8 Psoriasis Triggers

Psoriasis is a disorder that is characterised by red, scaly and sometimes itchy growth of skin suddenly appearing in any part of the body. Many medical experts believe that the disorder may be caused by the immune system not working normally.

Psoriasis can also have various triggers that may cause it to appear suddenly on the skin without any warning.

8 Psoriasis Triggers

Stress - Stress is the first and foremost trigger for a fresh outbreak of psoriasis. In fact, most people can trace the beginning of their psoriasis to when they underwent a particularly stressful period. Whenever you’re feeling stressed, it lowers your body’s natural defence mechanisms and compromises your immune system, resulting in more scales and more redness. Stress can be anything – from emotional stress, to sleepless nights and general anxiety.

Infections – Various studies have shown that certain infections may easily trigger psoriasis in some people. One of the most common infections that doctors have seen to trigger an outburst of psoriasis is one caused by the streptococcus bacteria. It has been common for doctors to see people having a strep throat infection to develop their first psoriasis outbreak several weeks later. A thrush infection can also sometimes lead to a case of severe inverse psoriasis as well as staphylococcal skin infections and other viral upper respiratory infections. Treating the underlying infection will usually also clear out psoriasis.

Smoking - Cigarette smoke contains more than 4,000 toxic substances. It is common knowledge that smoking increases the body's production of free radicals that accelerate skin aging but it also has a detrimental effect on the immune system. Environmental factors have an impact on psoriasis, and people who smoke tend to get more severe, treatment-resistant forms of psoriasis than non-smokers. Smoking also increases the risk of certain throat infections that can trigger flares of psoriasis. People should not smoke if they wish to live a healthy lifestyle but especially when they suffer from psoriasis or have a family history of the condition. Smoke does not only affect those who smoke. Being in a smoke-filled room (passive smoking) is also bad for the health.

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 (medication used to treat high blood pressure)

·         Corticosteroids.

·         Indomethacin (medication used to treat arthritis and other inflammatory conditions)

·         Lithium

If you have psoriasis or a family history of psoriasis, be sure to let the doctor prescribing any of the above medications know. Other medications can sometimes be substituted.

Skin Injury - Psoriasis can appear in areas of the skin that have been injured or traumatised. This is called the Koebner phenomenon. Vaccinations, sunburns and scratches can all trigger a Koebner response. The Koebner response can be treated if it is caught early enough.

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. It can become even more severe when the stress of the festival season and winter illnesses combine to compromise immune systems.

Hormones - How hormones affect psoriasis is still not well understood. Research shows that many people develop their first psoriatic lesions just after puberty when hormone levels fall. When hormones levels increase during pregnancy, psoriasis improves for many women. A recent study showed that 55% of pregnant women with psoriasis reported an improvement, 21% saw no change, and 23% experienced worsening. After delivery, only 9% reported improvement and 65% saw their psoriasis worsen. More research is needed to understand these effects.

Alcohol - It is suggested that the deficiency of vitamins A and E caused by excessive amounts of alcohol may be a trigger for psoriasis. Both of these vitamins are antioxidants meaning they prevent damage to the cells caused by oxidation, which occurs naturally during metabolism. Vitamin A is the base of many psoriasis therapies, so it stands to reason that it is important for the body to have sufficient levels to help control psoriasis.

Remember

While there is no cure, psoriasis can be successfully managed so that you experience more good days than bad. Numerous treatment options are available, and recent advances are revolutionising the management and care of psoriasis. Talk with your GP in order to find a treatment option that will achieve maximum effectiveness.

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