Psoriasis vulgaris is caused by a mix of genetic predisposition and immune system overactivity, triggered by factors like infections, certain medications, skin irritation, stress, alcohol, and climate. The immune system mistakenly speeds up skin cell growth and inflammation, leading to the typical red, scaly plaques.
You are more likely to develop psoriasis vulgaris if close relatives have psoriasis, if you smoke, drink a lot of alcohol, are overweight, or have autoimmune or metabolic diseases. Repeated skin injuries, chronic stress, and certain medications also increase the risk of flare‑ups and more severe disease.
Treatment of psoriasis vulgaris focuses on softening and removing scales, calming inflammation, and slowing down the overgrowth of skin cells. Depending on severity, this can include moisturizers and keratolytic creams, topical steroids, vitamin D analogues, calcineurin inhibitors, phototherapy, and in moderate to severe cases systemic drugs or biologics, guided by a dermatologist.