Psoriasis is neither infectious nor contagious. It cannot be passed on to other persons. It is not caused by poor standards of hygiene.
The cause of psoriasis is believed to be multi-factorial—a combination of genetic and environmental factors triggers the abnormally rapid growth of skin cells.
Hereditary or genetic factors play a part in the development of psoriasis. In some patients, family members may also be affected by psoriasis. However, the actual pattern of inheritance has still to be clearly established.
Environmental factors like physical or chemical injury to the skin, throat infections, reaction to certain drugs, hormonal changes, climate factors and more commonly, physical, mental and emotional stress can precipitate the onset and contribute to the perpetuation of psoriasis.
Ingestion or abuse of alcohol is known to make psoriasis worse or difficult to clear with treatment. Smoking makes certain type of psoriasis resistant to treatment.
Medical science has pointed out that the environmental factors contribute to stimulation or activation of certain cells in the immune system (psoriasis T-lymphocyte) which are drawn to the skin. These immune cells release certain chemicals (cytokines) which in turn activate the epidermal skin cells to multiply at a faster rate.
Psoriasis is in simple terms, only a vast acceleration of the usual replacement process of the skin. The epidermis is the uppermost portion of the skin. The epidermis is made up of layers of cells. The epidermis cells gradually change and move to the surface where they are continuously shed and replaced. Normally, a skin cell matures in twenty to thirty days during its passage to the surface where a constant invisible shedding of dead cells and scales takes place.
Psoriatic cells mature in three to eight days and in such chaotic manner that even live cells reach the surface and accumulate with the dead ones into visible layers.
There is no link between psoriasis and cancer.
DISCLAIMER: The information found/put up in this Website is intended for educational information only. You SHOULD NOT rely on the information to make any medical or other decisions for treatment or otherwise. Any medical or other decisions should be made in consultation with your doctors. The Association will not be liable for any complication, injuries or other medical accidents arising from or in connection with the use of or reliance upon any information in the Website.
