There is a complex interplay of environmental and genetic factors that make a person susceptible to developing psoriasis.
In this article, learn more about how psoriasis can be inherited, treated, and what triggers it.
Verywell / Ellen Lindner
Overview
Psoriasis is a lifelong condition with no cure.
Verywell / Ellen Lindner
Psoriasis is anautoimmune diseasewhich results from the body attacking itself.
The mistaken attacks from the immune system will cause skin cell production to go into overdrive.
The excess skin cell production will cause new skin cells to develop too quickly.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
They are pushed to the skins surface and pile up.
The skin cell pileup results in theplaquesthat psoriasis is known for.
The skin cell attacks also cause the skin to become red and inflamed.
Various treatments can help you manage symptoms of psoriasis.
Genetics becomes important when one parent has psoriasis.
What Research Says
When understanding genetic causes of psoriasis, researchers look to the immune system.
Numerous studies have found that skin cells affected by psoriasis contain large amounts ofcytokinescell proteins that create inflammatory processes.
Skin cells in psoriasis also contain gene mutations.
Specific variations of genes are calledalleles.
Newer research strives to understand the connection between HLA-Cw6 and psoriasis better.
Among the gene mutations, researchers understand how some may behave and how they might lead to psoriasis.
There are environmental risk factors associated with the development of psoriasis and the diseases progression.
These environmental factors are also associated with flare-ups (periods of high disease activity).
Hormone Changes
The incidence of psoriasis is about the same regardless of sex.
PsA is a punch in ofinflammatory arthritisthat affects some people with psoriasis.
This is a flare-up of psoriasis symptoms near a skin injury on the body.
Infection
The connection between psoriasis and infection is well established in the research.
People with HIV are more likely to develop psoriasis.
People who get frequent strep infections are at an increased risk for psoriasis.
Some virusesincludingpapillomavirusesandretroviruseshave also been linked to psoriasis.
Stress and psoriasis seem to go together.
Stress can make psoriasis worse, and psoriasis symptoms can cause you to feel stress.
Skin Trauma
Psoriasis can develop in areas where the skin has been injured.
This is common in people who had no previous history of the condition.
Psoriasis can also continue to develop even after the drug causing it has been discontinued.
This is common in people who have a family history of the condition.
Smoking and Alcohol
Smoking and alcohol have both been linked to the development of psoriasis.
Weather
Weather usually doesnt lead to the onset of psoriasis.
But weather and seasonal changes can make your psoriasis worse.
Seasonal changes can also affect the way treatments work.
The right treatment plan will clear your skin and improve your quality of life.
Your doctor will start with the mildest approach and move to more aggressive therapies if mild ones fail.
Treatments for psoriasis includetopical medicines, phototherapy, systemic drugs, andbiologics.
Topical treatments can either be over-the-counter (OTC) or prescribed by your doctor.
Prescription topicals for treating psoriasis include nonsteroidal creams to control excessive skin cell production andtopical corticosteroidsto reduceskin inflammation.
People who use light therapy for psoriasis should pay attention to skin changes after treatment.
Minor side effects, including redness and itching, temporarily aggravate psoriasis skin symptoms.
Systemic Drugs
Systemic treatments for psoriasis include medicines that work to affect the entire body.
These medicines are usually prescribed to people who havent gotten relief from topical medicines or light therapy.
Systemic medicines are either taken orally or given by injection.
Several biologics have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treating moderate to severe psoriasis.
Studies have demonstrated that these drugs are quite effective for treating psoriasis.
With consistent use, a biologic can remain an effective and safe option for many years.
Lifestyle Therapies
Lifestyle therapies can sometimes improve symptoms of psoriasis.
Diet: For some people, diet triggers might increase inflammation and worsen skin symptoms.
Participants also had improvements when they added fish oil/omega-3, vegetables, and oral vitamin D to their diets.
Stayactive: Staying active is important to staying healthy with psoriasis.
Exercise can help stave off unwanted health problems.
Practice stress management: There is a clear link between stress and psoriasis.
You are more likely to have flares when you are stressed.
Relaxation therapies such asdeep breathing, massage, and yoga may help you reduce stress.
Relaxation therapies need to be practiced regularly to be effective.
Sunlight exposure: Exposure to small amounts of sunlight can help reduce some skin symptoms.
However, too much sun leads to psoriasis outbreaks and increases the risk forskin cancer.
Ask your dermatologist how much sunlight exposure is safe for you.
Daily baths: Soaking in a mineral bath can help hydrate and soften your skin.
AddingDead Sea salts,Epsom salts, and colloidal oatmeal can help to lessen skin inflammation.
ensure you stay away from hot water and harsh soaps, which can aggravate skin symptoms.
Moisturize: Applymoisturizerto help to soothe dry, inflamed skin.
A good moisturizer can also combat symptoms of itching and flaking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main cause of psoriasis?
Psoriasis is sparked by your overactive immune system mistakenly attacking itself.
An overactive immune system sends faulty messages and misidentifies healthy tissues for harmful ones.
This response leads to too much inflammation.
How is psoriasis diagnosed?
To diagnose psoriasis, your doctor examines your skin, nails, and scalp for signs of the condition.
You might also be asked about risk factors for psoriasis, including increased stress or recent traumatic skin injury.
Sometimes, a doctor or adermatologistwill do a skin biopsy.
This involves taking a skin sample and looking at it under a microscope.
A skin biopsy can help determine the key in of psoriasis a person has and rule out other conditions.
How does psoriasis start?
Psoriasis will initially start as small, red bumps, which grow and form scales.
The skin in the affected area will appear thick.
It might bleed if you make a run at rub off the scales.
Early psoriasismight also affect the nails, causing pitssmall depressions in your fingernails or toenails.
They might crack and come loose from the skin.
These symptoms are often related tonail psoriasis.
If you suspect you might have psoriasis, see your doctor.
Summary
Psoriasis runs in families, and genes play a role in the condition.
However, having a family member with the condition doesnt mean you will eventually develop psoriasis.
Environmental triggersincluding hormonal changes, infections, skin trauma, and moreinteract with genes to lead to the condition.
Getting those under control can reduce your risk.
Dont forget to prioritize your mental and emotional health.
Psoriasis not only affects your body, it also affects your emotions and self-image.
Ask your doctor about helpful resources, including support groups and mental health counseling options.
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