What causes psoriasis?

Researchers have been unable to pin point the exact cause of Psoriasis. They believe that it is caused due to a combination of many factors. Which include abnormally functioning immune system, stress, other infections, skin injuries, genetic reasons, climatic conditions, 

Abnormally functioning immune system?

The human body produces antibodies (good guys!) to combat foreign bodies like bacteria, virus etc. These antibodies produce agents that help in healing, repairing and combating infective agents. In psoriasis victims there have been cases where these antibodies (WBC's) fight normal skin tissues and joints. The WBCs produces excessive healing chemicals that cause inflammation in the skin/joints.

Stress and other emotion related causes:
Stress causes various ailments in the human system and psoriasis is one of them. They aggravate psoriasis. And in some cases is the cause for it too. Studies have shown that 4 out of 10 victims of psoriasis believe that a psoriasis attack happen within a short duration of a stress related attack

Other infections cause psoriasis:
Infections caused by bacteria or viruses can cause a psoriasis attack. The bacteria streptococcus that causes infections such as tonsillitis, sinusitis, and "strep throat" trigger of a type of psoriasis called guttate psoriasis. HIV virus is also known to trigger psoriasis attacks. 

Skin Injuries causes Psoriasis
The Koebner Effect: Skin injuries (even normal day to day small cuts and abrasions) can cause psoriasis. This is called "The Koebner Phenomena". Researchers suspect that this is the reason why psoriasis incidents occur mostly on the elbows or knees.

Genetic Causes of Psoriasis
Flaws in the genetic make up can cause Psoriasis. 1 in 10 people who have defective genes suffer from psoriasis. There are 4 important genes that are associated with psoriasis. These genes the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system. They help the immune system fight alien substances which compromise the immune system. In psoriasis victims this malfunctions. 

Climatic causes
Psoriasis incidents are higher in colder climates. Cold and dry conditions irritate the skin and may start a psoriasis attack. Conversely hot and muggy weather helps. (If you have psoriasis head to the sunny coasts)

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