Causes & Triggers of Psoriasis

While psoriasis is likely hereditary, the exact causes are still unknown. It is believed that psoriasis is somehow induced by the dysfunction of the immune system, which causes the skin cells (and the nails) to grow faster than they are supposed to. This greatly shortens the growth cycle of the cells from weeks to days, thus causing the thickening and excessive shedding. The cause of such dysfunction, however, is yet to be found.

Some factors appear to trigger psoriasis and/or worsen the condition. We list some common ones below.

• Skin injuries and sunburns

• Skin infections and strep throat

• Stress

• The use of certain medications

• Cold weather

• Tobacco smoking

• Alcohol consumption