Ingredients to look out for to avoid flare ups.

[talkhealth]

Are there particular ingredients in skin care and cosmetics that should be universally avoided by those people with psoriasis?

Similarly, anything in food products to look out for?

[wendygreen]

Hi,

To avoid irritating skin that is already sore and inflamed avoid perfumed skin care products/cosmetics. Other ingredients to avoid include glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids, as they may be too harsh. It's probably wise to opt for hypoallergenic skin care products and cosmetics, as these are much less likely to cause flare ups/exacerbate your symptoms.

With regards to diet - some experts recommend an anti-inflammatory diet, as psoriasis is an inflammatory condition.

This means cutting back on refined, sugary foods and eating more fruit and vegetables, whole grains, oily fish, nuts and seeds. As well as damping down inflammation in the body, these foods will provide the 'good fats', vitamins and minerals needed for healthy skin. Going for home-cooked food rather than ready meals will help you avoid additives that may play a part in flare-ups. In general, keeping to a healthy diet and healthy weight has been shown to help psoriasis. Also, excessive alcohol has been linked with psoriasis, so moderating your drinking could also help.

Wendy