Yes, skin trauma from a C-section can absolutely trigger psoriasis flares postpartum. This is due to something called the Koebner phenomenon — when skin is injured or traumatized, new psoriasis lesions can appear at that site. A C-section creates a wound, which makes it a potential trigger.
As one MyPsoriasisTeam member Show Full Answer
Yes, skin trauma from a C-section can absolutely trigger psoriasis flares postpartum. This is due to something called the Koebner phenomenon — when skin is injured or traumatized, new psoriasis lesions can appear at that site. A C-section creates a wound, which makes it a potential trigger.
As one MyPsoriasisTeam member put it, "My psoriasis went away completely with pregnancy and then came back with a vengeance postpartum." Beyond the Koebner phenomenon, there are other reasons psoriasis tends to flare after birth, regardless of delivery method:
- Hormonal shifts — Estrogen and progesterone levels drop sharply after delivery, which can worsen psoriasis
- Immune system rebound — During pregnancy, the immune system is naturally suppressed. After birth, it bounces back, increasing inflammation
- Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) — Studies show PsA symptoms worsen in 33%–50% of people after delivery, compared to only 15%–22% during pregnancy
Between 40% and 88% of women with psoriasis experience flares after delivery, with most occurring within the first four months postpartum. It's really important to discuss delivery plans and postpartum care with both a dermatologist and obstetrician ahead of time. If breastfeeding, treatment options may be more limited, but safer topical options like corticosteroid creams, UVB phototherapy, and moisturizers are generally considered lower risk. Always check with a doctor before starting or restarting any treatment postpartum.
September 6
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