5 Big Triggers To Avoid When You Have Psoriasis.

Living with psoriasis is without a doubt physically and emotionally taxing. It requires individuals to navigate various physical and emotional challenges while seeking effective treatment and support.

Day to day management means knowing your triggers and how to avoid ones that can exacerbate your symptoms. While triggers can vary from person to person, here a list of the 5 big psoriasis triggers to avoid.

#1 The Koebner Response:

This is when you injure your skin, such as a cut, scrape, insect bite or sunburn. Named after Heinrich Koebner, the dermatologist who first described it in the 19th century, this phenomenon is commonly observed in various skin conditions, including psoriasis, lichen planus, vitiligo, and certain types of eczema.

In individuals with psoriasis, the Koebner response is particularly noteworthy, as psoriasis lesions can develop in areas of skin trauma, leading to the spread of the condition. This phenomenon underscores the importance of minimizing skin trauma and practicing good skin care techniques in individuals with psoriasis to prevent exacerbation of symptoms.

#2 Alcohol:

Not only can drinking can trigger psoriasis flares and interfere with your medication, several studies suggest that alcohol use may increase a person's risk of developing psoriasis and/or lead to worsening of their disease.

Research has also shown that people living with psoriasis are twice as likely to develop nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) as people who do not have the condition.

Basically it works like this when the ethanol from the alcoholic drinks you consume metabolism it generates an inflammatory environment in the body that can trigger psoriasis.

Alcohol can increase inflammation which will add to more flare-ups and possibly more intense symptoms with fewer days of clear skin.

#3 Stress:

Stress is widely recognized as a significant trigger for psoriasis flare-ups and can exacerbate existing symptoms. Here's how stress can impact psoriasis:

Immune System Response: Stress triggers the release of certain hormones, such as cortisol, which can affect immune function. In individuals with psoriasis, stress-induced changes in the immune system can lead to increased inflammation and worsened psoriasis symptoms.
Inflammatory Response: Stress can exacerbate inflammation throughout the body, including in the skin. Psoriasis is characterized by chronic inflammation, and stress can further amplify this inflammatory response, leading to flare-ups of redness, itching, and skin lesions.
Itch and Scratching: Stress can intensify itching sensations associated with psoriasis lesions. The urge to scratch affected areas can further irritate the skin, potentially leading to skin damage and exacerbating psoriasis symptoms.
Altered Skin Barrier Function: Stress may impair the skin's barrier function, making it more susceptible to environmental irritants and allergens. This compromised barrier function can contribute to increased skin sensitivity and worsened psoriasis symptoms.
Behavioral Factors: Stress can also influence behaviors that may exacerbate psoriasis, such as poor sleep quality, unhealthy eating habits, and decreased adherence to treatment regimens. These lifestyle factors can further contribute to psoriasis flare-ups.

#4 Smoking

Smoking is widely recognized as a trigger for psoriasis, exacerbating existing symptoms.

Multiple studies have revealed that individuals who smoke face a higher risk of developing psoriasis compared to non-smokers. Although the precise mechanisms behind this link remain unclear, smoking is believed to contribute to immune dysregulation and inflammation, both pivotal factors in psoriasis development.

For those already grappling with psoriasis, smoking is associated with more severe and treatment-resistant symptoms. It intensifies inflammation, inciting psoriasis flare-ups and impeding the healing of existing lesions. Smokers with psoriasis may contend with broader skin involvement and an elevated likelihood of developing psoriatic arthritis, an additional inflammatory condition impacting the joints.

Moreover, smoking can compromise the effectiveness of psoriasis treatments. Evidence suggests that smokers with psoriasis may respond less favorably to various treatments, encompassing topical therapies, phototherapy, and systemic medications like biologic agents. Smoking-induced immune dysfunction and inflammation can hinder the body's ability to adequately respond to treatment.

Furthermore, smoking risks overall skin health, diminishing skin elasticity, impeding wound healing, and heightening susceptibility to infections. These consequences may further compromise the skin barrier in individuals with psoriasis, rendering them more prone to flare-ups and skin complications.

#5 Allergies

Allergic reactions can trigger or exacerbate psoriasis flare-ups. Exposure to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, certain foods, or environmental irritants can provoke an immune response and lead to increased inflammation, which can worsen psoriasis symptoms.

Psoriasis is primarily an autoimmune condition characterized by an overactive immune response, leading to inflammation and abnormal skin cell growth. Allergies, on the other hand, involve the immune system's hypersensitivity reaction to typically harmless substances (allergens) such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or certain foods. While the underlying immune processes differ between psoriasis and allergies, both conditions involve immune system dysfunction.

Evidence to suggest that genetic predispositions may contribute to both psoriasis and allergic conditions. Some studies have identified overlapping genetic markers associated with psoriasis susceptibility and allergic disorders such as allergic rhinitis, asthma, or atopic dermatitis (eczema).

Exposure to certain allergens or irritants may contribute to skin inflammation and trigger psoriasis flare-ups.

While there are associations between psoriasis and allergies, each condition requires individualized management and treatment. Individuals with psoriasis who also have allergies should work closely with their healthcare providers to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses their specific needs and concerns.

5 Big Triggers To Avoid When You Have Psoriasis.