Psoriasis Causes and Immune System Malfunction
Psoriasis is a skin disorder caused by a malfunctioning immune system. The malfunction involves a type of white blood cell called a T cell.
Normally, T cells help protect the body against infection and disease. In the case of psoriasis, T cells are put into action by mistake and become so active that they trigger other immune responses, which lead to inflammation and to rapid turnover of skin cells.
Scientists are not sure why psoriasis causes the immune system to malfunction.
Psoriasis Causes and Genetics
In about one third of the cases, there is a family history of psoriasis.
Psoriasis research scientists have studied a large number of families affected by psoriasis and identified genes that cause psoriasis (genes govern every bodily function and determine the inherited traits passed from parent to child).
Psoriasis Causes and Flare-ups
People with psoriasis may notice that there are times when their skin worsens, then improves. These are called flare-ups.
Conditions that may cause psoriasis flare-ups include infections, stress, and changes in climate that dry the skin. Also, certain medicines, including
lithium and beta blockers, which are prescribed for
high blood pressure, may trigger an outbreak or worsen a patient's psoriasis.
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