With psoriasis, the immune resistance is directed against one's own skin cells. They can no longer develop normally start to clump together. This creates so-called plaques (from the French word "Platte"), which feel leathery, are itchy and can burn or sting if cracks form. Their sizes vary significantly: they may be as small as a coin or as big as a hand.
In more rare cases, psoriasis may also appear in the form of small drops, nodules or pustules. Furthermore, psoriasis can be linked to a number of concomitant diseases: for example, those affected often also suffer from depression, chronic inflammatory bowel diseases and eye inflammation. Joint involvement (psoriasis arthritis) is often observed as well. Furthermore, diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity or dyslipidemia occur more frequently.
But what causes psoriasis?
In addition to the hereditary predisposition, external influences and risk factors also play a major role in causing psoriasis. The most frequent form of psoriasis (type I) is caused by a hereditary predisposition. However, consuming luxury foods, taking certain medication, environmental effects or mental stress can also contribute to causing psoriasis. Type II psoriasis is affected, above all, by hormonal changes (menopause), taking medication and environmental factors.