Causes of Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an immune-mediated disease, which means that your body’s immune system starts overacting and causing problems. If you have psoriasis, immune cells become active and produce molecules that set off the rapid production of skin cells. This is why skin in people with the disease is inflamed and scaly. Scientists do not fully understand what triggers the faulty immune cell activation, but they know that it involves a combination of genetics and environmental factors. Many people with psoriasis have a family history of the disease, and researchers have pinpointed some of the genes that may contribute to its development. Many of them play a role in the function of the immune system. Some external factors that may increase the chances of developing psoriasis include: Infections, especially streptococcal and HIV infections. Certain medicines, such as drugs for treating heart disease, malaria, or mental health problems. Smoking. Obesity.