Psoriasis Causes and
Triggers
The exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, although scientists
believe that the immune system and genetic factors
are involved. It's thought that at lease 10% of the
general population inherits one or more genetic mutations which
create a predisposition to psoriasis. In order for a person to
develop psoriasis, there must be a combination of genes
that predispose to psoriasis along
with exposure to specific external trigger factors.
Your immune system protects your body against disease and
produces antibodies that attack germs and viruses. However,
with psoriasis, antibodies called T cells, start to attack
healthy skin cells by mistake. The immune system responds by
increasing the production of new skin cells. Normally skin
cells are created and die in 28 to 30 days, but with psoriasis,
the cycle of skin production becomes faster and faster and skin
cells are created and die in five to six days.
This causes the dead skin cells to build up on the surface
of the skin creating thick scaly patches.
Not everyone who has the specific genes goes on to
develop psoriasis. Many people find that the
symptoms start or become worse because of certain triggers. The
main triggers for psoriasis are:
- Alcohol. Even though psoriasis may be
aggravated by excessive alcohol, the role it plays is
uncertain. It could be that the toxic effect of
alcohol compromises the liver's ability to remove
poisons and toxins from the body effectively. Another
possibility is that alcohol can cause the body to become
dehydrated, thereby making the skin worse. Alcohol can also
cause a deficiency in the antioxidant vitamins A and E
which may lead to oxidation damage to skin cells.
- Smoking. Research has found that heavy
smokers have greater risk of triggering psoriasis. It is
thought that toxins in cigarette smoke may affect the part
of the immune system associated with psoriasis.
- Streptococcal bacteria. It is thought
that a streptococcal bacterium which causes tonsillitis or
‘strep’ throat is involved in guttate psoriasis which
develops commonly in children and young adults. However,
most people with who have streptococcal throat infections
do not develop psoriasis.
- HIV infection. HIV infection and other
diseases of the immune system can cause psoriasis to flare
up or to appear for the first time.
- Injury to the skin. Often lesions can
appear in the area of an skin injury such as scars,
scratches, insect bites or sunburn. This phenomenon is
called the Koebner response and the symptoms can appear
between 10 to 14 days after a trauma to the skin, and even
up to several years later.
- Medication. Certain medications such
as beta blockers, non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs and
anti-malarial drugs can trigger psoriasis.
- Stress. As with other skin problems,
stress can worsen psoriasis and increase itching. Many
people can trace their first outbreak to a time of worry
and stress. Excessive and long-term stress can cause havoc
on the skin as it effects all the systems of the body,
especially the immune system and its important
functions in protecting the body against disease.
- Weather. Weather is a strong factor in
triggering psoriasis. Cold, dry weather commonly starts a
psoriasis flare-up, and hot, damp, sunny
weather improves psoriasis symptoms. However, in some
cases, sunshine can make the symptoms worse.
These are the main psoriasis causes and triggers. You should
avoid them where possible.
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