Massage therapy · Kitchener–WaterlooPsoriasis

Living with psoriasis can be difficult, and it is common for it to affect your mental health. People with psoriasis also have a higher chance of developing other health problems, such as psoriatic arthritis and metabolic syndrome, which can lead to diabetes and cardiovascular disease (NHS, 2026). Speak to your family doctor or nurse practitioner if you are struggling.

Some people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis, an inflammatory condition that affects the joints (NHS, 2026; NIAMS, 2023b). It is thought that the immune system attacks the joints as well as the skin. The most common joints affected by psoriatic arthritis are the hands, feet, elbows, knees and spine. If your joints or muscles are stiff and sore, I can help alongside your medical care, working around any psoriasis patches.

1. Moisturisers (Emollients)

Moisturising creams, lotions, ointments and gels can be used on your skin and to wash with (NHS, 2026). Keeping your skin well moisturised helps manage the symptoms (NIAMS, 2023a).

2. Avoid Your Triggers

Certain things can make psoriasis worse or cause a flare-up, including stress, drinking alcohol, smoking, living with obesity, cuts, scratches or grazes on the skin, and sunlight (NHS, 2026). Try to work out what triggers your flares and avoid those things where you can (NHS, 2026; NIAMS, 2023a).

3. Sunlight in Moderation

Limited sunlight can ease symptoms for some people, but too much can make them worse, so ask your doctor for advice (NIAMS, 2023a). Sunlight is also a trigger for some people (NHS, 2026). Never let your skin burn.

• Vitamin D creams: creams, lotions, ointments and gels containing a form of vitamin D, which can be prescribed for psoriasis (NHS, 2026; NIAMS, 2023a).
• Steroid creams (topical corticosteroids): steroid creams, lotions or gels are commonly used for mild to moderate psoriasis. They come in different strengths, so the one you are prescribed will be chosen for your individual condition (NHS, 2026; NIAMS, 2023a). A steroid cream is often used together with a vitamin D treatment (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2017).
• Other skin and scalp treatments, such as coal tar (NHS, 2026).
• Light therapy (phototherapy): controlled doses of ultraviolet light given under medical supervision, usually when large areas of skin are affected or creams have not worked (NIAMS, 2023a; National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2017).
• Tablets or injections: for more severe psoriasis, a specialist may offer medicines that act on the immune system (NHS, 2026; NIAMS, 2023a).

(This medicine information comes from the NHS and NIAMS, not from me. Always check with a pharmacist or your family doctor or nurse practitioner before taking any medicine.)