Over 8 million people in the United States struggle with psoriasis. This condition is characterized by itchy, flaky skin that can show up anywhere on the body. It is usually uncomfortable and can be very difficult to live with. Are you someone who lives with psoriasis? If you deal with this autoimmune disease, you know that identifying your psoriasis triggers is one of the first steps to getting your condition under control.
Read on to learn about 5 common triggers. You’ll also find some steps you can take to manage your psoriasis symptoms effectively.
What Is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease. When the immune system malfunctions, it causes the skin cells to regenerate faster than normal. This results in rapid cell turnover and a red, scaly rash that covers the skin and can affect all parts of the body, even the fingernails. There are many different types of psoriasis, and, depending on what type of psoriasis you have, it will show up on your body in a different place and look a certain way. There is no cure for psoriasis. You can only learn how to manage your symptoms and avoid triggers.
What Causes Psoriasis?
Researchers don’t know exactly what causes psoriasis. However, it does tend to run in families. Smoking can also increase one’s risk of developing psoriasis, as can chronically elevated stress levels. It is clear that psoriasis is not contagious.
5 Psoriasis Triggers to Avoid
Most people find that their psoriasis symptoms get worse when they’re exposed to certain substances or situations. The following are 5 common psoriasis triggers to be aware of:
1. Skin Injuries
If you experience a skin injury, such as a sunburn or a bug bite, your body might respond by increasing cell turnover. Sometimes, even a vaccination can cause a psoriasis flare. When the skin must repair an injury, overactive immune response typical of psoriasis is triggered.
One way to avoid skin injuries is to always wear sunscreen and apply insect repellant when outdoors.
2. Illnesses
When you get sick, your immune system has to work harder to fight off germs and help you recover. In the process, your psoriasis may flare-up. Anything that affects your immune system can cause psoriasis to flare up.
There is a particular connection between strep throat and psoriasis. Strep throat is a common trigger for a someone’s first psoriasis flare. If you notice a psoriasis flare, you may want to get tested for strep throat, even if you’re not showing symptoms.
3. Weather
Some people notice that their psoriasis is worse at certain times of the year when the weather changes.
Cold weather, in particular, tends to contribute to psoriasis flares. This may have to do, in part, with the fact that more people get sick during the winter. Cold weather usually means less sunlight and drier air, which also may be the reason for the flare.
4. Food
Certain types of food can trigger psoriasis flare-ups. This is especially true when it comes to foods that contribute to an overactive immune system, including the following:
- Nightshades (tomatoes, eggplant, potatoes) – This class of vegetables has solanine, a compound that can cause inflammation.
- Gluten-containing foods – A higher percentage of people with psoriasis are also sensitive to gluten than those without psoriasis.
- Dairy – The connection between the two is not completely understood, but many people find avoiding dairy can help manage psoriasis.
- Red meat and processed meats – Red meat increases inflammation, which can cause your psoriasis to act up.
- High-sugar foods and processed foods – Added sugars can trigger cytokines, which cause inflammation.
- High-fat foods – Foods high in trans fat or saturated fats increase inflammation and risk of psoriasis flaring.
Because psoriasis is caused by an overactive immune system, try following an anti-inflammatory diet, which steers clear of red and processed meats, sugars, refined carbs, dairy products, and gluten.
An elimination diet is a good way to determine which of these foods (if any) make your psoriasis worse. Remove common trigger foods from your diet for a month or so, and slowly reintroduce one food group at a time, paying careful attention to any symptoms.
5. Alcohol
Alcohol can also impact the immune system and contribute to your psoriasis symptoms. If you have a habit of drinking alcohol regularly, you may want to eliminate it for a few weeks and see if your psoriasis gets better.
If your symptoms do improve, you’ll know to avoid alcohol moving forward. You can also buy Dovobet gel online before a special occasion to help with any flare-ups that may occur.
Seek Psoriasis Treatment Today
Are you ready to combat your psoriasis triggers and take control of your help? Keep the information discussed in this guide in mind so you can find out what makes your symptoms worse.
If you need more help controlling your psoriasis, check out this article that talks about both a variety to treatment options.
References:
https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/#overview
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/psoriasis-diet-foods-to-eat-and-avoid-if-you-have-psoriasis
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