Most of us think that psoriasis is just a skin condition. But it actually starts underneath the skin. Also, Psoriasis is a long-lasting disease of the immune system which ranges from mild to severe. Since it is an inflammatory disease, anyone can get this disease. What Causes Psoriasis? is now the common question that rises to your mind. Hence, read the complete article to know the Psoriasis causes.
What Causes Psoriasis?
We know that our body produces new skin cells in the deepest layer of the skin. These gradually move up through the layers of the skin. When they reach the outermost level, they will die and peel off. It takes around takes around three to four weeks to undergo this process for normal people. But for the people with psoriasis, it takes about 3 to 7 days only. The skin cells may multiply upto 10 times faster than a normal person. Hence, the cells that are not fully developed build up rapidly on the surface of the skin and causes patches on the skin. Psoriasis appears as red or pink small scaly bumps that merge into plaques of raised skin. The exact cause of psoriasis is not entirely known. But scientists believe that psoriasis is the result of several factors, including genetics, environmental factors, and the immune system.
It causes our skin cells to multiply quickly and to accumulate on the surface of the skin. These excess skin cells will create thick, scaly patches called plaques. Plaques most often develop on the Elbows, Knees, Scalp, Palms of the Hand, Lower back, and soles of the feet. More specifically, one key cell is a type of white blood cell called a T lymphocyte or T cell. Usually, T cells travel throughout the body to detect and fight off foreign substances, such as viruses or bacteria. If you have psoriasis, however, the T cells attack healthy skin cells by mistake, as if to heal a wound or to fight an infection.
Types of Psoriasis
Since scoriosis is classified into 7 types, knowing which kind you have helps your doctor make treatment easier.
Plaque psoriasis
This type is often called Psoriasis Vulgaris and causes raised, inflamed, red skin covered with silvery or white scales. These patches may itch or burn and may appear anywhere in your body.
Iron rich foods list for women
Guttate psoriasis
Guttate psoriasis happens in less than 2% of cases and mostly starts in children or young adults. This type of psoriasis causes small, pink-red spots on the skin and also goes away within a few weeks, even without treatment.
Inverse Psoriasis
The Inverse psoriasis shows up as areas that are bright red, smooth, and shiny but don’t have scales. It was usually found in Armpits; groin, skin folds around the genitals, and under the breasts. Also, this may worsen with sweating and rubbing.
Pustular psoriasis
Pustular psoriasis causes some pus-filled bumps surrounded by the red skin called pustules and looks like infections but are not. This type is uncommon and mostly appears in adults. Generally, it appears on hands and feet.
Dengue treatment with papaya leaves
Erythrodermic Psoriasis
This is a rare type but severe. Erythrodermic psoriasis causes widespread, fiery skin that looks burned and affects most of your body. It also causes severe illness from protein and fluid loss.
Scalp Psoriasis
The scalp psoriasis causes red scaly patches which seem to be like crusty or flaky or dandruff. People may get it as the single patch or throughout the scalp and may spread over the forehead, under the neck, and across the ears. Also, causes severe itching and pain. Can psoriasis cause hair loss? Yes! because scratching of the patches make it worse and leads to hair fall.
Nail Psoriasis
Under this type, the nails are split or crack, and even fall off. Upto half of them having psoriasis may have nail changes. Nails may have a white or yellow margin at the top and looks in yellow-brown color. A chalk-like material will appear under your nails.
Psoriasis Causes
Researchers believe that for a person to develop psoriasis, then they must have a combination of the genes that cause psoriasis and be exposed to specific external factors known as “triggers.” While the itchiness can be unpleasant, some of the worst effects of psoriasis can be emotional. People with severe psoriasis are sometimes so overwhelmed by their condition and self-conscious about their appearance that they feel isolated and depressed. What causes psoriasis to flare up? While the specific causes of psoriasis are not completely understood, learning about the possible triggers for symptoms can prevent future flare-ups and improve your quality of life. Psoriasis can’t be cured, but it can be controlled. Learn from a doctor about what causes psoriasis and what is happening inside your body when any of these symptoms occur.
Is Psoriasis contagious?
No, psoriasis is not at all contagious. People believe that it was same as that of Leprosy. But it is not the case. Also, you cannot get the psoriasis by touching or kissing someone who has psoriasis. It is an autoimmune condition, not an infectious disease.
Psoriasis Risk Factors
Psoriasis affects both men and women equally. It can begin at any age, but it is most common between the ages of 15 and 30 years, and again between 50 and 60 years. The average age is 28 years. People with cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome may be more likely to develop it. But some factors may increase the risk of developing the disease. Apart from medical treatments, make certain lifestyle adjustments which reduce the risk for a psoriasis flare-up.
Genetics
The most significant risk factor for developing psoriasis is having a family history of it. Having one or both of your parents with psoriasis may increase the risk of getting the disease more.
Viral and Bacterial Infections
People with HIV are more likely to develop psoriasis than those with healthy immune systems.
Can Stress cause psoriasis?
Since stress impacts our immune system, high stress levels may also increase the risk of psoriasis. Do some yoga or meditation, deep-breathing exercises, Tai-chi, etc. to reduce your stress.
Obesity
Excess weight also increases the risk of psoriasis. Because the plaques associated with all types of psoriasis often develops in the skin creases and folds.
Surprising Psoriasis Triggers to Avoid
The symptoms of psoriasis for most of the people may start or become worse because of an individual event called triggers. Know these surprising psoriasis triggers and handle the flare-ups.
- Smoking.
- Drinking excess amounts of alcohol.
- Injuries to the skin, such as a cut or scrape or insect bite or sunburn.
- Hormonal changes especially in women.
- Medicines such as lithium, some antimalarial medicines, anti-inflammatory drugs including ibuprofen, ACE inhibitors, etc.
- Throat infections.
If you observe any one of these psoriasis symptoms or your condition becomes severe, consult your doctor immediately. In most cases, your primary care doctor or dermatologist will be able to diagnose the psoriasis disease by examining your skin. Depending upon the psoriasis type, doctors will recommend the treatment to prevent the future flare-ups.