What causes Pso?

No one knows exactly what causes psoriasis (Pso) yet, but scientists are working hard to understand it and we now know more than ever before.^[1] The relationship between the immune system and psoriasis, triggers and new targeted treatments are continually being studied.^[2] Research suggests there may be an imbalance with the immune system, but genetics may also have a part to play.^[1] Psoriasis usually happens when something triggers it, like an infection, taking certain medicine, skin damage or stress.^[3]

Pso usually develops between 15 and 25 years,^[1] and certain factors related to your environment or lifestyle may cause symptoms to ‘flare up’, in the same way that it may have been triggered in the first place.^[3] Unfortunately, having Pso can be stressful, and stress can cause flares, flares can cause stress, and so on, in a vicious circle.^[4] Pso is always there though, even if sometimes you don’t have symptoms, so at times you may think it’s disappeared, and then it comes back.^[5]

There are different reasons why Pso flare-ups happen.^[3] Injury to the skin and certain medicines, such as lithium or ibuprofen, can lead to a flare, and infections can cause one or make it worse.^[3] It’s also worth keeping an eye on potential vices, as drinking heavily or smoking cigarettes is also known to trigger flares.^[3] While you can’t be cured of psoriasis, with the right strategy, it can be kept under control.^[7] It’s important to keep taking your treatment, even if you don’t have symptoms at the moment.^[5] So if you have any concerns about the state of your symptoms, or your treatment, make sure you let your healthcare professional know, in case there’s another way to help you.