Psoriasis is one of the most serious dermatological diseases. The pathology is autoimmune incurable and occurs in patients of all ages. A feature of the disease is its ripple. Relapses are followed by periods of rest and vice versa. The duration of remission always depends on the type, form of the disease, as well as the individual characteristics of the patient.
The main symptoms of psoriasis are unpleasant pink or red spots that appear on different parts of the human body. In medical practice, such rashes are called plaques or papules. In most cases, plaques are covered with pathological scales and protrude several millimeters above the surface of healthy skin. Signs of psoriasis also include signs such as severe itching around lesions and inflammation.
Psoriasis, the causes of which are not yet clear, is diagnosed in every tenth person who consults a doctor with skin problems. Pathology is mainly common in adults, but is often found in children. Residents of countries with a cold, humid climate are at risk. The percentage of the disease in people in cold countries is higher than in residents who live in warm climates.
What is psoriasis: a theory about the origin of the disease
So far it has not been possible to find out the exact causes of the disease. How psoriasis begins is also unclear. Even the joint efforts of world scientists do not allow an answer to the question of why psoriasis occurs. According to Wikipedia, there are several theories about the occurrence of this disease in modern medical practice. However, none of them are officially secured. Theories about the development of psoriasis include the following:
- Immune.
- Hereditary.
- The theory of hormonal disorders.
- theory against the background of stress.
- Disorders of metabolic processes.
- Viral origin.
Based on clinical studies and laboratory data, scientists were able to identify various points of view that reveal possible causes for the development of the pathology.
Immune theory
Many scientists determine the causes of psoriasis in children and adults based on the characteristics of the immune system. This theory is by far the most popular. From the point of view of the founders, the appearance of plaques on the body of a different type occurs as a result of the activity of immune cells that perceive certain areas of the dermis as attackers. This leads to severe inflammation and reddening of the skin.
The causes of psoriasis on the body can be as follows from the point of view of immune theory:
- rubbing skin with clothes and shoes;
- is burned;
- frostbite;
- micro-cracks;
- scratches.
According to the test results, the presence of a large number of immune cells could be detected in the places where psoriasis patches appear. This is a partial confirmation of the immune theory.
Genetic Theory
Its other name is the theory of inheritance. Many scientists believe that the disease is inherited. This is evidenced by numerous surveys, the results of which have shown that with a pathology in the mother, the risk of developing a disease in a child is 20-25%. If both parents have psoriasis, the percentage rises to 75.
Genetic predisposition is considered to be one of the main factors in the development of the disease. With a combination of several provoking factors, the risk of pathology increases significantly.
Important! If a child's parents have psoriasis, this cannot guarantee one hundred percent that the child will certainly develop the same disease. Heredity only increases the risk of the disease.
Endocrine theory
The cause of psoriasis on the hands, back, head and other parts of the body is partly explained by the endocrine theory. Here, scientists suggest that pathological changes in the dermis occur as a result of hormonal imbalance in the body. Dysfunction of the normal functioning of the endocrine system leads to a decrease in the healthy vital activity of the cells of the dermis.
Hormonal imbalances can occur for the following reasons:
- pregnancy period;
- menstruation;
- taking hormonal drugs;
- puberty.
Important! According to the results of medical research, a violation of the level of hormones in the patient's blood is not observed in all cases. Given these facts, the endocrine system cannot be considered fundamental.
Neurogenic Theory
The onset of psoriasis also supports the neurogenic theory. This view explains the occurrence of the disease as a result of stress and strong emotional experiences. Proponents of this theory believe that the cause of the appearance of psoriasis may lie in malfunction of the central nervous system.
Based on experience, the patient has a phenomenon such as neurosis of the vascular walls. This leads to a narrowing of the vascular muscles and an impairment of the blood circulation. The result is the appearance of rashes on the body in the form of scaly plaques.
According to surveys of more than half of all psoriasis patients, the onset of the disease was preceded by strong emotions and stress.
Exchange theory
The reasons for the appearance of psoriasis in women and men can also lie in the violation of metabolic processes in the body. This is the opinion of proponents of the theory of metabolic disorders.
According to medical research, a clear connection between psoriasis and metabolic disorders in the body has been established. Violation of lipids and other processes leads to a change in blood composition, weakening of immunity and other negative consequences.
The following factors can cause metabolic disorders:
- Diabetes mellitus;
- diseases of the kidneys, liver;
- unbalanced diet;
- sedentary lifestyle.
Viral theory
Some scientists explain the causes of psoriasis by the transmission of a viral infection or the presence of chronic inflammation centers in the body. This theory is to some extent related to the genetic one. Advocates of this point of view believe that infection can become an impetus for the development of pathology.
Which factors can trigger psoriasis?
In addition to the theories about the origin of the disease, there are several provoking factors. These include:
- Unhealthy diet, eating allergens, insufficient amount of vitamins and minerals.
- Bad habits such as alcohol and cigarettes and drug use.
- Incorrect intake or premature rejection of medication.
- Various injuries to the dermis.
- Hormonal imbalance in the body.
Heredity and a combination of several provoking factors can lead to a disease like psoriasis. It is very important to diagnose the pathology in a timely manner and begin appropriate treatment. This will help avoid many negative consequences in the future.
Why psoriasis is dangerous
At first, the disease may not cause much discomfort, but if left untreated, the disease becomes severe with constant relapses. Therefore, it is important to start treatment on time and prevent the development of psoriasis. As a preventive measure, you can use traditional medicine and its means, but only with the consent of a doctor.
Now that you know what causes psoriasis, it is time to start treatment. At the first symptoms, contact your doctor. Self-medication can seriously damage your health.