Psoriasis – Causes

The exact cause of psoriasis is not well known but it is though to be auto immune in nature. The immune system protects the body from infection. In psoriasis the T Cells, a type of white blood cell, mistakenly attack the skin causing inflammation. This causes new skin cells to be produced faster than normal resulting in an accumulation of skin which shows up as the red flaky patches.

There are a number of things that can trigger psoriasis and identifying and controlling these triggers can play an important role in managing the condition.

Common psoriasis triggers include:

• Injury to the skin

• Streptococcal infections

• Drugs: Some medications have shown to trigger psoriasis in certain people. Lithium, Beta Blockers, Antimalarials, NSAIDS.

• Stress

• Smoking

• Alchohol

• Hormone changes  

Discuss this in the SKIN CARE forum