Risk factors

Anyone can develop psoriasis. About a third of instances begin in the pediatric years. These factors can increase your risk:

• Family history. The condition runs in families. Having one parent with psoriasis increases your risk of getting the disease, and having two parents with psoriasis increases your risk even more.
• Stress. Because stress can impact your immune system, high stress levels may increase your risk of psoriasis.
• Smoking. Smoking tobacco not only increases your risk of psoriasis but also may increase the severity of the disease. Smoking may also play a role in the initial development of the disease.