What causes psoriasis?

What makes psoriasis so frustrating is that no one knows for certain exactly what causes the problem, although recent studies suggest it may be related to an immune system problem. Referred to as an immune-mediated disorder, it triggers inflammation and sets off a trigger that causes the skin to make too many cells at breakneck speed. Many feel this theory holds the most water because immunosuppressant medications can reduce or eliminate psoriatic lesions.

Psoriasis is the recurring, persistent growth of too many skin cells that are not able to shed properly, accompanied by red, oozing patches of skin. A normal skin cell matures in 28 to 45 days, while a psoriatic skin cell takes only 3 to 6 days. Both men and women can get psoriasis at any age, so it isn’t unusual to start noticing red, swollen, flaky bumps on your skin late in life. (Source: British Journal of Nursing, March 2008, pages 284- 290.)

What’s particularly confounding to those with psoriasis is the randomness of the disorder. For no rhyme or reason lesions come and go, severity is arbitrary, and duration is anyone’s guess. Stress, skin irritation, injury, and health problems such as flus and viruses have been reported to precede a recurrence. Climate may also play a factor, with dry, cold weather triggering recurrences and sunny warm weather improving it or even causing remission. Too much alcohol, smoking, and obesity may also play a role but no one is sure why.

Updated: September 23, 2015 — 2:31 pm