What causes psoriasis?

Psoriasis has more than one cause, and researchers are still learning about it. The American Academy of Dermatology says scientists have learned that a person's immune system and genes play a role in causing psoriasis.

NIAMS adds that scientists do not fully understand what causes psoriasis, but they know that it involves a mix of genetics and environmental factors.

What the two sources agree on

Genes appear in both statements. The immune system is named by the American Academy of Dermatology, and environmental factors are named by NIAMS.

That is enough background to take the next step, and it shows why one simple cause is not the answer to expect.

A free flare log

Keeping notes is a free first step. Write down when patches flare and what was going on, and bring the notes to a clinician. Madera is where this site is written, and the same log works for readers in Madera Acres, Fairmead and the rest of the county.

Patches that crack, spread or hurt

A patch that persists, spreads, cracks or hurts should be looked at by a clinician. Treatment decisions belong with a clinician, not with a web page.

Psoriasis treatment pages to read

The American Academy of Dermatology lists psoriasis medications and light therapies. Yale Medicine has a psoriasis fact sheet.

What treatments exist for psoriasis?

Readers who learn that psoriasis is not fully understood often ask what treatments exist. The two pages linked above are the place to read next.