Why do people get psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the skin, causing red patches with silvery scales to develop. The exact cause of psoriasis is not fully understood, but it's believed to be a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune system factors.
Genetic factors: Psoriasis tends to run in families, suggesting that genetics plays a role in its development. Studies have identified several genes that are associated with psoriasis, including those involved in the immune system and skin cell growth and differentiation.
Environmental factors: Certain triggers can cause psoriasis to flare up or worsen in people who are predisposed to the condition. These triggers may include stress, infections, injury to the skin, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and certain medications.
Immune system factors: Psoriasis is believed to be caused by an overactive immune system that mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, causing them to grow too quickly and form red, scaly patches. Certain immune system cells, such as T cells and dendritic cells, are thought to play a key role in the development of psoriasis.
Overall, the development of psoriasis is likely due to a complex interplay between genetics, environmental factors, and immune system dysfunction. It's important for individuals with psoriasis to work closely with their healthcare providers to manage their condition and prevent flare-ups.