What Causes Psoriasis?

Medically reviewed by Casey Gallagher, MD

Scientists do not know what causes psoriasis. The condition is not contagious, and immune system functioning and genetics play a large role in whether you will develop it. Environmental factors can also trigger the onset of symptoms or lead to psoriasis flare-ups.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation in the body and speeds up the growth of skin cells. The skin cells can pile up and turn into thick patches of discolored skin, which are referred to as "plaques."

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Immune System Function

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder, so researchers believe that an overactive immune system speeds up skin cell growth. Skin cells typically take about a month to grow completely and then shed when the immune system functions properly.

Skin cells can grow within three to six days with psoriasis. The cells pile up on the skin and develop into dry plaques instead of shedding after they done growing.

Research has shown that the overgrowth of skin cells occurs because of an issue with T-cells, or a type of white blood cell. T-cells are an important part of the immune system. They help keep you safe by fighting bacteria, viruses, and other harmful things that enter the body.

T-cells attack healthy skin cells by mistake if you have psoriasis. The body reacts by making new skin cells more frequently, which eventually turn into plaques and scales on the skin.

Genetics

Research has found that a family history of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) can make you more likely to develop the condition. It's important to note that people can develop psoriasis without a family history of the disease.

Some evidence suggests that you have a 28% chance of developing symptoms if you have one parent with psoriasis. Your risk of developing the condition rises to 65% if both parents have psoriasis.

The link between psoriasis and genetics is unclear. It doesn't always mean you will get the condition even if you have a gene linked to psoriasis. There are also people with psoriasis who don't have genes linked to psoriasis but still develop symptoms. This is why experts think environmental factors can also contribute to the onset of psoriasis.

Environmental Triggers

Psoriasis symptoms or flare-ups may sometimes be caused by various environmental triggers. These factors can vary from person to person, and not all triggers affect everyone the same way.

Environmental triggers include:

• Cold and dry weather: Research has shown that the lack of sunlight and humidity that's associated with cold weather can be what causes psoriasis flare-ups. Cold weather can lead to dry or flaky skin and worsen symptoms. Warmer and more humid weather might improve symptoms and reduce flare-ups.

• Illness: Any illness that triggers the immune system can cause symptoms due to the autoimmune nature of psoriasis. Illnesses such as strep throat, bronchitis, and ear infections may trigger a flare-up. Children, in general, may be more susceptible to illness-related flare-ups, but these may also occur in adults.

• Injury: Cuts, scratches, and severe sunburns are all types of skin injuries that can lead to the onset of symptoms. Research has shown that skin injuries can cause new plaques and lesions on the skin. This is a result of the Koebner phenomenon, which suggests that injury to the skin can lead to a psoriatic flare-up.

• Lifestyle behaviors: Drinking alcohol, using tobacco, taking certain medications, shaving, and getting tattoos can sometimes lead to flare-ups. Each of these lifestyle factors varies from person to person. It can take some time to learn what triggers your flare-ups, and that's OK. Keeping a log of your symptoms and what may have triggered them can help.

• Stress: Stressful life events (e.g., job loss or divorce) and daily stressors (e.g., being stuck in traffic or studying for a big test) can cause a psoriasis flare-up. Eliminating all stress from your life isn't a realistic goal. Using stress management techniques like meditation, exercise, or journaling can help you manage stress better and reduce flare-ups. 
  

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A Quick Review

Researchers are investigating the exact cause of psoriasis. A combination of an overactive immune system, genetics, and exposure to environmental triggers like stress or illness may contribute to the onset of symptoms. It's a good idea to visit a healthcare provider for an exam and a proper diagnosis if you develop psoriasis symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do you treat psoriasis?

The way you treat psoriasis is based on many factors, like how severe it is and what type you have. Treatments can include topical treatments, oral or injectable medications, and light therapy.

2. What does psoriasis look like?

A person with psoriasis may have irritated skin, redness, and silvery scales. They may also experience skin patches that are flaky and whitish.

3. What deficiency causes psoriasis?

Low vitamin D levels may be linked to psoriasis. Research has shown that vitamin D deficiency is more common in people with psoriasis than those without. The lower the vitamin D levels, the more severe the symptoms.

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