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Psoriasis Free for Life Psoriasis Essentials
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Related Video LinksScalp Psoriasis, Scalp Psoriasis Pictures, Scalp Psoriasis Hair Loss, Seborrheic Dermatitis, Scalp Problems, Scalp Conditions, Scalp Psoriasis Symptoms, Scalp Psoriasis Emedicine, Scalp Psoriasis Contagious |
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Article ContentMore Psoriasis Triggers
Skin Injury
People with psoriasis often notice new lesions 10 to 14 days after the skin is cut, scratched, rubbed, or severely sunburned.
This is called the 'Koebner phenomenon' and is named after Dr. Koebner who in the 19th century observed that a patient developed new lesions in areas where his horse bit him. This relationship between skin injury and developing new psoriatic lesions has been observed in many patients. Today, a wide range of traumas and skin conditions are known to trigger Koebner's phenomenon:
Skin Trauma and Skin Conditions
Pressure against the skin
Acupuncture
Vaccinations
Lichen planus
Dermatitis
Shaving
Bruises
Cuts and scrapes
Herpes blisters
Burns
Adhesive tape on the skin
Bites
Chafing
Scabies
Chemical irritation
Vitiligo
Boils
Sunburn and peeling
Tattoos
Research shows that about 50% of people with psoriasis experience the Koebner phenomenon - developing a psoriatic lesion at the site of a skin injury or in the same place as another skin condition. About 10% of psoriasis patients develop a new psoriatic lesion each time the skin is injured. The likelihood of developing the Koebner phenomenon may increase when psoriasis lesions are already present.
Other
Science has not uncovered all psoriasis triggers. Hormones, smoking, and heavy drinking appear to trigger psoriasis in some people.
How hormones affect psoriasis is still not well understood. Research shows that many people develop their first psoriatic lesions just after puberty when hormone levels fall. When hormones levels increase during pregnancy, psoriasis improves for many women. A recent study showed that 55% of pregnant women with psoriasis reported an improvement, 21% saw no change, and 23% experienced worsening. After delivery, only 9% reported improvement and 65% saw their psoriasis worsen. More research is needed to understand these effects.
Research suggests that localized (on the palms and soles) pustular psoriasis may be more common in people who smoke tobacco. Other studies suggest a correlation between smoking and developing plaque psoriasis. There also seems to be a link between smoking and developing severe psoriasis.
Quitting smoking improves psoriasis for some; however, quitting does not always clear the psoriasis. More research is needed in this area.
It is now believed that heavy drinking may trigger psoriasis in some people. Heavy drinking also may make treatment less effective. Again, more research is needed.
Weather
Winter tends to be the most challenging season for people living with psoriasis. Numerous studies indicate cold weather is a common trigger for many people and that hot and sunny climates appear to clear the skin.
Cold winter weather is dry, and indoor heat robs the skin of needed moisture. This usually worsens psoriasis. Psoriasis can become even more severe when the stress of the holidays and winter illnesses combine to compromise immune systems.
While hot and sunny may help clear psoriasis, air-conditioning can dry out the skin and aggravate psoriasis. Moisturizing can help prevent this.
Stress
Having psoriasis is, in itself, stressful. When lesions are visible, people may stare and not want to get near. They may ask, 'What did you do to your skin?' Even a spouse, parents, children, friends, and co-workers can be visibly uncomfortable. Some people report that a spouse cannot bear to touch them during severe outbreaks. Others say they feel embarrassed or ashamed by their skin.
Ask anyone with psoriasis what triggers a flare-up, and stress is likely to top the list. Scientific studies confirm that stress can worsen psoriasis and increase itching. Some people can even trace their first outbreak to a particularly stressful event.
Treating psoriasis can add to the stress. Some treatments are time-consuming. Broadband phototherapy requires three to five visits per week to a clinic, and narrowband requires two to three. Topical medications can be time-consuming to apply. After spending time and money to treat the psoriasis, a person may find the treatment ineffective. Potential side effects deter some people from opting for systemic medications, such as methotrexate and cyclosporine. The cost of treating psoriasis adds stress to many people's lives. Some living with psoriasis find that they cannot afford to pay for the newer treatments, such as the biologics.
When psoriasis develops on the hands and feet, it is often more difficult for people to perform daily tasks, such as picking up objects, typing, and walking. This can make holding a job or caring for a child extremely challenging. The itching and pain caused by psoriasis also makes daily life difficult.
When the everyday stress of living with psoriasis is compounded by a stressful event at work, a personal crisis, or an especially hectic time, such as the holidays, the stress can feel overwhelming.
Dermatologists recommend that their patients tell them if they feel overwhelming stress. There are many healthy ways to relieve stress. Many patients find that psychological counseling or joining a support group effectively reduces stress. Your dermatologist may be able to help you find a therapist or a support group. Some patients prefer to adopt a popular relaxation technique, such as meditation. Exercise also can help reduce stress.
People may try to alleviate stress with an herbal or natural over-the-counter remedy. However, some food supplements and herbal remedies interact negatively with prescription medications. People also turn to alcohol and others drugs to reduce stress. Research shows that this actually increases stress.
More Good Days than Bad
While there is no cure, psoriasis can be successfully managed so that one experiences more good days than bad. Numerous treatment options are available, and recent advances are revolutionizing the management and care of psoriasis. A dermatologist considers a patient's overall health, age, lifestyle, and the severity of the psoriasis in order to find a treatment option that will achieve maximum effectiveness.
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