What Causes Psoriasis?

Learn more about psoriasis and why it occurs.

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, more than 7.5 million adults in the US have psoriasis. This chronic skin disorder causes itchy, red, scaly and inflamed plaques to develop on the skin. If you have psoriasis or think that you might, our Santa Rosa, CA, dermatologists Dr. Khanh Truong and Dr. Henry DeGroot can provide you with a swift diagnosis and custom treatment plan. Learn more about psoriasis, its causes and triggers.

What Causes Psoriasis?

The root cause of psoriasis is unknown; however, research suggests that immune system dysfunction causes widespread inflammation that may lead to psoriasis. When the immune system is overactive, it causes skin cell growth to develop more rapidly. Instead of skill cells growing and falling off in a month, someone with psoriasis experiences this in just three to four days; however, instead of the skin falling off, it piles up on the skin, leading to those uncomfortable scaly plaques that most often develop on the scalp, knees and elbows. Research also suggests that genetics may play a role in who develops psoriasis.

What Triggers a Psoriasis Flare-up?

If you are dealing with regular psoriasis flare-ups, it’s essential to determine what could be triggering your symptoms. This is something that our Santa Rosa, CA, team can help you determine during your next appointment. Common psoriasis triggers include,

  • Stress
  • Skin injuries such as bug bites, vaccinations or sunburns
  • Illnesses
  • Cold weather
  • Allergies
  • Alcohol
  • Certain foods

The best way to figure out what’s triggering your psoriasis is to keep track of your flare-ups so you can pinpoint the source.

Is There a Cure for Psoriasis?

While there is no cure for psoriasis yet, our team can map out a treatment plan to help reduce the severity and frequency of your psoriasis flare-ups. Some ways to treat psoriasis include,

  • Avoiding your triggers
  • Topical therapy such as corticosteroids, salicylic acid or retinoids
  • Light therapy which is most often used for moderate-to-severe forms of psoriasis
  • Oral or injectable medications such as steroids, biologics or methotrexate (also used for more moderate-to-severe cases or treatment-resistant forms of psoriasis)
  • Supplementation and alternative medicine
  • Lifestyle modifications such as keeping skin moisturized and keeping the skin cool

If you are living with psoriasis, our Santa Rosa, CA, team can provide you with a tailored treatment plan to help you get your symptoms under control. To schedule a consultation, call NorCal Dermatology at (707) 527-9517.

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