Eastern Dermatology & Pathology

Who gets Psoriasis?

People who get psoriasis usually have one or more person in their family who has psoriasis. Not everyone who has a family member with psoriasis will get psoriasis. But psoriasis is common. In the United States, about 7.5 million people have psoriasis. Most people, about 80%, have plaque psoriasis. Psoriasis can begin at any age. Most people get psoriasis between 15 and 30 years of age. By age 40, most people who will get psoriasis, about 75%, have psoriasis. Another common time for psoriasis to begin is between 50 and 60 years of age. White people get psoriasis more often than other races. Infants and young children are more likely to get inverse psoriasis and guttate psoriasis.

What causes Psoriasis?

Scientists are still trying to learn everything that happens inside the body to cause psoriasis. We know that psoriasis is not contagious. You cannot get psoriasis from swimming in the same pool or having sex. Scientists have learned that a person’s immune system and genes play important roles. It seems that many genes must interact to cause psoriasis. Scientists also know that not everyone who inherits the genes for psoriasis will get psoriasis. It seems that a person must inherit the “right” mix of genes. Then the person must be exposed to a trigger. Many people say that their psoriasis began after they experienced one of these common psoriasis triggers:

• A stressful event
• Strep throat
• Taking certain medicines, such as lithium or medicine to prevent malaria
• Cold, dry weather
• A cut, scratch, or bad sunburn

Outcome

Psoriasis is a chronic (long-lasting) disease of the immune system. It cannot be cured. This means that most people have psoriasis for life. By teaming up with a dermatologist who treats psoriasis, you can find a treatment plan that works for you. Dermatologists encourage their patients who have psoriasis to take an active role in managing this disease. By taking an active role, you can reduce the effects that psoriasis has on your quality of life.