Live Life Team
HYPERLINK “https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/psoriasis/default.htm” Psoriasis is a serious skin condition that results when your skin cells grow more rapidly than normal. This causes the old skin cells to accumulate on your body instead of falling off, leading to a range of symptoms, including thick, itchy patches. The exact cause that leads to psoriasis symptoms is not yet fully understood, but based on research scientists believe that psoriasis is caused by a combination of genetics and certain trigger factors.
Psoriasis symptoms occur when the genes that regulate your body’s immune system malfunction. Instead of helping to protect you from invading germs or other dangers, your immune system causes increased inflammation and boosts the activity of skin cells. So far, scientists have been able to isolate over 20 genes that show changes in people who have psoriasis, but have yet to isolate which of these genes is key.
It is estimated that roughly 10 people in every 100 people have gene configurations that put them at risk of psoriasis, but only 2 or three go on to develop psoriasis symptoms. This is because it appears that the condition also requires a trigger to ‘turn on’ a flare-up.
Among the most common triggers are skin injuries or infections. Anything from a cut or scrape to sunburn or scratching can trigger psoriasis outbreaks, and some infections, including earaches, bronchitis, strep infection, respiratory infection or pneumonia can also set it off. Psoriasis flare-ups also occur in the early stages of HIV infection, although they tend to clear up once a patient starts certain HIV treatment.
Medication can also be a cause of psoriasis. Lithium, which is used in the treatment of serious mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder, can trigger a flare-up as well as some high blood pressure and heart drugs such as propanolol, beta blockers, ACE inhibitors and quinidine. Antimalarial drugs including chloroquine and inflammation treatments have also been found to play a role in triggering psoriasis.
Lifestyle factors can also play a role in the outbreak of psoriasis. Stress can trigger increased immune system activity which can lead to psoriasis, while people who smoke, drink heavily or are obese can also be at risk. There is evidence that hormonal changes associated with puberty, menopause or pregnancy can cause a psoriasis flare up.
The symptoms of psoriasis are varied. The most obvious signs are patches of scaly, itchy skin that appear on the upper body, elbows, knees and scalp. They are usually deep pink in colour, slightly raised, and have white scales. Some people experience red or cracked skin with small pustules on their palms or their feet, which can be a symptom of pustular psoriasis.
Other symptoms can include thick, discoloured or pitted toenails or fingernails, caused by psoriasis on the nails. In severe cases, the nails may become separated from the nail bed. Changes to the nails, including pitting, also occur in the majority of people who suffer from psoriatic arthritis. They are also likely to suffer pain, stiffness and tenderness in the joints, along with reduced motion in their limbs.
