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?
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