7 Self-Care Tips That Can Reduce Psoriasis Symptoms

Because genetics and environment both play a role in who ultimately develops psoriasis, people can sometimes feel like they don’t have much control over their condition—it’s just something that happened to them, and now they have to live with it. While there is some truth to that (psoriasis can’t be cured), research has found that certain self-care behaviors may help reduce the number of flares and psoriasis severity.

Meaning: You might have more control over your condition than you realize. But what exactly does self-care entail? And which practices are going to make the biggest difference?

Hydrate Inside and Out

Reena Patel, M.D., is a board-certified family medicine practitioner who treats patients with psoriasis and also has psoriasis herself. One of her biggest self-care tips is to maintain hydration.