Psoriasis flare-ups can be embarrassing. Itchy red bumps on the skin, flaky scalps, and crumbling nails can keep people inside — rather than coming to your spa!

How can you help your clients reduce psoriasis flare-ups and stop symptoms before they spread? The key is reducing inflammation. If you can recommend a skincare routine that tackles inflammation, you’ll get to the root of most psoriasis flare-ups.

But you need more than that. You need your clients to see you as a trusted source on this issue. That means learning about psoriasis, so you know what you’re talking about when addressing this troublesome skin issue.

That’s where this guide comes in. We’ll cover common causes of psoriasis, so you can explain to clients what to avoid.

What Causes Psoriasis?

Tell your clients to keep track of when they experience a flare-up and what might have caused the incident. Infections, dietary changes, and dry skin can all be triggers, but each person experiences psoriasis differently.

Let’s look at potential causes in a bit more depth.

Infections

Skin infections (and general infections like sore throats and viral infections) can cause inflammation and psoriasis breakouts. Tell clients to be proactive in preventing infections and treating them as soon as they experience symptoms.

Dry Skin

Dry skin is more likely to result in cuts, cracks, and infections. Moisturizers and hydrating products can protect the skin from experiencing this problem, but that’s just the beginning.

Dehydration is one of the top causes of dry skin and infections. Eight glasses of water a day is the easiest way to keep skin hydrated. Clients should also avoid smoking, heavy drinking, and other habits that dehydrate the body.

Stress

Stress has serious effects on the body. Reducing stress can help to improve overall mental and physical health, including your skin’s health. Talk to your clients about whether stress is a factor, and offer yoga, meditation, exercise, and relaxing spa appointments as a few options to combat that stress.

Picking at the Skin

This one is a bit uncomfortable to talk about, but all of the work to heal psoriasis can be undone if your clients picks at scabs or itches their flare-ups. Because of this, it’s important to bring up.

Why are picking and itching so bad? Because they increase the chance of infection and spread the inflammation further throughout the body.