What Causes Psoriasis? Understanding Psoriasis Triggers and Risk Factors

Psoriasis is more than just a skin condition; it is a chronic, long-term autoimmune disease that can affect not only your appearance but also your confidence, comfort, and emotional well-being. In India alone, millions of people live with psoriasis, often battling repeated flare-ups without a clear understanding of why they occur.

Knowing what causes psoriasis, as well as your triggers and risk factors, can be the key to reducing flare-ups and improving quality of life. In this blog, we’ll explain the science behind psoriasis, the most common triggers, and what you can do to manage them effectively.

What Is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin disorder that speeds up the life cycle of skin cells. Normally, skin cells take about 28-30 days to mature and shed, but in psoriasis, this process happens in just 3-7 days. This rapid turnover leads to thick, scaly patches that may itch, burn, or cause discomfort.

Common symptoms include:

• Raised, inflamed skin patches covered with silvery-white scales
• Dry, cracked skin that may bleed
• Itching, burning, or soreness
• Thickened or ridged nails in nail psoriasis

Psoriasis comes in several types:

• Plaque psoriasis (most common)
• Guttate
• Pustular
• Inverse
• Erythrodermic

Causes of Psoriasis: The Underlying Mechanisms

The exact cause of psoriasis isn’t fully understood, but research shows it’s a multifactorial condition involving:

• Autoimmune Dysfunction – The immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, triggering inflammation and rapid skin cell turnover.
• Genetic Predisposition – If you have a family member with psoriasis, your risk increases. Specific genes have been linked to the condition.
• Environmental Influence – Environmental stressors can interact with genetic susceptibility, leading to flare-ups.

In short, psoriasis isn’t caused by one single factor. Instead, it’s the result of genetic vulnerability combined with environmental and immune system triggers.

Common Triggers That Cause Psoriasis Flare-Ups

Even if you’re genetically predisposed, psoriasis might only appear after it’s “triggered.”

• Physical Triggers
  • Skin Injuries – Cuts, scrapes, insect bites, or even tattoos can trigger new patches (Koebner phenomenon).
  • Sunburn – Although moderate sun can help some, severe sunburn can spark flare-ups.
• Weather Conditions
  • Cold, dry seasons can worsen skin dryness and scaling.
• Psychological Triggers
  • Stress and anxiety are among the most common flare-up causes.
• Lifestyle Habits
  • Smoking and alcohol both aggravate psoriasis and make treatment less effective.
• Infections
  • Strep throat infections are known to cause guttate psoriasis, especially in children.
  • Other illnesses can overstimulate the immune system.
• Medications

Certain drugs can worsen symptoms, including:

• • Beta-blockers (for heart problems)
  • Lithium (used in psychiatric treatment)
  • Antimalarials
• Diet and Obesity
  • A diet high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats may worsen inflammation, making flare-ups more frequent and severe.
• Hormonal Changes
  • Puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can all impact psoriasis severity due to hormonal fluctuations.

Risk Factors for Developing Psoriasis

While anyone can develop psoriasis, some factors increase your risk:

• Age – Most cases appear between 15 and 35 or after 50.
• Family History – Having one or both parents with psoriasis increases your likelihood.
• Immune Disorders – People with autoimmune conditions are more prone.
• Lifestyle – Poor diet, lack of exercise, high stress, smoking.
• Ethnicity – Prevalence differs among populations. In India, psoriasis affects about 0.4 to 2.8% of the population, with varying severity.

How Understanding Triggers Helps in Psoriasis Management

Identifying your triggers allows you to:

• Prevent flare-ups by avoiding known factors.
• Work with your dermatologist to develop a customised management plan.
• Use lifestyle changes, such as stress reduction, quitting smoking, and an anti-inflammatory diet, to reduce inflammation naturally.

Keeping a “Skin Health Diary” to track symptoms, diet, stress levels, and environmental exposure can be an effective way to identify patterns.

When to See a Doctor About Psoriasis

While mild psoriasis can sometimes be managed at home, you should see a dermatologist if:

• Your psoriasis is spreading rapidly or worsening.
• You have painful, swollen joints (could indicate psoriatic arthritis).
• Home treatments aren’t working.
• Your condition affects your mental health or sleep.

Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to prevent complications like joint damage and severe skin inflammation.

Final Thoughts

Psoriasis arises from a complex interaction of genetics, immune system dysfunction, and environmental triggers. While you can’t change your genetic makeup, you can identify and control triggers to significantly reduce flare-ups. With modern dermatology and self-care, living well with psoriasis is entirely possible.

Find Out What’s Really Triggering Your Psoriasis

If psoriasis is affecting your skin and confidence, remember, help is available. Don’t wait for your symptoms to worsen. Consult with Dr Sneha Sood at Sood Aesthetics today and get a personalised skin care plan. Schedule your psoriasis trigger assessment and start your journey toward clearer skin.

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