What Causes Psoriasis

Researchers believe that the cause of Psoriasis is genetically determined.  They believe that it is possibly due to an immune deficiency.  It affects about two percent of the people in the United States.  Infants can have Psoriasis but it is found to be more prevalent in young adults.  Whites are affected more than any other race.  According to studies, men are more susceptible to the disease than are women.

There are many factors which can cause the onset of Psoriasis.  An episode can be triggered by a variety of causes.

1)     Guttate Psoriasis can be started up by skin injury, streptococcus infection, stress, sunburn, and a a particular medication.   The medicines include Infergen, Cardinal, Intron A, Alferon N, and Inerferor Alfa.  There are other drugs which also trigger the flare up of some types of Psoriasis.

2)     Inverse Psoriasis can begin by experiencing sweating and friction.

3)     Pustular Psoriasis is caused to flare up because of infections, anxiety, certain chemicals, and emotional stress.

4)     Erythrodermic Psoriasis is triggered by oral steroids, severe sunburn, and drug-related rashes.

According to recent research Psoriasis is most likely to be a disorder of the immune system.  This theory yields to the fact that a particular white blood cell known as a T cell generally shields the human body form diseases and infections.  Too many T cells are produced by an abnormal immune system.  As a result the T cells start up the inflammation and excessive skin cell reproduction.

Although physicians maintain that this condition is inherited and that research shows that white people have the greatest potential of developing it than any other race, there are other factors to be considered.  Psoriasis can develop through the following conditions:

1)     Cold climates worsen the symptoms of the disorder.  2) Infection causes the disease to suddenly show up.  3) Particular medications such as beta-blockers, or psychotropic medications, such as lithium, can cause symptoms to become worse.  4) Emotional stress or physical stress can possibly cause the sudden appearance or worsening of symptoms.  5)  Although there is no proof that alcohol consumption causes Psoriasis, worsening of the condition has been seen in those who drink heavily and it is thought to possibly be a risk in young and middle aged men.

Psoriasis is a chronic disorder of the skin.  It is noted to have periods of flare ups and then remission.  It is marked by the red, raised patches covered with silvery looking scaly, flaky skin.  Most common among this condition is Plaque Psoriasis.  These patches show up on your lower back, scalp, elbows, and knees.  The patches are known as plaque.  This form of the disease is called Plaque Psoriasis.

No matter what type of Psoriasis you have or what causes it, the fact remains that it is very uncomfortable.  Emollients, sunbathing and Folic Acid are good for relieving the itching.