Psoriasis Causes, Symptoms And Risk Factors

Skin ailments have become a common health issue nowadays. These skin diseases may range from severe to moderate and mild. The occurrence of skin diseases is related to certain health conditions, allergens, food we eat, genetic inheritance, and the lifestyle we live. Whatever may be the cause, if you feel that the condition is getting worse consultation with a dermatologist is essential. Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease in which your immune system becomes overactive causing the affected skin cells to multiply rapidly. Here is a little information about the skin disease psoriasis, its causes, symptoms and treatment, which may help you to manage the condition.

Overview of Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a skin condition in which your skin gets scaly and inflamed. Most often the condition affects your scalp, knees and elbows, but other parts of the body can also be affected. Scientists say that the cause of the condition involves a mix of both genetic and environmental factors. Psoriasis affects men and women equally, but it is more common in adults.

Symptoms of Psoriasis

The symptoms vary from person to person and according to the psoriasis types, but some of the common ones are thick patches and red skin with white scales that give itchiness and burning sensation. These symptoms are most commonly seen in the scalp, elbows, palms, knees and soles of the feet. The dry and cracked skin with itchiness and bleeding indicates that you have a major issue and should be treated immediately. If you have symptoms of psoriatic arthritis such as painful swelling of your fingers and toes it is important to see your doctor without any delay. Untreated psoriatic arthritis can lead to irreversible impairment.

Causes of Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated disease, in which your body's immune system starts to overact and causes problems. The immune cells become active and produce molecules to set off the production of skin cells. This is the reason behind the inflamed and scaly skin. Most people with psoriasis have a family history of the disease.  Researchers have pinpointed that genes are one of the contributions to this development. External factors that increase the chances of developing psoriasis are infections, HIV infections and especially streptococcal infections.

Psoriasis triggers

Many people with psoriasis may be free from symptoms for years until the disease is triggered by some external factor. Some of the common psoriasis triggers are cold and dry weather conditions, ski infections, severe sunburn, and injury to the skin like a cut or scrape. Smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke are also one of the important trigger points of the disease. Consumption of alcohol and certain medications including high blood pressure drugs, ant malarial drugs and lithium will also trigger psoriasis.

Risk of having Psoriasis

Having skin disease psoriasis carries the risk of getting Psoriatic arthritis, a dreadful form of arthritis which causes swelling, pain and stiffness of the joints. You may also have a chance of getting heart attacks, strokes and mental health problems, including anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. People with psoriasis may also get certain cancers, metabolic syndrome, uveitis, liver and kidney disease.