Psoriasis and its triggers

Psoriasis is Autoimmune disease. It starts with T cells in your immune system, T cells are design to protect your body from infections and diseases but in Psoriasis case they mistakenly become active causing various immune system responses which leads to Psoriasis symptoms.

UVB Phototherapy is a great way to treat and control Psoriasis, but it doesn't completely cure it. Currently there is no known way to cure or suppress Psoriasis 100%, but you can manage it with Phototherapy or other treatments and by avoiding Psoriasis triggers you can live your life to its fullest potential.

Psoriasis being Autoimmune disease makes symptom severity and triggers differ from person to person. But with a little bit of patients and personal note taking you can figure out your personal Psoriasis triggers and avoid them accordingly. Here is few most common Psoriasis triggers.

Stress

Stress is the biggest trigger for Psoriasis flare ups, Psoriasis itself causes stress which can send you into endless loop. It is very important to take care of yourself mentally and reduce as many stressful situations. The happier you are inside the healthier you are outside.

Skin Injury

Is it a small cut or scratch, bug bite, burn, damage caused by tattoo needle, piercings and vaccination can cause Psoriasis flair up. Anything that puts additional stress on your body. It is not possible to avoid all skin injuries, but with a little planning and preparation you can avoid or lessen most of the Psoriasis flair ups.

Dry and cold weather

Similar to skin injuries exposure to cold and dry weather can cause Psoriasis flair ups. Cold weather drys and strips moisture from your skin making it more susceptible to Psoriasis symptoms. Wearing warm gloves during winter season is a must.

Sunburns

Natural sunlight does wonders to Psoriasis affected skin, this is one of the reasons why Phototherapy is great method to control Psoriasis. But to much of sunlight can cause sunburn which may lead to flair ups. If you are living or working in sunny environment carrying sunscreen or a hat to cover from sunlight can prevent some of the flair ups.

Allergies

Same as Psoriasis allergies starts with immune system. For already confused immune system additional allergic reactions can send it into overdrive. Knowing your allergens can save you from unexpected Psoriasis flair ups.

Medications

Some medications can cause Psoriasis flair ups, most commonly Lithium, Beta-blockers, steroidal medicine. You should always consult doctor before using any medication.

Alcohol and Tobacco

Excessive alcohol drinking and smoking in most Psoriasis cases trigger flair ups. In general what harms your health increases risk of Psoriasis flair ups. It doesn't mean you should completely give up alcohol but consume it with moderation and avoid alcohol types which caused you flair ups previously.

Summary

As you may noticed most of the psoriasis triggers comes from physical and mental health. For a person who got recently diagnose with Psoriasis it may seem overwhelming. But if you keep notes on previous flair ups and patterns you can easily avoid them and live happy, fulfilling life.