A patient recently diagnosed with psoriasis is being instructed on the precipitating factors associated with this disease. Which of the following should the nurse include?

Hormones
Infection
Trauma or injury to the skin

Explanation

• Any trauma to the skin including a nick from a razor can trigger psoriatic plaques to develop

• Infections, both bacterial and viral, can worsen psoriasis

• Hormone fluctuations can affect psoriasis. Symptoms frequently improve during pregnancy

• Other precipitating factors include medications, smoking, alcohol, stress and weather. Cold, dry winter air worsens psoriasis, while sunlight will usually help psoriasis plaques fade. UV therapy is sometimes used as a treatment for psoriasis

• Physical activity and sugar have no known effect on psoriasis

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