What Causes Psoriasis to Flare Up?

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, 125 million people worldwide suffer from psoriasis. Americans make up 7.5 million of those sufferers. Psoriasis is a skin disease in which sufferers are afflicted with scaly, flaking rashes. In most cases, psoriasis can be kept under control. However, there are some factors that may cause psoriasis to flare up.

Drugs

• Some medications such as lithium, anti-inflammatory prescriptions, and even over-the-counter pain relievers may cause a flare up of psoriasis. Even NSAIDs, commonly prescribed to fight psoriasis-related arthritis, can cause the external aspect of the skin disorder to worsen.

Infection

• Certain viral infections may also cause a flare up with psoriasis. The two main infections that are directly related to the skin disorder are HIV and strep throat. With strep throat, the use of an antibiotic toward the beginning of the infection will dramatically reduce the outbreak of the psoriasis.

Climate

• A climate change may also bring about a flare-up of psoriasis. This is especially true when moving to a dry climate with little humidity. However, some people may find time spent in the sun beneficial to their psoriasis. This is as long as they remain in a relatively humid climate.

Injury

• Injury of the skin, whether it be a cut or burn, may cause a serious outbreak of psoriasis. This is called the Koebner phenomenon, which is usually only experienced in one out of four sufferers of the skin disorder.

Stress

• Stress is still under consideration as to whether it contributes to outbreaks of psoriasis. However, if you notice a pattern of flare-ups each time you are feeling stressed, then stress is most likely contributing to the outbreak.