Written By: Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | Updated : October 28, 2014 12:40 PM IST
Psoriasis is a clinical condition that causes skin irritation and redness due to shedding of the skin. This disease can affect anyone but is common in individuals belonging to the age group of 15 35 years. Although the exact cause of psoriasis is still not known, it is non-contagious disease and can be caused due to several factors. The three most common cases of psoriasis are as follows.
Genetics
Psoriasis is known to have a heredity predilection, but the extent of genetic predisposition is not clearly understood. It is believed that one in three individuals suffering from psoriasis have a close relative with this condition. Although, almost 10% of the common population inherits one or more genes that predispose the individuals to develop the disease, only 3% of them actually develop psoriasis.
Overactive immune system or autoimmune malfunction
An overactive immune system is one of the causative factors of psoriasis. This is because, individuals suffering from this condition have an autoimmune reaction, i.e., the body's immune cells attack the healthy skin cells confusing them for foreign objects. This in turn, causes the production of more cells than normal, leading to the build-up of cells on the skin surface. As the body is unable to shed skin cells as fast as they are produced, the skin appears red and flaky with silvery patches known as scales.
Environmental factors
In around 2 3 % of the overall population suffering from psoriasis, there is an environmental factor to blame for the activation of the gene responsible for this condition. Although the triggers of psoriasis may differ from person to person, some of the well-known environmental factors leading to this skin disease are
Stress
Viral or bacterial infection
Skin injury (insect bites, cuts, burns, etc.)
Exposure to the sun
Medications (beta blockers, antimalarials and lithium drugs)
Psoriasis is characterized by itching of the skin, redness and scales all over the body and in some cases infected nails. It is necessary to know about the condition and treat it immediately to prevent the further worsening of the condition and lead a normal life.
Image Source: Getty Images
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