Mindfulness activities such as yoga and meditation are also beneficial for reducing tension and promoting relaxatioPsoriasis is a chronic skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by red, scaly patches on the skin, which can cause extreme itching and discomfort. While there is currently no known cure for psoriasis, understanding the risk factors can go a long way in helping you manage it. Let’s take a look at some of the common causes and risk factors associated with developing psoriasis.
Genetics
One of the primary causes of psoriasis is genetics, and understanding the risk factors associated with genetic psoriasis can be vitally important for managing this condition.
Genetic psoriasis is caused by mutations in certain genes which make individuals more prone to developing the condition. These mutations affect proteins such as interleukins, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and other signaling molecules which ultimately lead to an overproduction of skin cells, resulting in psoriatic plaques.
The risk of genetic psoriasis increases if someone has a family history of fighting this condition; those who have close relatives with the disease are more than twice as likely to develop it themselves. It’s also more likely for people who have multiple ethnic backgrounds to develop genetic psoriasis due to the increased number of gene variants present in their DNA.
Age
The condition can affect people of all ages, but it is more common among adults than children. Generally, psoriasis appears in people between the ages of 15 and 35, with men and women carrying an equal risk. People over the age of 50 also have a higher chance of developing psoriasis, with some studies suggesting that older individuals are more likely to experience severe forms of the condition.
While its exact causes are still unknown, research suggests that age may play a role in the development and progression of psoriasis. As we age, our skin cells become less capable of producing new skin cells as efficiently as they did in our youth.
This results in thicker patches of skin plaques, which are a characteristic sign of psoriasis. Furthermore, our bodies’ immune systems become less effective at fighting off infection and inflammation as we get older. This can lead to an increase in flare-ups even after a period without symptoms for many older individuals living with psoriasis.
Stress
While stress does not directly cause psoriasis, it can certainly exacerbate existing symptoms or even trigger an outbreak in those already at risk for developing the condition. Stress can also worsen other conditions such as high blood pressure or depression; both are linked to an increased chance for developing psoriatic disease.
The body’s inflammatory response plays an important role when it comes to psoriasis flares and episodes of increased symptom severity. Stress triggers this response and can lead to an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines, which can then increase skin cells production. This cascade of events leads to redness and irritation on the skin – key symptoms of psoriasis.
In addition to physical symptoms, people with psoriasis often experience psychological distress related to their condition. This psychological stress may exacerbate physical manifestations of psoriasis due to an increased inflammatory response caused by elevated levels of cortisol (the “stress hormone”). In other words: the more stressed you are, the more at risk you are for having a flare-up or worsening of your existing symptoms.
There are several ways that people with psoriasis can manage their stress levels and reduce their risk for flares. Regular exercise is important since it helps reduce anxiety and depression while also providing physical benefits such as boosting immunity and circulation. Finally, talking about one’s concerns with loved ones or a mental health professional can help people process their emotions in constructive ways that don’t further aggravate any underlying physical issues associated with Psoriasis.
Lifestyle Habit
One of the main lifestyle risk factors for psoriasis is smoking cigarettes. Studies have found that smokers are up to three times more likely to develop psoriasis compared to non-smokers. Smoking impairs circulation which reduces the effectiveness of topical treatments prescribed by physicians and increases inflammation in general – both of which can contribute to a flare-up of psoriasis symptoms. Additionally, nicotine has been found to increase oxidative stress leading to further irritation on skin affected by psoriasis.
Alcohol consumption can also increase one’s risk level for developing and experiencing a flare-up with psoriasis symptoms. Alcohol consumption has been found to reduce immunity in general as well as decrease cell turnover rate while increasing inflammation linked to psoriatic skin lesions – all of which cause an exacerbation in the symptoms of this condition. Research suggests that regularly consuming more than two drinks per day increases one’s risk significantly when compared to those who consume less than this amount or abstain altogether.
Being overweight has also been identified as a lifestyle risk factor related to psoriasis flare-ups – especially among those who carry additional weight around their midsection or waistline area as opposed to their hips/thighs area (otherwise known as “apple” shape bodies).
As we know from studies already done on this topic; carrying excess weight contributes directly towards an increase in systemic inflammation due to certain hormones produced along with fatty tissue present throughout our body.
This type of fat (known as ‘visceral’ fat) releases cytokines into our bloodstream – substances that are known for triggering inflammation within our bodies – particularly when it comes systems like our skin affected by conditions like Psoriasis.
Taking Control of Psoriasis with Tremfya
One of the most effective treatments for psoriasis is Tremfya, a biologics medication that helps reduce inflammation and improve skin clarity. Tremfya works by blocking certain proteins in the body that cause inflammation, which is a common symptom of psoriasis. This reduces redness, irritation, and itching associated with psoriasis flare-ups. It also helps slow down the production of new skin cells, which in turn helps prevent future flare-ups and improves skin clarity.
Things You Can Do To Help Manage Your Psoriasis
In addition to taking prescribed medications like Tremfya, there are certain lifestyle changes you can make that will help manage your psoriasis symptoms. These include:
- eating a healthy diet (which may include avoiding sugar if possible)
- getting enough sleep each night (at least seven hours per night is recommended)
- avoiding stress whenever possible (try yoga or meditation if needed)
- exercising regularly (aim for at least 150 minutes per week).
By making these small tweaks to your daily routine, you can give yourself the best chance at managing your psoriasis successfully.
Conclusion
Psoriasis is an incredibly unpredictable condition that affects millions worldwide—and unfortunately there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to treating it or preventing flare ups from occurring again in the future. That said, understanding some of the common causes and risk factors associated with developing this condition may provide additional insight into how best to manage your own case if you have been diagnosed with psoriasis. By paying attention to age and genetics as well as monitoring stress levels, you may be able to better control your symptoms over time and keep them from worsening further down the line.
