A Leading Dermatologist’s Guide To Psoriasis Flare-Ups

Updated on April 22, 2020

Psoriasis is a serious autoimmune skin disorder that causes symptoms which tend to appear and disappear throughout the life of the patient. Flare-ups are commonly caused by many possible factors in the environment, and these could be some of the most uncomfortable times for the patient. 

If your symptoms become unmanageable, you should consider consulting the leading dermatologist in Singapore. 

One must understand what makes his/her symptoms worse. It is essential to note that these triggers are not universal, what may trigger symptoms in one person may not affect another.

Following are some of the common psoriasis triggers that could cause your flare-ups.

1. Stress

According to various studies, stress is a major factor that brings about flare-ups. Due to stress, psoriasis may become active in some individuals for the first time. At the same time, it can also aggravate the symptoms in an already existing psoriasis. It is thus crucial that patients try to avoid stress as much as possible. Practising relaxation and avoiding stress are great ways of keeping flare-ups at bay.

2. Weather

It has been shown that unfavourable weather can make psoriasis symptoms worse. Winter is a terrible time for people with psoriasis because of the cold and dryness associated with it. On the other hand, warm climates help relieve the symptoms. During winter, it is advisable to keep the skin moist using thick lotions. In dry weather, a humidifier helps reduce the itching, thus providing some comfort.

3. Diet

Psoriasis can also be aggravated by the food one eats. Some foods and other things we consume can make the symptoms worse. For instance, the National Psoriasis Foundation has shown that patients should try avoiding gluten, alcohol, smoking, and a range of animal products. Some of the vegetables that should be cut out include eggplant, tomatoes, and potatoes. It has also been shown that maintaining a vegetarian diet helps prevent flare-ups.

4. Medications

Some medications have been seen to trigger psoriasis symptoms. Lithium, which treats several psychiatric disorders, worsens the symptoms. Other medications include Inderal, antimalarial drugs, indomethacin, and Quinidine. Patients on any of these medications may experience more severe symptoms.

5. Gaining Weight

The National Psoriasis Foundation in one of their studies revealed that overweight individuals tend to experience more serious symptoms of psoriasis. Therefore, one of the ways to effectively reduce the symptoms of psoriasis and avoid flare-ups is maintaining a healthy weight. Patients need to watch their diet by reducing their intake of calories.

6. Hormonal Changes

One study suggested that hormonal changes that mostly affect females tend to make the symptoms of psoriasis worse. Flares are coming when the hormone levels are low, especially during menopause, after having a baby, and during puberty.

7. Tattoos and Body Piercings

Although some people enjoy having tattoos and piercings, it can become a real nightmare for someone with psoriasis. These simple cosmetic procedures tend to cause trauma to psoriatic skin. Such damage may lead to infection, which triggers psoriasis. People with this condition must take great care of their skin.

Psoriasis is a devastating skin condition that could cause much anxiety. Patients must try as much as possible to avoid the above triggers as well as others to reduce flare-ups.

+ posts

Throughout the year, our writers feature fresh, in-depth, and relevant information for our audience of 40,000+ healthcare leaders and professionals. As a healthcare business publication, we cover and cherish our relationship with the entire health care industry including administrators, nurses, physicians, physical therapists, pharmacists, and more. We cover a broad spectrum from hospitals to medical offices to outpatient services to eye surgery centers to university settings. We focus on rehabilitation, nursing homes, home care, hospice as well as men’s health, women’s heath, and pediatrics.