Psoriasis

Psoriasis Triggers: How Your Environment Can Cause Flare-Ups

Learn how environmental factors like weather - as well as certain lifestyle choices - can trigger and worsen psoriasis, even if you've been symptom-free for years. Here's how to help manage flare-ups by monitoring the forecast.

This article was medically reviewed by Tess Thomas, DO, ABFM.

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Psoriasis is a complex condition that affects millions, but its exact causes remain a mystery. While genetics play a significant role, environmental factors often act as the triggers that bring psoriasis to the surface.

Weather Conditions

For those predisposed to psoriasis, life can be symptom-free until a specific environmental trigger, like cold or extremely dry weather, sets off a flare-up. Extremely dry weather is also one of the most common psoriasis triggers. That's because cold, dry weather can strip moisture from the skin, weakening its protective barrier and making it more prone to irritation. The lack of humidity in winter air, combined with indoor heating, dries out the skin further, exacerbating inflammation and scaling.

Back view of anonymous female in coat with scarf and hat holding hands in pockets and looking away while strolling on snowy road on winter day in Dresden, Germany

Reduced sunlight exposure during colder months can also decrease natural vitamin D levels, which play a role in regulating skin cell growth and immune responses, potentially worsening psoriasis symptoms.

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Other Concerns

It's not just weather —factors like smoking, alcohol consumption, and even exposure to air pollution can all impact your skin.

Smoking tobacco, or being exposed to secondhand smoke, not only increases the risk of psoriasis but also may increase the severity of the disease. Heavy alcohol consumption can increase inflammation in the body, which can trigger psoriasis. Alcohol can also dry out skin that's already prone to dryness and flaking. And high exposure to air pollutants has been linked to an increased risk of severe psoriasis, research shows.

Flares of psoriasis are common after the use of certain medications, including lithium, high blood pressure drugs, and antimalarial drugs. Infections, like strep throat or even skin infections, can send the immune system into overdrive, worsening psoriasis symptoms. Injury to the skin, such as a cut, bug bite, or a severe sunburn can increase the chances of a psoriasis flare-up.

Understanding these triggers is crucial for managing psoriasis effectively. By knowing more about how your environment and habits might be affecting your psoriasis, you can keep tabs on common triggers and keep flare-ups at bay. Always consult with your doctor before making changes to your psoriasis treatment strategy.

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