The link between Psoriasis and stress has been acknowledged by the doctors since long. This has also been confirmed by clinical trials. They suggest that the mind and body affect each other in myriad ways. Psoriasis can also flare up in a person under stress regardless of his taking medication. Studies prove that patients of Psoriasis can relate to an incident which caused stress in their lifetime. This incident could have triggered Psoriasis or aggravated the disease if it already existed. Moreover since Psoriasis is a disease of the immune system it is logical that emotional factors have a significant role in it.

It has been seen that Psoriasis patients have higher concentration of nerves in their skin. The nerves emit "neuropeptides". Neuropeptides transmit nerve impulses. The neuropeptides found in the brain which get affected by stress are quite akin to the neuropeptides found in Psoriasis affected areas. Thus researchers believe that neuropeptides help in causing or aggravating the disease.

Medical studies are not in agreement as regards the percentage of patients who have symptoms related to stress. The findings vary in a spectrum of 80% to 40%. In one such study 39% people could recall a incident causing stress in the first month of appearance of symptoms of Psoriasis. These studies also suggest that children are more vulnerable. The percentage of young people whose symptoms are related to stress could be as high as 90%.

The stress relating events affect different persons individually. In certain cases it could be financial problems. Family issues, job related or even childbirth could lead to stress. High stress can trigger the following unwanted emotional or physical effects

• Disturbed sleep

• Trouble in concentrating

• High blood pressure

• Anger anxiety or bad temper,

• Depression or irritability

There are many ways to manage stress:

• Identify the event which caused stress. Studies suggest that patients who have identified the events which could have caused Psoriasis could recover faster.
• Identify the situations which could worsen the disease and avoid these situations. You will be less stressful.
• Improve interpersonal relationship by taking the help of your family, friends and co workers.
• Consult experts on Yoga, Meditation, hypnosis or relaxation exercises which reduce tension. Also provide these inputs to your doctor.
• Stress can be reduced by Biofeedback. Studies have shown that persons trained in bio feedback have improved their condition and reduced the chances of occurrence.