Stress: Stress is a common trigger.

Skin injury: If this triggers psoriasis, flare-ups will be near (or in the same spot as) the injury or bite.  This happens about 10 to 14 days after a skin injury. Flare-ups happen after getting a cut, scrape, sunburn, scratch, from a poisonous plant, a bruise, or insect bite.

Alcohol: For patients who drink daily or have more than two drinks in a day frequently, their treatment for psoriasis may have little or no effect. Even treatment that could be effective may not work.

Smoking: If patients smoke or spend time with people who smoke, this could be the cause.

Dry, cold weather: If the patient’s psoriasis worsens when the humidity or temperature drops, such as in winter or autumn, this is likely to be a trigger.

Sunshine, warm weather: During warm weather, psoriasis can flare if patients get sunburned or spends time in an air-conditioned environment.

Infection: Psoriasis can flare two-six weeks after strep throat, an earache, bronchitis, or another infection. This is especially common in children.

Medication: Some medications can cause a flare-up. If a medication is a trigger, patients will flare two to three weeks after beginning a medication.

Tattoos and piercings: Tattoo and piercings injure the skin. Any time psoriasis patients injure the skin, psoriasis can flare.

Shaving: If patients cut themselves while shaving, they may notice new psoriasis about 10 to 14 days later in that area.

TIPS FOR MANAGING PSORIASIS

While medication can reduce (or clear) psoriasis, anything that irritates the skin can cause psoriasis to flare.

Tips for caring for psoriasis include:

1. Try to avoid skin injuries, such as nicks, cuts, and insect bites.

2. Even a mild sunburn can worsen existing psoriasis and cause new psoriasis to form.

3. One of the most effective ways to stop the itch is to treat the psoriasis. When the psoriasis clears, the itch usually disappears.

4. Try not to scratch. Scratching tends to worsen psoriasis. To alleviate the itch:

• Apply a cold compress

• Apply medication to the skin until the psoriasis clears

• Moisturise every day.

For best results, use a lotion during the day. In addition, apply a cream or ointment before bed.

REFERENCES: Source: American Academy of Dermatology Association