Let's face it, unpredictable psoriasis flare-ups are the worst. And they always seem to happen at the worst time (before a wedding, picture day at school, job interview, first date, etc.). While there are some common triggers that are well-known (such as stress and certain medications), there are also a few surprising triggers that may be causing your flare-ups.
Without further ado, here are 5 triggers you might not know about:
1) Booze: As wonderful as a glass (or 5) of wine can be after a long day, alcohol can actually trigger psoriasis flare-ups in some people. This is especially true for those with a family history of alcoholism or liver disease. If you're struggling with flare-ups, it's probably worth cutting back on alcohol to see if it makes a difference.
2) Infections: Certain infections, such as strep throat and HIV, have been linked to psoriasis flare-ups. If you're experiencing a flare-up and you have an infection, get treatment ASAP to help get your symptoms under control.
3) Weather: Yep, that cold, dry winter air is brutal on your skin, and personally, flare-ups have been the worst in January and February. On the other hand, hot, humid weather can also trigger flare-ups due to sweating and increased skin irritation (some sweatier parts of the body more than others). If you notice that your psoriasis seems to be worse during certain weather conditions, get yourself to a comfy climate-controlled environment.
4) Skin injuries: Something as seemingly minor as a cut, scrape, or sunburn can trigger a flare-up. This is because the skin is already inflamed and sensitive, so any additional irritation just makes it worse. Avoid injuries altogether is obviously the best solution, though not super realistic.
5) Hormonal changes: While I haven't experienced this myself (thanks to my Y chromosome), pregnancy or menopause are known to trigger flare-ups. If hormonal changes are aggravating your psoriasis, best speak with your dermatologist.
Living with psoriasis can be rough, but knowing what triggers your flare-ups can help you take control and manage your symptoms more effectively. If you're unsure about what's causing your flare-ups, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor or a dermatologist. They can help you identify potential triggers and come up with a treatment plan that works for you.
#psoriasis #psoriasistriggers #psoriasisfriendly #psoriasissupport #psoriasisawareness #psoriasiscommunity #psoriasistreatment #psoriasisrelief #psoriasisskin #psoriasislife #psoriasiswarrior #psoriaguy