Psoriasis Triggers & Aggravating Factors

Conditions & Diseases: Skin Diseases

Psoriasis

Exacerbating Factors & Triggers of Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a skin condition characterized by flare-ups and remissions. Although these flare ups can occur on their own, there are some factors which can trigger an outbreak of psoriasis or cause it to worsen. The list of items below have been identified by doctors as either triggers (starting a flare up) or conditions which cause psoriasis to worsen (exacerbate). (5 &6)

1. Rubbing and scratching. By it's nature, psoriasis causes the skin to itch. In some cases, this itching can be severe. Topical treatments can alleviate this itching.

2. Skin injury from cuts, infections, scrapes and burns.

3. Too much sun exposure. Although it has been shown that moderate Sun exposure can be helpful for psoriasis, sunburns can cause psoriasis to flare up. For a small number of patients, less then 10 percent, sun exposure may worsen symptoms. (6).

4. Medications: For some people, certain medications can make psoriasis worse. Some of these drugs include: lithium, beta-blockers, anti-malarial drugs, ibuprofen, naproxen, inderal (for hypertension).

5. Emotional stress and anxiety. Stress and anxiety can cause adverse reactions to one's immune system.

6. Smoking and drinking alcohol.

7. Hormonal changes. The severity of psoriasis my rise with changes in hormone levels brought about by puberty, menopoause and pregnancy.

8. Streptococcal infections of the throat and upper respiratory tract cause a type of plaque psoriasis called guttate psoriasis, which appears as small red drops.

9. HIV: In the early stages of HIV, psoriasis can worsen. However, by the final stages of HIV, psoriasis becomes less active.

Article by Jason Morrow,
OmniMedicalSearch.com