Psoriasis is a chronic dermatological disease that is currently affecting more and more people.Psoriasis is expressed by the appearance of red papules on the skin;popularly called "scaly lichen".The skin becomes red and itchy, accompanied by a burning sensation.Lesions range from punctate to extensive and generalized.Lesions most often appear on the scalp, hands, shoulders, back, groin, palms of the hands, and feet.Psoriasis of the joints, bones, nails, external genitalia and internal organs also occurs, but these forms are diagnosed quite rarely.Signs of psoriasis also include:
- The appearance of cracks on the skin, which cause very unpleasant pain;
- The structure of the nails is broken;
- Dry skin, which leads to the death and peeling of skin cells;
- The appearance of blisters on the surfaces of the feet and the inside of the hands;
- Formation of red spots that cause severe itching.They are swollen formations covered with a white scaly film.
Patients with psoriasis often spend more time in aggressive nervous tension, suffer from depression and lower their self-esteem.
If psoriasis is not treated in time, symptoms such as fever, damage to the nail surface and joint fractures may appear, indicating a complication of the disease.In such a situation, qualified medical assistance is simply necessary.
Since this disease is quite popular, everyone should know the main causes of psoriasis.
Causes of psoriasis - basic theories
In modern medicine, there is still no definite answer to the question: "Why do psoriatic plaques appear on the skin and where does this disease come from?"
In addition to the fact that psoriatic plaques appear on the skin, other functional disorders are also diagnosed in the body, namely, disruption of the functioning of the immune, nervous and endocrine systems.
The causes and mechanisms of psoriasis have been studied for more than a century, but science still does not have an exact definition of the specific cause of skin psoriasis;there are several types of theories that all medical professionals rely on:
- Immune theory;
- Genetic theory;
- Neurogenic theory;
- Viral theory.
Each theory requires detailed consideration.
Immune theory
Many famous scientific researchers claim that when the body's immune system is weakened, autoimmune aggression occurs, as a result of which the person's immune system rejects the skin's own cells, mistaking them for foreign ones.One can't help but agree with that;undoubtedly, with a decrease in immunity, a disease such as psoriasis of the skin can begin to develop, but one cannot fail to take into account many other factors that can also contribute to this.
Genetic theory
It has been proven that more than 55% of the population suffering from this disease have blood relatives with exactly the same disease.If one of the parents in the family has psoriasis, then the probability of this disease in children reaches 25%, and if both parents are sick, then the probability of the disease in children increases to 70-75%.Despite such impressive figures, official medicine does not believe that genetic predisposition is the main cause of psoriasis.
Neurogenic theory
The main theory that most doctors rely on is the neurogenic theory.According to this theory, psoriasis occurs with increased nervous excitability, frequent stressful situations, problems at work and in personal life, developed neurosis.
Neurosis leads to narrowing of blood vessels and weakening of blood flow to the skin, due to which papules are formed.
It was also found that with frequent experiences, nervous breakdowns, stress when changing the place of residence, stimulation and formation of skin rashes occur.
Viral theory
Many doctors say that psoriasis can also appear against the background of an existing viral disease or after an illness.But they have not yet been able to find a specific type of virus that causes psoriasis.Undoubtedly, after a viral illness or during an illness, the immune system weakens and the likelihood of psoriasis increases.
This theory of the appearance of psoriasis on the skin raises many questions and doubts in medicine, since psoriasis is not considered a disease that can be transmitted from a sick person to a healthy person.In the entire history of medicine, doctors have not recorded a single case of psoriasis infection.
Basic factors
There are a number of factors that can lead to the development of the disease that causes psoriasis:
- Skin injuries;
- Increased nervous excitability, frequent stress;
- Viral and infectious diseases;
- Use of antibiotics, vitamin complexes;
- Changes in climatic conditions, especially if a drier climate changes to a humid one;
- Dermatological diseases: fungal diseases, dermatitis;
- Improper diet: an abundance of sweets, fatty foods, alcoholic products;
- Changes in hormonal levels, especially in women during pregnancy, menopause and breastfeeding.
Psoriasis can occur under the influence of any of the above factors, so people who are prone to this disease should protect themselves from exposure to these factors.
The main cause of psoriasis is considered a complex malfunction in the human body, caused by the influence of not one, but several factors at the same time.
A very important fact is that psoriasis is not infectious in nature, which means that it is not transmitted in any way.Given such a variety of causes of psoriasis, anyone can be at risk.
It can occur in both an adult and a child, even an infant.The earlier psoriasis appears, the more severe it can become throughout life.That is why it is very important to take care of your health, eat right, do not abuse alcohol, protect yourself from skin injuries and periodically strengthen the immune system.