Papulosquamous disorders mnemonic

Common triggers that worsen psoriasis

The mnemonic

STRESS

What each word stands for

  • SStreptococcal infection (guttate)
  • TTrauma (Koebner)
  • RRapid steroid withdrawal
  • EEmotional stress
  • SSmoking and alcohol
  • SSome drugs: beta-blockers, lithium, antimalarials

Why it matters clinically

Identifying triggers helps prevent flares.

Where it stops being reliable

Not an exhaustive list, and not a cause of the disease.

Teaching aid, still awaiting independent review. Confirm facts in a standard source.

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the Papulosquamous disorders mnemonic?

STRESS. It helps you recall: Common triggers that worsen psoriasis.

What does "S" stand for?

Some drugs: beta-blockers, lithium, antimalarials

What does "T" stand for?

Trauma (Koebner)

What does "R" stand for?

Rapid steroid withdrawal

What are all the parts of the STRESS mnemonic?

S: Streptococcal infection (guttate); T: Trauma (Koebner); R: Rapid steroid withdrawal; E: Emotional stress; S: Smoking and alcohol; S: Some drugs: beta-blockers, lithium, antimalarials.

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to Papulosquamous disorders in Dermatology.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

Not an exhaustive list, and not a cause of the disease.

How is this useful clinically?

Identifying triggers helps prevent flares.

How do I make this mnemonic stick?

Say it aloud, write it from memory tomorrow, then again in a week. Then test yourself on a Dermatology question about Papulosquamous disorders.

Is this a standard mnemonic?

It is a teaching aid written or adapted by our team. Some resemble ones students share informally. Check any fact that matters in a standard source.