Triggers of Psoriasis

Stress is a proven trigger in some people. It can cause psoriasis to flare for the first time or aggravate existing psoriasis.
Relaxation and stress reduction may help people with psoriasis. For example, not only does relaxation help lower stress levels, but also it gives people a feeling of control. These techniques, however, seem to work best with traditional medical treatments, instead of using the techniques alone.

Cope with the stigma: A stigma—a characteristic that other people think of as negative—can erode a person's self-esteem. Low self-esteem can lead to stress, and possibly a worsening of psoriasis. One way to overcome the stigma, however, is to understand how and why it occurs.
Hypnosis: This relaxation technique may help people who are using other treatments. For example, one study found that people who listen to meditation-based relaxation tapes while they are using light therapy may clear faster than those who don't listen to the tapes.

Sometimes psoriasis appears in areas of the skin that have been injured or traumatized. This is called the "Koebner phenomenon." Vaccinations, sunburns and scratches can all trigger a Koebner (KEB-ner) response. The Koebner response can be treated if it is caught early enough. For example, people receiving a vaccination may be at risk for the Koebner response, but the physician can bring it under control if the psoriasis occurs at the injection site.

Certain medications are associated with triggering psoriasis, such as Lithium, Antimalarials, Inderal, Quinidine, and Indomethacin.

Weather: May make skin drier and more susceptible to a psoriasis outbreak.

Strep infection: May trigger guttate psoriasis.

Diet: Although unproven, changing the diet has helped some people improve their psoriasis or avoid flares.

Allergies: Although unproven, some people suspect that allergies trigger their psoriasis.