Psoriasis is one of the most serious dermatological diseases. The pathology is of an incurable autoimmune nature and occurs in patients of all ages. A characteristic 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, the 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 in various parts of the human body. In medical practice, these rashes are often called plaques or papules. In most cases, the plaques are covered with scales characteristic of the pathology and rise several millimeters above the surface of healthy skin. In addition, signs of psoriasis include signs such as severe itching in the area of injuries and inflammation.
Psoriasis, the causes of which have not yet been clarified, is diagnosed in every tenth person who visits a doctor with skin problems. The pathology is prevalent mainly among adults, but is often found in children. At risk are residents of countries with cold and humid climates. The percentage of the disease in people in cold countries is higher than among residents in hot climates.
What is psoriasis: a theory of the origin of the disease
So far, it is not possible to find out exactly the causes of the disease, it is also not clear how psoriasis begins. Even the joint efforts of world scientists do not allow an answer to the question of why psoriasis appears? According to Wikipedia, in modern medical practice, there are several theories about the occurrence of this disease. However, none of them have an official backup. Theories for the development of psoriasis include the following:
- Immune.
- Hereditary.
- The theory of hormonal disruption.
- Theory in a stress context.
- 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 for the development of the pathology.
Immunological 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 in the body of another nature occurs as a result of the activity of cells of the immune system, which perceive certain areas of the dermis as aggressive. This results in severe inflammation and redness of the skin.
The causes of psoriasis in the body from the point of view of immunological theory can be as follows:
- rub the skin with clothes and shoes;
- being burned;
- freezing; micro cracks;
- scratches.
According to the results of the tests, it was possible to identify the presence of a large number of cells of the immune system in the places where psoriatic spots appear. This is a partial confirmation of the immunological theory.
Genetic theory
Its other name is the theory of heredity. Many scientists believe that the disease is hereditary. This is evidenced by numerous researches, the results of which showed that, in the case of a pathology in the mother, the risk of developing a disease in the 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 provocative factors, the risk of pathology increases significantly.
Important! If a child's parents have psoriasis, it cannot give a hundred percent guarantee 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 also partially explained by endocrine theory. Here, scientists suggest that pathological changes in the dermis occur as a result of a hormonal imbalance in the body. The dysfunction of the normal functioning of the endocrine system causes a decrease in the healthy vital activity of the cells of the dermis.
Hormonal imbalances can occur for the following reasons:
- period of pregnancy;
- menstruation;
- taking hormonal medications;
- 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 the neurogenic theory. This view explains the onset of the disease as a result of stress and strong emotional experiences. Representatives of this theory believe that the cause of the appearance of psoriasis may be the malfunction of the central nervous system.
As a result of the experiences, the patient has a phenomenon like a neurosis of the vascular walls. This causes a narrowing of the vascular musculature and impaired blood flow. The consequence is the appearance of rashes in the body in the form of scaly plaques.
According to research, in more than half of all psoriasis patients, the onset of the disease was preceded by strong experiences and stress.
Exchange theory
The reasons for the appearance of psoriasis in women and men may also lie in the violation of the body's metabolic processes. 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. The violation of lipids and other processes leads to a change in the composition of the blood, weakened immunity and other negative consequences.
The following factors can cause metabolic disorders:
- presence of diabetes mellitus;
- kidney and liver diseases;
- unbalanced diet;
- sedentary lifestyle.
Viral theory
Some scientists explain the causes of psoriasis by transferring a viral infection or by the presence of chronic inflammatory foci in the body. This theory is somewhat related to genetics. Representatives of this view believe that the infection can become an impetus for the development of the pathology.
What factors can trigger psoriasis?
In addition to theories about the origin of the disease, there are several provocative factors. This includes:
- Unhealthy diet, intake of food allergens, insufficient amount of vitamins and microelements.
- Bad habits, such as alcohol and cigarettes, in addition to drug use.
- Incorrect intake or premature drug cancellation.
- Several injuries to the dermis.
- Hormonal imbalance in the body.
Heredity and a combination of several provocative factors can lead to diseases such as psoriasis. It is very important to diagnose the pathology in a timely manner and initiate appropriate treatment. This will help to 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 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 prophylaxis, 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, consult your doctor, self-medication can seriously damage your health.