Scientists have long suspected that psoriasis is a genetic disease. Many people wonder how this is possible, because you can develop the condition even if you do not have a family history of it. In recent years, researchers have made great strides in understanding psoriasis, and we are now able to answer that question.

It is believed that a combination of genes is responsible for psoriasis, rather than a single gene. Therefore, it is possible that both of your parents have some of these genes. If neither have the complete combination, they would not develop the disease. However, their collective genes, (which you inherited) could contain the complete combination.

Psoriasis only manifests in 20 to 30 percent of the people who are genetically predisposed because specific circumstances are required to trigger it. It is believed that there are many variables in genetic combinations and triggers, which are not yet fully understood. Treatment options for psoriasis have advanced greatly with our deepening understanding of the condition. As emerging science continues to unfold, with new discoveries occurring regularly, we are a step closer to a cure every day. We are already reaping the rewards of this research, with better solutions enabling effective control of psoriasis.