Psoriasis is one of the most severe dermatological diseases. The pathology is of an autoimmune incurable nature and occurs in patients of all ages. A feature of the disease is its wavy nature. Relapses are followed by periods of calm 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 various parts of the human body. In medical practice, such rashes are usually called plaques or papules. In most cases, plaques are covered with scales characteristic of pathology and rise above the surface of healthy skin by several millimeters. Also, the signs of psoriasis include such signs as severe itching in the area of lesions and inflammation.
Psoriasis, the causes of which have not yet been clarified, is diagnosed in every tenth person who consults a doctor with skin problems. Pathology is prevalent mainly among adults, but it is often found in children. At risk are residents of countries with a cold, humid climate. The percentage of the disease in people in cold countries is higher than among residents living in warm climates.
What is psoriasis: a theory of the origin of the disease
Until now, it has not been possible to find out exactly the causes of the disease, how psoriasis begins is also unclear. Even the joint efforts of world scientists do not allow us to give an answer to the question of why psoriasis appears? According to Wikipedia, in modern medical practice, there are several theories of the occurrence of this disease. However, none of them are officially backed up. Theories for the development of psoriasis include the following:
- Immune.
- Hereditary.
- The theory of hormone disruption.
- Theory against a background of stress.
- Disorders of metabolic processes.
- Viral origin.
Based on clinical studies and laboratory data, scientists were able to identify several points of view that suggest possible causes of the development of pathology.
Immune theory
Many scientists determine the causes of psoriasis in children and adults by the characteristics of the immune system. This theory is by far the most widespread. From the point of view of its founders, the appearance of plaques on the body of a different nature occurs as a result of the activity of immune cells, which perceive certain areas of the dermis as an aggressor. This results in severe inflammation and redness of the skin.
The causes of psoriasis on the body from the point of view of the immune theory can be as follows:
- rubbing skin with clothing and shoes;
- getting burned;
- frostbite;
- microcracks;
- scratches.
According to the test results, it was possible to reveal the presence of a large number of immune cells in the places where psoriatic spots appear. This is a partial confirmation of the immune theory.
Genetic theory
Its other name is the theory of heredity. Many scientists are of the opinion that the disease is inherited. This is evidenced by numerous polls, the results of which showed that in the case of a pathology in the mother, the risk of developing an illness in a child is 20-25%. If both parents suffer from psoriasis, the percentage rises to 75.
Genetic predisposition is considered 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 are sick with psoriasis, this cannot give one hundred percent guarantee that the child will certainly develop the same ailment. 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 also partly explained by the endocrine theory. Here, scientists suggest that pathological changes in the dermis occur as a result of a hormonal imbalance in the body. Dysfunction of the normal functioning of the endocrine system provokes a decrease in the healthy vital activity of the cells of the dermis.
Hormone 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 hormonal level 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 neurogenic theory. This point of view explains the appearance of the disease as a result of stress and strong emotional experiences. Representatives of this theory believe that the cause of psoriasis may lie in malfunctions of the central nervous system.
As a result of experiences, the patient has such a phenomenon as a neurosis of the vascular walls. This provokes a narrowing of the vascular musculature and impaired blood flow. The consequence is the appearance on the body of rashes in the form of scaly plaques.
According to surveys in more than half of all psoriasis patients, the onset of the disease was preceded by strong feelings 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 representatives of the theory of metabolic disorders.
According to medical research, it was possible to find a clear connection between psoriasis and metabolic disorders in the body. Violation of lipid and other processes leads to a change in blood composition, weakening of immunity and other negative consequences.
The following factors can provoke metabolic disorders:
- diabetes mellitus;
- diseases of the kidneys, liver;
- unbalanced diet;
- sedentary lifestyle.
Viral theory
Some scientists explain the causes of psoriasis by the transfer of a viral infection or the presence of chronic inflammatory foci in the body. This theory is to some extent related to the genetic one. Representatives of this point of view believe that the infection can become an impetus for the development of pathology.
What factors can trigger psoriasis?
In addition to theories of 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, as well as taking drugs.
- Incorrect intake or untimely cancellation of medications.
- Various injuries to the dermis.
- Hormonal imbalance in the body.
Heredity and a combination of several provoking factors can lead to a disease such as psoriasis. It is very important to diagnose pathology in a timely manner and start adequate 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 it is not treated, the disease will become severe with constant relapses. Therefore, it is important to start treatment in a timely manner and prevent the development of psoriasis. As a preventive measure, you can use traditional medicine and its means, but only with the agreement of a doctor.
Now that you know what causes psoriasis, you need to start treating it. At the first symptoms, see your doctor, self-medication can seriously harm your health.