What Causes Psoriasis?

Obesity

Individuals who struggle with obesity or have previously struggled with obesity are known to be at a higher risk of developing psoriasis than those who have a healthy body mass index. A body mass index of thirty or greater is what defines an individual as obese. Individuals who are obese are known to have higher levels of inflammatory cytokines in their body than those who have a healthy body mass index. Excess adipose tissue is known to produce inflammation by releasing certain toxins into the affected individual's tissues. However, instead of repairing the damage done by these toxins, the affected individual's immune system abnormally and inappropriately misdirects its action to the tissues of the skin. Their immune system attacks the skin tissues and produces psoriatic lesions that are thick, scaly, and dry. Flare-ups in individuals who are obese and affected by psoriasis occur frequently and repeatedly unless the overall amount of inflammation in the body is reduced.