Bacterial Infections Play a Role in Psoriasis

Bacterial infections may weaken the immune system and cause or worsen the symptoms of psoriasis. Systemic infections (or infections throughout the entire body such as a cold) have been associated with causing psoriasis include viral upper respiratory disease, streptococcal pharyngitis ("strep throat"), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Staphylococcal skin infections (boils) have been a trigger. Infections can affect the outcome of psoriasis treatment.