Scientists have not yet identified the exact cause or causes of Psoriasis, however, they assume that Psoriasis begins in the body’s immune system. They believe it is triggered when a certain type of T cell malfunctions and reproduces uncontrollably.
Psoriasis appears to be hereditary, indicating that there is a genetic component of the disease. A child born to two parents who have Psoriasis is more likely to develop it than if one parent has Psoriasis.
Environmental factors are believed to trigger Psoriasis in people who have a genetic tendency toward the disease. The environment also may cause flare-ups, which are the periods when existing skin plaques become more intense temporarily. Flares are common in Psoriasis, as are remissions, when the disease appears to improve suddenly.
Several triggers have been linked to Psoriasis flares, including:
Damage to the skin – Injury, frequent rubbing or scratching the skin may cause plaques to increase in a process known as Koebner’s phenomenon.
Infections – throat infections may trigger guttate Psoriasis, a form of Psoriasis that usually occurs in childhood.
Medications - Drugs associated to the worsening of psoriasis include lithium, drugs used to treat malaria, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and oral steroids.
Stress - Some studies have suggested stress leads to flares, which can occur as much as one month after the stressful event.
Diet - While nutrition may play a role in Psoriasis, the scientific basis for improving symptoms with diet has not been established.
Climate - Psoriasis tends to be better in the summer months, when the skin is exposed to sunshine, and worse during the cloudy winter months.
Resources
Here are some reliable sources that can provide more information on psoriasis.
National Institute of Arthritis Inflammation of joints due to infectious, metabolic, or constitutional causes
Phone: (301) 495-4484
Phone: (301) 565-2966
Fax: (301) 718-6366
http://www.nih.gov/niams/
American Academy of Dermatology
Phone: (888) 462-3376 (toll-free) or
Phone: 847-330-0230
http://www.aad.org/