It's not known what exactly causes this problem with the immune system, although certain genes and environmental triggers may play a role. Psoriasis runs in families, so you may be more likely to get psoriasis if you have a close relative with the condition, but the exact role genetics plays in psoriasis is unclear.
Research has shown that many different genes are linked to the development of psoriasis, and it's likely that different combinations of genes may make people more vulnerable to the condition. Many people's psoriasis symptoms start or get worse because of a certain event, called a trigger. Knowing your triggers may help you avoid a flare-up. Page last reviewed: 09 May Next review due: 09 May While a moderate amount of sun can relieve symptoms in some, sunburns can almost certainly cause a flare-up.
If you find a small amount of sun actually helps your symptoms, just remember to keep it to a minimum. Learn more about the sun and psoriasis. A cold, dry climate can also worsen symptoms of psoriasis. In this kind of bitter and cold weather, moisture is stripped from the skin. Heating units make matters worse. Try to minimize time spent in the elements during the coldest months, and invest in a good humidifier for your home. Stress and psoriasis often go hand in hand.
The condition is itself a source of stress for many people, and stress is a big trigger for psoriasis outbreaks. Yoga and meditation practices have shown great success in relieving stress associated with many types of pain. Having obesity can increase the risk of psoriasis as well as make the symptoms worse.
A study in JAMA Dermatology found that eating a low calorie diet led to improved psoriasis and quality of life in people with obesity. Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke if you have psoriasis. Tobacco can make your symptoms more severe. Nicotine can interact with your psoriasis medication, too. According to a study , smoking and tobacco use may also increase your risk of developing palmoplantar pustular psoriasis, a rare psoriasis type that affects the hands and feet.
Smoking can also worsen other psoriasis comorbidities, such as:. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Psoriasis Getting Worse? What causes psoriasis to flare up and worsen? What are some tips to help get the condition under control? The takeaway. Need an Instant Psoriasis Remedy? Turn to Your Pantry. Read this next. Living with Psoriasis Personal stories, and an expert conversation on psoriasis for those living with it.
Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph. The doctor may suggest adjusting the dosage or changing the drug altogether. A psoriasis flare may occur 2—6 weeks after experiencing an infection, according to the American Academy of Dermatology AAD.
Infections affect the immune system, and psoriasis has links with the immune system. Infections that may trigger a psoriasis flare include :. Psoriasis symptoms can flare after a skin injury. The flare may appear 10—14 days after a person sustains a skin injury. Smoking and having exposure to tobacco smoke are risk factors for immune-related conditions such as psoriasis. Some research suggests that these factors can:. The AAD recommends avoiding or quitting smoking and avoiding being in places where others are smoking.
It also advises speaking with a doctor before using a nicotine patch, as this may also worsen symptoms. Learn more about psoriasis and smoking here. In , the medical board of the National Psoriasis Foundation published guidelines that recommended weight management as an approach to managing psoriasis, as overweight and obesity appear to increase the risk of severe symptoms.
After looking at data for 4, people with psoriasis, the experts strongly recommended that those who are overweight follow a weight loss diet. Get some tips on losing weight here. One study suggests that various hormonal factors may affect symptoms. Symptoms tend to flare around puberty , pregnancy, and menopause , indicating a role for sex hormones.
However, the authors also recommend that doctors bear in mind the following hormonal factors when assessing people with psoriasis:. What are hormonal imbalances, and how do they affect people? Learn more here. For some people with psoriasis, symptoms worsen with certain weather-related factors, such as:. That said, some research suggests that some controlled sun exposure can be beneficial, as it boosts vitamin D levels. Find out how to get the benefits of sunshine without causing harm here.
Tattoos and piercings are other forms of skin injuries. Psoriasis may develop on the skin shortly after someone gets a tattoo or piercing due to the skin trauma this causes. This is known as the Koebner phenomenon.
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