Psoriasis Triggers.
Psoriasis Triggers.
Psoriasis Triggers.
Learn about psoriasis triggers and strategies to manage flare-ups effectively.
Learn about psoriasis triggers and strategies to manage flare-ups effectively.
Learn about psoriasis triggers and strategies to manage flare-ups effectively.
2023-07-13T00:00:00.000Z
2023-07-13T00:00:00.000Z
2023-07-13T00:00:00.000Z
What Causes Psoriasis Flare-ups
Understanding the triggers of psoriasis is key to preventing flare-ups. These triggers instigate skin irritation, which then escalates into inflammation and disrupts the skin barrier. Recognising the different types of triggers is essential to keep them in check. Typically, these triggers fall into four categories:
Personal
Environmental
Irritants
Foods
Let's delve deeper into these categories:
Identifying Psoriasis Triggers
Personal - These triggers encompass aspects within your control that might instigate a psoriasis flare-up, such as your emotional state, sleep pattern, skincare routine, physical activity level, dietary habits, and hydration.
Environmental – This category includes uncontrollable factors like weather conditions, pollen counts, humidity levels, and air pollution, all of which can impact your skin health.
Irritants – Certain substances may exacerbate your psoriasis without your awareness. Common irritants are found in everyday products like soaps, shampoos, and fragrances, which have ingredients that could potentially irritate many people's skin, not just those with psoriasis.
Foods – Food allergies, intolerances, and certain food items may trigger psoriasis flare-ups in some individuals.
Identifying Personal and Environmental Triggers with Proton Health
Our Proton Health app offers a convenient way to track your symptoms and personal triggers. By monitoring your Skin Score daily, the app identifies potential factors causing your flare-ups and delivers personalised content to tackle them effectively.
For environmental triggers, our algorithms monitor local temperature, humidity, UV levels, and air pollution, providing a Threat Score that indicates the potential impact on your skin. With continued use, the app discerns which weather changes have the most significant impact on your skin.
What Causes Psoriasis Flare-ups
Understanding the triggers of psoriasis is key to preventing flare-ups. These triggers instigate skin irritation, which then escalates into inflammation and disrupts the skin barrier. Recognising the different types of triggers is essential to keep them in check. Typically, these triggers fall into four categories:
Personal
Environmental
Irritants
Foods
Let's delve deeper into these categories:
Identifying Psoriasis Triggers
Personal - These triggers encompass aspects within your control that might instigate a psoriasis flare-up, such as your emotional state, sleep pattern, skincare routine, physical activity level, dietary habits, and hydration.
Environmental – This category includes uncontrollable factors like weather conditions, pollen counts, humidity levels, and air pollution, all of which can impact your skin health.
Irritants – Certain substances may exacerbate your psoriasis without your awareness. Common irritants are found in everyday products like soaps, shampoos, and fragrances, which have ingredients that could potentially irritate many people's skin, not just those with psoriasis.
Foods – Food allergies, intolerances, and certain food items may trigger psoriasis flare-ups in some individuals.
Identifying Personal and Environmental Triggers with Proton Health
Our Proton Health app offers a convenient way to track your symptoms and personal triggers. By monitoring your Skin Score daily, the app identifies potential factors causing your flare-ups and delivers personalised content to tackle them effectively.
For environmental triggers, our algorithms monitor local temperature, humidity, UV levels, and air pollution, providing a Threat Score that indicates the potential impact on your skin. With continued use, the app discerns which weather changes have the most significant impact on your skin.
What Causes Psoriasis Flare-ups
Understanding the triggers of psoriasis is key to preventing flare-ups. These triggers instigate skin irritation, which then escalates into inflammation and disrupts the skin barrier. Recognising the different types of triggers is essential to keep them in check. Typically, these triggers fall into four categories:
Personal
Environmental
Irritants
Foods
Let's delve deeper into these categories:
Identifying Psoriasis Triggers
Personal - These triggers encompass aspects within your control that might instigate a psoriasis flare-up, such as your emotional state, sleep pattern, skincare routine, physical activity level, dietary habits, and hydration.
Environmental – This category includes uncontrollable factors like weather conditions, pollen counts, humidity levels, and air pollution, all of which can impact your skin health.
Irritants – Certain substances may exacerbate your psoriasis without your awareness. Common irritants are found in everyday products like soaps, shampoos, and fragrances, which have ingredients that could potentially irritate many people's skin, not just those with psoriasis.
Foods – Food allergies, intolerances, and certain food items may trigger psoriasis flare-ups in some individuals.
Identifying Personal and Environmental Triggers with Proton Health
Our Proton Health app offers a convenient way to track your symptoms and personal triggers. By monitoring your Skin Score daily, the app identifies potential factors causing your flare-ups and delivers personalised content to tackle them effectively.
For environmental triggers, our algorithms monitor local temperature, humidity, UV levels, and air pollution, providing a Threat Score that indicates the potential impact on your skin. With continued use, the app discerns which weather changes have the most significant impact on your skin.
Navigating Irritants and Allergies
Identifying irritants and allergies can be complex due to delayed Type II Hypersensitivity reactions often observed in people with psoriasis, which appear 48-72 hours post-exposure. Consequently, pinpointing what caused the reaction can be challenging.
Allergy tests to identify food intolerances are commonly used, such as skin prick testing that measures an allergy marker (IgE). Unfortunately, these results aren't always reliable, but there's a promising approach: the Switcheroo technique, designed to help identify irritants or food allergies without having to eliminate everything at once.
The Switcheroo Technique - Pinpointing What Causes Psoriasis Flare-ups
In essence, the Switcheroo Technique involves substituting various products and foods at different times to determine the underlying issue.
Here's how it works…
Enumerate all your potential irritants and food triggers.
Substitute one of these with a hypo-allergenic version or eliminate it from your routine or diet.
Continue using the rest of your potential irritants as usual.
Monitor your psoriasis symptoms for a minimum of 7 days, noting any changes.
If you observe improvement, the substituted or eliminated item might be the trigger. To confirm this, reintroduce the potential trigger and observe if your flare-ups return.
If your psoriasis symptoms remain unchanged or worsen, you'll need to repeat the technique with a different item.
Regularly tracking your Skin Score using the Proton Health app can help uncover your personal triggers. Additionally, the app provides an environmental analysis to safeguard against external elements and incorporates the Switcheroo Technique for a comprehensive approach to managing your psoriasis.
Further Reading:
What Causes Psoriasis Flare-Ups | National Psoriasis Foundation - https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/causes/
Triggers of Psoriasis | WebMD - https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/psoriasis/psoriasis-triggers-to-avoid
Common Triggers of Psoriasis Flare-ups | Healthline - https://www.healthline.com/health/psoriasis/triggers-to-avoid
Navigating Irritants and Allergies
Identifying irritants and allergies can be complex due to delayed Type II Hypersensitivity reactions often observed in people with psoriasis, which appear 48-72 hours post-exposure. Consequently, pinpointing what caused the reaction can be challenging.
Allergy tests to identify food intolerances are commonly used, such as skin prick testing that measures an allergy marker (IgE). Unfortunately, these results aren't always reliable, but there's a promising approach: the Switcheroo technique, designed to help identify irritants or food allergies without having to eliminate everything at once.
The Switcheroo Technique - Pinpointing What Causes Psoriasis Flare-ups
In essence, the Switcheroo Technique involves substituting various products and foods at different times to determine the underlying issue.
Here's how it works…
Enumerate all your potential irritants and food triggers.
Substitute one of these with a hypo-allergenic version or eliminate it from your routine or diet.
Continue using the rest of your potential irritants as usual.
Monitor your psoriasis symptoms for a minimum of 7 days, noting any changes.
If you observe improvement, the substituted or eliminated item might be the trigger. To confirm this, reintroduce the potential trigger and observe if your flare-ups return.
If your psoriasis symptoms remain unchanged or worsen, you'll need to repeat the technique with a different item.
Regularly tracking your Skin Score using the Proton Health app can help uncover your personal triggers. Additionally, the app provides an environmental analysis to safeguard against external elements and incorporates the Switcheroo Technique for a comprehensive approach to managing your psoriasis.
Further Reading:
What Causes Psoriasis Flare-Ups | National Psoriasis Foundation - https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/causes/
Triggers of Psoriasis | WebMD - https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/psoriasis/psoriasis-triggers-to-avoid
Common Triggers of Psoriasis Flare-ups | Healthline - https://www.healthline.com/health/psoriasis/triggers-to-avoid
Navigating Irritants and Allergies
Identifying irritants and allergies can be complex due to delayed Type II Hypersensitivity reactions often observed in people with psoriasis, which appear 48-72 hours post-exposure. Consequently, pinpointing what caused the reaction can be challenging.
Allergy tests to identify food intolerances are commonly used, such as skin prick testing that measures an allergy marker (IgE). Unfortunately, these results aren't always reliable, but there's a promising approach: the Switcheroo technique, designed to help identify irritants or food allergies without having to eliminate everything at once.
The Switcheroo Technique - Pinpointing What Causes Psoriasis Flare-ups
In essence, the Switcheroo Technique involves substituting various products and foods at different times to determine the underlying issue.
Here's how it works…
Enumerate all your potential irritants and food triggers.
Substitute one of these with a hypo-allergenic version or eliminate it from your routine or diet.
Continue using the rest of your potential irritants as usual.
Monitor your psoriasis symptoms for a minimum of 7 days, noting any changes.
If you observe improvement, the substituted or eliminated item might be the trigger. To confirm this, reintroduce the potential trigger and observe if your flare-ups return.
If your psoriasis symptoms remain unchanged or worsen, you'll need to repeat the technique with a different item.
Regularly tracking your Skin Score using the Proton Health app can help uncover your personal triggers. Additionally, the app provides an environmental analysis to safeguard against external elements and incorporates the Switcheroo Technique for a comprehensive approach to managing your psoriasis.
Further Reading:
What Causes Psoriasis Flare-Ups | National Psoriasis Foundation - https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/causes/
Triggers of Psoriasis | WebMD - https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/psoriasis/psoriasis-triggers-to-avoid
Common Triggers of Psoriasis Flare-ups | Healthline - https://www.healthline.com/health/psoriasis/triggers-to-avoid
Dr Noreen Akram
Dr Noreen Akram
Dr Noreen Akram
our journal
our journal
our journal
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Your questions.
Answered.
Not sure what to expect? These answers might help you feel more confident as you begin.
Didn’t find your answer? Send us a message at
hello@proton-health.com — we’ll respond with care and clarity.
How is this different to traditional dermatology or telehealth apps?
Most telehealth apps are just video calls with doctors who don't know your history, offering templated advice. Traditional dermatology gives you 7 minutes every few months. Symphony is different — it's an AI that learns your complete skin story and provides personalized guidance 24/7, backed by specialists who review your case. Think of it as a personal trainer for your skin, not just another appointment booking app.
How is this different to traditional dermatology or telehealth apps?
Most telehealth apps are just video calls with doctors who don't know your history, offering templated advice. Traditional dermatology gives you 7 minutes every few months. Symphony is different — it's an AI that learns your complete skin story and provides personalized guidance 24/7, backed by specialists who review your case. Think of it as a personal trainer for your skin, not just another appointment booking app.
Which conditions does Symphony support?
Which conditions does Symphony support?
Symphony is built for chronic skin conditions: acne, eczema, psoriasis, and topical steroid withdrawal (TSW). These are the conditions where understanding your triggers matters most — and where the traditional "here's a cream, see you in 3 months" approach fails hardest. If you're dealing with something else, reach out — we're expanding based on what our members need.
Is my data protected?
Is my data protected?
Your data is encrypted, never sold, and never used for advertising. You can export it. You can delete it anytime. Read our full privacy policy below.
Why not just see a dermatologist more frequently?
Why not just see a dermatologist more frequently?
You could — if you could get an appointment, afford the visit, and somehow give them access to absolutely everything that happened between visits. The reality: your dermatologist sees a snapshot. Symphony sees the full picture — what you ate, how you slept, what products you used, how stressed you were — and connects it to how your skin responded. We're not replacing your dermatologist. We're giving them (and you) context they'd never otherwise have.
How do I know if I'm a good candidate?
How do I know if I'm a good candidate?
If you've been dealing with a chronic skin condition and still don't fully understand why your skin flares — you're a good candidate. Symphony works best for people willing to track consistently (a few minutes a day) and who want to understand their patterns, not just treat symptoms. If you're looking for a quick fix or a magic cream recommendation, we're probably not the right fit.
What if I've tried everything already?
What if I've tried everything already?
Then you're exactly who we built this for. "Tried everything" usually means you've tried a lot of products and treatments — but you've never had the tools to see how your skin actually responds to your life. Symphony doesn't give you more things to try. It helps you understand what's already happening — so the next thing you try is actually informed by your data. It knowing instead of guessing.
Is Symphony a replacement for medical advice?
Is Symphony a replacement for medical advice?
Symphony's AI and tracking tools are not a replacement for medical advice — they help you understand patterns in your own data, but they don't diagnose or prescribe.
That said, we know insights alone aren't always enough. That's why our Premium tier includes referrals to specialist dermatology consultations, gut and skin microbiome testing, and comprehensive lab panels — actual specialists who review your Symphony data.
The app gives you context and understanding. When you need clinical expertise, we connect you with professionals who understand your story.
How is Symphony different from apps that scan your face and sell you products?
How is Symphony different from apps that scan your face and sell you products?
Most "AI skincare" apps take a photo, run it through a basic algorithm, and recommend products they get commission on. They're not trying to help you understand your skin — they're trying to sell you things. Symphony doesn't work that way. We analyze your symptoms, lifestyle, stress, diet, and products over time to find patterns unique to you. We don't sell skincare products directly, and our recommendations are based on your data — not affiliate deals.
When we do recommend products, we're checking thousands of products against YOUR specific sensitivities and triggers. The goal is to stop you wasting money, not to add to the pile of half-used bottles under your sink.
Can I cancel anytime?
Can I cancel anytime?
Yes. No contracts, no cancellation fees. If Symphony isn't working for you, you can cancel in a few clicks. We'd rather earn your trust every month than trap you in one.
Your questions.
Answered.
Not sure what to expect? These answers might help you feel more confident as you begin.
How is this different to traditional dermatology or telehealth apps?
Most telehealth apps are just video calls with doctors who don't know your history, offering templated advice. Traditional dermatology gives you 7 minutes every few months. Symphony is different — it's an AI that learns your complete skin story and provides personalized guidance 24/7, backed by specialists who review your case. Think of it as a personal trainer for your skin, not just another appointment booking app.
How is this different to traditional dermatology or telehealth apps?
Most telehealth apps are just video calls with doctors who don't know your history, offering templated advice. Traditional dermatology gives you 7 minutes every few months. Symphony is different — it's an AI that learns your complete skin story and provides personalized guidance 24/7, backed by specialists who review your case. Think of it as a personal trainer for your skin, not just another appointment booking app.
Which conditions does Symphony support?
Which conditions does Symphony support?
Symphony is built for chronic skin conditions: acne, eczema, psoriasis, and topical steroid withdrawal (TSW). These are the conditions where understanding your triggers matters most — and where the traditional "here's a cream, see you in 3 months" approach fails hardest. If you're dealing with something else, reach out — we're expanding based on what our members need.
Is my data protected?
Is my data protected?
Your data is encrypted, never sold, and never used for advertising. You can export it. You can delete it anytime. Read our full privacy policy below.
Why not just see a dermatologist more frequently?
Why not just see a dermatologist more frequently?
You could — if you could get an appointment, afford the visit, and somehow give them access to absolutely everything that happened between visits. The reality: your dermatologist sees a snapshot. Symphony sees the full picture — what you ate, how you slept, what products you used, how stressed you were — and connects it to how your skin responded. We're not replacing your dermatologist. We're giving them (and you) context they'd never otherwise have.
How do I know if I'm a good candidate?
How do I know if I'm a good candidate?
If you've been dealing with a chronic skin condition and still don't fully understand why your skin flares — you're a good candidate. Symphony works best for people willing to track consistently (a few minutes a day) and who want to understand their patterns, not just treat symptoms. If you're looking for a quick fix or a magic cream recommendation, we're probably not the right fit.
What if I've tried everything already?
What if I've tried everything already?
Then you're exactly who we built this for. "Tried everything" usually means you've tried a lot of products and treatments — but you've never had the tools to see how your skin actually responds to your life. Symphony doesn't give you more things to try. It helps you understand what's already happening — so the next thing you try is actually informed by your data. It knowing instead of guessing.
Is Symphony a replacement for medical advice?
Is Symphony a replacement for medical advice?
Symphony's AI and tracking tools are not a replacement for medical advice — they help you understand patterns in your own data, but they don't diagnose or prescribe.
That said, we know insights alone aren't always enough. That's why our Premium tier includes referrals to specialist dermatology consultations, gut and skin microbiome testing, and comprehensive lab panels — actual specialists who review your Symphony data.
The app gives you context and understanding. When you need clinical expertise, we connect you with professionals who understand your story.
How is Symphony different from apps that scan your face and sell you products?
How is Symphony different from apps that scan your face and sell you products?
Most "AI skincare" apps take a photo, run it through a basic algorithm, and recommend products they get commission on. They're not trying to help you understand your skin — they're trying to sell you things. Symphony doesn't work that way. We analyze your symptoms, lifestyle, stress, diet, and products over time to find patterns unique to you. We don't sell skincare products directly, and our recommendations are based on your data — not affiliate deals.
When we do recommend products, we're checking thousands of products against YOUR specific sensitivities and triggers. The goal is to stop you wasting money, not to add to the pile of half-used bottles under your sink.
Can I cancel anytime?
Can I cancel anytime?
Yes. No contracts, no cancellation fees. If Symphony isn't working for you, you can cancel in a few clicks. We'd rather earn your trust every month than trap you in one.
Didn’t find your answer? Send us a message at
hello@proton-health.com — we’ll respond with care and clarity.
Your questions.
Answered.
Not sure what to expect? These answers might help you feel more confident as you begin.
Didn’t find your answer? Send us a message at
hello@proton-health.com — we’ll respond with care and clarity.
How is this different to traditional dermatology or telehealth apps?
Most telehealth apps are just video calls with doctors who don't know your history, offering templated advice. Traditional dermatology gives you 7 minutes every few months. Symphony is different — it's an AI that learns your complete skin story and provides personalized guidance 24/7, backed by specialists who review your case. Think of it as a personal trainer for your skin, not just another appointment booking app.
How is this different to traditional dermatology or telehealth apps?
Most telehealth apps are just video calls with doctors who don't know your history, offering templated advice. Traditional dermatology gives you 7 minutes every few months. Symphony is different — it's an AI that learns your complete skin story and provides personalized guidance 24/7, backed by specialists who review your case. Think of it as a personal trainer for your skin, not just another appointment booking app.
Which conditions does Symphony support?
Which conditions does Symphony support?
Symphony is built for chronic skin conditions: acne, eczema, psoriasis, and topical steroid withdrawal (TSW). These are the conditions where understanding your triggers matters most — and where the traditional "here's a cream, see you in 3 months" approach fails hardest. If you're dealing with something else, reach out — we're expanding based on what our members need.
Is my data protected?
Is my data protected?
Your data is encrypted, never sold, and never used for advertising. You can export it. You can delete it anytime. Read our full privacy policy below.
Why not just see a dermatologist more frequently?
Why not just see a dermatologist more frequently?
You could — if you could get an appointment, afford the visit, and somehow give them access to absolutely everything that happened between visits. The reality: your dermatologist sees a snapshot. Symphony sees the full picture — what you ate, how you slept, what products you used, how stressed you were — and connects it to how your skin responded. We're not replacing your dermatologist. We're giving them (and you) context they'd never otherwise have.
How do I know if I'm a good candidate?
How do I know if I'm a good candidate?
If you've been dealing with a chronic skin condition and still don't fully understand why your skin flares — you're a good candidate. Symphony works best for people willing to track consistently (a few minutes a day) and who want to understand their patterns, not just treat symptoms. If you're looking for a quick fix or a magic cream recommendation, we're probably not the right fit.
What if I've tried everything already?
What if I've tried everything already?
Then you're exactly who we built this for. "Tried everything" usually means you've tried a lot of products and treatments — but you've never had the tools to see how your skin actually responds to your life. Symphony doesn't give you more things to try. It helps you understand what's already happening — so the next thing you try is actually informed by your data. It knowing instead of guessing.
Is Symphony a replacement for medical advice?
Is Symphony a replacement for medical advice?
Symphony's AI and tracking tools are not a replacement for medical advice — they help you understand patterns in your own data, but they don't diagnose or prescribe.
That said, we know insights alone aren't always enough. That's why our Premium tier includes referrals to specialist dermatology consultations, gut and skin microbiome testing, and comprehensive lab panels — actual specialists who review your Symphony data.
The app gives you context and understanding. When you need clinical expertise, we connect you with professionals who understand your story.
How is Symphony different from apps that scan your face and sell you products?
How is Symphony different from apps that scan your face and sell you products?
Most "AI skincare" apps take a photo, run it through a basic algorithm, and recommend products they get commission on. They're not trying to help you understand your skin — they're trying to sell you things. Symphony doesn't work that way. We analyze your symptoms, lifestyle, stress, diet, and products over time to find patterns unique to you. We don't sell skincare products directly, and our recommendations are based on your data — not affiliate deals.
When we do recommend products, we're checking thousands of products against YOUR specific sensitivities and triggers. The goal is to stop you wasting money, not to add to the pile of half-used bottles under your sink.
Can I cancel anytime?
Can I cancel anytime?
Yes. No contracts, no cancellation fees. If Symphony isn't working for you, you can cancel in a few clicks. We'd rather earn your trust every month than trap you in one.