Psoriasis Causes: The Role of the Immune System
Psoriasis used to be considered strictly a skin condition, and was treated as such. However, recent studies point toward the malfunctioning of the body’s immune system as a cause of psoriasis, which has put it in a similar category with autoimmune diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. This has changed the way medical professionals view this condition that primarily affects the skin, and may alter the way psoriasis is treated in the future as well.
How the Immune System becomes a Psoriasis Cause
Under normal conditions, the role of the immune system is to fight infections and heal injuries that occur to the body. It does so with the help of white blood cells. Two of these white blood cells, the B-cell and the T-cell, are the culprits in the cause of psoriasis. These cells seem to malfunction for some reason in psoriasis sufferers, causing the immune system to attack its own body rather than restricting its activity to foreign cells and substances.
The B-cells will begin to create antibodies that will attack health skin cells. The T-cell then tells the body to begin producing additional skin cells, at a much more rapid rate than normal. The result of this process is a buildup of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin that look like rough, scaly patches. Since the immune system will also trigger increased blood supply to help fight infection, you will see a red rash in the area of the psoriasis as well.
Psoriasis Triggers
It is thought that the causes of psoriasis are primarily genetic or environmental in nature. While the actual cause of psoriasis is unknown in terms of what make the immune system malfunction in the first place, there are some known triggers that can start the process in people who are prone to psoriasis outbreaks. These triggers can include an infection in the body, such as strep throat or thrush, or an injury to the skin that can be a scrape, cut or even a bug bite. Other triggers might be smoking, cold weather, stress or certain medications. Your doctor can advise you further on lifestyle choices that you can make to reduce the causes of psoriasis in your life.
If you have ever suffered from an outbreak of psoriasis, you know how uncomfortable and embarrassing this condition can be. The good news is that by understanding the causes of psoriasis, you can be on your way to more symptom-free days. Talk to your doctor about the possible causes of your psoriasis. You will be glad you did.
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