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Main Page | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Screening | Reducing Your Risk | Talking to Your Doctor | Living With Psoriasis | Resource Guide Risk Factors for PsoriasisA risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of getting a disease or condition. It is possible to develop psoriasis with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing psoriasis. If you have a number of risk factors, ask your health care provider what you can do to reduce your risk. Risk factors include: Genetic Factors There is a strong genetic component to psoriasis. In about one third of all cases, there is a family history of psoriasis. Certain Medical Conditions Medical conditions that are most likely to trigger psoriasis include: Stress/emotional disorders: Stress, suppressed anger, anxiety, depression, or other emotional disorders often trigger psoriasis outbreaks. Infection: Psoriasis frequently flares up after upper respiratory infections, such as tonsillitis, sinusitis, or strep throat. Skin injuries: Psoriasis may develop at the site of a previous skin injury or mild abrasion, such as a cut, burn, or injection. This delayed development of psoriasis at these injured skin sites is known as the K�bner Response. HIV/AIDS: Psoriasis may become particularly severe in people infected with HIV/AIDS. Certain Medications Certain medications have been associated with triggering or exacerbating outbreaks of psoriasis. These include:
Age Psoriasis can occur at any age, although it most frequently begins between the ages of 15 and 35. It is considered quite rare in infants, but may occur in children before the age of 10. Racial/Ethnic Background Psoriasis is more prevalent in fair-skinned people, particularly those who have a blood relative with psoriasis. It is less common in people with darker skin. Environment Psoriasis is often triggered by weather and climatic conditions. In general, people living in cold, dry climates are at much greater risk of developing psoriasis than people living in temperate or warm climates. In fact, warm, humid weather helps to heal psoriasis symptoms. SOURCES:National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases National Psoriasis Foundation Last reviewed January 2004 by Elizabeth Smoots, MD All EBSCO Publishing consumer health and medical information found on this site is accredited by URAC. URAC's Health Web Site Accreditation Program requires compliance with 53 rigorous standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audits. � |
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