What Triggers Your Psoriasis Flares? How to Identify and Manage Them
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition where flares are often triggered by specific factors. While everyone's triggers may differ, understanding common triggers can help you better manage your condition.
Stress & Emotions
- •Work or life stress
- •Anxiety and depression
- •Major life events
- •Lack of sleep
Infections
- •Strep throat (common for guttate psoriasis)
- •Respiratory infections
- •Skin infections
- •HIV
Medications
- •Lithium (for bipolar disorder)
- •Beta-blockers (heart medications)
- •Antimalarial drugs
- •NSAIDs
- •Stopping systemic corticosteroids
Weather & Environment
- •Cold, dry weather
- •Indoor heating (reduces humidity)
- •Lack of sunlight
- •Sunburn
Alcohol
- •Increases flare risk
- •May interfere with medication
- •Beer may be especially problematic
- •Affects liver (important for some medications)
Smoking
- •Increases psoriasis risk
- •Worsens existing symptoms
- •Reduces treatment effectiveness
- •Strongly linked to pustular psoriasis
Start Tracking Your Psoriasis Triggers
Use our free psoriasis tracker to identify your personal triggers, track plaque changes, and generate doctor reports.