The skin is the largest and the most visible organ of our body. So it may often reveal some warning signs of some underlying health problems that need to be treated. Skin problems can also be a sign of illness affecting many other parts of the body. Even if skin symptoms appear to be mild, it might be affecting some other organs of our body. Many skin diseases such as red patches, acne, or psoriasis must be immediately consulted by visiting dermatologists.
In this article, we will learn more about psoriasis triggers so that you can learn the ways you can avoid it.
What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes a rapid buildup of skin cells. Inflammation and redness around the skin are fairly common. Typical psoriasis is of whitish-silver color which develops thick red patches on the skin. Sometimes, these patches will burn and cause a crack and bleeding in the affected area.
Psoriasis may occur anywhere on the body including,
- Hands
- Feet
- Face
- Scalp
- Neck
A less common type of psoriasis may affect nails or mouth. Those are a few precautions that should be taken care of like diet, medications, scratches, or injury or stress which may trigger psoriasis.
What causes Psoriasis?
Generally, two key factors cause Psoriasis and they are genetics and the immune system.
- Immune system
As psoriasis is an autoimmune condition, they are the result of the body attacking itself. In this condition, white blood cells mistakenly attack the skin cells. Due to this mistake, it results in the skin cell production going overdrive and this causes the quick development of the new skin cells and they are pushed up to the skin surface where they pile up. Hence plaques are caused which are commonly associated with psoriasis.
- Genetics
Some people inherit genes that make them more likely to develop a few diseases. If you have a family member with this any type of skin condition, you are likely to be affected by psoriasis.
What are the common psoriasis triggers?
Psoriasis symptoms can be triggered by many factors. When trying to control it is important to recognize particular triggers as they differ for every patient and you need to try to control them.
1. Excessive Stress
Stress and anxiety are the root cause of not only Psoriasis but any of the disease. To reduce psoriasis you need to try some ways to reduce stress. If you learn to reduce stress, it would be an easy task to prevent it. For stress reduction, you can try some fitness activities like going for a walk with a friend, performing yoga or cardio, or heading out for bicycling.
2. Scratches or skin Injury
An accident, burn or scratch may also trigger it. Sunburns or vaccines for an injury may also flare it up.
3. Ongoing medication
If you are regularly consuming any type of medicines for certain diseases like BP, diabetes, cholesterol is any other disease it may affect psoriasis as there might be an adverse effect of certain medications.
4. Infections
As psoriasis is an autoimmune condition and if you are sick or battling an infection, your immunity will overdrive and this will have more effect on psoriasis. Commonly, it affects the throat.
5. Extreme temperatures
Extreme heat triggers psoriasis. Avoid spending time in harsh sunlight and if you need to be outdoors for a while, then make sure you cover your affected area with a cloth to avoid a flare-up. Even stay away from synthetic fibers, especially if you have sensitive skin.
6. Obesity
Being overweight increases your risk of psoriasis as well as it can worsen your symptoms.
7. Alcohol
If there is excessive consumption of alcohol, it can trigger psoriasis. Reduction in the consumption of alcohol may also help to cure psoriasis and other skin problems.
8. Smoking
Due to the presence of tobacco, smoking may worsen the effect of psoriasis and can even make your symptoms severe.
9. Food-related triggers
Dietary changes are the crucial area for not only losing weight and a healthier body but also to get rid of many diseases. You can start consuming fruits and vegetables and avoiding processed food and sugary drinks. Monitoring your cholesterol level is also important. For psoriasis, categories such as sour food must be completely avoided. However, they might taste delicious but are highly acidic. If you are undergoing psoriasis treatment, you need to avoid pickles, citrus fruits, tomatoes, and pineapples. The London Dermatology has a variety of ways to treat this uncomfortable and sometimes painful skin treatments. They have a truly trained staff that can make sure that patients’ needs are not only met but truly exceeded.