Psoriasis Triggers

Most people living with psoriasis experience good days when their skin clears and bad days when psoriasis flares. A trigger is usually needed to make psoriasis appear — whether it is for the first time or the thirtieth. One common psoriasis triggers are infections. Dermatologists have seen people with a family history of psoriasis get strep throat and develop their first psoriasis lesions two weeks later.   Treating the infection in many cases lessens or clears the psoriasis. 

Reaction to Certain Medications

Some people develop psoriasis for the first time or experience a flare-up after taking certain medication. Medications that can trigger psoriasis are anti-malarial drugs, beta-blockers, corticosteroids, Indomethacin and lithium. 

Skin Injury

People with psoriasis often notice new lesions 10 to 14 days after the skin is cut, scratched, rubbed, or severely sunburned.

Research shows that about 50% of people with psoriasis develop a psoriatic lesion at the site of a new skin injury or in the same place as another skin condition. About 10% of psoriasis patients develop a new psoriatic lesion each time the skin is injured

Stress

Ask anyone with psoriasis what triggers a flare-up, and stress is likely to top the list. Scientific studies confirm that stress can worsen psoriasis and increase itching. Some people can even trace their first outbreak to a particularly stressful event.

Dermatologists recommend that their patients tell them if they feel overwhelming stress. There are many healthy ways to relieve stress. Many patients find that psychological counseling or joining a support group effectively reduces stress. Your dermatologist may be able to help you find a therapist or a support group. Some patients prefer to adopt a popular relaxation technique, such as meditation. Exercise also can help reduce stress. 

Weather

Winter tends to be the most challenging season for people living with psoriasis. Numerous studies indicate cold weather is a common trigger for many people and that hot and sunny climates appear to clear the skin.

Cold winter weather is dry, and indoor heat robs the skin of needed moisture. This usually worsens psoriasis. Psoriasis can become even more severe when the stress of the holidays and winter illnesses combine to compromise immune systems.

While hot and sunny may help clear psoriasis, air-conditioning can dry out the skin and aggravate psoriasis. Moisturizing can help prevent this.