Scientists say they are closer to understanding the genetic basis of psoriasis, which may enable them to develop further treatments of the skin condition.

Findings published online in Nature Genetics reveal researchers at Washington University School of Medicine discovered seven genetic variants that seem to increase the risk of developing psoriasis.

After identifying these variants, the scientists conducted a second study among more than 2,800 patients with psoriasis.

This investigation found that the absence of two particular skin genes – both of which are typically activated after an injury to the skin – raised the chances of developing psoriasis.

“Until now, all of the genes linked to psoriasis have been involved in the immune system,” researcher Anne Bowcock explained. “But psoriasis is a disease of the immune system and the skin, and it makes sense that we would eventually find genes in the skin that are involved in the disease.”

Some psoriasis patients seeking alternatives to prescribed medication have turned to herbal supplements containing turmeric or oregano oil, while fish oil has also showed promise in certain studies.