Effective Lifestyle and Dietary Strategies to Manage Psoriasis

While medication remains essential for treating psoriasis, certain diet and lifestyle modifications can support overall skin health. Many healthcare professionals are uncertain about how much these changes influence the condition, but some believe nutrition and habits can play a positive role. Here are some helpful tips to potentially improve psoriasis symptoms:

Incorporate a Mediterranean diet: Psoriasis patients often face comorbidities like heart disease and diabetes. The Mediterranean diet, inspired by Greece, Spain, and Italy, emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and fish. While scientific backing is limited, this eating pattern is linked to better cardiovascular health and reduced inflammation. If adopting the entire diet isn't feasible, simply adding fish can be beneficial.

Include probiotics: Probiotics, found in yogurt and supplements, are believed to help manage inflammation and have been associated with improvements in psoriasis symptoms. Because gut health influences skin conditions, probiotics could support better skin health for psoriasis sufferers.

Use petroleum jelly: Applying pure petroleum jelly on affected patches may ease dryness and itching. It’s most effective when used after warm baths or showers to trap moisture. Ensure the product is free from harsh chemicals, parabens, or fragrances for safe use.

Manage dry skin effectively: Short, warm oatmeal baths can soothe itchiness and remove flaky skin, while soaking in water with fragrance-free oils or Epsom salts can reduce dryness. Avoid scratching to prevent worsening the condition.

Identify and avoid triggers: Certain factors like weather changes, specific foods, stress, and medications can trigger psoriasis flare-ups. Keeping a diary of triggers helps in managing the condition and informing your healthcare provider.