What triggers the formation of thick, scaly patches in Psoriasis?

The formation of thick, scaly patches in psoriasis is primarily triggered by immune system dysfunction. In this condition, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, leading to an accelerated production of these cells. Typically, skin cells have a lifecycle where they grow, mature, and eventually shed. However, in individuals with psoriasis, this process is significantly sped up, taking only a few days instead of several weeks. This rapid turnover causes the accumulation of cells on the skin’s surface, which forms the characteristic thick, silvery scales that are commonly associated with psoriasis.

Immune system dysfunction in psoriasis is particularly linked to an overactivity of T cells and other immune cells, which contribute to inflammation and the abnormal growth of skin cells. Understanding this underlying cause helps in developing targeted therapies, such as biologics, that aim to modulate the immune response and reduce the severity of the disease.

Other factors like environmental allergies, genetic mutations, and hormonal changes may have associations with psoriasis or influence its severity and flare-ups, but the primary trigger noted in this question relates directly to the dysfunction of the immune system.