What is psoriasis and Causes of Psoriasis?

This chronic skin disease affects approximately 2% of the world’s population, and, despite not being contagious, Psoriasis often causes social rejection due to the striking appearance of the lesions.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the immune system that affects the skin and develops in buds, with short periods alternating with periods of remission. It is characterized by the appearance of reddish inflamed areas covered by patches of peeling skin. It can also affect the nails and joints. 

It is located mainly in the areas that line the joints, elbows, knees, the scalp, the groin, and the lower part of the back. In general, there are no severe complications, although sometimes it can be painful. Sometimes, as pointed out by Action Psoriasis, the disease can also affect the joints in psoriatic arthritis or lead to liver and cardiovascular disorders. 

Psoriasis affects approximately 3% of the world population, about 125 million patients. In Spain alone, it is estimated that around one million people suffer from this disorder, and some studies indicate that there is a higher prevalence in men than in women. Although it can occur at any age, its appearance is earlier in individuals with a family history – it is not hereditary. Still, there is a genetic predisposition to suffer it in a third of those affected. There are two peaks of incidence, which are between 16-20 years and in the fifth decade of life.

Psoriasis is not a contagious disease, but despite this, it usually causes significant social rejection (due to the striking appearance of the affected areas and abundant dandruff that it causes when outbreaks appear on the scalp ). Especially in the more severe cases, so those affected see their quality of life reduced and may develop psychological problems due to this cause.

Psoriasis, psychological repercussion

Like any chronic disease, Psoriasis involves the patient who suffers from the enormous effort of learning to live with it and be able to cope with it in the most natural way possible. This disease manifests itself with visible signs that generate an attitude of rejection in others.

In addition, when there is associated arthritis, pain and the limitation of some movements can significantly impact the quality of life of patients. This, on many occasions, hinders the patient’s social, work, and effective relationships, causing a disorder that, in principle, does not have significant complications, becomes a complicated disease to face, and that may require psychological assistance.

Causes of Psoriasis

From a physiological point of view, Psoriasis consists of the abnormal proliferation of skin cells. In a normal situation, our skin regenerates in an approximate period of thirty days. Still, in Psoriasis, this period is only four days, with which the skin cells do not have time to wear down, and they accumulate and form scaly plaques—characteristics of the disease.

The causes that trigger Psoriasis can be genetic, immunological, environmental, or psychological.

In 25% -30% of cases, there is a genetic propensity to suffer from the disease. Still, in the numerous studies carried out so far, it has been proven that no specific gene can be related to the appearance of the disease. Yes, groups of genes have been found that cause the skin to overreact, giving rise to the illness when faced with certain stimuli. In any case, for its appearance to occur, in addition to genetic predisposition, the presence of other triggering factors is necessary.

Some of these factors can be:

• Chronic infections (viral or bacterial).
• Use of certain medications such as beta-blockers, antihypertensives, some antimalarials, or lithium salts.
• Stress, nervousness, or emotional tension.
• Obesity.
• Excessive alcohol intake or heavy or prolonged smoking.
• Hormonal changes.
• Trauma such as cuts, burns, stings, etc.
• Too much or too little sun exposure.

The role of the immune system in the onset of Psoriasis

In general, people with a weakened immune system are usually especially sensitive; this group includes patients with AIDS, autoimmune disorders, or receiving cancer treatment.

Although it cannot be said that Psoriasis is an exclusively autoimmune disease, the immune system plays a vital role in its appearance. The immune system is responsible for protecting the body from the presence of viruses, bacteria, parasites …, but sometimes it reacts incorrectly, attacking the individual’s cells. This gives rise to the so-called autoimmune pathologies. In Psoriasis, there is an increase in specific cells belonging to the immune system (polymorphonuclear neutrophils and T lymphocytes) attacking the epidermis cells, causing inflammation of the skin together with continuous peeling of dead cells, forming psoriatic plaques.

The immune system (its inadequate response) is also responsible for vasodilation, which manifests itself with a reddening of the area and the abnormal proliferation of skin cells.