Psoriasis Flare-Up Check List

🌿 Psoriasis Flare-Up Checklist

From The Skin Well™ | Drawn from the Happy Skin Leaflet Series

Psoriasis is a complex skin condition, often influenced by internal and external factors. This checklist is designed to help you gently reflect on what might be contributing to a flare - not as a way to fix everything at once, but to notice patterns and feel more informed.

🧴 SKIN PRODUCTS & DAILY HABITS

☐ Tried new skincare, shampoo, or personal care products
☐ Using fragranced soaps, shower gels, or hair products
☐ Scratching or rubbing plaques or irritated areas
☐ Skipping moisturiser or emollient routines
☐ Wearing clothes that rub or create friction

What might help:
→ Use fragrance-free, barrier-supportive products
→ Moisturise consistently - even during flare-free times
→ See: Happy Skincare, Happy Skin and Happy Movement, Happy Skin

🧠 STRESS, SLEEP & EMOTIONAL TRIGGERS

☐ Recently experienced emotional stress or burnout
☐ Struggling with sleep, worry, or overwhelm
☐ Relationship tension or feeling unsupported
☐ Flare followed a period of emotional or physical stress

What might help:
→ Create calm routines and boundaries where possible
→ Support emotional health alongside skin care
→ See: Happy Mind, Happy Skin, Happy Sleep, Happy Skin, and Happy Relationships, Happy Skin

🩺 HEALTH, IMMUNE SYSTEM & MEDICATIONS

☐ Recently had an illness or infection
☐ Took or stopped medication (including antibiotics or steroids)
☐ Changes in immune health, vaccination, or recovery
☐ Joint stiffness, tiredness, or new symptoms

What might help:
→ Keep track of health changes and speak to your GP if needed
→ Nourish your immune system with supportive habits
→ See: Happy Hormones, Happy Skin

🍽️ FOOD, DRINK & GUT HEALTH

☐ Increase in processed foods, sugar, or alcohol
☐ Digestive issues or signs of imbalance (bloating, fatigue)
☐ Not drinking enough water or eating many wholefoods
☐ Recently taken antibiotics or gut-affecting medications

What might help:
→ Focus on gut-friendly, anti-inflammatory food choices
→ Stay hydrated and notice patterns in flare-ups
→ See: Happy Gut, Happy Skin and Happy Hydration, Happy Skin

🌦️ WEATHER & ENVIRONMENT

☐ Flare-up linked to cold, dry air or central heating
☐ New detergents, cleaning products, or bedding
☐ Exposure to pollution, UV, or sudden climate changes
☐ Recent travel or environment change

What might help:
→ Support the skin in dry conditions with barrier creams
→ Reduce triggers like fragrance, dust, and heat where possible
→ See: Happy Home, Happy Skin, Happy Air Happy Skin, Happy Work, Happy Skin

💡REMEMBER

Psoriasis is not your fault - and it's not always in your control. But understanding your body’s patterns can help reduce stress and support your skin in meaningful ways.

Speak to a skin therapist or GP if symptoms persist, worsen, or affect your wellbeing.

 
Back to Flare-Up Checklists

Disclaimer

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the information in this leaflet is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional advice.

Version: [April / 2025]

© 2025 Jacqui de Jager | The Skin Well™ & The Happy Skin Clinic®
All rights reserved. This leaflet is for personal use and education only. It may not be reproduced, distributed, or adapted without written permission.