Yes, a total hip replacement surgery could absolutely trigger a psoriasis flare-up. Surgery involves significant skin trauma and injury, which can activate what's known as the Koebner phenomenon — where new psoriasis lesions appear in areas of skin that have been injured or stressed.
This happens because the immune system Show Full Answer
Yes, a total hip replacement surgery could absolutely trigger a psoriasis flare-up. Surgery involves significant skin trauma and injury, which can activate what's known as the Koebner phenomenon — where new psoriasis lesions appear in areas of skin that have been injured or stressed.
This happens because the immune system, already overactive in psoriasis, reacts to the injury by speeding up skin cell production, which can lead to new plaques forming. Beyond the skin trauma itself, surgery can also trigger flares through other pathways:
- Stress — Surgery is a major physical and emotional stressor, and stress is one of the most well-known psoriasis triggers
- Infection risk — Post-surgical infections can disrupt the immune system and spark flares
- Medications — Some medications used during or after surgery may be associated with flare-ups
The good news is that flares after surgery can be managed. It's worth speaking with both your surgeon and dermatologist before and after the procedure to have a plan in place. Keeping the surgical wound clean, following your prescribed psoriasis treatment, and avoiding scratching or picking at healing skin can all help reduce the risk.
April 24
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