What Causes Psoriasis?

Researchers have tried to arrive at a conclusion concerning the cause of psoriasis for years without success. They have put forth some interesting theories about the cause based on their studies. Most feel that the disease is the result of some combination of hereditary and environmental factors.

Some people seem to be genetically predisposed to develop this skin disease. The excessive multiplication of cells in the outer layer of skin causes the irregular patterns of psoriasis.

Researchers feel that this activity is the result of an immune system that is functioning improperly. The immune system in some way speeds the development of new skin cells before the old ones can be sloughed away.

The immune system works by producing T-cells to fight anything potentially harmful to the body. When some bacteria or environmental factor causes the immune system to go into the attack mode, it immediately sends T-cells to destroy the unwanted invaders. This is the beginning of a series of events which may result in this skin disease.

T-cells quickly release proteins called cytokines. The cytokines are used as messengers which ask the body for an increased production of skin cells. The body responds by sending out more T-cells which are layered onto the skin. In psoriasis, these clinging skin cells cause the raised patches of reddened skin or blisters on the body.

Researchers feel that this cycle of cytokine and T-cell production is repeated. The patches of this skin disease grow until some other factor, such as a drug, is interjected to moderate the uncontrolled production of cells. At this time, those studying this skin disease are unsure about what causes the immune system to begin this cycle.

Some feel that environmental factors such as sunlight or cold weather might be responsible for altering the immune system. Others feel that mental stress, pollution, a virus, or bacteria might be the culprit that sends the immune system into this frenzy of cell production.

Further research will certainly focus on determining the activating key that ends in patches of psoriasis. Until that discovery is made, doctors will continue to treat the symptoms of psoriasis more rigorously than the causes.

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