Anyone can develop psoriasis. About a third of instances begin in childhood. These factors can increase the risk of developing the disease:
• Family history: The condition runs in families. Having one parent with psoriasis increases your risk of getting the disease. And having two parents with psoriasis increases your risk even more.
• Smoking: Smoking tobacco not only increases the risk of psoriasis but also may increase the severity of the disease.
Complications:
If you have psoriasis, you're at greater risk of developing other conditions, including:
• Psoriatic arthritis, which causes pain, stiffness, and swelling in and around the joints
• Temporary skin color changes (post-inflammatory hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation) where plaques have healed
• Eye conditions, such as conjunctivitis, blepharitis and uveitis
• Obesity
• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Cardiovascular disease
• Other autoimmune diseases, such as celiac disease, sclerosis and the inflammatory bowel disease called Crohn's disease
• Mental health conditions, such as low self-esteem and depression
Courtesy: Mayo Clinic
