Living with psoriasis involves more than treating the symptoms you can see. Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that can affect your overall health, increasing your risk for other medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and psoriatic arthritis. The good news? Healthy lifestyle choices can help reduce flare-ups, improve treatment outcomes, and support your overall well-being.
Here are some dermatologist-recommended habits that can make a meaningful difference.
1. Quit Smoking
Smoking is a known trigger for psoriasis and can make symptoms more severe. Research has shown that people with psoriasis who quit smoking may experience:
- Fewer psoriasis flare-ups
- Longer periods of remission
- A lower risk of heart and blood vessel disease
- A reduced risk of developing autoimmune conditions like Crohn’s disease
- Less palmoplantar psoriasis (psoriasis affecting the hands and feet)
If you’re considering nicotine replacement therapy, talk with your dermatologist first. Nicotine patches may trigger psoriasis flares in some people.
2. Limit Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol can interfere with psoriasis treatment and may increase inflammation throughout the body.
Reducing alcohol intake may:
- Improve how well psoriasis medications work
- Increase the length of remission periods
- Lower the risk of fatty liver disease
- Reduce the risk of liver damage from certain psoriasis medications
- Help decrease the risk of psoriatic arthritis in women
For some individuals, even moderate alcohol consumption can make treatment less effective.
3. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Excess weight can contribute to increased inflammation and may make psoriasis harder to control.
Maintaining a healthy weight can help:
- Reduce the frequency of flare-ups
- Improve the effectiveness of psoriasis medications
- Lower the amount of medication needed
- Decrease the risk of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and fatty liver disease
Many patients find that treatments that previously weren’t working become more effective after weight loss.
4. Eat a Balanced, Nutritious Diet
While there isn’t one specific “psoriasis diet,” eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats supports your overall health.
Healthy eating may help:
- Reduce inflammation throughout the body
- Improve energy levels
- Support a healthy weight
- Lower your risk of diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure
A nutritious diet works best when combined with other healthy lifestyle habits and your prescribed treatment plan.
5. Stay Active
Regular exercise benefits both your skin and your overall health.
Physical activity can help:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Lower your risk of cardiovascular disease
- Reduce stress, anxiety, and depression
- Improve overall quality of life
If joint pain or psoriasis symptoms make exercising difficult, talk with your dermatologist. Small adjustments to your routine may help keep you active and comfortable.
6. Stay Up to Date on Recommended Health Screenings
Psoriasis affects more than your skin. Because people with psoriasis have a higher risk of certain health conditions, routine screenings are an important part of long-term care.
Your healthcare provider may recommend monitoring for:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Heart disease
- Liver disease
- Psoriatic arthritis
Early detection allows many conditions to be managed more effectively.
7. Keep Your Dermatology Appointments
Psoriasis is a lifelong condition, but it doesn’t have to control your life. Regular visits with a dermatologist allow you to:
- Adjust treatment as your symptoms change
- Monitor for medication side effects
- Screen for related health conditions
- Identify early signs of psoriatic arthritis
- Develop a personalized treatment plan that fits your lifestyle
Conditions Linked to Psoriasis
Research shows that people with psoriasis may have a higher risk of developing:
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Heart disease and stroke
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Fatty liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Eye problems
- Anxiety and depression
- Gum disease
- Crohn’s disease
- High cholesterol
While this list may sound overwhelming, healthy habits and regular medical care can help lower many of these risks.
Managing psoriasis goes beyond treating flare-ups. Small, consistent lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, eating well, staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, and keeping regular dermatology appointments can improve both your skin and your overall health.
If you’re struggling with psoriasis or your current treatment isn’t providing the relief you’d like, our team at Savannah River Dermatology can help. We’ll work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that helps you manage symptoms, reduce flare-ups, and live more comfortably.
The information presented in this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Sources include: “Insider Secrets to Help You Control Psoriasis,” https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/psoriasis/insider. If you have questions or concerns, please call our office or make an appointment with a medical professional. Savannah River Dermatology is located at 575 Furys Ferry Rd in Augusta, Ga. Our office can be reached at 706-691-7079.
