Medications That Can Trigger Plaque Psoriasis: What to Know and How to Manage It
Plaque psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes raised, red, and scaly skin patches. While genetics and immune system activity are major triggers, certain medications can also spark flare-ups—or make existing symptoms worse.
If you’ve recently started a new medication and noticed skin changes, it’s worth learning which drugs are linked to psoriasis flare-ups and how to manage symptoms effectively.
Common Medications That May Trigger Plaque Psoriasis
Certain prescription drugs have been reported to either cause new psoriasis cases or aggravate existing ones. If you’re dealing with persistent flare-ups, one of the following medications could be the culprit:
- Beta-blockers – Commonly used for heart disease and high blood pressure (e.g., propranolol, atenolol)
- Lithium – A psychiatric medication used to treat bipolar disorder
- Antimalarial drugs – Such as hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine
- Interferons – Used in hepatitis and certain cancer treatments
- NSAIDs – Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or naproxen
These medications don’t cause psoriasis in everyone, but individuals with a family history or existing autoimmune issues may be more prone to reactions.
How to Recognize Symptoms of a Psoriasis Flare-Up
Plaque psoriasis is usually easy to spot due to its distinctive appearance and discomfort. Symptoms may appear gradually or flare up rapidly, particularly after starting a new drug.
Watch for:
- Red, inflamed patches of skin with silvery-white scales
- Itching or burning sensations, especially on the elbows, scalp, knees, or back
- Dry or cracked skin that may bleed
- Soreness or stiffness in joints (may indicate psoriatic arthritis)
- Thickened or pitted nails
If your symptoms align with these and you’ve recently begun a new medication, it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider about possible drug-related triggers.
Treatment Options for Medication-Induced Psoriasis
Managing psoriasis that’s triggered by medication starts with identifying the cause. In many cases, a doctor may recommend switching to an alternative drug if medically appropriate. In addition to stopping the trigger medication (under guidance), other treatments can help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
Topical corticosteroids are often the first line of defense, helping to reduce inflammation and itching. Vitamin D analogs and topical calcineurin inhibitors can also be prescribed for milder cases or sensitive areas like the face. For more moderate to severe symptoms, phototherapy or biologic medications may be used to target the immune system more directly.
Lifestyle changes can help, too—maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, and managing stress may all reduce flare-ups.
Conclusion
While plaque psoriasis is a lifelong condition, understanding what triggers your flare-ups—especially medication-related ones—can make a huge difference. If you suspect a drug is worsening your symptoms, talk to your doctor about alternatives and get ahead of the inflammation before it escalates. With the right treatment and awareness, flare-ups can be managed and quality of life restored.
Sources
National Psoriasis Foundation – https://www.psoriasis.org
American Academy of Dermatology – https://www.aad.org
Mayo Clinic – https://www.mayoclinic.org
NIH MedlinePlus – https://medlineplus.gov
Cleveland Clinic – https://my.clevelandclinic.org