If you have recently been diagnosed with the skin disorder psoriasis, then your physician likely informed you of some of the possible triggers that can cause a flare up. These include stress, skin injuries, and poor care of the skin. Also, certain substances in common beauty and health care products can cause dermatitis and subsequent psoriasis outbreak issues. While the common triggers can play a role in psoriasis outbreaks, there are some less common triggers that can cause problems as well. Keep reading to learn about a few and how they can be avoided.

Strep Throat 

Psoriasis is a genetic disease that involves the appearance of itchy, raised, and red patches on the skin. The abnormal appearance of the skin is the result of a whole body inflammatory response. Specifically, a type of white blood cell in the body will activate or trigger in response to a stressor and this will cause the inflammation. Not only do the white blood cells cause inflammation, but they release chemical substances that force the body to overproduce skin cells. The result is scaling and thick patches of skin.

The inflammation response is an abnormal one that can be triggered by a number of things. In other words, the white blood cells are much more sensitive than they should be. This is similar to the way that the autoimmune system overreacts when an allergen enters the body.

Since the white blood cells are part of the immune system, the cells can create extensive inflammation if they sense an infection in the body. This means that an infection can trigger the response and cause the psoriasis. While any infection can cause the problem, one that involves the lymph system, like a an ear or strep throat infection is more likely to cause a psoriasis outbreak. 

Respiratory and sinus infections can cause an outbreak as well. Most outbreaks will occur within one to two weeks of the infection. However, the issue is less severe the quicker you take antibiotics for the infection, so speak with a physician as soon as possible if you suspect an infection so medicine can be provided.

Medication Use

It may not come as a surprise that medications that affect the immune system in some ways can cause a psoriasis flare up. This means that medicines like antivirals, antifungals, anti-malaria medications, and certain types of steroids can cause outbreaks Unfortunately, there are a whole range of other medicines that can cause issues as well. These include, certain NSAID pain relievers like naproxen. Also, certain prescription anti-inflammatory drugs like the ones used to treat arthritis can cause some psoriasis issues. 

Medicines for beta-blockers, anti-anxiety medication, psychiatric drugs, and heart pills can cause flare-ups as well. Since many of these drugs are not directly linked to the immune system, it can be hard to predict which medicines can cause a flare-up. If you are concerned, then speak with a dermatologist from a place like Vail Dermatology before starting a new medicine. In some cases, one can be chosen that is less likely to cause a problem than another.

Some drugs, like lithium, do not have any direct alternatives that can be chosen. If your health is at risk if you fail to take the medication or switch to a medicine that is not nearly as effective in treating your condition, then speak with your general physician or with your dermatologist about medicines that can treat your psoriasis directly. Topical steroid creams, vitamin D creams, vitamin A creams, and skin growth reduction products can be used. Several creams can be used in conjunction with one another as well, since certain creams help to prevent outbreaks, while others treat the skin disorder ones a flare-up begins.