Psoriasis can feel like an uninvited guest that shows up on your skin and refuses to leave. Those red, scaly patches—often itchy or downright painful—can flare up at the worst times, leaving you frustrated and wondering, “What set this off now?”
If you’re one of the millions living with psoriasis, you’ve probably heard the usual suspects: diet, stress, or maybe not washing your skin enough. Sure, those can play a role, but they’re not the whole story.
Scientific research actually points to a broader range of culprits. In fact, medications like beta blockers, infections, weather changes, and even minor skin injuries can spark or worsen flares.
The good news?
You can take steps to prevent and manage these triggers, putting you back in the driver’s seat. Let’s dive into these surprising triggers and explore practical, science-backed ways to keep psoriasis at bay.
Ready to tame those flares? It may be easier than you think…
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Medications
Ever started a new medication and noticed your psoriasis flaring up like nobody’s business?
Certain drugs, like beta blockers (used for high blood pressure) or lithium (for mood disorders), can trigger or worsen psoriasis symptoms. These meds mess with your immune system or skin cell turnover, which is already haywire in psoriasis.
A 2024 study in Dermatology found that beta blockers were linked to psoriasis flares in 15–20 percent of patients on these drugs. Other culprits include antimalarials and some NSAIDs like ibuprofen.
So what’s the fix?
First, don’t stop your meds cold turkey—talk to your doctor. They might adjust your dose, switch to an alternative, or add a psoriasis-friendly topical treatment to keep flares in check.
Keep a symptom diary to track when flares start after a new prescription. Share your findings with your healthcare provider to tailor a plan that works for you.
Infections
Your body’s fighting a cold, and suddenly your psoriasis is out of control. Coincidence? Not likely.
Infections, especially bacterial ones like strep throat, are notorious for triggering psoriasis, particularly the guttate type, which shows up as small, dot-like patches. Viral infections, like the flu, can also cause problems by revving up your immune system.
Research in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology shows that strep infections can trigger psoriasis in a third of susceptible individuals. The immune response to the infection mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, causing a flare.
What can you do? The most important thing is to stay proactive about infections—wash your hands often, avoid sick contacts, and ensure you’re taking general steps to stay healthy.
If you suspect an infection is brewing, see your healthcare provider ASAP. Early treatment, like antibiotics for strep, can address a flare before it spirals.
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Weather Changes
Weather can be a fickle friend for psoriasis sufferers. Cold, dry winter air can suck moisture from your skin, leaving it cracked and prone to flares. Meanwhile, humid summer heat can trigger sweating, which irritates psoriatic patches. For some, even rapid temperature shifts—like stepping from a cozy room into icy wind—can set off symptoms.
Many studies find that psoriasis patients report worse symptoms in winter due to low humidity. So, in cold months, slather on a fragrance-free, thick moisturizer like petroleum jelly to lock in hydration. A humidifier at home can add moisture to dry air as well.
In summer, opt for loose, breathable clothing to reduce sweat irritation.
Just always make sure to check weather forecasts and plan ahead. Heading into a chilly day? Layer up and keep a travel-sized moisturizer handy. You’ll be happy you did!
Minor Skin Injuries
Ever notice a psoriasis patch pop up where you scratched a bug bite or cut yourself shaving?
That’s the Koebner phenomenon, where minor skin injuries—like cuts, scrapes, or even sunburns—trigger new psoriatic lesions. For psoriasis patients, whose skin is already hypersensitive, even a tiny injury can spark a flare.
Research estimates that 20–30 percent of psoriasis patients experience Koebner-triggered flares, which is why prevention is key. To start, use gentle, fragrance-free soaps, pat (don’t rub) when drying, and apply sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) to avoid burns.
If you get a cut, clean it promptly and keep it moisturized to reduce irritation.
For daily care, try a soothing oatmeal bath to calm inflamed skin. Stay mindful, and those little injuries won’t turn into big psoriasis problems you can’t control!
Stress and Diet
Yes, stress and diet can worsen psoriasis, but let’s rethink how to tackle them. Stress doesn’t just affect you mentally—it also ramps up inflammation, fueling flares. According to research from Psychosomatic Medicine, mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) can cut psoriasis symptom severity significantly in stressed patients.
Try 10 minutes of deep breathing or a guided meditation app daily. It’s a great way to hit the reset button, so to speak, on your nervous system.
Diet-wise, processed foods, sugary snacks, and alcohol can all trigger inflammation as well. A Mediterranean diet, which is rich in fish, olive oil, and veggies, has been shown to reduce psoriasis severity as well.
For a simple change, swap chips for walnuts or soda for herbal tea. Small changes add up, and your skin will notice.
If you find yourself still struggling or would simply like to connect to others facing similar challenges, the National Psoriasis Foundation is a top resource. It offers online forums and local meetups where you can share awesome tips, like the best moisturizer for winter or how to talk to your doctor about beta blockers.
Research shows support groups reduce anxiety and improve treatment adherence, indirectly taming flares. You can also check out events like Psoriasis Walks, which raise funds for research and connect you with a community.
While psoriasis triggers aren’t always what you expect, there are plenty of strategies that can help. Whether it’s tracking meds, preventing infections, weathering the seasons, protecting your skin, managing stress, or eating smarter, you can fight back. Start with little steps, maybe with a daily moisturizer or a meditation habit, and lean on your community for support.
Psoriasis doesn’t have to be the bane of your existence. You can and will improve it with the right steps and a consistent approach. You’ve got this!
