DIG DEEPER: Track your psoriasis triggers. This will come in handy when talking to your dermatologist, so you can work together to manage them.
The exact cause of psoriasis is still a mystery to doctors and scientists. What we do know, however, is that several factors can play a part, including genetics, environmental triggers, and your immune system.
Inflammation and Psoriasis: Making the Connection
The immune system and inflammation play a role in psoriasis. Here’s how they’re believed to be connected.
Think of the immune system as your body’s alarm system. When you get a cold, infection, or scrape on your knee, your immune system sends out signals that trigger inflammation in an effort to defend itself.
When you have psoriasis, your immune system is out of balance. In fact, it’s in overdrive. An overactive immune system can send faulty signals and mistake healthy cells for harmful ones. This results in too much inflammation. For psoriasis patients, this means the body rapidly produces more skin cells than necessary.
Luckily, some treatment options can reduce inflammation, which may help the immune system and help to slow the rapid production of skin cells.
Talk to a dermatologist to learn more about treatment options that may work for you.
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It’s important to work with a dermatologist when choosing a psoriasis treatment. Learn how to start that conversation.
The Science of Skin
Is Psoriasis Genetic?
What do curly hair, eye color, and psoriasis all have in common?
They are all influenced by genetics. In fact, 1 out of 3 people with psoriasis has a relative who also has the disease. Not to mention, up to 10% of the population inherits one or more of the genes that predispose them to psoriasis; however, only 2% to 3% will actually develop the disease.
So, is psoriasis hereditary? The answer just might be, “yes.”
You might not be able to control your genetics, but here are some things you can control.
Psoriasis Triggers
There is a wide range of factors that can impact when and where your psoriasis symptoms appear, reappear, or even worsen. On top of that, these triggers can vary from person to person, so it’s important to know what your specific triggers are.
Here are a few common ones:
Psoriasis and stress
For those with psoriasis, stress can sometimes trigger inflammation and may cause symptoms to appear, reappear, or even worsen.
Psoriasis after injury
Scratches. Bumps. Bruises. They all can irritate your skin and kick your immune system into high gear, aggravating your psoriasis.
Psoriasis and infection
One of your immune system’s major roles is fighting infection. For those with psoriasis, the body’s overactive immune system can send faulty signals that in turn trigger inflammation to continue even after the infection has been cleared.
Psoriasis and weather
Generally, fall and winter are worse for your psoriasis than warmer seasons. A combination of dry air, less sunlight, and colder temperatures can contribute to cold-weather flare-ups.
Psoriasis medication
Some medications can worsen psoriasis, so make sure to talk to your dermatologist about any medications you’re currently taking.
