Psoriasis Triggers

Psoriasis may be permanent or episodic, meaning that it can flare up then subside and disappear altogether for a while before another episode occurs. Triggers or precipitating factors may cause a flare-up in disease or even lead to the development of psoriasis, such as emotional stress, local injury to skin, systemic infections, and the use of certain medications.

Skin injury or any break in the skin can lead to psoriasis. This can include a razor nick or burn, an insect bite, cut, abrasion, sunburn, needle puncture (from vaccination), blister or bruise. Patients often find that new lesions appear at the site of injury.

Medications such as lithium (antidepressant) can also predispose one to a flare-up or cause psoriasis to first appear. Even oral corticosteroids can worsen psoriasis symptoms if treatment is stopped abruptly.

Stress is a factor in a number of health conditions and seems to be a trigger for psoriasis as well. It can worsen symptoms and, in some cases, a stressful event may trigger the onset of psoriasis. Living with psoriasis also contributes to stress, which in turn, can negatively affect the skin condition.

Weather is another factor that can cause psoriasis to improve or worsen. In particular, the dry cold winter season seems to adversely impact on psoriasis because it dries and irritates the skin. Sun helps psoriatic plaques to fade which suggests why UV light therapy is often used to help treat psoriasis.

Five Common Questions About Psoriasis

Q1: Is psoriasis contagious through touching?   No, psoriasis is not contagious. It is not an infectious disease.

Q2: Will treatment make psoriasis go away permanently?   Sometimes, if treatment is effective, it can send psoriasis into remission, making symptoms disappear for weeks or months at a time.

Q3: Is it possible to prevent psoriasis?   If you have a family history, you can help to prevent or minimize the chances of developing psoriasis by reducing stress, avoiding skin irritation and injury, and discussing with your physician any medications you take.

Q4: What happens if I stop treatment?   Stopping treatment abruptly, such as corticosteroids, can actually trigger a more severe form of psoriasis.

Q5: Can I have more than one type of psoriasis?   An individual can have different forms of psoriasis appearing at once or at different times.