The main triggers that set off psoriasis flares

Psoriasis flares happen when something disrupts your immune system or injures your skin. The most common triggers are stress, infections, skin injuries, and certain medications. Not everyone reacts to the same triggers — your pattern may be completely different from someone else's — but tracking what happens before your flares start is the fastest way to figure out what affects you personally.

Stress is the trigger people mention most often. When you're under emotional or physical stress, your body releases chemicals that can activate the immune cells involved in psoriasis. A major life event, work pressure, or even sleep loss can set off a flare that lasts weeks. Some people notice flares within days of a stressful event; others see a delay of several weeks.

Infections, especially strep throat and upper respiratory infections, can trigger psoriasis or make existing plaques worse. This happens because fighting the infection activates the same immune response that drives psoriasis. Fungal infections like athlete's foot can also be a factor. If you notice a flare after being sick, mention it to your doctor — it helps them understand your pattern.

Key Takeaways

  • Stress, infections, skin injuries, and certain medications are the most common triggers, but your personal triggers may differ.
  • Keeping a simple log of flares and what happened before them helps you spot your own pattern within a few months.
  • Cold, dry weather worsens psoriasis for many people, while sunlight and warmth often improve it.
  • Some blood pressure and heart medications, as well as lithium, can trigger or worsen psoriasis in people who take them.
  • Alcohol and smoking both make psoriasis harder to treat and increase the risk of flares.

How weather and seasons affect your skin

Cold and dry weather is the most common seasonal trigger. Winter air strips moisture from your skin, and the lack of sunlight reduces your body's natural vitamin D production — both of which can worsen psoriasis. Many people find their plaques improve noticeably when they travel to warmer climates or spend time in the sun.

Sunlight actually helps psoriasis for most people. Ultraviolet (UV) light slows the growth of skin cells and calms the immune response in the skin. This is why phototherapy — controlled UV light treatment in a doctor's office — is an effective treatment. However, sunburn is a skin injury and can trigger a flare, so sun exposure needs to be gradual and protected.

Humidity and warmth tend to improve psoriasis. If you notice your skin clears up in summer or during vacations in warm places, that's a real pattern worth noting. Some people find that keeping their home more humid during winter, using a humidifier, or taking warm (not hot) baths helps reduce flares.

Skin injuries and irritation as triggers

Any injury to your skin — a cut, scrape, tattoo, sunburn, or even aggressive scratching — can trigger psoriasis at that exact spot or nearby. This is called the Koebner phenomenon, and it happens because the injury activates the immune response in your skin. A psoriasis plaque can appear within days or weeks of an injury, even if you haven't had a flare in months.

Harsh soaps, fragrances, and irritating skincare products can also trigger or worsen plaques. Your skin is already inflamed; products that strip moisture or contain alcohol can push it over the edge. Dermatologists often recommend fragrance-free, gentle cleansers and moisturizers specifically for sensitive or psoriasis-prone skin.

Scratching makes things worse. When you scratch a plaque, you're injuring the skin and triggering more inflammation. It's a difficult cycle because psoriasis itches intensely. Keeping your nails trimmed short, wearing soft clothing, and using moisturizer regularly can reduce the urge to scratch.

Medications that can trigger or worsen psoriasis

Some medications used to treat other conditions can trigger psoriasis or make it worse. Beta-blockers — drugs used for high blood pressure and heart conditions — are the most commonly reported culprit. Lithium, used for bipolar disorder, is another well-documented trigger. Antimalarial drugs and NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen) can also worsen psoriasis in some people.

If you take any of these medications and notice your psoriasis getting worse, do not stop taking them on your own. Talk to the doctor who prescribed them. They may be able to switch you to a different medication, adjust your dose, or add a psoriasis treatment to manage the flare. The benefit of the original medication often outweighs the psoriasis risk, but your doctors need to know what's happening.

Withdrawal from oral corticosteroids can also trigger severe flares. If you've been taking steroids for another condition and stop suddenly, psoriasis can rebound dramatically. This is another reason to involve your doctors in any medication changes.

Alcohol and smoking as risk factors

Heavy alcohol use is linked to more frequent and more severe psoriasis flares. Alcohol can trigger flares directly and also makes psoriasis treatments less effective. If you drink regularly, cutting back may improve your skin noticeably. You don't have to quit entirely — moderate drinking is less risky than heavy use — but the relationship between alcohol and psoriasis is strong enough that it's worth discussing with your doctor.

Smoking makes psoriasis worse and harder to treat. People who smoke tend to have more severe plaques, more frequent flares, and slower response to treatment. Quitting smoking improves psoriasis outcomes, though the improvement takes time — sometimes weeks or months. If you smoke, your dermatologist can connect you with resources to help you quit.

Hormonal changes and their timing

Psoriasis often changes during pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause. Some women find their psoriasis improves during pregnancy, while others experience worse flares. After delivery, flares are common. Hormonal birth control and hormone replacement therapy can also affect psoriasis, though the direction of change varies by person.

If you're a woman and notice your psoriasis follows a pattern tied to your cycle or life stage, tracking these patterns helps your doctor understand what's happening. Hormonal changes are real triggers, and knowing your pattern helps you anticipate flares and plan treatment.

How to track your own triggers

The most useful tool is a simple log. When a flare happens, write down the date and what was going on in the week or two before: Were you stressed? Did you have a cold? Did you get a cut or sunburn? What's the weather like? What did you eat or drink? Over a few months, patterns emerge.

You don't need an app or a complicated system. A notebook or notes on your phone work fine. The goal is to spot what comes before your flares so you can recognize early warning signs and take action — whether that's managing stress, protecting your skin, or starting treatment early.

Share your log with your dermatologist. They can help you distinguish real triggers from coincidence and suggest ways to avoid or manage the ones you identify. Some triggers you can control; others you can't. Knowing the difference helps you focus your energy where it matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can diet trigger psoriasis?

Some people report that certain foods worsen their psoriasis, but there's no single food that triggers it in everyone. Common suspects include alcohol, spicy foods, and foods high in omega-6 fats. If you notice a pattern, try eliminating that food for a few weeks and see if your skin improves. Keep a food log alongside your flare log to spot connections.

Does psoriasis get worse in winter?

Yes, for most people. Cold, dry air and reduced sunlight both worsen psoriasis. Using a humidifier, moisturizing frequently, and getting some sun exposure (with sunscreen) can help. If winter flares are severe, talk to your dermatologist about starting treatment earlier in the season.

Can I make psoriasis better by avoiding stress?

Reducing stress can help, but you can't eliminate it entirely. Stress management techniques like exercise, meditation, or therapy may reduce flare frequency. Even if you can't prevent all stress, managing it better can lessen its impact on your skin.

Will stopping a medication that triggers psoriasis make my skin clear?

Stopping a trigger medication may help, but only if your doctor agrees it's safe to do so. Never stop medications on your own. Work with your prescribing doctor to explore alternatives or to add psoriasis treatment alongside the medication you need.

How long does it take to see if something is really a trigger?

Give it at least two to three months. One flare after an event could be coincidence. If the same thing happens before multiple flares over several months, it's likely a real trigger for you. Patterns become clear once you have enough data points.