Psoriasis can be an unsightly problem but can also be an uncomfortable one. At Horvath Dermatology Associates, Dr. David Horvath, Dr. Brian Horvath, and Dr. Gretchen Kreizenbeck help individuals with this condition in the Pittsburgh, PA, area. But, before you seek out treatment, you may wonder what caused it.
Immune System Problem
Researchers believe psoriasis comes from an immune system problem, possibly from the immune system targeting healthy skin cells that it mistakes for intruders. Ultimately, new skin cells will form more rapidly than normal to compensate for the ones the immune system attacked. In plaque psoriasis, for example, the overproduction of skin cells causes scaly patches of dry skin.
Genetic and Environmental Factors
As scientists study more and more about the cause of psoriasis, it's appearing that the immune dysfunction may stem from a combination of environmental factors and genetics. Scientists have discovered similar genes in people with the condition.
According to the Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance, a child has a 75 percent chance of developing psoriasis if both parents have this condition. However, if only one parent has it, the kid's risk is 15 percent.
Smoking
Around two-thirds of people with psoriasis don't develop it until adulthood. They'll have no signs of it as a child. While smoking won't absolutely cause psoriasis in a person, it can heighten the person's risk. Not to mention, it can make a person's condition worse.
Triggers
As noted, only one-third of people have this condition as a child. Though a person may be predisposed to it, they may enter adulthood without any symptoms. It could take years for the symptoms to manifest.
Certain factors can cause them to occur, such as an infection like step throat. Some people end up with the symptoms appearing after a period of dry, cold weather. While smoking is a factor, even secondhand smoke exposure can lead to it. Other possible triggers include the following:
- Skin injuries, such as an insect bite, severe sunburn, or cut
- Blood pressure medications
- Antimalarial drugs
- Heavy alcohol use
- Stopping injectable or oral corticosteroids suddenty
- Hormone changes
- Stress
- Mood stabilizers like lithium
Keep in mind that these triggers usually cause recurring flares of psoriasis.
How We Help
At our Pittsburgh, PA, clinic, we may take a sample of the affected skin to determine the type of psoriasis and rule out other possible causes. However, sometimes, we can tell with a visual analysis only.
We'll prescribe medication to help combat the problem, which may be through suppressing the immune system or decreasing the production of skin cells.
Call Horvath Dermatology Associates in Pittsburgh, PA, at (412) 831-3300 for an appointment with Dr. Horvath, Dr. Horvath, or Dr. Kreizenbeck.