Psoriasis is a skin condition that affects a significant number of individuals, resulting in itching, thickening, and scaly skin. It is a common misconception that psoriasis is a skin condition similar to eczema; however, it is actually the result of an autoimmune disorder. A variety of factors can cause psoriasis flare-ups. What are the risk factors for psoriasis? Please review the following article:

Uncovering the causes of psoriasis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition characterized by itchy and scaly skin. Normally, the body generates new skin cells in a month; people with psoriasis may produce new skin cells in a few days.

The skin becomes red, irritable, and scaly as a result of the body's inability to release skin cells at a rate that exceeds the rate at which they are produced, which is a result of an overactive immune system.

The etiology of psoriasis is incompletely understood. Experts believe that psoriasis is an immune system disorder that results from the immune system attacking healthy skin cells in the wrong way. This disorder is not contagious. According to experts, both genetic and environmental factors can affect psoriasis.

What are the most common psoriasis risk factors?

Psoriasis and its causes are still subjects of ongoing study by scientists. Apart from hereditary factors, they contend that other elements, including the environment, can also raise the risk of psoriasis. A few risk factors capable of starting psoriasis's development include:

Stress

Although stress may not directly lead to psoriasis, it can influence the immune system and exacerbate psoriasis symptoms. Conversely, acute psoriasis can also induce stress that worsens your medical condition. Relaxation techniques, including yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises, help you manage stress, which usually causes psoriasis.

Skin injury

Skin injuries, including cuts, scratches, surgical incisions, burns, and sunburns, can also cause psoriasis. Experts believe that the specific process is not yet understood; however, they believe that it is the result of inflammatory proteins overstimulating the skin and activating autoimmune antibodies, which in turn initiate an inflammatory response.

Medications

The use of specific medications can also cause psoriasis flare-ups. Several types of medications, such as lithium for mental health, antimalarial drugs, beta-blocker drugs, and quinidine for irregular heartbeats, can cause psoriasis flare-ups.

Those with immune system complications, such as those with HIV/AIDS or those receiving chemotherapy, are also at a higher risk of developing psoriasis.

Familial history

If there is a familial history of psoriasis, then the risk of psoriasis is increased. Similarly, if you and your spouse have a past medical record of psoriasis, there is a potential for your children to be susceptible to psoriasis as well.

Obesity

In 2017, a study demonstrated that obesity can induce psoriasis. An overabundance of fat storage cells can trigger the production of cytokines that signal inflammation. Psoriasis may also be induced by friction in areas of skin folds that store fat, such as the armpits, under the breasts, groin creases, and stomach.

On the other hand, obesity can also impact the effectiveness of psoriasis treatment, necessitating a higher dosage to attain the ideal result. This can be associated with the occurrence of adverse effects. 

Psoriasis is a skin condition that is the result of an autoimmune disorder. In addition to genetic factors, environmental factors can also induce psoriasis recurrence. If you are experiencing psoriasis, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store. 

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