Immune System
Psoriasis is a condition where the cells of the skin grow too fast, leading to red patches that can become itchy and inflamed. White blood cells that are produced by the body to fight bacteria fight normal tissue as well, which causes the skin and joints to become irritated.
Gene Malfunction
The human leukocyte antigen system, also known as the HLA system, is designed to transfer foreign substances to the immune system so they can be eradicated. When the HLA system is not working properly, psoriasis can develop.
Topicals
Topical creams and ointments are commonly used to treat psoriasis. They have active ingredients in them like salicylic acid and coal tar that have been approved by the Federal Drug Administration. These topical solutions help to dry up scales, relieve itching and soften the areas that are affected.
Moisture
An important element of psoriasis is keeping moisture locked in the skin. Using skin moisturizers helps promote healing, reduces irritation and also helps reduce redness. Home remedies like shortening and cooking oils are also used.
Hot and Cold
Weather can have a major impact on psoriasis. Days that are dry and cold could cause flare-ups to develop. Warm and sunny weather, however, can help to alleviate psoriasis symptoms. Staying in the sun for up to 30 minutes when the rays are the strongest helps to ease psoriasis symptoms.
Injections
When psoriasis is moderate to severe, prescription drugs are often administered. These come in the form or oral medications or systemic injections. Some examples of oral medications are cyclosporine, acetriten and methotrexate. Biologics are another type of medication used to treat psoriasis. Given intravenously or through an injection, these are proteins that are derived from living organisms from animals and humans. They act as blockers to mutant immune cells that are responsible for causing psoriasis.
Stress
Stress and anger are all triggers that can lead to psoriasis flare-ups.
Medications
If you are taking certain medications to treat another condition and you have psoriasis, symptoms and flare-ups can arise and become exacerbated. Some of these medications include beta blockers, progesterone, ACE inhibitors, chloroquine, indocin and lithium.
