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.

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