Many people may find themselves scratching and itching in different parts of their bodies. But how do you know if it’s psoriasis? What are the psoriasis causes you should know about? And are you at risk?
Understanding Psoriasis Causes
Psoriasis is a common skin disease that causes red itchy patches on the knees, elbows, trunk, and scalp, among other places. It is a long-term chronic condition that tends to recur and flare up repeatedly, causing discomfort.
The inflammation that psoriasis causes can affect various organs and tissues in the body. Other health problems can arise for those who have psoriasis.
Psoriasis skin rashes can take place in any part of the body. But, for the most part, it affects the following:
- Elbows
- Knees
- Face
- Genitals
- Finger and toenails
- Lower back area
- Palm area
- Feet
- Scalp area
- Inside the mouth area
Psoriasis causes a person to feel itchy and uncomfortable, and it can affect mental health as well. Many who suffer from psoriasis feel self-conscious about themselves.
Psoriasis Causes, Triggers, and Risk Factors
When an overactive immune system enhances the growth of skin cells, psoriasis takes place. A month is enough time for normal skin cells to grow and shed (fall off). However, with psoriasis, skin cells do this in just three to four days. Instead of shedding, skin cells accumulate on the skin’s surface.
Many people who are prone to psoriasis may go on for years without experiencing symptoms at all. This disease can be triggered by an external factor such as one or more of the following:
- Open skin infections
- Infections affecting the immune system (e.g., strep throat)
- Stress
- Cold weather
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Reaction to certain medications (lithium and beta-blockers)
Other known risk factors are associated with a person’s family history. Having a family member with this condition increases the risk for the children to also develop psoriasis.
Communicability
It is not true that psoriasis causes another person to develop the condition when the two come in contact. People should not be afraid of psoriasis because it is a non-contagious skin condition. Other people who do not have it must not discriminate as well.
Psoriasis Signs and Symptoms
Signs and symptoms may be different for every psoriasis case. The most common ones are:
- Red skin patches with thick silvery scales (dandruff-like)
- Small scaling spots (common in children)
- Thick ridged nails
- Dry and cracky skin (that may eventually end up bleeding)
- Itching, burning or bleeding part of the skin
- Arthritis
