Is psoriasis an infection or infestation?

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease of the skin. It causes your body’s immune system to attack itself, which leads to the rapid buildup of skin cells. This buildup of cells causes scaling on the skin’s surface. Psoriasis isn’t contagious.

How does inflammation contribute to the treatment of psoriasis?

Let’s dig deeper into inflammation and learn how one of your body’s most helpful functions can also contribute to psoriasis symptoms. Inflammation is your body’s natural defense and repair system.

How are white blood cells overactive in psoriasis?

White blood cells called T-helper lymphocytes become overactive, producing excess amounts of cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-2, and interferon-gamma. In turn, these chemicals trigger inflammation in the skin and other organs.

Is there a connection between psoriasis and skin cancer?

Psoriasis and skin cancer are skin conditions that may be mistaken for one another. They can both cause spots on the skin. Squamous cell cancer is a type of skin cancer. Learn about the symptoms, causes, risk factors, treatment, and prevention of it.

How does psoriasis affect your quality of life?

Symptoms like itchy, scaling skin can affect your ability to perform daily activities, take a toll on your emotional health, and impact your quality of life. The good news: There are ways to make life with psoriasis easier. Follow these dos and don’ts to help get your symptoms under control. Do talk to a dermatologist.

How is the immune system affected by psoriasis?

At a basic level, psoriasis is a disorder of the immune system. White blood cells called T-helper lymphocytes become overactive, producing excess amounts of cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-2, and interferon-gamma. In turn, these chemicals trigger inflammation in the skin and other organs.

Why does psoriasis grow faster than normal skin cells?

Psoriasis turns your skin cells into type A overachievers: They grow about five times faster than normal skin cells. And your body can’t keep up.

What causes a person to get psoriasis on their face?

Earaches, bronchitis, tonsillitis, or a respiratory infection such as a cold or the flu may also be triggers. A little natural light is good for most people with psoriasis. But for a few, the sun makes their condition worse.

Can a cellulitis infection be caused by psoriasis?

Cellulitis is a skin infection that starts when bacteria, often a variety of staph or strep, get into the deeper layers of the skin. In someone with psoriasis, irritated, flaky, inflamed areas-especially if those areas are frequently touched or scratched-are the perfect entry points for these bacteria.