Risk Factors and Triggers
Risk Factors
What causes psoriasis is unknown, but genetic predisposition is considered a key factor, and environmental and behavioral factors may also play a major role.
Risk factors for psoriasis include:
- Family history
- Specific genes
- Stress
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Heavy alcohol intake
- Infections (HIV, post-streptococcal)
Triggers
Everyone’s triggers are different, but common triggers include:
- Cold or dry climate
- Infections (HIV, post-streptococcal)
- Stress
- Dry skin
- Certain medications including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), high-blood-pressure medications, some antidepressants, antimalarial drugs and others
- Skin injuries including sunburn, cuts and bug bites