How Psoriasis is Caused? Here’s What You Need to Know

Did you know that more than 3% or 7.5 million US adults have psoriasis? Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory and immune-mediated skin condition characterized by the appearance of plaques or scales. Its more obvious causes are the hyperactive immune system and genetics. However, some factors may trigger and worsen its signs. Let’s dive deeper into how psoriasis is caused. 

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease caused by the overproduction of skin cells, leading to inflammation and a scaly, patchy appearance. In psoriasis, the body can’t get rid of old dead skin cells, thus they keep on accumulating on the skin in the form of dry and extremely sensitive areas.

How Psoriasis is Caused? 

There are multiple reasons behind psoriasis, the most obvious ones being: 

Genetics

Genetic factors may play a huge role in developing the signs of psoriasis. Around 1 in 3 people who have psoriasis have genetic reasons, and about 10% of the population inherits genes but not all of them cause psoriasis. 

The genetics of psoriasis are diverse. You can have psoriasis even if you don’t have a family history of the condition. In genetic psoriasis, the genes controlling the immune system signaling become distorted, causing inflammation and hyperactivity in skin cells which leads to enhanced cell production.

Immune System Disorder

A hyperactive and imbalanced immune system is a major reason behind developing psoriasis. When the immune system disrupts its functioning, the skin cells behave abnormally such as overproduction of cells and inflammation. Moreover, the changes in immune system functioning may lead to flawed signaling in the overall body, causing skin rash, plaques, or skin lesions, such as psoriasis, eczema, and other skin-related diseases.

Research suggests that inflammatory mechanisms in psoriasis are largely due to an over-active and defective immune system that contributes to increasing the signs and their severity.

What Triggers the Signs of Psoriasis?

Weather

Usually, the winter and fall seasons are really bad for psoriasis patients. Cold weather, high humidity, low sunlight, and dry air can flare up its signs. Conversely, warm weather may help alleviate psoriasis symptoms.

Medication

You should always consult your doctor before using any medication while suffering from psoriasis. Sometimes, even a routine medicine may trigger the severity of the disease.

Infection or Allergens

The immune system in psoriasis becomes compromised, resulting in sending and receiving the wrong signals when in contact with an allergen. Thus, the skin suffers from inflammatory skin disorders.

Stress

One of the most prevalent psoriasis triggers is stress. Relaxation exercises and stress management techniques may help prevent stress-induced psoriasis.

Injured Skin

Psoriasis is more likely to develop in skin that has been injured or harmed. For example, skin areas with scratches, sun damage, or bug bites are more prone to developing psoriasis.

Bottom Line

Psoriasis can’t be cured, but it can be managed. Moreover, its symptoms such as itching and irritation can be minimized by consulting with your dermatologist. Taking steps to identify the triggering factors of psoriasis can also help prevent this chronic skin disorder.