What causes Psoriasis
In the UK, about 2 per cent of the population gets psoriasis - that's more than a million people. It affects women and men equally and it can come on at any age. There appears to be family links to psoriasis as about one-third of sufferers have relatives with the condition.
| Types of Psoriasis | Areas it Affects | Typical Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Chronic plaque psoriasis | Scalp, knees, elbows or other body crevices | This is the most common type. It causes scaly red patches which can be very or cover large areas |
| Flexural psoriasis | Body crease such as elbows,armpits and under the breasts | Reddening of the skin but no scales |
| Guttate psoriasis | All over the body except for palms and soles | This usually follows about a week after a throat infection. It causes teardrop shaped scaly patches it can be completely eradicated if treatedearly or go on to become chronic plaque psoriasis |
| Pustular psoriasis | All over the body | Painful pustules which can be Accompanied by fever and may come on in response to Over use of strong steroids |
| Erythrodermic psoriasis | All over the body | Very rare; Much of the skin is red, scaly affects body fluid balance and temperature |
One research study in Denmark found during post mortems that people with psoriasis had overgrown cells which produce the Human Growth Hormone in their pituitary glands. The researchers therefore proposed that psoriasis could be caused by this. In fact, the reason why psoriasis happens at all is not known but there are many ways in which it can be helped.