People at risk

• People who have family history psoriasis. Almost 40% of patients have one or more members of their family also affected. If one of the two parents is affected, the risk of the child suffering from this condition varies from 5 to 10%.
• The people obese. Obesity is associated with an increased risk of psoriasis, as is type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome²⁷.
• People infected with HIV.

Risk factors

Several factors can triggerappearance of plaques in people who already have psoriasis.

• A reaction to a drug, including lithium prescribed to treat bipolar disorder, beta blockers for high blood pressure, and drugs for malaria ;
• A high level of stress;
• A scratch, cut or insect bite;
• A sunburn ;
• Cold and dry climates;
• Exposure to chemicals;
• Alcohol consumption ;
• Smoking. It worsens the symptoms and is a risk factor for this disease;
• An infection of the throat or respiratory tract (in the case of guttate psoriasis).