Your in-depth guide to understanding flare-ups and managing psoriasis naturally.

Psoriasis can feel confusing, unpredictable, and deeply frustrating. One day your skin looks calm, and the next day—without any warning—you wake up with redness, itching, flaking, or new patches. Most people with psoriasis experience these “flare-ups,” yet very few know what actually triggers them.

This guide breaks it down in the simplest, clearest way possible. If you understand your triggers, you can prevent frequent flare-ups, reduce discomfort, and take back control of your skin. We’ll also explore gentle, plant-based solutions that help soothe the skin without steroids or harsh chemicals.

What Exactly Causes Psoriasis Flares?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition where your immune system mistakenly speeds up your skin cell growth. But what activates this immune response varies from person to person.

The most common triggers are:

1. Stress
2. Infections
3. Skin injuries
4. Weather changes
5. Harsh chemical products
6. Smoking & alcohol
7. Certain medications
8. Hormonal changes
9. Diet & lifestyle habits

Let’s explore each in detail — and how to manage them effectively.

1. Stress: The Number-One Psoriasis Trigger

If you’ve ever noticed your psoriasis worsening during emotionally heavy or stressful periods, you’re not alone. Research shows that stress can both trigger psoriasis and worsen existing patches.

Why does stress affect psoriasis?

Stress releases cortisol, a hormone that disrupts immune regulation. This creates inflammation, which directly affects psoriatic skin.

Common stress triggers include:

• Work pressure
• Family responsibilities
• Lack of sleep
• Anxiety or overthinking
• Sudden emotional events

How to manage it naturally

Try simple practices like:

• Daily deep breathing
• Yoga or stretching
• Journaling
• Walking in fresh air
• Listening to calming music

Gentle, plant-based topical care can also help manage flare-ups. Many people find soothing relief by switching to calming products during stressful weeks.

2. Infections: Tonsillitis, Strep Throat & Colds

Infections—especially throat infections—are well-known psoriasis triggers.

Why?

When your immune system fights an infection, it becomes hyperactive. In people with psoriasis, this heightened immune response mistakenly attacks the skin.

Most common infection-related triggers

• Strep throat
• Tonsillitis
• Viral fevers
• Respiratory infections

Watch out for flare-ups after:

• Severe cold
• Fever
• Antibiotic usage
• Sore throat

Taking extra care of your skin during and after infections can reduce the intensity of flare-ups.

3. Skin Injuries (Koebner Phenomenon)

Even small injuries can trigger psoriasis patches.

This includes:

• Scratches
• Sunburn
• Insect bites
• Minor cuts
• Rashes
• Tattoos
• Chemical burns

This is known as the Koebner phenomenon, where psoriasis appears along lines of injured skin.

How to protect your skin

• Moisturize daily
• Avoid harsh soaps
• Use gentle, plant-based cleansers
• Protect your skin from sunburn
• Avoid picking or scratching

People with psoriasis often prefer milder, herbal products like psoriasis-friendly body washes and soaps to avoid triggering irritation.

4. Weather Changes: Especially Winter

Cold, dry air pulls moisture from your skin. When your skin becomes dry, psoriasis automatically worsens.

Winter flare-ups happen because:

• Low humidity dries skin faster
• Indoor heaters strip moisture
• Lack of sunlight affects immunity
• Skin barrier becomes weak

Winter care tips

• Switch to richer moisturizers
• Use gentle body washes instead of harsh soaps
• Keep showers short and warm—not hot
• Oil massage before bath for moisture retention

Many find plant-based, non-steroidal products especially useful in winter months for maintaining moisture balance.

5. Harsh Chemical-Based Products

This is a major cause people don’t realize.

Products like:

• Chemical-laden soaps
• Anti-dandruff shampoos
• Fragrance-heavy body washes
• Strong detergents

…can irritate sensitive skin, triggering flare-ups.

Preferred alternatives

People with psoriasis often benefit from:

• Mild soaps made for sensitive skin
• Herbal body washes
• Chemical-free shampoos
• Plant-based oils

This reduces irritation and strengthens the skin barrier over time.

6. Smoking & Alcohol

Both smoking and alcohol have a strong link with psoriasis flare-ups.

Why smoking triggers psoriasis

Nicotine increases inflammation and affects blood vessels, worsening symptoms.

Why alcohol is a trigger

Alcohol weakens immunity and disrupts hormones, making flare-ups more frequent.

Reducing or quitting these habits is one of the most powerful ways to improve psoriasis naturally.

7. Certain Medications

Some medicines can aggravate psoriasis.

Common examples:

• Lithium
• Beta-blockers
• Antimalarial drugs
• Steroid withdrawal
• ACE inhibitors

If you notice worsening patches after starting a new medication, speak to your doctor.

8. Hormonal Changes

This is especially true for women.

Flare-ups may occur during:

• Pregnancy
• Menstruation
• Menopause
• Postpartum period

Hormonal fluctuations affect immunity, leading to unpredictable skin changes.

Keeping your skincare routine consistent helps balance these flare phases.

9. Diet & Lifestyle

Though diet doesn’t directly cause psoriasis, it absolutely influences flare-ups.

Foods that can worsen inflammation:

• Processed foods
• Red meat
• Sugar
• Spicy foods
• Junk food
• Dairy (for some people)
• Gluten (in sensitive individuals)

Foods that help reduce flare-ups:

• Green leafy vegetables
• Omega-3 rich foods
• Turmeric
• Berries & fruits
• Nuts & seeds

Staying hydrated and eating fresh, plant-based foods keeps inflammation low.

Gentle, Plant-Based Care to Manage Triggers

While psoriasis cannot be fully cured, managing triggers + a gentle skincare routine can drastically improve long-term results.

Here are soft, non-salesy suggestions of plant-based care options:

For plaque psoriasis (elbows, knees, body):

• People often prefer calming, plant-based creams that help reduce dryness and support the skin barrier.

For scalp psoriasis:

• A mild, herbal-based shampoo helps reduce scaling without irritating the scalp.
• Lightweight scalp oils can soothe dryness and flaking.

For hands & feet psoriasis:

• A hydrating cream made for thicker skin helps soften cracked patches.

For daily bath routine:

• Gentle body washes suitable for psoriasis-prone skin
• Non-drying soaps for sensitive skin

For mild to moderate psoriasis:

• Many users find plant-based oils helpful for reducing redness and dryness naturally.

These options support the skin without the side effects of steroids or harsh chemical products.

Final Thoughts

Psoriasis flare-ups are manageable when you understand your personal triggers. While the condition may be long-term, your symptoms don’t have to control your daily life.

Focus on:

• Reducing stress
• Using gentle skincare
• Protecting your skin
• Maintaining a healthy diet
• Avoiding chemical-heavy products
• Managing lifestyle habits

When you combine these practices with consistent plant-based skincare, you create an environment where your skin can calm down, heal, and stay stable.