Psoriasis is a skin condition that can cause a skin rash of raised inflamed skin covered with silvery scales. Your immune system normally protects you from infection by producing antibodies when bacteria or viruses invade your body. However, in people with psoriasis, the immune system goes into overdrive, having too many antibodies, which causes inflammation and irritation to the skin’s surface, leading to redness and scaling. As psoriasis is a kind of disorder associated with many changes in the immune system, it is very difficult to find out what triggers psoriasis. The first thing people with psoriasis have to think about before getting into treatment is, “What may be the possible triggers for my psoriasis?”. Tracking psoriasis flares can help you feel more in control of your condition. It can also help you communicate better with the doctor and might reduce your psoriasis symptoms faster.
So remember, if you are newly diagnosed with psoriasis, then try to keep track of all the possible triggers that affect your condition, like sudden weight gain or loss, fever, etc., and find a pattern for your psoriasis. You should note how you respond to different treatments like topical ointments, light therapy, etc.!!
Here are some of the triggers which you should be aware of:
People living with Psoriasis are more likely to get an injury on their skin that can result from being more accident-prone or because psoriasis makes your skin very fragile and therefore susceptible to infections, cuts, burns, etc., if not properly taken care of. So in case, you have recently experienced any burn, cut, or bruise, keep track of it because it might be one of the triggers for psoriasis.
Stress is also believed to trigger psoriasis flare-ups. For instance, when you go through an emotionally traumatic experience like divorce or death in the family, stress hormones release in response, which weakens the immune system. This is why more psoriasis cases develop or intensify after any physical or emotional trauma or stress!!
People with psoriasis are more prone to injuries, especially to their joints like hands, feet, knees, etc., because they have fragile skin which does not heal as quickly as others. So make sure that you wear shoes while walking and gloves while gardening or doing household work! This will also help prevent any injury to your joints.
Extreme weather conditions like cold winter months followed by hot summer months often trigger psoriasis flares-ups probably. This is due to climate triggering genes associated with starting psoriasis in many people. So try avoiding extreme weather conditions or using protective measures like wearing a hat, coat, gloves, etc., while going out.
Alcohol is believed to be a trigger for psoriasis and has been linked with worsening of the condition in some people. It all depends on your genes that determine whether drinking alcohol will cause flare-ups! So if you have a family history of psoriasis, then make sure you drink in moderation!!!
Smoking seems to get worse psoriasis symptoms!! Nicotine in cigarettes damages the skin barrier, which further worsens the disease by triggering many inflammatory changes, including itching and redness(inflammation)!! So it is advised that if you have a habit of smoking, quit it as soon as possible to prevent any potential worsening of your psoriasis!!
Being physically fit has been linked with a lower risk for developing psoriasis. Also, people who have very active lifestyles usually have sound immune systems, which is probably why they are less likely to develop skin disease or infections in general. So take up a sport, dance, jogging, etc., to keep yourself healthy and fit!!!
In some extreme cases, heat can worsen the symptoms of psoriasis; for instance, if you have been working out in a hot gym, that might trigger psoriasis aggressively! So be aware of this fact when exercising under hot conditions!! In case it doesn’t go away, then immediately consult your doctor for treatment!!
Researchers have also linked different diets with psoriasis flare-ups. For example, people who are obese are more likely to develop psoriasis. It is believed that this is due to increased levels of certain hormones, which affect the immune system and trigger psoriasis!! Another example is lack of Vitamin D deficiency can cause psoriasis because vitamin D helps regulate the immune system and keeps it in balance, avoiding any flare-ups! So, try including more vegetables, fruits, and other nutritional foods in your daily diet!!!
Oral contraceptives containing estrogen have been known to worsen skin diseases like acne, but scientists do not understand why exactly! But if you suspect that you may be having oral contraceptives containing estrogen, suggest your doctor for a different one without estrogen to prevent worsening psoriasis.
The points mentioned above are the most common triggers of psoriasis. If you have any such or similar type of trigger, then consult your skin doctor immediately after getting diagnosed with psoriasis!!!
Protect yourself from direct sunlight and avoid going out in the sun during peak hours (11 am to 3 pm). Keep your skin dry as damp skin will cause skin irritation and itching!
Avoid irritating products like soaps, detergents, washing powders, etc., as they might worsen psoriasis symptoms by causing inflammation and itching!!!
If you have a smoking habit, then quit it as soon as possible because smoking has been linked with worsening psoriasis symptoms! Take up some active sport which will help to improve overall immune system functioning!!
Use a good quality moisturizer with emollients like Vaseline or urea-based creams! These helps keep the dryness away!! And also, look for products that are non-soap and free of fragrance! Your doctor can recommend you something better suited for psoriasis on your face!!
Scratching can lead to infections!! If you think that grating will provide temporary relief, then it’s time you change the habit of scratching because it will only worsen your skin over time!!
Do not wear clothes that are too tight or itchy. It’s better to go for breathable fabric like cotton!!
Many aspects of psoriasis are outside your control. Tracking your psoriasis triggers and outbreaks can help you understand your psoriasis pattern and lead to changes that reduce your symptoms. If you are looking for natural treatment, homeopathic treatment for psoriasis is also one of the best ways to treat psoriasis.
So, if you have been looking for the best natural treatment, alternative medicine is also one of the most popular ways to treat psoriasis without any side effects! And it has no reported cases of recurrence after the completion of the course, so it’s safe and reliable!! If you want to know more about homeopathy, then you can book an appointment through OHO Homeopathy. I hope now you understand how understanding your skin pattern helps you treat yourself faster with minimal medications, stay healthy and lead a happy life!!!
Allergies can be nuisance, causing sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes. For those who suffer… Read More
Homeopathy is form of alternative medicine that has been around for centuries. It is… Read More
Homeopathy is form of alternative medicine that has been used for centuries to treat… Read More
The world is facing an environmental crisis, and it’s up to us to make a… Read More
The world is facing an environmental crisis. Climate change, pollution, and resource depletion are all… Read More
The concept of fair trade has been around for centuries, but it has recently gained… Read More