What causes plaque psoriasis to flare up?

Flares are typically triggered by environmental factors like dry winter weather, stress, or even certain medications. While tracking these triggers is helpful, a dermatologist's guidance is absolutely essential to manage the symptoms. Don't self-medicate with over-the-counter steroid creams.

My dermatologist explained that infections like strep throat or even a minor skin injury can trigger a koebner phenomenon, causing new plaques. He also warned me that drinking alcohol and smoking heavily can significantly increase the frequency of these painful flares.

I noticed a direct link between my stress levels and flares using my wellness tracker app. Whenever my sleep quality score drops and my resting heart rate is high due to stress, my skin starts acting up. Tracking your sleep and daily activity really helps identify these patterns.

In my experience, eating highly processed foods and too much refined sugar can trigger inflammation and cause a flare-up. Eating a clean, simple plant-based diet with lots of seasonal vegetables and avoiding inflammatory foods has helped keep my skin much calmer.

I agree with the others about winter weather; always use a humidifier at home to keep the air moist.