Unlike contagious diseases that you can catch from another person, experts believe that psoriasis is caused by a genetic vulnerability and triggered by a set of environmental factors. To reduce your risk of flare-ups, the National Psoriasis Foundation recommends steering clear of the following psoriasis triggers:
- Stress. It's a common conundrum for many psoriasis patients: Stress can lead to flare-ups, but living with psoriasis can be stressful. To reduce the stressors in your life, try relaxation techniques, ask your friends and family for help, and seek out a psoriasis support group.
- Skin injury or trauma. In some people, trauma can lead to flare-ups at the injury site or elsewhere, a condition known as Koebner's phenomenon. As such, it's best to minimize your exposure to activities that could cause burns, cuts, bruises scratches, or sunburns, and to avoid tattoos completely.
- Some medications. Certain medications, such as lithium, some beta-blockers, malaria drugs, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), are known to trigger psoriasis flare-ups. Be sure to talk to your doctor about the risks and the possibility of alternative treatments.
- Infections. Some conditions, such as strep throat, tonsillitis, and HIV, can trigger psoriasis symptoms or make them worse. In these cases, the result is most often guttate, a form of psoriasis that produces small, red spots, usually on the trunk and limbs. Again, talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your disease risk.
- Cold, dry weather. Because cold, dry weather can dry out the skin, it can trigger or exacerbate flare-ups. In contrast, warm, humid weather appears to help control outbreaks. Although you can't change the weather outside, you can improve your indoor environment by keeping the temperature at a comfortably warm level and investing in a humidifier.
