What Is Scalp Psoriasis?
4. Immunologic Factors
There is some literature suggesting the possibility of psoriasis as an autoimmune disease. These studies have demonstrated that there are high levels of circulating tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha. This means that the treatment of psoriasis using TNF-alpha inhibitors has shown success as psoriatic lesions are often due to increased T-cell activity in the underlying skin.
It has also been observed that 2.5% of HIV patients with decreasing CD4 counts (more severe cases of HIV) develop worsening psoriasis. This finding supports the hypothesis that psoriasis is caused by T-cell hyperactivity. Obesity is another potential factor that increases the risk of psoriasis. When there is exacerbation or onset of psoriasis with weight gain, weight loss often results in improvement.
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