The symptoms of the disease, namely red spots on the skin, plaques, dryness and severe itching, cause severe discomfort in the arms, legs, groin, hairline, nails and in severe cases even the eyes.
Despite the best efforts of specialists and scientists, the cause of the disease cannot be identified.There are many different theories.Immune advocates argue that the disease is affected by weak immunity.Research confirms that parents with psoriasis often have children with a similar disease.
Patients note that symptoms increase after stress.Many believe that metabolism, endocrine system function and other factors affect psoriasis.In this article we take a closer look at the causes of psoriasis, what treatment methods are available and what symptoms occur.
Causes of Psoriasis
Scientists have not yet been able to reveal the main cause of psoriasis.The experiments, studies and surveys carried out made it possible to find out under which conditions and factors the disease occurs more frequently.However, because not every factor is found in all cases, theories have been put forward that have not yet been confirmed.
A dermatologist can tell you what psoriasis is and what symptoms it has, but today it is not possible to give an exact answer to the question of what causes psoriasis and which drug will definitely help cure it.
Many patients note that the symptoms of psoriasis can worsen under stress and non-compliance with dietary rules;The disease is also more common in people with poor immunity and metabolism, as well as disorders of the endocrine system.However, whether these factors actually influence the disease is unknown.
Let's look at the following main theories about the cause of psoriasis rashes in children and adults:
- Immune
- Genetically.
- Viral.
- Endocrine.
- Neurogenic.
- Metabolic disorder.
The symptoms of psoriasis and a description of its types can be seen in the photo;The causes of the disease are listed below.
Immune theory of psoriasis
This theory is considered one of the most well-founded and popular among specialists.Therefore, its supporters believe that the disease is due to a phenomenon such as autoimmune aggression.Let's look at the principle by which this happens.
Since the immune system does not function properly, it recognizes healthy cells as diseased and has a destructive effect on them.Healthy cells become diseased, affected areas become inflamed, scaly patches appear and cells die.Peeling is caused by the following factors:
- Friction of the affected areas.
- Skin damage of a climatic nature: burns, hypothermia.
- Mechanical damage in the form of wounds, cuts.
Cells affected by psoriasis were examined under the microscope and antigen formation actually occurred, while they were absent in healthy areas.However, this does not prove the immune theory of the occurrence of psoriasis, since the cause of its occurrence is unknown.Many scientists believe that immune factor alone is not enough to trigger psoriasis symptoms.The immune factor often becomes the “trigger” of the disease.
Genetic theory
This theory can be proven through research, surveys and the creation of statistics.Experts suspect that a person has a higher risk of becoming ill if their parents suffer from a similar illness.The reason for this is a hereditary predisposition.It is possible that not only parents, but also more distant relatives can “inherit” genes associated with this disease.
According to survey results, more than half of patients suffer from one or more people suffering from a similar disease.Experts have compiled statistics and identified risks:
- The risk of a child getting sick if only the father or mother has psoriasis is 1 in 4.
- If both the father and mother have psoriasis, the risk is much higher - 3 to 4.
However, from the results we can also see that patients may not have sick relatives.Therefore, hereditary factor is not considered as a major factor.The theory that not one, but two or more factors lead to the disease is confirmed by this study.Therefore, it is not only genetics that are responsible for the occurrence of the disease.
Viral theory
For a long time, many experts believed that viral infections promoted the development of skin diseases.The hypothesis is associated with the fact that the symptoms of psoriasis intensify during an illness that occurs as a result of exposure to viral formations.It was found that in some patients the first symptoms appeared during the period of illness.
Opponents of this theory have put forward a refutation: this theory is directly related to the immune system, since when the body is damaged by viruses, the patient's immune defenses are greatly weakened and this becomes the cause of the disease.This theory is also refuted by the non-infectious nature of psoriasis.Since it is impossible to transmit the disease from another patient, the disease is not viral in nature.
Endocrine theory
Proponents of the endocrine theory believe that a failure in hormone production has a direct impact on the occurrence of psoriasis.According to them, the development of pathological cells is caused by hormonal imbalances.
This happens precisely due to disruptions in the endocrine system.These include secretion of glands, excessive use of hormone-containing drugs, pregnancy and ovulation in women.Because hormone levels change during pregnancy and ovulation, this can contribute to the onset of symptoms.This theory is explained by the fact that excessively active proliferation of cells in the body indicates disruptions in regulation and is disrupted precisely for endocrine reasons.
According to doctors' reviews of their patients' observations, it was found that with a dysfunction of the endocrine system, an increase in symptoms is observed.However, there is no evidence or refutation of this theory because it has not been possible to determine which hormones are produced that increase symptoms.
Neurogenic theory
Many patients experience confirmation of this theory themselves: They notice that after stress and depression, not only do symptoms such as itching and skin rashes increase, but many people even experience signs of illness for the first time.This is due to disorders of the nervous system and is related to the patient's psychosomatics.
This theory only appeared recently;In contrast to other theories, no research has been carried out on this.
According to this theory, the disease occurs and progresses in the following cases:
- Stress and depression.
- Experiences.
- Insomnia.
- Severe fatigue, overwork.
In stressful situations, a person's blood vessels constrict, resulting in poor blood circulation in the skin.For this reason, according to experts, manifestations of psoriasis may occur.In the last century, doctors discovered that, according to their patients, the symptoms of the disease only appeared after experience.Therefore, this theory was built solely on the words of patients.
Metabolic disorders
Dermatologists around the world believe that psoriasis is due to poor metabolism in the patient's body.This is evident from numerous studies carried out based on tests carried out in laboratory conditions.Many patients showed similarities in their results.
Patients with psoriasis suffer from slow metabolism and various metabolic disorders.This is manifested by a noticeable drop in temperature, high cholesterol and various toxic formations that are not processed by the body in a timely manner and are not excreted from it.
Lack of retinol in the blood, Adermin, cyanocobalamin (vitamins A, B6, B12) - this characterizes the course of the disease.At the same time, ascorbic acid levels are higher than normal.
Factors provoking the appearance of psoriasis
According to the studies, it was determined which factors most often unite patients with psoriasis, under what conditions the incidence becomes high and what leads to an increase in symptoms.Below are the factors in which the incidence is more commonly observed.
Infectious diseases
Various diseases associated with the development of infection in the body can provoke symptoms and relapses of psoriasis.They also lead to complications and cause serious illness.Therefore, if a patient falls ill with various infectious diseases during psoriasis, it is necessary to promptly eliminate the cause and symptoms, cure the disease and consult a doctor to prescribe medication.
pregnancy
It has been observed that women become sick more often during pregnancy.This is due to hormonal changes, so the endocrine theory of psoriasis is applicable here.Therefore, pregnant women need to take tests more often, undergo examinations and consultations with their doctor, monitor their general health, try not to worry, eat right or follow the diet prescribed by the doctor, not drink alcohol or smoke, preferably fall asleep and wake up at the same time, as well as eat something.
Injuries and skin damage
Various skin lesions, such as wounds, burns, cuts, scratches, pose a risk of developing psoriasis.This item covers chemical damage to the skin under the influence of various household substances and other chemicals.Many patients work in factories and have constant contact with irritants - in this case the use of protective gloves or other methods is required.
Bad habits
The cause of the disease can be bad habits, including drinking alcohol and smoking.
Taking certain medications
Overdose of various medications such as antibiotics, immunostimulants and even vitamins can increase the symptoms of psoriasis.This is due to the immune theory of the onset of the disease.
Poor diet
It has been found that symptoms manifest themselves much more clearly in people who do not adhere to the rules of proper nutrition than in people who eat properly and watch their diet.If you have psoriasis, you should not eat fried, spicy, salty, sweet or smoked foods.
Treatment of psoriasis
It is not advisable to choose medications for the treatment of psoriasis on your own, as this can worsen the course of the disease.Your treating dermatologist should diagnose the condition and prescribe the necessary treatment.A complete cure for psoriasis is not possible because it is chronic.The right medication provides rapid symptom relief and long-term remission.
In addition to medications, with psoriasis you need to follow a special diet.This reduces the oil production of the sebaceous glands.The diet excludes the consumption of fatty, smoked, spicy, salty foods, alcohol and tobacco.Drinking coffee and strong tea is prohibited.It is also recommended to take medications that improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.Thanks to the diet, metabolism is restored.
Doctors also prescribe vitamin complexes containing vitamins D, group B, A and E.It is recommended to eat fish, olive oil and honey.
Prevention of psoriasis
To prevent a relapse of the disease or the appearance of the first symptoms, you can take the following preventive measures:
- Do not be subject to stress, anxiety or depression.
- Pay attention to proper nutrition, give up bad habits and engage in light physical activity.
- Use vitamin complexes.
- Restore the function of internal organs in the presence of diseases.
- Visit your doctor more often.