Abstract
Psoriasis is a common disorder, and it has been estimated to affect 2% of the population in the United Kingdom. The exact cause of psoriasis is unknown but there are strong suggestions that genetic factors play an important role. However, other factors are undoubtedly necessary in the clinical expression of the disease. Only one third of patients with psoriasis have a family history of the complaint in a first degree relative. It would appear that the predisposition for the disease is inherited and other factors may precipitate the disorder. The known triggers for psoriasis include streptococcal infections, trauma to the skin, mental stress, and certain drugs, e.g. lithium salts and chloroquin. However, these trigger factors are only found in a minority of patients.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 1985 L. Fry and M. N. P. Cornell
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Fry, L., Cornell, M.N.P. (1985). Psoriasis. In: Dermatology. Management of Common Diseases in Family Practice. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-010-9228-9_7
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-010-9228-9_7
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
Print ISBN: 978-94-010-9230-2
Online ISBN: 978-94-010-9228-9
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive