

“People understand stress as working too long or experiencing ‘bad’ stress,” says Dr. Adrienne Rencic, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical investigator with more than 25 years of experience, who consults for RELAB, a new psoriasis-focused skincare brand. “But what people don’t understand is ‘good’ stress.”

“You could be staying up all night for two weeks preparing for your sister’s wedding, and that’s stress on your body,” she explains. “You can get flare-ups when you don’t necessarily feel stressed in a bad way.”

The takeaway: Pay attention to periods when your routine is disrupted, you’re not sleeping enough or your body is under unusual strain — even if you’re having a great time.

2. Lack of sleep

Sleep is another lifestyle factor that can contribute to psoriasis, Rencic says, along with stress, diet, smoking and alcohol. And the connection can become a frustrating cycle. Psoriasis can cause itching, burning and discomfort that interferes with sleep. 

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3. Scrubbing away your scales

When psoriasis leaves behind thick, flaky skin, aggressively scrubbing it away might seem like a logical solution. But it can backfire.

“Some people use a loofah or scrub their skin to try to remove the scale, and that’s actually trauma to the skin,” Rencic says. “That can make things worse.”

That’s because people with psoriasis can experience what’s known as the Koebner phenomenon or reaction, in which trauma to the skin can trigger psoriasis in that area. So when it comes to removing scale, more aggressive isn’t necessarily better.

4. A skincare product that irritates your skin

A reaction to a new skincare product and a psoriasis flare can sometimes look similar and, according to Rencic, one can actually trigger the other. “In a patient with psoriasis, there is a phenomenon called the Koebner reaction,” she explains. “Any trauma to the skin can trigger a psoriasis flare-up.”

A product reaction will generally affect the area where the product was applied, while psoriasis may appear as a distinct patch within that area. “You may have one or both going on at the same time,” Rencic says.

If you’re unsure whether a rash is an irritation or psoriasis, it’s best to have a dermatologist evaluate it rather than repeatedly applying products that could further irritate the skin.

5. Smoking and alcohol

Smoking and alcohol may not be the first things that come to mind when you think about psoriasis, but Rencic says they’re worth paying attention to. “These things can contribute, even though people don’t necessarily think of them as triggers,” she adds.

That doesn’t mean an occasional drink will automatically cause a flare, Rencic clarifies, but rather that the use of alcohol or nicotine can contribute to the disease, particularly when it’s part of a broader pattern of lifestyle factors. NIAMS concurs, noting that smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can worsen psoriasis symptoms.

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6. Your overall diet

One candy bar isn’t going to give you psoriasis, and Rencic is careful to make that distinction.

“It’s not that eating a candy bar causes psoriasis,” she tells PEOPLE. But she does note that “consistently eating a diet that’s high in sugar and saturated fat and low in fibre is bad for psoriasis.”

Rencic points to the Mediterranean diet as an example of an eating pattern that may be beneficial. Most importantly, she says people shouldn’t feel as though they’re powerless when it comes to managing their disease. 

“This is simply something they live with,” she says, adding that people with psoriasis “aren’t doing anything wrong.” But she does note that there are factors — diet, activity, stress relief — that can help reduce flares.

“All of those things can be modified,” Rencic says, suggesting stress-reducing activities such as exercise, meditation, spending time with friends and being in nature.

(And if your psoriasis is widespread, isn’t responding to your usual treatment or is accompanied by joint pain, stiffness or swelling, talk to a doctor. Psoriasis is associated with other health conditions, including psoriatic arthritis and cardiovascular and metabolic conditions, and NIAMS recommends medical evaluation when joint symptoms occur.)

https://people.com/6-surprising-things-that-can-trigger-a-psoriasis-flare-12060302

Eating for Psoriasis Made Simple

From eatingwell.com

Skin-health pros share simple tips for managing psoriasis with a healthy diet 

KEY POINTS 

• Diet alone won’t cure psoriasis, but an anti-inflammatory diet can help to lessen symptoms.
• Foods like fatty fish, legumes, nuts, fruits and vegetables should be included into most meals.
• Added sugars, ultra-processed foods and alcohol can trigger flare-ups and should be limited.

Having a psoriasis diagnosis can leave you with lots of questions, including whether changing your diet can provide relief from scaly, itchy spots. Everyone is unique, so working with a health care provider is critical to managing this condition. That said, nutrition can certainly play a role in psoriasis management. 

“Psoriasis is driven by inflammation, so while food isn’t a cure, an anti-inflammatory eating pattern may help support overall symptom management,” says Samaria Garrett, M.S., RDN. Foods rich in omega-3s and antioxidants—like fatty fish, colourful fruits and veggies, nuts and beans—can help counter the inflammatory response that leads to redness, burning, itching or irritation. Here’s how an anti-inflammatory lifestyle can help reduce the risk of pesky flare-ups, plus practical insights for adopting a psoriasis-friendly diet. 

Credit: Photography: Carson Downing, Props: Breanna Ghazali, Food: Annie Probst

Start with an Anti-Inflammatory Mindset

Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease that happens when your immune system attacks its own skin cells, causing them to multiply too quickly. This overproduction of skin cells leads to the trademark scaly psoriasis patches. “One of the main underlying factors in psoriasis is inflammation, and our dietary pattern is a major factor in the levels of inflammation in the body,” says Kellie Blake, RDN, LD, IFNCP. 

Eating plenty of anti-inflammatory foods is one piece of the psoriasis-management puzzle. “Eating more nutrient-dense foods can help support the body’s natural defences, reduce overall inflammation and improve other conditions that often occur alongside psoriasis, such as cardiovascular disease and insulin resistance,” says Garrett. Specifically, it’s best to incorporate foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fibre, prebiotics and probiotics, as these help counter inflammation and support gut health. “I encourage my psoriasis clients to focus on fibre-rich foods at every meal to promote healthy gut microbiome balance as well as the healthy elimination of toxins through stool,” says Blake.

Foods to Eat More Often

Curious what those anti-inflammatory and psoriasis-friendly foods are? Both experts and research recommend eating these foods more often if you have psoriasis:

• Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel and sardines that are rich in omega-3s and vitamin E.
• Colourful fruits and vegetables like spinach, kale and berries that are full of antioxidants.
• Legumes like beans, chickpeas and lentils with anti-inflammatory peptides.
• Nuts and seeds like flaxseed, almonds and chia seeds that are rich in heart-healthy fats, antioxidants and soluble fibre.
• Herbs and spices like turmeric, ginger, garlic and cinnamon with bioactive compounds like curcumin, gingerol and polyphenols.
• Fermented foods like yogurt, kefir and sauerkraut that are rich in gut-healthy probiotics.

Eating a variety of these foods daily ensures you get plenty of fibre, probiotics, healthy fats and prebiotics to combat inflammation. “Fibre-rich eating patterns support gut health, which is important because emerging research suggests a strong gut-skin connection in inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis,” says Garrett. These foods are also full of antioxidants like vitamin E, vitamin C and carotenoids, which are linked with lower risk of psoriasis.

Foods to Limit

Everyone’s triggers are different, but the following foods are more likely to cause a psoriasis flare-up:

• High-added-sugar foods like candy, cake, cookies and soda, which can exacerbate oxidative stress.
• Ultra-processed foods like chips, packaged snacks, refined-grain products and processed meats, which can contribute to inflammation and cardiometabolic risk.
• Alcoholic beverages, especially beer, which can worsen psoriatic lesions and increase risk of psoriasis.

That’s not to say you can never have these foods or drinks, but be mindful of how often they show up in your diet and symptoms you may experience, and aim to prioritize anti-inflammatory foods instead. 

Building a Psoriasis-Friendly Plate

How should you structure your plate to make sure you’re getting a good balance of psoriasis-friendly foods? Blake has a simple recipe: “About half of the plate should be covered with colourful vegetables and fruits, one-quarter of the plate should have protein, and one-quarter should have complex carbohydrates.” This ensures you get a balance of fibre-rich foods, protein and carbs to promote a healthy gut and stable blood sugars.

A psoriasis-friendly plate should optimally include:

• Proteins (¼ plate): Opt for a mix of animal and plant-based proteins like fatty fish, beans, strained (Greek-style) yogurt, nuts and poultry to get omega-3s, probiotics and/or fibre without excess saturated fat. 
• Complex Carbs (¼ plate): Prioritise whole grains like whole-wheat bread, oats and quinoa to prevent blood sugar spikes and boost your intake of essential minerals.
• Vegetables & Fruits (½ plate): Any whole fruits and veggies are great, but prioritize a range of rich-coloured ones like berries, dark leafy greens and tomatoes. These are especially rich in antioxidants.

Easy Ways to Get Started This Week

If these changes feel overwhelming or you don’t know where to get started, we have you covered. Here are a few actionable ways to move toward a psoriasis-friendly diet this week:

• Add a vegetable to one meal per day: Start off by prioritizing a veggie at one meal every day. Vegetables like spinach, kale, carrots, tomatoes and broccoli are loaded with antioxidants and fibre. Consider buying pre-chopped, frozen or ready-to-eat versions to make it easier to eat them daily.
• Try one new bean-based meal: If beans aren’t already a staple in your diet, try including a bean salad, rice and beans, or a vegetarian chili. These little legumes are full of fibre, antioxidants and plant protein, plus they play a central part in dietary patterns shown to improve psoriasis symptoms.
• Pick a night to have salmon for dinner: Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, and it’s easy to find at most supermarkets. If salmon isn’t your thing, try another omega-3-rich fish like mackerel, sardines, herring or trout.
• Pack nuts, yogurt and fruit for snacks: Snacks are another opportunity to boost your nutrient intake. Nuts, yogurt and fruit make for convenient snacks that provide vitamin E, protein, probiotics and fibre to combat inflammation and stabilize blood sugars.

Psoriasis Myths Busted

Should you cut out gluten, dairy or nightshades if you have psoriasis?

“I see people [with psoriasis] eliminate dairy, gluten, nightshades, sugar and several other foods all at once,” says Garrett. However, this level of restriction can do more harm than good. “Unless there’s a medical reason to avoid a food or clear evidence that it reduces symptoms, restriction to that extent is often unnecessary and can make eating feel stressful and restrictive,” she adds. Plus, there isn’t conclusive research demonstrating that cutting these foods out helps with psoriasis. “The diet with the strongest evidence for psoriasis, the Mediterranean diet, includes nightshade-containing foods like tomatoes,” says Blake. It also includes dairy and gluten-containing products.

Does diet really matter if you’re on psoriasis medication?

Diet typically can’t single-handedly treat psoriasis, but it is an important part of an overall treatment plan, even if you’re on medication. For one, inflammation is at the heart of psoriasis, and what you eat plays a role in your body’s inflammatory response. Also, having psoriasis increases your risk of cardiovascular disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, metabolic syndrome, fatigue and certain types of cancer. A healthy diet can help lower your risk of developing these health issues in a way that psoriasis medication alone cannot.

Does alcohol really affect psoriasis?

“Although everyone is different, alcohol (in all forms) does seem to be a major psoriasis trigger,” warns Blake. “Alcohol promotes inflammation, causes increased intestinal permeability, acts directly on skin cells, induces nutrient deficiencies and makes psoriasis medications less effective,” says Blake. It also increases the risk of common comorbidities like psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular disease, cancer and liver disease. So, yes, alcohol really does affect psoriasis and should be avoided as much as possible for disease management.

Can you cure psoriasis by healing your gut?

“There is a very strong gut-skin connection, but research is still determining what a ‘healthy’ gut microbiome consists of,” says Garrett. After all, your gut is made up of trillions of microorganisms, so there’s a lot to learn about this complex community. “Programs promising gut healing can be a slippery slope and not always backed by evidence,” she adds. Be weary of supposed quick fixes—like supplements, gut detox programs or restrictive diets—that may not be safe or effective.

Our Expert Take

Medications are the main treatment for psoriasis, but don’t underestimate the benefits of adopting an anti-inflammatory diet. Research shows that eating more fruits, veggies, nuts, fish and legumes can help make psoriasis symptoms more manageable. That said, “Nutrition can be a valuable tool, but it isn’t a replacement for medical treatment,” says Garrett. When in doubt, speak with your health care provider for individualized support managing your symptoms.

https://www.eatingwell.com/nutrition-basics-for-psoriasis-12005771

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/ 

Dietitians Flag the Worst Foods and Drinks for Psoriasis

From eatingwell.com

Limiting these foods can help relieve symptoms and pain 

• Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that results in red, scaly skin patches.
• Food choices cannot cure psoriasis, but fried foods, processed meats and sugary beverages may make the symptoms worse.
• Dietitians say eating foods rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3s and fibre can help.

Inflammation is your body’s way of protecting itself when there’s an infection or tissue damage. There are two types: chronic and acute. Acute inflammation is temporary—think of a time you got a cut on your finger and your skin became red and tender but resolved with time. On the other hand, chronic inflammation is ongoing and often associated with certain health conditions like joint pain, type 2 diabetes and ulcerative colitis.

While some chronic inflammatory conditions can go unseen, symptoms of psoriasis can be harder to hide. Psoriasis is a skin condition where the immune system goes into overdrive and cause skin cells to grow and shed too quickly, leaving a person with splotchy red spots. These spots can be itchy or cracked and even cause some serious joint pain. While it is important to work with a doctor for this condition, it is also important to think about what lifestyle habits can make a difference, including what we eat. 

“Psoriasis is an inflammatory condition driven by immune dysregulation, with excess pro-inflammatory cytokines (chemical messengers that coordinate immune responses). Certain foods either exacerbate or calm these processes,” says Jennifer Pallian, RD. Here, Pallian and three other registered dietitians share why deep-fried foods, processed meats, alcohol and sugary beverages are the worst foods for psoriasis, plus offer healthy eating tips to help decrease symptoms.

                                                                                     Credit: Getty Images. EatingWell design

1. Deep-Fried Foods

Deep-fried foods, which are often high in saturated and trans fats, can cause flare-ups for those with psoriasis. “These fats increase the LDL (bad) cholesterol in the blood, and studies show there may be a link between excess fat in the body and psoriasis symptoms,” says Maggie Michalczyk, RDN.

Plus, fried foods may have other risks. “When some foods are fried, they also produce compounds called advanced glycation end products (AGEs) during high-heat cooking, which may trigger psoriasis flare-ups,” says Lauren Manaker, M.S., RDN, LD, CLEC. AGEs can damage cells and tissues by promoting inflammation.

2. Processed Meats

According to Manaker, processed meats like hot dogs, pepperoni and chicken nuggets are packed with ingredients that may fuel inflammation. “Deli meat or any processed meat can have more saturated fats and trans fats,” says Yvette Hill, RDN, IBCLC. “Breakfast meats such as sausage and bacon would also be on this list. Also, popular snacks like beef jerky would be a food to be cautious of.” The saturated fat in these foods may contribute to keratinocyte overgrowth, says Pallian. Keratinocytes are found in the outer layer of skin, and overgrowth can result in rough and scaly red patches.

3. Alcohol

“Alcohol has been shown to trigger and worsen inflammation, affecting the lipid composition of the skin barrier,” says Hill. “Research also points to alcohol’s metabolite, acetone, which may promote keratinocyte proliferation (skin thickening).” Some research also shows that for those with psoriasis, drinking alcohol can double one’s chances of developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

4. Sugary Beverages and Foods

Manaker explains that drinks like sodas and sweet teas “may impact blood sugars negatively, which can lead to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Over time, this may exacerbate psoriasis symptoms and make it harder to manage flare-ups.” “Excessive sugar consumption may also reduce the health-promoting effects of omega-3 fatty acids, which otherwise help reduce inflammation and support skin health,” adds Pallian.

Tips to Manage Psoriasis

We asked the dietitians their best healthy eating tips for managing psoriasis. Here’s what they said.

• Focus on omega-3 fatty acids. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, as well as other anti-inflammatory foods, can help to reduce psoriasis symptoms. “Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel and sardines are anti-inflammatory all-stars,” says Manaker. “If you’re following a plant-based diet, try chia seeds, flaxseeds or walnuts [which all have] omega-3 fatty acids. Walnuts are the only tree nut that is an excellent source of ALA omega-3 fatty acids.”
• Incorporate more fibre. “Fibre from whole grains, fruits and vegetables should be emphasized, not only to improve gut microbiota composition but also to lower energy intake and help with weight control, which is important because obesity and metabolic syndrome frequently coexist with psoriasis,” says Pallian. She recommends following a Mediterranean diet, which is naturally rich in vegetables, fruits, legumes, fish and olive oil.
• Add in fermented foods. “Foods like kimchi, sauerkraut and miso are great for gut health,” says Manaker. “A healthy gut microbiome may help regulate inflammation and support your immune system.”
• Make recipes with anti-inflammatory turmeric and ginger. “Turmeric (with black pepper for better absorption) and ginger are natural inflammation fighters. Add them to teas, soups or roasted veggies for a flavourful, skin-friendly boost,” says Manaker. Some of our favourite recipes with these anti-inflammatory ingredients include these Turmeric Chicken & Avocado Wraps and these Sesame-Ginger Watermelon-Avocado Rice Bowls.
• Consider a vitamin D supplement. “Taking a vitamin D supplement can be helpful, especially for those who might be deficient, because lower vitamin D levels have been linked to worse psoriasis symptoms,” says Michalczyk. Always check with your health care provider before starting a new supplement.
• Keep a temporary food journal. “Everyone’s psoriasis triggers are different,” says Manaker. “Tracking what you eat and how your skin reacts can help you identify patterns and avoid flare-up foods.”

• Our Expert Take

  Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes skin cells to grow and shed too quickly, resulting in red, scaly skin patches. Psoriasis is not caused by one single factor—it is often the combination of genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors. While your food choices cannot cure or cause psoriasis, dietitians say deep-fried foods, processed meats, alcohol and sugary beverages can make the symptoms worse. Instead, eating foods rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3s and fibre can help you manage symptoms.

• https://www.eatingwell.com/worst-foods-for-psoriasis-11838925