When it comes to our skin and hair, we do everything we can to look healthy and youthful at all times.
In fact, looking healthy and beautiful is such a widespread desire that the skincare industry brings in nearly $150 billion annually. And skincare products make up almost one-quarter of the entire beauty industry.
So when you suffer from psoriasis, it’s not only a physical problem. Your self-worth can take a hit, too.
Psoriasis is a skin disease that brings with it symptoms of red, itchy patches. It can show up anywhere there’s skin, most commonly on the scalp, knees, and elbows.
Although psoriasis doesn’t have a cure, it is cyclic. There are periods of dormancy with no symptoms, but then something triggers the condition.
If you have psoriasis and learn how to avoid the triggers, it’s possible to manage your condition easier. As you try to adjust to your diagnosis, pay attention to these common psoriasis triggers to see if they’re yours, too.
Factors that may trigger Psoriasis:
Your Diet
You don’t have to be unhealthy to end up with a meal-based psoriasis flare-up. Some of the things that could be triggering your breakout are actually quite healthy for your body!
Studies on the link between food and this skin condition show that some foods are more likely than others to cause a reaction. Pay attention to what you’re eating, so if you have an episode, you’ll be able to narrow down the cause.
Common irritants include:
- Gluten, which is an ingredient in many foods, especially grains
- Plants called “nightshade” growers, such as white potatoes and tomatoes
- Dairy
- Anything with white flour as an ingredient
- Shellfish
- Pork or red meat
- Foods with high sugar or fat content
Cutting back on whatever food tends to trigger your condition means you’ll have fewer flare-ups and feel better overall.
Alcohol
Alcohol has a lot of aging effects to caution us away from excessively drinking. But if you have psoriasis, it’s even more important to be careful.
The more you drink starchy beers, the more likely it is that your psoriasis will start showing up again. The starches in the alcohol cause your inflammatory system to increase production.
There’s a substantial and scary link between this rise and the awakening of the psoriasis symptoms. Studies show that people with alcohol habits and psoriasis are more likely to die prematurely.
That doesn’t mean you can’t have an occasional glass of wine or spirits. Just think twice before you indulge regularly. Your skin will look better, and you very well might live longer!
Stress
Stress can be the trigger for almost every condition you have. When your body feels too much anxiety, the brain releases cortisol, and other stress hormones.
This results in an increase in inflammation, which has a domino effect on symptoms that cause psoriasis.
We all know it’s not as simple as saying, “Stop stressing!” There are some ways you can lower your stress levels, though. When you’re ready to calm your mind and body, try a few of these expert suggestions:
- Improve your diet by skipping out on junk food, preservatives, and caffeine
- Get moving regularly, either by exercising or enjoying the fresh air
- Try CBD regularly to reduce stress and inflammation
- Identify your stress triggers and try to reduce or eliminate them
- Practice regular relaxation, such as yoga, journaling, and meditation
- Quit bad habits, like smoking, either cold turkey or with baby steps
Every movement you make in the right direction is a good one. It may not happen overnight, but you’ll eventually find yourself with a more manageable stress level.
Weather
The climate around us impacts everyone, whether they have psoriasis or not. For those of us who deal with this skin condition, the weather is a serious trigger.
A trip to the beach means a potential disastrous flare-up. A visit to cold, dry places is fun for others but scary to someone with psoriasis.
Your skin depends on moisture to stay normal. With too much sun, or in dry climates, the water in your body evaporates quickly. This triggers an outbreak of psoriasis that is hard to control until you’re out of the environment.
Cold temperatures are dangerous, too, because we rely on heaters to get warm. If you have to turn the heater on, make sure you have a humidifier running, too.
Conclusion
Whether your psoriasis shows up in your hair, skin, or nails, you want it to go away. The good news is that there are lots of people with the same problem who are able to manage it well.
The cyclic nature of psoriasis gives you a chance to learn your triggers, then avoid them. A combination of the right diet, skincare, and professional care controls the condition. With trigger avoidance, you may be able to prevent flare-ups, too.