What about genes?

[Caroline]

In some cases it could be that a virus or bacteria activates a gene that otherwise would have remained inactive. That could explain how people can go from no disease to guttate to no disease over a number of months.

Certainly a good point Bill. I think that may be a reason that Psoriasis comes to expression. Otherwise I would not be able to explain why my treatment is working. What I am thinking is that what has happened in my body is that the bacterial cause that is triggering my genes has been removed. Leading to a result where I am still genetically sensitive for Psoriatic Arthritis but as the bacteria have been removed, there is no trigger anymore and it went to a sleeping state. Recently, about a month ago I had a flare up, so probably/maybe bacteria were pushing my genes again. But apparantly the built up anti-bodies saw this and came into action removing once again the trigger. The flare is over.

I also think you have to remember that going back to our grandparents, unless you have classic P with big plaques etc they may not have even gone to the doctors for it, and just assumed it was eczema or something.
It looks like you can have psoriasis all your life but it never be more than a few small problem areas so perhaps not everyone got a diagnosis.

Very good point TL.
The times of our grandparents, in my case perhaps my grand grand parents were not the times that Psoriasis was well recognised. Even with my grandpa it was not really recognized in the last two years of his life, where he really got stuck with his arms and legs.