Scrolling through the internet searching for remedies to help your psoriasis can be aggravating and stressful. There are so many home remedies and DIYs that it’s impossible to try all of them to find which one will truly work. In reality, it can be as simple as making healthy choices that will relieve your itchy skin.

Stephanie Mehlis, MD, Dermatology  at NorthShore, shares these tips and tricks to help soothe your irritated skin:

1. Eat healthier. Fueling your body and skin with vitamins from healthy food can help clear up your skin and reduce inflammation. It’s important to stick to food that has been known to reduce inflammation such as broccoli, salmon, avocados and pineapple.
2. Exercise. Remaining healthy and adhering to a regimen—even if it’s only for 10-30 minutes a day—is important for the overall health of your body and will ultimately leave you feeling better inside and out!
3. Manage your stress. Being stressed can lead to your skin irritation. Try meditation or yoga to lower your stress level and relax your body mentally and physically.
4. Moisturize! Moisturize! Moisturize! It is vital to keep your skin hydrated throughout the day. Try using either an ointment or a non-irritating cream to relieve your dry skin. Petroleum jelly is always a reliable go-to.
5. Don’t be afraid of a little light. Try exposing only the affected area to the sun five minutes a day. It’s beneficial for the irritated skin to get Vitamin D from the sun’s natural light. Doctors also recommend phototherapy as well.
6. Note what triggers your inflammation. Everyone’s skin is unique and sensitive to different things. When you notice your psoriasis flaring, note what the possible cause could have been. Track in a book or a mobile app to get to know what is really causing your skin to become irritated throughout the day.