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October 21, 2025

Stop the Itch:
How to Manage Psoriasis Flare-Ups Like a Pro

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Living with psoriasis can be challenging, especially when flare-ups seem to appear out of nowhere. This chronic autoimmune condition speeds up the life cycle of skin cells, leading to red, scaly patches that may itch, burn, or crack. While there is no cure, the good news is that you can manage your psoriasis symptoms effectively if you use the right strategies. By learning how to recognize triggers, care for your skin, and work closely with your dermatologist, you can take control of flare-ups and keep them from disrupting your daily life.

The dermatologists at Lone Pine Dermatologist (located in Providence, Brigham, Garden City, Utah, and Preston and Montpelier, Idaho) can help you with psoriasis rash treatments. They are here to offer lifestyle tips, medical treatments, and practical at-home strategies so you can manage your psoriasis symptoms like a pro.

Understanding Psoriasis Flare-Ups & Their Causes

A psoriasis flare-up is when symptoms suddenly worsen after a period of improvement. During a flare-up, your skin can become inflamed, itchy, and uncomfortable, sometimes spreading to new areas of your body. While the severity varies from person to person, these flare-ups can affect confidence, comfort, and overall quality of life.

Common triggers that can contribute to flare-ups can include:
  • Stress - The most common culprit
     
  • Illness & Infections - Even as simple as a cold
     
  • Weather Changes - Cold can worsen it, and sunlight may improve it
     
  • Skin Irritation - Cuts, scrapes, or sunburns
     
  • Lifestyle - Alcohol, smoking, or certain foods
     
  • Medications - Some prescriptions can worsen symptoms
     
Because triggers vary, what causes one person’s flare-up might not affect another person. That is why it is important to pay attention to your own patterns and track changes.

 

Lifestyle Psoriasis Treatments to Reduce Flare-ups

Managing your psoriasis starts with a healthy daily routine. By making small changes, you can reduce the frequency and severity of your flare-ups. Here are different kinds of tips to try in your everyday life.



Skincare Habits That Matter

  • Moisturizing daily. Thick, fragrance-free creams or ointments help keep skin hydrated.
     
  • Gentle cleansing. Use lukewarm water and mild cleansers.
     
  • Avoid over-scrubbing. Don’t worsen the irritation.

Environmental Care

  • Be safe in the sun. While a few minutes of sunlight each day can improve your psoriasis symptoms, be sure to protect against sunburns, which can worsen them.
     
  • Humidity is good. Running a humidifier during dry seasons can prevent skin from drying or cracking.

Diet & Hydration

  • Anti-inflammatory foods. Fatty fish, leafy greens, berries, and whole grains reduce inflammation.
     
  • Limit alcohol & processed foods. These tend to worsen symptoms in most people.
     
  • Stay hydrated. Hydration keeps your skin more resilient.

Stress Management

  • Mind-body practices. Yoga or meditation helps to calm the nervous system.
     
  • Physical activity. Exercise supports mental and skin health.
     
  • Counseling or therapy. Talking through stress can reduce flare frequency.

Medical Psoriasis Treatments & Creams

While all of the above-mentioned lifestyle habits can help significantly reduce your flare-ups and minimize your psoriasis symptoms, we luckily live in a modern world with modern medicine. Medical treatments are often essential for keeping psoriasis under control. There are several different types of medical psoriasis treatments, including topical treatments like creams, light therapy, or systemic treatments.

 

Topical Psoriasis Creams & Ointments

Dermatologists often recommend psoriasis creams and ointments as a first line of defence. These may include corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, vitamin D analogs to slow skin cell growth, or even coal tar or salicylic acid to reduce swelling.



Light Therapy (Phototherapy)

Controlled exposure to UV light can slow cell turnover. With the overproduction of skin cells being what psoriasis actually is, light therapy can be a beneficial option for many people. This treatment is done under medical supervision to balance effectiveness and safety.

 

Systemic Treatments

For moderate to severe psoriasis, oral medications or biologic injections may be recommended. These psoriasis treatments target the immune system more directly to calm the overactive response.

Working with a dermatologist, especially at Lone Pine Dermatology in Logan, UT, is key to finding the right treatment plan for you and your condition. What works for one patient may not be right for another.



At-Home Psoriasis Flare-up Treatments

Are you in the middle of a flare-up and desperate for relief? Unfortunately, “preventing” them at this point isn’t what you need. When a flare does occur, there are steps you can take at home to make it more manageable..
  • Cool Compress. Take a damp, cool cloth to irritated areas.
     
  • Soothing Baths. Oatmeal, Epsom salt, or Dead Sea salt baths.
     
  • Choose soft fabrics. Cotton clothing is breathable and gentle.
     
  • Avoid scratching. Easier said than done! Use moisturizers or antihistamines if needed.
     
  • Stick with treatment. Even when the psoriasis symptoms improve, don’t stop the treatments you’ve been prescribed!
     
  • Track patterns. Journal flare-ups and potential triggers.
 

Managing Psoriasis Like a Pro

Living with psoriasis means being proactive, not reactive. By learning triggers, adopting healthy habits, and partnering with your dermatologist, flare-ups can become more predictable and manageable.

At Lone Pine Dermatology, we specialize in helping patients find relief from their psoriasis rashes with personalized care plans. Whether you are struggling with frequent flare-ups or just starting treatment, our team is here to help you feel more comfortable in your own skin.

Managing psoriasis like a pro isn’t about perfection, but consistency, self-care, and having the right support system in your corner. Call Lone Pine Dermatology today at (435) 554-8442 to get a personalized psoriasis treatment plan specially made for you.
 
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