What are the Causes, Areas, Severity and who can get it?

Psoriasis is a chronic auto-immune condition in which the immune cells of the body mistakenly attack the body’s skin cells. This triggers an abnormal response, resulting in the rapid growth of cells. This rapid build-up creates silvery scales of thickened skin resulting in excessive shedding.

Psoriasis usually occurs on the scalp (scalp psoriasis), elbows, knees, lower back, and genitals. Psoriasis is not contagious, and, in most cases, the rash is limited to a few patches of skin. In severe cases, it can cover large areas of the body.

The psoriasis triggers of autoimmunity are not known, however; it tends to run in families. A genetic background or connection has been verified in many cases. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, about 40% of people with psoriasis disease have family members suffering from skin problems.

Causes of Psoriasis

Some of the other causes of psoriasis that are believed to be psoriasis triggers are:

• Extreme stress:

  Mental stress is a major reason for psoriasis as it causes the body to release chemicals that boost the inflammatory response. This results in a rapid build-up of skin cells, causing a stress-induced flare-up.

• Infections:

  Infections like strep throat (a bacterial infection that causes inflammation and pain in the throat) in particular are linked with guttate psoriasis. Earaches, bronchitis, tonsillitis, or respiratory infections such as a cold or the flu may also be psoriasis triggers or causes of psoriasis.

• Cold and dry weather:

  Dry air, defused natural sunlight and cold temperatures are causes of psoriasis skin disease.

• Friction and injuries to the skin:

  A cut, scrape, bug bite, infection, or excessive scratching can also be psoriasis triggers.

• Excessive intake of alcohol and smoking:

  This can be a major reason for psoriasis as it triggers a flare-up and decreases the likelihood of psoriasis remission. It also reduces immunity and alters the immune system resulting in an increased risk of infection.

Who can get psoriasis?

Psoriasis can arise at any age, but between the ages of 15 and 25, it most frequently emerges. One in three persons with psoriasis has a relative who also has the condition, which leads researchers to conclude that the condition has a strong genetic component. Additionally, if both parents have psoriasis, there is a 50% probability that their child will also have it.

Psoriasis is more likely to develop in people with HIV or weakened immune systems. Children who experience recurrent viral and bacterial infections, especially strep throat, may be more susceptible. Chronic stress may raise the risk of acquiring psoriasis as well since it has a detrimental effect on the immune system. Smoking may not only make psoriasis more severe, but it may also contribute to the condition's early onset.

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