Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the skin and joints. It is characterized by red, scaly patches on the skin that can be itchy and painful.

The exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, but it is believed to be related to genetic and environmental factors. There are several triggers that can cause psoriasis flare-ups, and understanding these triggers can help manage the condition.

Stress: Trigger 1

Stress is a common trigger for psoriasis. When you are stressed, your body produces stress hormones that can cause inflammation and trigger psoriasis flare-ups.

Stress can also weaken your immune system, making it less able to fight off infection and inflammation.

Trigger 2: Infection

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, which means that the immune system attacks healthy tissues in the body. Infections can trigger the immune system to attack the skin, causing psoriasis flare-ups.

Common infections that can trigger psoriasis flare-ups include strep throat, upper respiratory infections, and skin infections.

Trigger 3: Medications

Some medications can trigger psoriasis flare-ups. These include beta-blockers, lithium, antimalarial drugs, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

If you have psoriasis, it is important to tell your doctor about any medications you are taking.

Trigger 4: Injury to the Skin

Injury to the skin can trigger psoriasis flare-ups. This is known as the Koebner phenomenon. Common injuries that can trigger psoriasis include cuts, scrapes, mosquito bites, and sunburns.

It is important to protect your skin from injury if you have psoriasis.

Trigger 5: Climate and Weather

Climate and weather can also trigger psoriasis flare-ups. Dry weather and cold temperatures can cause dry skin, which can trigger psoriasis flare-ups. In contrast, hot and humid weather can cause sweating, which can also trigger psoriasis flare-ups.

Trigger 6: Alcohol and Smoking

Alcohol and smoking can also trigger psoriasis flare-ups. Alcohol can cause dehydration, which can dry out the skin and trigger psoriasis flare-ups.

Smoking can weaken the immune system, making it less able to fight off inflammation and infection, which can trigger psoriasis flare-ups.

Conclusion

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the skin and joints. There are several triggers that can cause psoriasis flare-ups, including stress, infection, medications, injury to the skin, climate and weather, and alcohol and smoking.

Understanding these triggers can help manage the condition and reduce the frequency and severity of psoriasis flare-ups. If you have psoriasis, it is important to work with your healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan that works best for you.