Patients with psoriasis can help prevent flares by identifying and avoiding triggers that cause or worsen psoriasis. These may be different for every patient and may include skin injury (e.g., cuts, abrasions), infection, emotional stress and others.

Tips to avoid flares include:

• Live a healthy lifestyle. Patients should eat a balanced diet, drink plenty of water (at least eight 8-ounce glasses a day) and get an adequate amount of sleep. These steps can help the body ward off infection.
  
  
• Quit smoking. Patients should quit smoking (or not start).
  
  
• Drink in moderation. Patients should limit their consumption of alcohol. Those taking methotrexate should not consume alcohol at all, due to the risk for side effects.
  
  
• Take steps to reduce stress. There are a number of stress management techniques patients can use to reduce their stress level, such as yoga and meditation. Exercise can also be helpful in lowering stress levels. 
  
  
• Moisturize the skin. Moisturizers help to relieve dry skin and prevent cracking. They are especially beneficial when applied after bathing.
  
  
• Avoid scratching or picking at lesions. Patients should not scratch or pick at their skin. This can lead to secondary infection. It can also cause bleeding and worsen the psoriasis.  
  
  
• Avoid hot water. Patients should bathe in warm water to prevent dry skin.
  
  
• Limit bathing time. Showers and baths should be limited to 15 minutes or less.
  
  
• Avoid harsh, drying soaps. Non-deodorant and fragrance-free soaps are best.
  
  
• Avoid rubbing the skin with a towel following a shower or bath. Gently patting the skin dry with a towel will help avoid irritation.
  
  
• Avoid harsh fabrics. Cotton is the best choice for clothing, as it is less likely than other types of fabric to irritate the skin.
  
  
• Use a humidifier. Humidifiers help maintain moisture in the air. They are particularly useful during the winter months.