What Causes Psoriasis? It is very important to understand the psoriasis causes. While the exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, recent research has shown that psoriasis is caused by a response in the immune system. Scientists believe that T cells trigger an inflammation in the skin, which results in excessive skin cell growth. T cells are a type of white blood cell that normally helps to protect the body against disease and infection. It is believed that psoriasis is inherited in many people. Scientists still don't know how or why, but about one third of people with psoriasis have it in their family history. As an example, the risk of getting psoriasis increases if one parent has it. The risk is substantially higher if both parents have the disease. Psoriasis will worsen and improve over time. For many people, it comes and goes. Triggers that are psoriasis causes include: Infections
Stress
Changes in climate that dry the skin
Certain medications, such as beta-blockers, lithium, or depression drugs. What is psoriasis? Psoriasis is a disease of the skin. Psoriasis causes scaling and swelling of the skin. Normally, cells grow deep in the skin, and then slowly rise in about a month's time, to the surface. This process is called cell turnover. In people with psoriasis, this process will happen in a few days. This causes cells to pile up on the skins surface. Psoriasis causes patches of thick, red skin covered with silvery scales. The patches, also called plaques, can itch or burn. They are often found on the elbows, knees, scalp, lower back, palms, face and soles of the feet. They can show up on almost any skin site. Who Gets Psoriasis? Anyone can get it. It is more common in adults than children, and men and women get it about equally. Psoriasis Treatment Treatment depends upon the severity of the disease, the size of the psoriasis patches, the type of psoriasis, and the reaction of the person to specific treatments. Everyone reacts to treatments differently. So for many, treatment involves trial and error. You may need to keep trying different psoriasis treatments until an effective one is found. There are three different types of treatment: Topical, Phototherapy, and Systemic Treatment. Topical treatments involve creams and ointments applied directly to the skin. They help to reduce the swelling, suppress the immune system, and decrease cell turnover and the swelling. Phototherapy is a light therapy. Many psoriasis sufferers find that ultraviolet light helps to relieve their psoriasis symptoms. Systemic treatments are the strongest, and are usually used for the most severe cases of psoriasis. They are administered by a shot, by doctors. They are usually not preferred because they affect your whole system, not just the psoriasis. The potential side effects should be discussed before treatment is begun. |
