Psoriasis Triggers

[x]   Tags: psoriasis triggers, stress and psoriasis, psoriasis diet and trigger foods, alcohol and psoriasis, causes of psoriasis, winter and psoriasis, cold weather psoriasis, infection and psoriasis

[x]   Transcript: Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition in which the body cannot properly shed dead skin cells, causing itchy, red, scaly skin build up....but it's not always the same. It can come and go, flaring up at times, then clearing up at others. While psoriasis likely comes from a genetic predisposition, researchers believe that these genes affect how the immune system responds to environmental triggers. That combination of genes and triggers can be what cause a person to develop psoriasis. In psoriasis, immune cells that normally fight off bacteria and viruses can be triggered to attack healthy skin cells the same as they would attach to an infection. There are several triggers that can set off this immune reaction. STRESS can bring on or worsen psoriasis symptoms. Limiting stress and practicing relaxation techniques can help. INFECTION, such as strep throat, or INJURY to the skin, such as a scratch or sunburn, can trigger a psoriasis breakout, as they can both stimulate an immune system response. DRY, COLD winter weather can worsen psoriasis, so wear warm clothes and use a humidifier in your home during winter months. Some MEDICATIONS such as lithium, antimalarial drugs, beta blockers for high blood pressure and some arthritis medications can aggravate psoriasis. SMOKING and heavy ALCOHOL consumption may also trigger psoriasis symptoms, with recent research showing that current and former smokers are at a HIGHER risk for psoriasis. By limiting your exposure to psoriasis triggers, you may be able to have greater control of any flares. For more information on psoriasis, watch other videos in this series.

[x]   Bio: Adam Friedman, MD is a board-certified dermatologist who serves as Director of Dermatologic Research and Assistant Professor at the Unified Division of Dermatology of Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He also the Associate Residency Program Director. Dr. Friedman holds several patents resulting from his investigation of nanotechnologies that allow for the delivery of molecules that can treat infectious diseases, accelerate wound healing and more. He has published over 30 papers on both his research as well as a variety of clinical areas in dermatology. Dr. Friedman has received awards from multiple organizations such as the American Academy of Dermatology, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Dermatology Foundation, and the La Roche Posay North American Foundation. Dr. Friedman is chair of the leadership workgroup of the American Academy of Dermatology Resident/Fellows Committee and is the Senior Editor of the Dermatology In-Review Online Workshop. In line with his research interests, Dr Friedman currently serves as Vice President of the Nanodermatology Society. Dr Friedman graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Pennsylvania and received his M.D. with Distinction in Dermatology Research from Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He trained in medicine at New York Hospital Queens, affiliated with NY Presbyterian Hospital/ Weil-Cornell Medical Center and completed his dermatology residency as chief resident at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.