Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Causes of Psoriasis

There are many ideas about the cause of psoriasis. Heredity plays a role in the development of psoriasis. It has been noted that individuals who have a family member with a severe case of psoriasis tend to experience early onset of the disease. Many psoriasis researchers have found that a biochemical stimulus may trigger the abnormally high skin growth, which in turn causes the skin lesions of psoriasis. Other research studies indicate that psoriasis may be a disorder of the immune system. The T cell, a white blood cell, normally works to fight off infection and disease. Scientists believe that having an abnormal immune system causes abnormal activity by T cells in the skin. These abnormally active T cells cause skin inflammation and increased cell production. Diet and vitamin influences have also been thought to play a role in psoriasis development and progression.