Psoriasis Causes

 

Psoriasis Causes Defined

The exact psoriasis causes have never been medically defined, however scientists have been able to determine the process of how it evolves.  It is the one definable trigger which has stumped medical researchers and scientists for many years.

Below is a basic flow displaying the cause of psoriasis.

Genetic Disposition - Triggers - Immune System Malfunction - Psoriasis Symptoms

Genetic Disposition

Researchers have discovered nine individual gene mutations that could possibly lead to the development of psoriasis; one in particular appears to be a major contributor.  Any mutation in a gene will cause it to behave differently from its normal functions.  Scientists have estimated that about ten percent of the world’s population contain these mutated genes however only two to three percent of those actually have psoriasis.   Approximately one third of all people who develop psoriasis have one or more family members with the same condition which shows strong evidence towards a genetic disposition.
 
This begs the question why then do some have it and the other seven percent don’t?

Triggers of Psoriasis Causes

While the one definitive trigger still remains a mystery there are however certain factors which may start or worsen psoriasis.  While the following triggers have not been proven they are a common factor reported by many sufferers.  They include:

•    Any Infections, including respiratory. Strep throat is believed to be a major trigger with psoriasis guttate
•    Some form of skin damage such as cuts, bites, sunburn or normal burns (While sunlight is considered to be beneficial for the treatment of psoriasis, excessive sun can have the opposite effect)
•    Certain Medications
•    Emotional Stress or anxiety (This normally compounds the problem as the unsightly appearance of Psoriasis causes embarrassment for the patient, worsening the problem)
•    Cold weather (The percentage of those living in colder European countries far outweighs those living in more tropical climates such as Asia)  
•    Smoking
•    Excessive alcohol consumption

Immune System Malfunction

Whatever the trigger may be the next step in the sequence appears to be a malfunction in the immune system which is why sometimes psoriasis is referred to as an auto immune disease.  For some reason certain areas of the skin are misdiagnosed as needing repair and the immune system attacks it.
 
T cells which are a form of white blood cells become overactive and attack the areas of normal skin resulting in a dramatic increase in skin cell production.  In a process which normally occurs over a two to three week time span, it is now reduced to a few days forcing the skin to pile up on top of one another.  This causes the inflamed raised skin with silver white scales common with plaque psoriasis.  The area is usually red due to the extra blood vessels required to sustain the increase in skin cell production.

Undefined Psoriasis Causes

Psoriasis is a chronic disease which once developed will stay with the person in different stages of remission for the rest of their lives.  The triggers described above are also believed responsible for flare ups which occur unpredictably at any time.

This is why we believe at Skin Care Help Online that education of the disease is a most important step for those who develop it.  We therefore recommend you research as much information as possible to increase your understanding so regardless of psoriasis causes you are best prepared to deal with it.