Psoriasis can cause stress due to difficulties managing symptoms, physical discomfort, or feelings of social embarrassment. Stress can also trigger psoriasis flares. Practices to reduce stress may help avoid triggering flares.
Psoriasis and stress share a symbiotic relationship, in which each can cause and worsen the symptoms of the other.
Psoriasis is a type of immune-mediated disease where the immune system causes inflammation throughout the body.
While many people associate the condition with scaly patches of skin, it can also cause issues in other areas of the body.
Living with psoriasis can also affect a person’s mental health. A person may feel stressed about showing their skin, social situations, or managing the condition. Stress can then trigger a psoriasis flare or a worsening of symptoms.
People living with psoriasis often benefit from managing both their physical and mental health.
Psoriasis can cause stress, and stress can cause psoriasis symptoms to worsen.
A 2018 review of studies looking at the link between psoriasis and stress notes that anywhere from
It also noted that, in addition to triggering flares, stress may also trigger the development of the condition itself in people predisposed to developing psoriasis.
Experts do not yet fully understand how stress influences psoriasis. According to an
These substances then cause local inflammation and result in the formation of psoriasis plaques. The hypothesis notes that stress releases high amounts of SP, which could then trigger the onset of the condition or flares.
When psoriasis plaques occur, they can cause stress. The stress may relate to the challenges of managing the symptoms, discomfort, self-consciousness, or a combination of different emotions.
The National Psoriasis Foundation recommends that all people living with psoriasis take steps to manage their stress as part of their treatment plan. They recommend a person:
- asks for or seeks outside help from support groups or counseling
- practices meditation
- is physically active
According to a
Psoriasis is a lifelong condition characterized by periods of flares and remission. When treating psoriasis, a doctor will often suggest a combination of medications, therapies, mental health support, and lifestyle changes to help manage the condition.
Medical treatments may include:
- prescription and over-the-counter topicals
- phototherapy, or light therapy
- systemic medications such as biologics and other oral treatments
Doctors may also recommend lifestyle changes that help manage symptoms and triggers. The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) recommends that a person take some steps to help manage their psoriasis at home:
- working with a doctor or healthcare professional to find a suitable treatment plan
- avoiding getting sunburn — even a mild case can cause new psoriasis or worsening symptoms
- trying to avoid skin injuries, such as nicks and cuts, and protecting against bug bites
- trying to avoid skin damage from scratching the affected areas. To help prevent scratching, individuals can use:
- moisturizers
- cold compresses
- topical lotions
In addition, a person should take measures to identify and avoid triggers. Triggers can vary from person to person but often include stress and weather changes.
By managing stress, a person may be able to help reduce psoriasis flares.
A person can consider the following general tips for managing stress, including:
- practicing effective time management
- using relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing
- taking regular exercise
- finding out about and minimizing their potential triggers
- seeking counseling or finding someone to talk with
- eating a balanced, healthy diet
- getting the recommended hours of sleep
- taking time for themselves doing an activity they enjoy
Psoriasis triggers can vary from person to person. It is important for an individual to understand their triggers so that they can take steps to avoid them.
Some common triggers of psoriasis include:
- stress
- illness
- skin injuries, including bug bites, cuts, scrapes, and other minor injuries
- changes in weather, such as warm and dry indoor temperatures or cold
- eating certain foods
- allergies
- alcohol
- other environmental factors
Psoriasis and stress share a link — both conditions can trigger the other.
Mental health treatment, including lifestyle changes such as physical exercise, can help prevent stress from triggering flares.
It can also help a person cope with the stress and other emotions that often come from living with psoriasis.