What's Triggering Your Psoriasis? Know What They Are and Tips to Manage
, by Aussie Pharma Direct, 7 min reading time
Psoriasis – a word that may not roll off the tongue as easily as other skin conditions, but its impact on skin health is undeniable. Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition characterised by red, scaly patches, and its effects can be quite bothersome, often leading to discomfort, itching, and self-consciousness.
Psoriasis is not your typical skin problem. It's like an unexpected character in a story, showing up unannounced and refusing to leave, and for the most part, it can get frustrating to try to pinpoint the causes for the sudden flare-ups. Which is why we’re going to highlight what causes psoriasis as managing psoriasis isn't just about addressing the visible symptoms; it's about addressing the root causes.
Understanding psoriasis triggers
Psoriasis triggers are various elements or conditions that can initiate or worsen psoriasis flare-ups. Importantly, the nature of these triggers can differ from person to person, making psoriasis management a highly individualised endeavour.
External triggers encompass a wide range of factors, including stress, infections, skin injuries, and certain medications. Internal triggers are often associated with one's lifestyle choices and habits. Smoking and dietary preferences are examples of internal triggers that can impact the course of psoriasis.
Common psoriasis triggers
1. Stress
The connection between stress and psoriasis flare-ups is well-documented. When you're under stress, your body releases hormones that can trigger inflammation and potentially exacerbate psoriasis symptoms.
How to manage: To manage stress effectively, consider incorporating relaxation techniques into your daily routine. Meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises are excellent stress-busters.
2. Weather changes
Cold, dry weather can sap moisture from your skin, making flare-ups more likely. Conversely, excessive heat can lead to sweating and irritation. The key here is to protect your skin during extreme weather conditions.
How to manage: During cold weather, moisturise regularly to maintain skin hydration. Consider using a humidifier indoors to combat dryness. In hot weather, stay cool, and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, which can worsen symptoms. Applying sunscreen and wearing loose, breathable clothing can help shield your skin from the elements.
3. Infections and illness
When your immune system is busy fighting off a cold or infection, it may inadvertently lead to psoriasis flares. Reducing the risk of infections and bolstering your immune system is essential.
How to manage: Practising good hygiene and minimising exposure to sick individuals can help prevent infections. Ensure you're up-to-date with vaccinations, and consider adopting a balanced diet rich in immune-boosting nutrients. Adequate sleep and regular exercise are also valuable in maintaining a robust immune system.
4. Certain medications
Some medications can tip the scales in favour of psoriasis flare-ups. Drugs like beta-blockers, lithium, and antimalarials are known culprits, however, it's crucial to consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication regimen.
How to manage: If you suspect a medication is contributing to your psoriasis symptoms, don't discontinue it without professional guidance. Your healthcare provider can explore alternative treatments or adjust your current medications to minimise their impact on your skin.
5. Smoking
In a study, smoking has been associated with an increased risk of psoriasis and more severe symptoms in some cases.
How to manage: Reducing or quitting this habit can be a beneficial step towards managing psoriasis effectively.
6. Injury or trauma to the skin
The Koebner phenomenon is a unique aspect of psoriasis triggered by skin injuries or trauma. This means that even minor skin abrasions, scratches, or burns can lead to psoriasis patches forming in those areas.
How to manage: Take precautions to avoid skin injuries. Wear protective clothing when engaging in activities that might pose a risk.
Ways to identify your personal triggers
Since psoriasis is highly individualised, what may set off a flare-up in one person might not affect another in the same way. So, identifying your personal triggers may require self-monitoring and keeping a psoriasis diary.
Self-monitoring is the practice of paying close attention to your body and how it responds to different factors. This involves observing your skin, tracking symptoms, and taking note of potential triggers. One of the most effective tools for self-monitoring is keeping a psoriasis diary where you can record important details, such as:
- Any dietary changes or specific foods you consume
- The appearance, location, and severity of your psoriasis symptoms
- Periods of heightened stress or anxiety
- Temperature and weather conditions when flare-ups occur
Lifestyle changes to manage triggers
By making informed choices in your daily routine for your psoriasis self-care, you can effectively reduce the impact of triggers on your skin. Here are some key lifestyle adjustments and natural remedies for psoriasis to consider:
1. Dietary modifications
While the relationship between diet and psoriasis is complex and varies from person to person, some individuals find relief by avoiding certain foods. Here are some dietary considerations:
Foods to limit: Some psoriasis sufferers report that reducing their intake of red meat, dairy products, processed foods, and sugary snacks can help alleviate symptoms.
Beneficial foods: Incorporating more foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fatty fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids may be beneficial. These foods can help reduce inflammation, a key driver of psoriasis.
2. Skincare and hygiene
Gentle skincare and proper hygiene are essential for managing psoriasis. If you’ve been struggling to find the right skincare products that work for your skin condition, you may want to try Allay Organics. Allay Organics offers a range of products designed specifically for individuals with psoriasis and eczema. Let's take a closer look at a few of these products:
Allay Organics Calm Cream: This is actually one of the best cream for psoriasis. Alcohol and steroid-free, it is formulated to provide relief for dry, itchy and irritated skin. Suitable for both adults and kids, it contains natural ingredients like nettle extract, willow bark extract, licorice extract, among others, each of which is known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-itch and wound healing properties.
Allay Organics Calm Cleanser: The Calm Cleanser is a gentle, sulphate-free cleanser suitable for sensitive skin. It cleanses without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier, reduces the appearance of dry and flaky skin and is suitable all skin types and all ages.
Allay Organics Supersede™ Recovery Oil: This skin and body oil offers ultimate skin rejuvenation, providing intense hydration and nourishment. It can be applied as a psoriasis moisturiser to areas prone to psoriasis symptoms to support skin regeneration, especially when the skin has been damaged for an extended period of time.
In addition to using these products, it's crucial to moisturise regularly and avoid harsh soaps, which can further irritate your skin.
3. Exercise and healthy habits
Regular exercise offers multiple benefits for individuals with psoriasis. It can help manage stress, which is a common trigger for flare-ups. Additionally, exercise promotes overall well-being and may reduce inflammation in the body.
Alongside exercise, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with balanced nutrition is key. A well-rounded diet provides essential nutrients that support skin health and bolster your immune system. Opt for a variety of foods to ensure you get a broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals.
When it comes to supplementation, a study has shown positive results with vitamin D dietary intake and it’s role on psoriasis. Moreover, maintaining a healthy gut through probiotics can also be beneficial for psoriasis management based on a few studies conducted, although more research needs to be done.