WHAT CAUSES PSORIASIS?

The exact cause of psoriasis is still a mystery to doctors and scientists. What we do know, however, is that several factors can play a part, including genetics, environmental triggers, and your immune system.

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Inflammation and Psoriasis: Making the Connection

2 hands, each holding a puzzle piece

The immune system and inflammation play a role in psoriasis. Here’s how they’re believed to be connected.

Think of the immune system as your body’s alarm system. When you get a cold, infection, or scrape on your knee, your immune system sends out signals that trigger inflammation in an effort to defend itself.

When you have psoriasis, your immune system is out of balance. In fact, it’s in overdrive. An overactive immune system can send faulty signals and mistake healthy cells for harmful ones. This results in too much inflammation. For psoriasis patients, this means the body rapidly produces more skin cells than necessary.

Luckily, some treatment options can reduce inflammation, which may help the immune system and help to slow the rapid production of skin cells.

Talk to a dermatologist to learn more about treatment options that may work for you.

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It’s important to work with a dermatologist when choosing a psoriasis treatment. Learn how to start that conversation.

What Causes Psoriasis? | psoriasisSPEAKS

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      ScienceOfSkin_PsoriasisCausesAndTriggers_v06_US-IMMD-210177_psDOTcom

      Transcript

      Is Psoriasis Genetic?

      What do curly hair, eye color, and psoriasis all have in common?

      They are all influenced by genetics. In fact, 1 out of 3 people with psoriasis has a relative who also has the disease. Not to mention, up to 10% of the population inherits one or more of the genes that predispose them to psoriasis; however, only 2% to 3% will actually develop the disease.

      So, is psoriasis hereditary? The answer just might be, “yes.”

      You might not be able to control your genetics, but here are some things you can control.

      Psoriasis Triggers

      There is a wide range of factors that can impact when and where your psoriasis symptoms appear, reappear, or even worsen. On top of that, these triggers can vary from person to person, so it’s important to know what your specific triggers are.

      Here are a few common ones:

      Illustration of a person with psoriasis on neck Illustration of a person with psoriasis on neck Illustration of a person with psoriasis on neck

      Psoriasis and stress

      For those with psoriasis, stress can sometimes trigger inflammation and may cause symptoms to appear, reappear, or even worsen.

      Learn more about how psoriasis and stress are connected.

      Two bandages crossing into an X shape Two bandages crossing into an X shape Two bandages crossing into an X shape

      Psoriasis after injury

      Scratches. Bumps. Bruises. They all can irritate your skin and kick your immune system into high gear, aggravating your psoriasis.

      Illustration of a hand with a green line symbolizing an infection Illustration of a hand with a green line symbolizing an infection Illustration of a hand with a green line symbolizing an infection

      Psoriasis and infection

      One of your immune system’s major roles is fighting infection. For those with psoriasis, the body’s overactive immune system can send faulty signals that in turn trigger inflammation to continue even after the infection has been cleared.

      Illustration of a hat, gloves, and scarf Illustration of a hat, gloves, and scarf Illustration of a hat, gloves, and scarf

      Psoriasis and weather

      Generally, fall and winter are worse for your psoriasis than warmer seasons. A combination of dry air, less sunlight, and colder temperatures can contribute to cold-weather flare-ups.

      Illustration of two pill bottles Illustration of two pill bottles Illustration of two pill bottles

      Psoriasis medication

      Some medications can worsen psoriasis, so make sure to talk to your dermatologist about any medications you’re currently taking.

      Ladder symbolizing psoriasis triggers beneath the skin Ladder symbolizing psoriasis triggers beneath the skin Ladder symbolizing psoriasis triggers beneath the skin

      DIG DEEPER: Track your psoriasis triggers. This will come in handy when talking to your dermatologist, so you can work together to manage them.

      Is it really psoriasis? Learn more about the symptoms:
      Psoriasis Symptoms