What Causes Psoriasis

No-one quite knows exactly what causes psoriasis, although genetics are believed to be a factor. The general consensus is that the immune system also plays a huge part, with the immune system somehow triggered to produce more skin cells than is normal.

People who don’t suffer with psoriasis will produce mature skin that sheds itself within 28-30 days, psoriasis sufferers however will produce mature skin within 3-4 days. Unlike normal skin cell production though which falls off, psoriasis cells pile up, forming lesions on the surface (see diagram above, to the right).

Psoriasis can also be triggered by a number of other factors such as: -

The weather – Cold, dry weather can flare up psoriasis while warm damp or sunny temperatures can make symptoms better.

Stress – Stress or emotional distress can trigger psoriasis flare ups.

Skin infection – Skin infections caused by viruses or bacteria can trigger psoriasis and cause flare up.

What Causes Eczema

There are a number of different factors that may cause eczema such as hereditary and genetic factors. Depending on the form of eczema, the cause can be attributed to environmental allergens, or other conditions such as asthma or hayfever.

Other forms of eczema are caused by irritants such as chemicals and detergents, while stress is also being researched as a cause of eczema. Blood circulatory problems in the leg can also lead to eczema in later years.

Eczema can affect most parts of the body, from the face, neck, arms and legs, to the back and even the penis.

Note: Eczema is not contagious.

Types Of Eczema

There are many types of eczema, some unexplained forms and some more common types, such as:-

What Causes Acne?

There are several factors that can cause acne such as hormonal changes in adolescence or pregnancy, birth control pills, bacteria in the skin pores and use of anabolic steroids among other things.

One important factor behind acne experts believe is an increase in the male sex hormones androgens which increase in both boys and girls during adolescence that cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge, creating more sebum (oily secretion).

Experts also believe acne to be in part, hereditary.

What Causes Wrinkles

The major cause of wrinkles is the aging process which effects us all, sadly. However there are also a number of contributing factors that can bring on wrinkles or speed up the process such as smoking, sun damage, skin type, heredity patterns, dry skin, stress and generally not looking after your skin or body.

Skin is made up of three layers; the outermost layer, the epidermis; the middle layer, the dermis and the innermost layer, the subcutaneous. The dermis has elastic qualities that help keep the skin nice and firm, this is due to elastin fibres. The dermis also produces collagen protein which along with the epidermis’ ability to hold in water, keep the skin moist and be able to stretch and shape, all serve to prevent the skin from creasing or forming wrinkles.

Age Spots Causes

Age spots are caused by exposure to the sun and become common in people over the age of 40. However sun spots are known to occur in some adults in their 20s due to excessive and significant sun exposure. Sun spots have been likened to “sun induced freckles” and are natural lesions, resulting from the sun’s powerful ultraviolet rays which in time will penetrate the skin, darken pigments of it and form sun spots.

Are Age Spots Harmful?

Sun spots are completely harmless and natural. They are benign and won’t go on to form any kind of skin cancer. Note: If you are concerned about any suspicious blemish, spot or mark on your skin, you must seek professional medical advice.