Medically reviewed by Dr. Muhammad Amjad, MBBS, MCPS, FCPS, Senior Consultant Dermatologist. Last updated: [SEP 12, 2026]. Read time: 7 minutes.
Quick answer: Psoriasis flare-ups are commonly triggered by stress, skin injury, infections (especially strep throat), certain medications, cold or dry weather, smoking, and heavy alcohol use. Triggers vary from person to person, and identifying your own is one of the most effective ways to reduce how often flares occur.
Table of Contents
- Why Psoriasis Flares Happen
- Common Psoriasis Triggers
- How to Identify Your Personal Triggers
- Can You Prevent Psoriasis Flare-Ups?
- Daily Habits That Help
- When Flares Need Medical Attention
- FAQ
Why Psoriasis Flares Happen
Psoriasis develops from a mix of genetics and immune system activity, but having the underlying predisposition doesn't mean symptoms are constant. Most people with psoriasis experience flares (active symptom periods) interspersed with remission (symptom-free stretches). For background on how the condition itself works, see what is psoriasis?
A flare happens when something in your environment "activates" the immune response that's already primed by genetics. That activating event is called a trigger, and it's different for everyone.
Common Psoriasis Triggers
| Trigger | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Stress | One of the most frequently reported triggers; emotional stress can provoke or worsen flares |
| Skin injury | Cuts, scrapes, sunburn, insect bites, or even a tattoo can trigger new plaques at the injury site, known as the Koebner phenomenon |
| Infections | Strep throat is a well-documented trigger, particularly for guttate psoriasis |
| Certain medications | Lithium, some beta-blockers, and antimalarial drugs are among those linked to flares |
| Cold or dry weather | Reduced humidity and lower temperatures can dry and irritate skin, provoking flares |
| Smoking | Associated with both triggering psoriasis and worsening its severity |
| Heavy alcohol use | Linked to more frequent and severe flare-ups |
| Hormonal changes | Some people notice flares around puberty, pregnancy, or menopause |
How to Identify Your Personal Triggers
Because triggers are highly individual, tracking your symptoms is the most reliable way to find your own patterns:
- Keep a flare journal. Note the date a flare starts, along with recent stress levels, illnesses, weather changes, or new products used.
- Look for a lag time. Flares often appear days to weeks after exposure to a trigger, not immediately. Patience is needed to spot the pattern.
- Isolate variables where possible. If you suspect a specific product or medication, discuss alternatives with your provider rather than stopping treatment abruptly.
- Share your journal with your dermatologist. A provider can help distinguish a true trigger from coincidence.
Can You Prevent Psoriasis Flare-Ups?
You can't eliminate psoriasis entirely since it's rooted in genetics and immune function, but reducing trigger exposure can meaningfully cut down how often flares occur:
- Manage stress through techniques like meditation, regular exercise, or therapy
- Protect your skin from cuts, sunburn, and excessive scratching
- Treat infections promptly, especially strep throat
- Review medications with your provider if you notice a pattern with flares
- Moisturize daily, particularly in cold or dry weather
- Limit alcohol and avoid smoking
Daily Habits That Help
Alongside identifying and avoiding specific triggers, a few consistent habits support fewer and milder flares over time:
- Bathe with lukewarm (not hot) water and gentle, fragrance-free cleansers
- Apply moisturizer immediately after bathing, while skin is still damp
- Wear breathable, non-irritating fabrics, especially over affected areas
- Maintain a balanced, anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids
- Follow prescribed treatment consistently, even during remission, if your provider recommends it
When Flares Need Medical Attention
Contact a healthcare provider if you notice:
- A flare that doesn't respond to your usual treatment
- Signs of infection, such as increased warmth, redness, swelling, or fever
- New joint pain or swelling, which may indicate psoriatic arthritis
- Flares covering a large portion of your body, or accompanied by widespread redness (a possible sign of erythrodermic psoriasis, which can be serious)
For a full picture of the condition itself, including its types and diagnostic process, revisit what is psoriasis? And if you're wondering whether a flare could put people around you at risk, the answer is no. See is psoriasis contagious? for the full explanation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did I suddenly get psoriasis?
Sudden onset usually means an environmental trigger, such as significant stress, an infection like strep throat, or a skin injury, activated an underlying genetic predisposition. It is not related to catching it from someone else.
How can I stop psoriasis from spreading on my body?
While you can't fully prevent new plaques, protecting skin from injury (which can trigger new patches via the Koebner phenomenon), managing stress, moisturizing consistently, and following your prescribed treatment plan all help limit spread.
Does stress really cause psoriasis flare-ups?
Yes. Stress is one of the most commonly reported triggers and can both cause new flares and worsen existing ones.
Can weather affect psoriasis?
Yes. Cold, dry weather is a common trigger due to its drying effect on skin, while some people also find sun exposure helpful in moderation, though sunburn itself can trigger a flare.
Is there a way to permanently stop flare-ups?
There's no way to eliminate flare-ups permanently since psoriasis is a chronic condition, but consistent treatment combined with trigger avoidance can lead to long stretches of remission.