Psoriasis Treatment: Triggers For Psoriasis Flares And Helping You Avoid Flare-Ups

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes itchy patches of inflammation and scale on your skin. The severity of psoriasis symptoms varies according to personal and environmental factors. Research into the causes of psoriasis outbreaks has linked flare-ups with the following 10 triggers:

1. Stress

Initial psoriasis outbreaks and flares are often caused by stress. Therapy, meditation, and exercise can help reduce your stress levels.

2. Hormonal Changes

A 2013 study from BioMed Research International concluded that variations in female hormone levels could cause psoriasis symptoms. Unsurprisingly, psoriasis flares peaked during periods of hormone fluctuation, such as puberty, post-pregnancy, and menopause.

3. Medication

Psoriasis flares have been connected with several high-use medications. If you think your medication is causing psoriasis, maintain your usage schedule, and contact a medical professional.
Injury

Psoriasis outbreaks will be more severe around damaged areas of skin. This means cuts, bruises, sunburn, and insect bites, can all cause psoriasis flares.

4. Infection

Infection compromises your immune response, causing delayed flares of psoriasis. Common infections that lead to psoriasis flares are strep throat, bronchitis, ear infections, and tonsillitis.

5. Alcohol

Consuming alcohol limits the effects of methotrexate – a common treatment for psoriasis. This can result in longer and more severe outbreaks of psoriasis.

6. Smoking

Although the link between smoking and psoriasis is not fully clear, scientists believe that a property in tobacco may be responsible for aggravated flares.

7. Tattoos

If you get a tattoo or skin piercing, the skin aggravation can quickly develop into psoriasis.

8. Weight Gain

The National Psoriasis Foundation recently released findings showing a link between obesity and more acute psoriasis flares. This means that simple dietary intervention will ease flare symptoms for many people suffering from psoriasis.

9. Diet

Certain food and beverage items may be exacerbating psoriasis symptoms. The National Psoriasis Foundation has advised that limiting or cutting consumption of gluten and nightshade vegetables may decrease the frequency and severity of flares.

10. Weather

Changes in temperature and humidity have marked effects on skin condition. Consequently, psoriasis flares are more severe during colder months when your skin is dryer. Using a moisturizer during winter can help relieve this trigger.

Sources: Medical News Today, Plaque Psoriasis
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