2. Psoriasis is at least partially genetic
Psoriasis tends to run in families, and a family history of the condition is considered a risk factor for the disease.
Researchers have found genes associated with the development of psoriasis in a region of the genome known as psoriasis susceptibility 1, or PSORS1. This gene accounts for up to 50% of the heritability — referring to the genetic component — of psoriasis and is usually associated with the condition developing earlier in life, typically before 40 years of age.
Genes in this region instruct the body to build proteins involved in the recognition of molecules called antigens, which trigger a person’s immune responses. Typically, these antigens occur on the surface of foreign invaders, such as bacteria or viruses.
However, mutations in these genes can cause the immune system to incorrectly identify their own cells as foreign, leading to what is known as autoimmunity.
Studies have identified several other genes that also contribute to the development of psoriasis. These genes regulate many different processes, including:
- inflammation
- T cell activity
- skin cell growth
3. Lifestyle and environmental factors can trigger psoriasis
Several factors associated with psoriasis may affect the immune system.
Smoking
Studies suggest that a history of smoking may increase the risk of psoriasis by over 60%. It may also reduce a person’s response to treatment.
Many toxins found in cigarette smoke may affect immune function. Nicotine, in particular, might play a number of roles. Many immune cells, including T cells, have nicotine receptors, meaning they respond to nicotine in the body. Some research shows that the nicotine receptor regulates immune cell activity.
Cold weather
According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, healthcare professionals experts believe cold weather is often a trigger for psoriasis. However, this may actually be at least partly due to less exposure to sunlight during cold seasons.
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and sunlight supports the body’s production of vitamin D and regulates immune cell activity in the skin. This is why psoriasis often flares up following less sun exposure. Some studies suggest that taking vitamin D supplements may improve psoriasis symptoms, but more research is needed.
Phototherapy, which involves targeted exposure to UV radiation, has a long historyTrusted Source as a successful treatment for psoriasis and other skin conditions.
During cold seasons, people are also more likely to get sick with infectious illnesses such as the flu. These types of illnesses can cause psoriasis to flare up.
Stress and anxiety
There is a close relationship between stress and psoriasis. For some people, stress makes psoriasis worse, and psoriasis causes stress.
One study found that 36%Trusted Source of individuals with psoriasis experience anxiety, while another suggested stressful triggers may increase the risk of a psoriasis flare-up by almost two-fold.
Although researchers are still investigating the exact mechanisms behind this relationship, there is an association between long-term stress and inflammation and increased activation of immune cells.
According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, other lifestyle and environmental triggers for psoriasis include:
- skin injuries
- infections
- alcohol use
4. Gut health can play a role in psoriasis
The human gut is home to a diverse ecosystem of bacteria known as the microbiome.
When the microbiome becomes dysregulated, it can cause “leakiness” in the gut, which signals to the immune system that something is wrong.
This triggers inflammation throughout the body and may lead to the development or progression of psoriasis Trusted Source.
There has been increasing interest in the role of anti-inflammatory diets in managing psoriasis symptoms. For example, a 2018 study Trusted Source found that following an anti-inflammatory Mediterranean diet was associated with less severe psoriasis.
Some of the effects of diet on psoriasis may also be associated with weight. Having overweight or obesity is considered a risk factor for psoriasis.
5. Infections, such as COVID-19, may worsen psoriasis symptoms
The most common infectious trigger Trusted Source of psoriasis is Streptococcal infection. Infections are known to trigger psoriasis through systemic inflammation.
Widespread inflammation triggers many of the symptoms of COVID-19, particularly severe forms of the disease.
A study of over 1,300 people found that psoriasis was not a risk factor for COVID-19 or severe disease, reporting that 55%Trusted Source of those with psoriasis who had COVID-19 experienced a flare-up.
However, although treatment of psoriasis often involves the use of immunosuppressive drugs, studies have found no additional risk for the occurrence Trusted Source or severity of COVID-19 associated with the use of psoriasis medications.
source : wikipedia