How to Plan a Psoriasis-Friendly Thanksgiving

Getting together with friends and family for a festive Thanksgiving meal can be a lot of fun, but for some people with psoriasis, it can also be a recipe for flares. Rich foods, the stress of preparing a large meal or navigating complicated relationships, and the dry, indoor environment all have the potential to trigger symptoms. Here’s what you can do to keep your skin happy while still enjoying the day.

Set Boundaries Early to Head Off Holiday Stress

• Will you host the meal or attend as a guest?
• Bring one or more dishes to the meal?
• If you’re not hosting, how far are you willing to travel?
• How long will you stay at the meal or event — as long as it lasts, or will you set a time limit?
• Will you limit the amount of alcohol you drink?

When you settle on what you’re able to do, share it with others in a way that’s kind but firm. Don’t want to stay at Aunt Mabel’s for the entire day? Try something like, “I can come at 3 p.m. but I have to leave by 7 p.m.”

Plan for Cold Weather and Dry Heat

• Avoid hot, prolonged showers before the event. Keep it warm and under 5 minutes.
• Dress in layers so you can adjust to the room temperature. Choose breathable fabrics like cotton, bamboo, silk, or Tencel (Lyocell).
• Bring a small humidifier for the bedroom if you’re sleeping away from home. Around 60 percent humidity is the sweet spot for psoriasis skin.
• Drink plenty of water while traveling. That’s especially important if you’re flying, since plane air is drying, Gordon says.

Look for Anti-Inflammatory Options at the Table

You have limited control over what’s served if you’re not hosting, but you can still choose the best options for you. “Indulgence in sugary dishes or alcohol may flare your skin, so try to counterbalance with good fiber, vegetables, and healthy proteins when you can,” Gordon says. You can also offer to bring a dish to share.

• Lean proteins like skinless turkey without a lot of gravy
• Steamed or roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, green beans, carrots, or sweet potatoes (limit creamy or cheesy dishes)
• Salads with nuts, seeds, or whole grains
• Nonalcoholic drink options like herbal tea or seltzer with muddled fresh fruit

Know that your meal doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. “Include some protein and produce on your plate, and then choose small portions of the Thanksgiving foods you enjoy most,” says the Brooklyn, New York–based nutrition expert Alix Turoff, RD. Enjoy a modest scoop of the stuffing you look forward to all year — and skip the dinner rolls that just look okay.

The bottom line? “Eat in a way that supports your health most of the time while still leaving room to participate in the foods, traditions, and experiences that make the holidays enjoyable,” Turoff says.

Keep Your Priorities Top of Mind

Rarely does Thanksgiving dinner go perfectly, but remind yourself what matters most to you: maintaining your health and connecting with the people you care about.

“Understanding the real reasons behind your preferences gives you a better chance of making choices that protect both your well-being and your relationships,” Dr. Guirguis says. The right choices will help keep itch and discomfort at bay — and that’s something to be grateful for.