About 8 million people in the United States struggle with psoriasis. This condition is characterized by itchy, flaky skin that can appear anywhere on the body. It is usually uncomfortable and can be very difficult to live with. Are you someone who suffers from psoriasis? If you’re dealing with this autoimmune disease, you know that identifying your psoriasis triggers is one of the first steps in taking control of your condition.
Read on to learn about 5 common triggers. You’ll also find some steps you can take to effectively manage your psoriasis symptoms.
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease. When the immune system does not function properly, it causes the skin cells to regenerate faster than normal. This results in rapid cell turnover and a red, scaly rash that covers the skin and can affect all parts of the body, even the fingernails. There are many different types of psoriasis, and depending on which type of psoriasis you have, it will appear in a different place on your body and look a certain way. There is no cure for psoriasis. You can only learn how to manage your symptoms and avoid triggers.
What causes psoriasis?
Researchers don’t know exactly what causes psoriasis. However, it often runs in families. Smoking can also increase the risk of developing psoriasis, as can chronically elevated stress levels. Obviously, psoriasis is not contagious.
5 Psoriasis Triggers to Avoid
Most people find that their psoriasis symptoms worsen when they are exposed to certain substances or situations. Here are five common triggers of psoriasis to be aware of:
1. Skin damage
If you experience a skin injury, such as a sunburn or an insect bite, your body may respond by increasing cell turnover. Sometimes even a vaccination can trigger a psoriasis attack. When the skin needs to repair an injury, it triggers an overactive immune response that is typical of psoriasis.
One way to prevent skin damage is to always wear sunscreen and apply insect repellent when outdoors.
2. Diseases
When you get sick, your immune system has to work harder to fight germs and help you recover. During this process, your psoriasis may flare up. Anything that affects your immune system can cause psoriasis to flare up.
There is a special connection between them laryngitis and psoriasis. Strep throat is a common trigger for someone’s first psoriasis attack. If you notice a psoriasis flare-up, you may want to get tested for strep throat, even if you don’t show any symptoms.
3. Weather
Some people find that their psoriasis is worse at certain times of the year when the weather changes.
Cold weather in particular tends to contribute to psoriasis flare-ups. This may partly be due to the fact that more people become ill in winter. Cold weather usually means less sunlight and drier air, which can also be the reason for the flare.
4. Food
Certain foods can trigger psoriasis flare-ups. This is especially true when it comes to foods that contribute to an overactive immune system, including the following:
- Nightshades (tomatoes, eggplant, potatoes) – This class of vegetables contains solanine, a substance that can cause inflammation.
- Gluten-containing foods – A higher percentage of people with psoriasis are also sensitive to gluten than people without psoriasis.
- Dairy – The connection between the two is not yet fully understood, but many people find that avoiding dairy can help manage psoriasis.
- Red meat and processed meat – Red meat increases inflammation, which can cause your psoriasis to flare up.
- High-sugar foods and processed foods – Added sugars can trigger cytokines, which cause inflammation.
- High-fat foods – Foods high in trans fat or saturated fats increase inflammation and the risk of psoriasis flare-ups.
Because psoriasis is caused by an overactive immune system, try to follow an anti-inflammatory diet that avoids red and processed meats, sugars, refined carbohydrates, dairy products and gluten.
An elimination diet is a good way to determine which of these foods (if any) make your psoriasis worse. Remove common foods from your diet for a month or so, and slowly reintroduce one food group at a time, carefully monitoring any symptoms.
5. Alcohol
Alcohol can also affect the immune system and contribute to your psoriasis symptoms. If you are in the habit of drinking alcohol regularly, you may want to give it up for a few weeks and see if your psoriasis gets better.
If your symptoms improve, you will know that you should avoid alcohol in the future. That’s also possible buy Dovobet gel online before a special occasion to help with any flare-ups.
Seek treatment for psoriasis today
Are you ready to fight your psoriasis triggers and take relief into your hands? Keep the information in this guide in mind so you can figure out what’s making your symptoms worse.
If you need more help managing your psoriasis, read this article that discusses both the different treatment options.
References:
https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/#overview
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/psoriasis-diet-foods-to-eat-and-avoid-if-you-have-psoriasis
The post 5 Common Psoriasis Triggers and Treat Them first appeared on Alternative Medicine Magazine.