Causes of Psoriasis

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The cause of psoriasis is unknown. There is a genetic link and it tends to run in families. About 30% of people with one first degree relative with psoriasis develop the condition. The genetic tendency however appears to need to be triggered by such things as: -

Infection- Streptococcal throat infections appear to trigger guttate psoriasis, usually in children and young adults, HIV infection can cause psoriasis to flare up or to appear for the first time.
Certain medicines may trigger or worsen symptoms in some people, including alcohol: smoking: lithium: beta blockers, for example atenolol: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, for example, ibuprofen, antimalarial drugs, for example chloroquine and ACE inhibitors, for example, ramipril
Psychological factors: Stress appears to trigger psoriasis flare-ups in some people.
Skin trauma: Psoriasis may develop if the skin is injured. This is known as the Koebner phenomenon. It may appear in an operation scar or in a scratch. It may also appear in the spots of chickenpox. Sunburn may also trigger a flare- up.

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