# Psoriasis: Causes and Lifestyle After 45

> Psoriasis: causes, typical symptoms, diet, and lifestyle. What can trigger flare-ups and which approaches to health I recommend.

- URL: https://celitel.online/en/blog/psoriaz-prichiny/
- Author: Dr. Boris Wydoff — https://celitel.online/en/about/
- Published: 2026-11-06
- Language: en

Psoriasis develops because of the way the immune system works. It triggers inflammatory processes in the skin, causing skin cells to renew themselves faster than normal. As a result, thickened patches appear, accompanied by scaling and itching. Genetics play an important role. Stress, infections, skin injuries, alcohol, smoking, excess body weight, and certain medications can contribute to the onset of the disease and trigger flare-ups.

Psoriasis has various causes, and understanding the factors that trigger it can help you manage the condition more effectively. After 45, it is especially important to pay attention to your skin, daily habits, diet, and overall well-being. Let's look at why psoriasis develops, what can make its symptoms worse, and what you can change in your everyday life.

## What Is Psoriasis and Why Does It Develop?

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition linked to an immune system disorder. Normally, skin cells renew themselves gradually: old cells die off and new ones take their place. With psoriasis, this process speeds up. Cells build up on the surface, forming characteristic thickened patches covered with silvery scales.

The changes most often appear on the elbows, knees, scalp, lower back, and torso. Sometimes the palms, soles, and nails are affected too. Small dents, pits, and thickened areas may appear on the nails.

The appearance of the patches also depends on skin tone. On lighter skin, they are usually pink or red, with silvery-white scales. On darker skin, they may look grayish. Dark marks sometimes remain after the patches disappear.

The condition tends to come and go in waves. Periods of improvement, when the skin looks calmer, may be followed by flare-ups. Sometimes a person notices very few changes for a long time, only to find the plaques returning later.

Why does psoriasis develop? Doctors link it to an immune system disorder. The immune system mistakenly activates inflammatory processes that affect how skin cells renew themselves. However, the exact mechanism behind the condition is not yet fully understood.

The second important factor is heredity. The likelihood of developing psoriasis is higher if close relatives have the condition. However, a genetic predisposition does not mean that psoriasis will definitely appear. The environment, overall health, and lifestyle can all influence whether it develops and how it progresses.

That is why it is important to distinguish between two questions when looking for causes: why a person has a predisposition to psoriasis and what circumstances trigger a particular flare-up. These are not the same thing.

## Is Psoriasis Contagious?

This question is especially common among people who live with someone who has skin rashes. Some try to avoid sharing household items, shy away from physical contact, or worry about their children and grandchildren.

It is important to understand the difference between an inherited predisposition and a contagious disease. Psoriasis does not spread from one person to another through touching, hugging, living together, or ordinary daily contact.

It is not an infection that you can catch from a towel or household items. A person with psoriasis does not need to isolate themselves from their family, use separate dishes, or avoid contact with loved ones.

Heredity is a different matter. If a parent or another close relative has psoriasis, the likelihood of the condition developing in their descendants may be higher. However, this does not mean that children will inevitably develop psoriasis.

In my practice, I have always considered it important to look at the person as a whole rather than reduce their health to a single visible symptom. However, inherited traits and the causes of skin changes need to be assessed separately and should not be confused with the question of everyday contagion.

## What Can Trigger a Psoriasis Flare-Up?

Even after psoriasis has developed, its course does not necessarily remain the same. There may be periods of improvement when the patches become less noticeable, followed by flare-ups when itching and scaling become more severe.

Doctors identify several common factors that can make the skin condition worse.

- **Stress.** Strong emotions and prolonged nervous tension may precede a flare-up. It is useful to notice whether your skin gets worse during periods of emotional stress.
- **Infections.** Some infectious diseases, particularly streptococcal infections, can trigger symptoms. If new rashes appear after an infection, tell your dermatologist.
- **Skin injuries.** Cuts, scratches, and abrasions can sometimes become sites where new affected areas develop. That is why it is important to treat your skin gently and avoid injuring existing plaques.
- **Alcohol and smoking.** These habits can make psoriasis worse. Cutting down on alcohol and quitting smoking are sensible lifestyle changes.
- **Excess body weight.** Obesity is one of the factors that can contribute to flare-ups. Maintaining a healthy weight matters not only for your skin but also for your overall health.
- **Certain medications.** Some medications can affect the course of psoriasis. If your skin condition changes after you start taking a new medication, discuss it with your doctor rather than stopping the prescription on your own.
- **Sunlight.** Sunlight can also act as a trigger. That is why it is important to pay attention to how your skin reacts to sun exposure.

Pregnancy is another circumstance in which the symptoms of psoriasis may change.

These factors do not necessarily make the condition worse for everyone. One person may experience a flare-up during a period of severe stress, while another may notice one after an infection or skin injury. Sometimes it is not possible to identify a specific cause.

I recommend keeping simple notes. Record when itching becomes worse, when new scaly patches appear, and what events preceded these changes. Such records can help you spot recurring patterns and discuss them with your dermatologist in a more informed way.

## How Can You Tell Psoriasis Apart from Other Skin Conditions?

Dryness, scaling, and itching occur in many different skin conditions. That is why you should not try to identify a disease based on the appearance of spots alone.

Psoriasis often causes patches of thickened, dry skin covered with light-colored scales. They may be small or cover a large area. Sometimes the nails are affected as well, not just the surface of the skin.

However, even characteristic signs are not enough to make a reliable diagnosis yourself. Similar symptoms can have different causes. Relying solely on the color of the patches or the intensity of itching is not a good approach.

A doctor makes the diagnosis. To do this, a dermatologist examines the skin, assesses the location and characteristics of the changes, and orders additional tests if necessary.

The joints deserve special attention. Some people with psoriasis eventually develop psoriatic arthritis, an inflammatory joint condition. Possible symptoms include recurring pain, stiffness, and swelling. These changes need medical assessment, even if the skin symptoms are mild.

Do not wait until the skin changes become widespread or cause serious discomfort. The sooner a specialist assesses the situation, the easier it is to determine an appropriate management plan.

## Psoriasis: What Should You Avoid Eating and What Can You Eat?

Diet is not the only cause of psoriasis, but your eating habits and certain lifestyle choices can affect your overall health and the course of the condition. So it makes more sense not to look for one forbidden food. Instead, review your everyday meals and pay attention to alcohol, smoking, and body weight.

There is no universal list of foods that inevitably trigger psoriasis in everyone. The same food does not necessarily affect different people's skin in the same way. That is why you should not eliminate entire food groups without a specific reason.

Here are a few practical steps you can start with.

**1. Limit alcohol.**

Alcohol consumption is one of the factors that can make psoriasis worse. If alcoholic drinks are a regular part of your diet, it makes sense to reconsider this habit and reduce your intake. These recommendations do not establish a universal safe limit for people with psoriasis.

**2. Quit smoking.**

Smoking can also have a negative effect on the course of the condition. This is not just a matter of how your skin looks. Quitting is one of the lifestyle changes that can help you take care of your overall health.

**3. Eat a varied diet.**

Everyday meals can be based on familiar foods, including vegetables and fruit. It is important not to replace a balanced diet with just a few individual foods. You should not try to treat psoriasis with a special juice or a limited selection of dishes.

**4. Keep an eye on your weight.**

Excess body weight is one of the factors that can contribute to flare-ups. A balanced diet and regular physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight. Choose activities that suit your age and overall condition.

If you notice that you regularly feel different after eating a particular food, keep a record of these observations. You can discuss them with your doctor and work together to determine whether there is a reason to adjust your diet.

The main principle is consistency. There is no need to eliminate numerous foods at once, change your entire eating routine, or introduce complicated rules. Reasonable, sustainable habits are more useful than strict restrictions without a sound reason.

## My Advice: My Approach to Skin Health

Over the years of my practice, I have become accustomed to looking at skin problems in connection with the body's overall condition. In my books, I link psoriasis to intestinal function, skin health, circulation, and a person's habits. Here are several principles of my naturopathic approach.

**1. Pay attention to regular bowel movements.**

I consider the intestines one of the body's main pathways for eliminating waste. In my books, I write that if bowel movements are irregular, waste products may, according to my theory, be absorbed back into the bloodstream, placing an additional burden on the body. This is what I link to fatigue, poor skin condition, and a decline in overall well-being.

That is why I advise people with psoriasis not to ignore prolonged digestive problems. It is important to pay attention to regular bowel movements and maintain a sensible daily routine.

**2. Don't forget regular skin care.**

I see the skin not just as an outer covering but as part of the body's overall system. In my naturopathic system, I consider it one of the pathways through which waste products are eliminated. That is why I place importance on water treatments, moisturizing, and gentle skin care.

In my books, I point out that consistency in simple hygiene habits is more important than occasional efforts. At the same time, modern medicine explains psoriasis primarily through immune and inflammatory mechanisms, not through insufficient waste elimination via the skin.

**3. Think of nutrition as part of caring for your skin.**

In my recommendations, I link nutrition, digestion, and skin health. For example, I describe carrot juice as part of my approach to supporting the nervous system, skin, and overall vitality. I also draw attention to vegetables and leafy greens, particularly lettuce, which I believe contains substances important for skin health.

I advise against introducing numerous dietary restrictions at once. It is better to gradually review your everyday habits and choose a varied diet.

**4. Don't separate rest from caring for your skin.**

In my experience, the body's recovery depends not only on nutrition and skin care but also on your daily routine. In my books, I recommend going to bed before 23:00 and writing down three things you are grateful for at the end of each day. I link a calm state of mind and adequate sleep with the body's overall recovery.

I also recommend changing habits gradually rather than trying to transform your entire life in a single day. This is my naturopathic perspective on lifestyle and skin health. I do not present these principles as a proven treatment for psoriasis or as a replacement for medical care.

## Psoriasis: What Should You Do and What Treatments Are Available?

If you have already been diagnosed, the next steps depend on the type of psoriasis, the severity of the changes, and which parts of the body are affected. When choosing treatment, your doctor considers the area of skin involved, the location of the patches, and your individual health circumstances.

**Topical treatments** are applied directly to the affected areas. These include vitamin D preparations and corticosteroids, as well as moisturizers. They are available as creams, ointments, lotions, and gels. The specific product depends on the condition of your skin and where the patches are located.

For the scalp, separate medicated formulations may be used, including products based on coal tar. It is important to take the affected area into account. A product suitable for the skin on your elbows or knees may not be convenient to use on your scalp.

**Moisturizers** play an important role in everyday skin care. They help maintain the skin in good condition and reduce dryness. You can use them as part of your regular routine, following your specialist's recommendations.

**Phototherapy** may be used when symptoms are more pronounced. This is a separate treatment approach selected by a doctor according to the patient's condition.

**Medications** may also be prescribed when the affected areas are more extensive or the condition is more severe. Sometimes several treatment methods need to be combined because a topical product alone is not enough to address the problem.

You should not choose medications yourself based on advice from acquaintances or rely only on photographs of skin rashes. Even if two people have similar-looking plaques, the extent of the affected area and the characteristics of their condition may differ.

The duration of topical treatment and other methods depends on the specific treatment plan. There is no universal timeframe that works for every patient. Do not extend the use of medications, change how you use them, or stop prescribed treatment on your own.

Lifestyle changes complement medical care. A balanced diet, physical activity, weight management, and stress management can all help you take care of your overall health.

If the condition affects your emotional well-being, do not ignore this problem. Persistent skin symptoms can cause psychological distress. In such cases, you may need additional support.

## When to See a Doctor

Psoriasis does not always require emergency care, but there are situations in which delaying medical attention can be dangerous.

**When you need emergency medical help:**

- Your skin becomes red very quickly, and numerous small white pus-filled blisters appear that may merge together.
- Yellowish-brown areas containing pus develop on the soles of your feet.
- Red, scaly areas with pus-filled blisters appear on the tips of your fingers or toes.
- Skin changes are accompanied by a rapid heartbeat, high fever, chills, or a pronounced sensation of heat or cold.

These symptoms may indicate a serious complication or infection. Call emergency services or go to an emergency department. Do not drive yourself in this situation.

**When you should schedule a routine doctor's appointment:**

- You notice patches on your skin that look like psoriatic rashes.
- Your prescribed treatment has stopped working or is causing unwanted reactions.
- You regularly experience recurring joint pain, stiffness, or swelling alongside psoriasis.

If you have joint symptoms, it is especially important not to focus solely on skin care. Psoriatic arthritis requires a separate assessment by a specialist. If you are already receiving treatment, tell your doctor about any changes in your condition and any additional products you are using. Do not stop prescribed medications on your own.

You can read more about how I approach this subject on the "[Skin](/health/kozha/)" page.

## From the Editorial Team

This article is based on the books of Dr. Boris Wydoff and medical reference materials covering psoriasis, its symptoms, and modern approaches to managing the condition. The material introduces readers to the author's naturopathic perspective, but it does not replace an individual medical consultation, diagnosis, or prescribed treatment.

Medical information: [NHS (UK National Health Service)](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/psoriasis/).

## FAQ

**Q: What is psoriasis and what does it look like?**
A: It is a chronic skin condition linked to an immune system disorder and accelerated skin cell renewal. Thickened patches covered with light-colored scales appear on the surface of the skin. They most often develop on the elbows, knees, scalp, and torso, but can also affect the palms, soles, and nails.

**Q: Can stress cause psoriasis?**
A: Stress is one of the factors that can trigger a flare-up, but it is not considered the only cause of the condition. The immune system and genetic predisposition also play a role in its development. If you notice that your skin gets worse after periods of intense stress, discuss this with your dermatologist.

**Q: Can you catch psoriasis from another person?**
A: No, psoriasis does not spread through touching, hugging, living together, or sharing household items. A person with this diagnosis does not need to isolate themselves from their family. Genetic predisposition has nothing to do with everyday contagion.

**Q: What should I avoid if I have psoriasis?**
A: You should not stop prescribed treatment on your own, ignore worsening symptoms, or injure affected areas of skin. It is also worth reconsidering habits that can make the condition worse, particularly smoking and alcohol consumption. Seek medical attention if you notice any warning signs.

**Q: How can I relieve psoriasis symptoms?**
A: Doctors use topical vitamin D preparations and corticosteroids, moisturizers, phototherapy, and medications. The choice depends on the area affected, the location of the patches, and the severity of the condition. A balanced diet, appropriate physical activity, and weight management can also be helpful.

**Q: What foods should I include in my diet if I have psoriasis?**
A: A varied, balanced diet containing vegetables, fruit, and other familiar foods is recommended. There is no universal list of foods that inevitably trigger flare-ups in everyone with psoriasis. Pay particular attention to limiting alcohol and maintaining a healthy weight.

**Q: Can psoriasis be cured permanently?**
A: Psoriasis is considered a chronic condition characterized by alternating periods of improvement and flare-ups. Modern treatments help control symptoms and maintain the skin's condition. A doctor determines the appropriate treatment plan based on the individual characteristics of the condition.

**Q: Why do the patches come back even after my skin has cleared up?**
A: Psoriasis tends to come and go in waves, so periods when the skin looks clear may be followed by new flare-ups. These can be triggered by stress, infections, skin injuries, alcohol, smoking, and other individual factors. Monitoring changes in your condition can help you identify possible patterns and discuss them with your doctor.


_Educational content; it does not replace medical advice._