Causes and Risk Factors:
1. Autoimmune Disorder: Psoriasis is primarily an autoimmune disorder, where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, speeding up the skin cell turnover process.
2. Genetic Predisposition: Family history plays a significant role in the development of psoriasis. Certain genetic mutations and variations increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
3. Environmental Triggers: Factors such as stress, infections (particularly streptococcal infections), skin injuries (like cuts or burns), and certain medications (such as beta-blockers or lithium) can trigger or exacerbate psoriasis symptoms.
4. Immune System Dysfunction: Abnormalities in the immune system, including overactive T cells and cytokines (proteins that play a role in inflammation), contribute to the development and persistence of psoriasis.
Types of Psoriasis:
1. Plaque Psoriasis: The most prevalent type, marked by red, elevated areas coated in a layer of dead skin cells that has turned silvery-white.
2. Guttate Psoriasis: Small, dot-like lesions that often develop after a bacterial or viral infection and primarily affect children and young adults.
3. Inverse Psoriasis: Smooth, red patches of skin that worsen with friction and sweating, commonly found in skin folds like the armpits, groin, and under the breasts.
4. Pustular Psoriasis: Characterized by white pustules (blisters of non-infectious pus) surrounded by red skin, often on the hands or feet.
5. Erythrodermic Psoriasis: Rare but severe, causing widespread redness, severe itching, and shedding of scales over large areas of the body.
Diagnosis and Treatment:
1. Diagnosis: Psoriasis is typically diagnosed by a dermatologist based on a physical examination of the skin, nails, and scalp. Sometimes the diagnosis needs to be confirmed by a skin biopsy.
