Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is an autoimmune disorder that causes the skin to become inflamed, red, and scaly. The effects of psoriasis can range from mild to severe.

While it is not contagious, it can be debilitating and challenging to manage.

What Triggers Psoriasis Flare-Ups?

Psoriasis flare-ups occur when your immune system becomes overactive, causing skin cells to build up rapidly on the surface of the skin. Various things can trigger these flare-ups. Identifying your triggers is a crucial part of managing your psoriasis.

Here are 6 common triggers of psoriasis flare-ups:.

1. Stress

Stress is one of the most common triggers of psoriasis flare-ups. High levels of stress can weaken the immune system, making it more susceptible to infections and inflammation.

Stressful life events, work-related stress, and anxiety can all trigger psoriasis episodes. Studies have shown that stress management techniques like yoga and meditation can help reduce stress and, as a consequence, reduce the incidence of psoriasis flare-ups.

2. Infections

Psoriasis flare-ups can be triggered by infections such as strep throat, respiratory infections, and skin infections. Bacterial and viral infections can cause the immune system to become overactive and trigger a psoriasis flare-up.

In some cases, medications that are prescribed to treat infections can also cause a flare-up.

3. Medications

There are certain medications that can trigger psoriasis flare-ups. Beta-blockers, lithium, antimalarial drugs, and some medications that treat bipolar disorder can all cause psoriasis flare-ups.

It is essential to discuss any medications you are taking with your doctor, especially if you have psoriasis.

4. Alcohol

Alcohol can trigger psoriasis flare-ups in some people. It is believed that alcohol increases the production of inflammatory cytokines in the body, which can lead to psoriasis flare-ups.

Additionally, excessive alcohol consumption can weaken the immune system, making it more susceptible to infections and inflammation.

5. Cold Weather

Exposure to cold weather can also trigger psoriasis flare-ups. Cold weather can cause the skin to become dry and itchy, which can aggravate psoriasis symptoms.

It is recommended to keep the skin moisturized during the winter months and avoid exposing your skin to extreme temperatures.

6. Smoking

Smoking is an established risk factor for psoriasis. Studies have shown that smokers are more likely to develop psoriasis than non-smokers. Additionally, smoking can make psoriasis more severe and difficult to treat.

Quitting smoking can help reduce the incidence of psoriasis flare-ups.

Conclusion

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Identifying triggers that cause psoriasis flare-ups is essential to managing the condition effectively.

Stress, infections, medications, alcohol, cold weather, and smoking are some of the most common triggers of psoriasis flare-ups. If you have psoriasis, it is crucial to work with your doctor to develop a treatment plan that includes strategies for identifying and managing your triggers.