Psoriasis – Causes, triggers, and management
Psoriasis is a prevalent skin disorder that leads to various symptoms, the most prominent being skin inflammation and itchy, red, and white patches on the skin. Although the condition is mainly seen in adults, it can impact individuals of all ages. In most cases, it affects specific areas, such as the knees, elbows, and lower back. Sometimes, it also affects joints, causing pain and swelling. When that happens, the disorder is called psoriatic arthritis. Causes The exact cause of psoriasis is unclear. Experts believe that it is an autoimmune condition. Autoimmune conditions are when the immune system attacks the healthy cells in various body parts, leading to inflammation and other symptoms. In psoriasis, the immune cells act as though they are fighting an infection or tackling a healing wound. They produce chemicals that lead to inflammation and cause excessive growth of skin cells. Doctors have determined specific factors that increase the risk of developing this condition. These include cardiovascular diseases, trauma to the skin, diabetes, hypertension, infection, and even metabolic syndrome. Doctors have also found that genetics play a vital role in developing psoriasis. Individuals with a family history of psoriasis are more likely to develop this condition than others.
