Psoriasis and emotions: why flare-ups worsen during stressful periods
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects around 2 to 3% of the world's population (World Health Organization, 2016). It is characterized by red, thick patches with silvery scaling, which can appear on the scalp, elbows, knees, or various parts of the body.
Although psoriasis is caused by a dysregulated immune response, many patients notice that flare-ups are not solely driven by biology: they worsen during periods of stress, anxiety, or emotional overload.
In this article, we will explore why this happens, what science already knows about the connection between skin and emotions, and how small changes in daily life can help control outbreaks.
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system accelerates the skin cell renewal cycle.
While a healthy skin cell takes around 28 days to renew itself, in a person with psoriasis this process can occur in 3 to 7 days (Lowes et al., Nature Reviews Immunology, 2014).
This abnormal rhythm leads to the accumulation of cells, forming thick, inflamed, and flaky plaques.
In addition to its physical impact, psoriasis is also a psychosocial disease, as it affects self-esteem, social life, and even professional performance.
The link between stress and psoriasis
Several studies confirm that stress is not only a consequence of psoriasis—it is also a trigger.
According to Gupta et al. (British Journal of Dermatology, 1989), more than 60% of
Patients report that episodes of stress precede a psoriasis flare-up.
A review by Richards et al. (British Journal of Dermatology, 2004) highlighted that anxiety and depression are significantly more prevalent in people with psoriasis, creating a vicious cycle: stress worsens lesions → lesions increase stress → stress fuels new flare-ups.
The role of the skin-brain axis
The skin and nervous system have a common embryonic origin (ectoderm) and communicate via hormones, neurotransmitters, and inflammatory cytokines.
When we are under stress:
The body increases the production of cortisol and adrenaline.
These hormones alter the immune response and increase the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
The result: chronic inflammation and acceleration of the cell renewal cycle—aggravating psoriasis plaques (Paus et al., Trends in Immunology, 2006).
In other words, the skin "hears" emotions and reacts to them.
Natural strategies to break the stress-psoriasis cycle
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Relaxation practices can reduce the intensity and frequency of attacks:
Diaphragmatic breathing (4-7-8).
Guided meditation or mindfulness → studies show that regular practice reduces psychological symptoms and improves quality of life in patients with psoriasis.
Restorative yoga → improves sleep, reduces muscle tension, and anxiety.
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Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) → anxiolytic, improves insomnia.
Melissa (Melissa officinalis) → calming effect on the nervous system.
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) → mild anti-inflammatory and regulator of
stress.
Simple infusions can be integrated into daily life as self-care rituals.
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Diet can modulate inflammation and reduce flare-ups:
Fatty fish and flaxseed/chia seeds → rich in omega-3.
Colorful fruits and vegetables → antioxidants and polyphenols.
Turmeric with black pepper → powerful natural anti-inflammatory.
Avoid alcohol, refined sugar, and ultra-processed foods → linked to increased inflammation.
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Diet can modulate inflammation and reduce flare-ups:
Lavender → deep relaxation.
Sweet orange → promotes joy.
Frankincense → aids in meditation and emotional centering.
Use in diffusion in the environment or diluted in vegetable oil for relaxing massages.
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Psoriasis is not just physical.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression associated with the disease, with a positive impact on skin lesions as well (Fortune et al., British Journal of Dermatology, 2002).
Psoriasis is not just a skin disease—it is also an emotional disease.
Stress, anxiety, and psychological overload can be powerful triggers for crises.
The good news is that there are several ways to break this cycle: from stress management strategies to dietary adjustments and herbal medicine. The path is not one of perfection, but of balance: small daily choices that reduce inflammation and restore quality of life.
References: World Health Organization. Global Report on Psoriasis. 2016 | Lowes MA, Suarez-Fariñas M, Krueger JG. Immunology of psoriasis. Nat Rev Immunol. 2014 | Gupta MA, et al. Stress and psoriasis: a prospective study. Br J Dermatol. 1989 | Richards HL, et al. Psychological distress in psoriasis. Br J Dermatol. 2004 | Paus R, et al. The “brain-skin connection”. Trends Immunol. 2006 | Kabat-Zinn J, et al. Effectiveness of meditation-based stress reduction in psoriasis. Psychosom Med. 1998 | Chainani-Wu N. Safety and anti-inflammatory activity of curcumin. Altern Med Rev. 2003 | Fortune DG, et al. Randomized controlled trial of cognitive–behavioral therapy in psoriasis. Br J Dermatol. 2002