Psoriasis Triggers and Management Strategies
Skin ConditionsPsoriasis

5 Psoriasis Triggers and How to Manage Them

5 Psoriasis Triggers and How to Manage Them
Everyday Health
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Updated on January 26, 2026
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No one knows exactly what causes psoriasis, but people with this chronic inflammatory disease have different triggers that may cause symptom flare-ups. Tracking when you experience psoriasis symptoms can help you identify your triggers.

Understanding common psoriasis triggers can also help you and your doctor form strategies to treat and manage the condition.

Here are some common psoriasis triggers — and what you can do to manage them to help prevent flares.

1. Skin Injuries

An injury to the skin, such as a cut, bruise, or bump, can cause a new psoriasis lesion. Symptoms will likely develop at the site of the skin trauma, within a couple of weeks.

 Other types of skin injuries that may trigger psoriasis symptoms include vaccinations, sunburns, and even insect bites.

 This is known as the Koebner phenomenon, and skin trauma due to piercings and tattoos can also lead to local flares.

To help prevent a psoriasis flare, take steps to reduce your risk of skin injuries, such as wearing bug spray and avoiding scratching your skin, and treat any injuries quickly.

Keeping your skin moisturized and practicing good skin care is also an important part of managing psoriasis. Be consistent and gently apply moisturizer immediately after a bath or shower, and keep moisturizing during the day and before bed. Look for creams and ointments that contain emollients that help repair the skin barrier, including occlusive ingredients that seal in moisture (such as mineral oil or petroleum jelly) and humectants (glycerin, hyaluronic acid).

2. Cold Weather

Cold, dry weather can be a psoriasis trigger for some people, though there’s not a lot of scientific evidence supporting why this is. One theory is that the reduction in sunlight during the winter and diminished exposure to ultraviolet light leads to flares.

If your psoriasis symptoms worsen with the onset of winter, it’s important to stick to your treatment plan.

 And ask your dermatologist if phototherapy might be a good option for you.

 Also known as light therapy, phototherapy involves regularly exposing your skin to ultraviolet light — either in a doctor’s office or clinic, or at home with a phototherapy unit.
The American Academy of Dermatology also recommends limiting showers and baths to 10 minutes, applying moisturizer after bathing and throughout the day, and protecting your skin from the cold by wearing warm clothing during the winter.

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3. Stress

While experts don’t know exactly why, stress is a common psoriasis trigger. Research suggests that psychological stress plays a regulatory role in the immune system, increasing inflammation in the body and affecting the skin barrier.

A stressful trigger could come in the form of a move, a breakup, or the loss of a job. And, of course, psoriasis itself is stressful. As a result, stress and psoriasis symptoms can fuel each other: Psoriasis is a chronic disease that causes stress, and stress makes psoriasis worse.

You can help reduce stress by learning stress management techniques, such as meditation or yoga, and getting regular exercise. You can also get help from a strong support system of friends and family members. In addition, many people benefit from psoriasis support groups.

4. Smoking and Drinking

Both alcohol and smoking are common triggers for psoriasis symptoms and can make psoriasis treatment harder.

 An occasional glass of wine probably won’t hurt you, but some research has shown that an increase in alcohol consumption leads to an increase in the severity of psoriasis symptoms.

 According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, research has shown that smoking increases your risk of psoriasis, impacts the severity of the disease, and can contribute to other health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease.

The World Health Organization notes that “even low levels of alcohol consumption carry some risks and can cause harm” though “most alcohol related harms come from heavy episodic or heavy continuous alcohol consumption.”

 And if you smoke, quit. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about smoking cessation methods.

In addition, taking other steps to live a healthy lifestyle can help you manage psoriasis, as well as improve your overall health. Getting plenty of rest and regular exercise are both important, as they help you maintain a healthy immune system and avoid flare-ups, especially those triggered by illness. Sticking with a healthy, anti-inflammatory diet can also help.

5. Medications

Certain medications are common psoriasis triggers. Treatments that can trigger psoriasis symptoms include beta-blockers that may be used for heart disease, lithium (Lithobid) and other medications that are used to treat some mental health disorders, corticosteroids like prednisone (if you stop taking it altogether instead of tapering off your use), and several drugs for malaria.

Talk to the prescribing doctor if you think a medication is triggering your flares. Never change or discontinue medication without first checking with your doctor.

Sticking to your treatment plan, identifying and avoiding your triggers, keeping your immune system healthy by reducing stress, avoiding illness, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are the best ways to keep psoriasis under control.

The Takeaway

  • Skin injuries, cold weather, stress, smoking, drinking, and certain medications can trigger psoriasis flares in some people. Identifying your personal psoriasis triggers can help you manage symptoms more effectively.
  • Protecting your skin from harm, staying moisturized, and maintaining good skin-care habits can help prevent injury-related flares.
  • Stress management through techniques like meditation, yoga, and strong personal support systems can help alleviate flares.
  • If you suspect medications are responsible for your psoriasis flares, consult your doctor before making any changes. It’s important to stick with your treatment plan to keep psoriasis under control.
EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. Are Triggers Causing Your Psoriasis Flare-Ups? American Academy of Dermatology.
  2. Causes and Triggers. National Psoriasis Foundation. January 22, 2025.
  3. Koebner Phenomenon. Cleveland Clinic. April 27, 2022.
  4. Emollients. Cleveland Clinic. June 17, 2022.
  5. Moisturizing Sensitive Skin. National Psoriasis Foundation.
  6. Winter Is Coming. National Psoriasis Foundation. October 10, 2025.
  7. Lei D et al. The Role of Psychological Stress in the Pathogenesis of Psoriasis. Frontiers in Medicine: Dermatology. August 10, 2025.
  8. Michalski P et al. Impact of Alcohol Consumption, Smoking, and Diet on the Severity of Plaque Psoriasis: A Comprehensive Assessment Using Clinical Scales and Quality of Life Measures. Medical Science Monitor. August 2, 2023.
  9. Kearney N et al. Alcohol and Psoriasis for the Dermatologist: Know, Screen, Intervene. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. November 2022.
  10. Smoking and Psoriasis. National Psoriasis Foundation.
  11. Alcohol. World Health Organization. June 28, 2024.
  12. Learned C et al. Psoriasis Adverse Events and Associated Medications as Reported in the US Food and Drug Administration’s Adverse Event Reporting System From 2016 to 2021. JAAD International. June 2022.
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Dr. Sanober Pezad Doctor is a double board-certified dermatologist and internationally recognized leader in integrative and holistic dermatology. She is an anti-aging and regenerative medicine specialist and the founder of AGEnesis and Baby SkinWise.

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