Managing Psoriasis Flare Ups Naturally

Managing Psoriasis flare-ups is a true struggle. Those who suffer the skin condition know this all too well. While dermatological treatment is the go-to, there are some natural ways to help minimise inflammation. CosBeauty spoke with Gabby Mirls (AKA @flaky____), who’s been managing psoriasis over over 10 years.

Managing Psoriasis Flare Ups With Diet

An anti-inflammatory diet is best for the skin and when you’re flaring, it’s time to make some harsh cuts.

Things to cut out: Sugar, Dairy, Wheat, Nightshades (tomatoes, eggplants).

Things to binge on: Leafy Greens (kale chips), Spinach, Celery, Anti- inflammatory roots (Ginger & Turmeric), Natural Fats (coconut oil), and plenty of oily nuts (macadamias, walnuts).

Meals Gabby Makes For Managing Psoriasis Flare Ups

Mornings Skin Nourishing Smoothie:

• Frozen mixed berries
• Spinach
• LSA Mix
• Chia Seeds
• Coconut Milk
• Banana

A skin nourishing powder of your choice – I use either Beauty Chef Glow Inner Beauty or Activated You Morning Complete. Whichever you choose, make sure it’s for skin health and is organic and natural.

Lunch:

• Chicken or Fish
• Leafy green salad
• Cucumber
• Sweet Potato
• Sesame Seeds
• Your favourite dairy-free salad dressing

Dinner – Warm Noodle soup (include tofu, chicken, fish or beef):

• Organic bone broth
• Garlic, ginger, turmeric
• Carrot, Celery, Bok Choy
• Rice Noodles

Snacks

• Oily nuts/sultanas
• Apple and Peanut Butter
• Rice cracker and hummus or another healthy dip
• Gluten-free bread and egg
• Dried chickpeas
• Rice puffs – plain or with flavouring

Call In The Big Guns

If you’ve got a dermatologist, now is the time to book in. They can help manage the flare-up by suggesting a new cream or getting you on UVB Therapy to control the intensity of the flare. Sometimes, it’s helpful to feel like you’re getting on top of your skin by speaking to a professional in the industry. They also might have a new treatment that you did not know existed!

Side note: If you’re thinking your dermatologist isn’t providing you with the care or support you need, change it up! I’ve seen about six dermatologists. Do your research about new treatments and ask them the hard questions.

Be Kind To Yourself

Cliché I know, but the last thing your immune system, gut and mental health need are you being hard on yourself. It can be painful, isolating and savage when you’re flaring. Make sure you’re hanging out with people who make you feel great. If you need to separate yourself from particular people, you can subtly do this, without causing additional stress. Take lots of calming baths, put on some binge-worthy shows, sip some herbal tea and go for runs. Anything that helps calm or de-stress you will help.

Avoid Sun Exposure

Although a common form of treatment is UVB Therapy or getting some sun exposure, it’s very easy and common to overdo it on the UV rays and end up burning your skin. Your skin is already enduring trauma from within, do not give it a reason to have to deal with trauma from the surface.

Steer Clear Of Alcohol

Don’t get me wrong, if there’s a time for wine, it’s when you’re flaring. However, you want to keep your diet as anti-inflammatory as possible. Alcohol flares up your liver and gut making it harder for you to process toxins. This puts additional strain on your immune system which is already overworked due to your psoriasis.

Don’t Make Huge Decisions During A Flare Up

If (and only if) you can avoid it, when you’re flaring, it’s probably not the best idea to tell your partner you want a break, buy a house, or become a crocodile feeder. Avoid anything that’s more stressful than the day-to-day. I would do my best to push back until your skin is back to normal. The stress will make it 10 times worse, trust me (the breakup flare is the worst kind of flare).