Psoriasis is one of the most serious dermatological diseases. The pathology is of an incurable autoimmune nature and appears in patients of all ages. A feature of the disease is its wavy nature. Repetitions 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, the plaques are covered with scales characteristic of pathology and rise above the surface of healthy skin for a few millimeters. Also, signs of psoriasis include signs such 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. The pathology is prevalent mainly in adults, but is often found in children. At risk are residents of countries with a cold and humid climate. The disease rate in people in cold countries is higher than in residents living in warm climates.
What is psoriasis: a theory of the origin of the disease
Until now, it has not been possible to pinpoint the exact causes of the disease, how psoriasis begins is also unclear. Even the joint efforts of world scientists do not allow to give an answer to the question why psoriasis occurs? According to Wikipedia, in modern medical practice, there are several theories of the occurrence of this disease. However, none of them is officially supported. Theories for the development of psoriasis include the following:- Imune.
- Hereditary.
- Theory of hormone disruption.
- Theory in the background of stress.
- Disorders of metabolic processes.
- Viral origin.
Based on clinical studies and laboratory data, scientists were able to identify several perspectives that suggest possible causes of pathology development.
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 aggressor. This results in severe inflammation and redness of the skin.
Causes of psoriasis in the body from the point of view of immune theory can be as follows:
- rubbing the skin with clothing and shoes;
- burning;
- freezing;
- microcracking; scratches
- .
According to the test results, it was possible to identify the presence of a large number of immune cells in places where psoriatic spots appear. This is a partial confirmation of the immune theory.
Genetic theory
His other name is inheritance theory. Many scientists are of the opinion that the disease is inherited. This is evidenced by numerous surveys, the results of which showed that in the case of a pathology in the mother, the risk of developing a disease 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 provocative factors, the risk of pathology increases significantly.
Important! If the parents of a child are sick with psoriasis, this can not give one hundred percent guarantee that the child will surely develop the same disease. Heredity only increases the risk of disease.
Endocrine theory
The cause of psoriasis on the hands, back, head and other parts of the body is also partly explained by 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 vital activity of healthy dermis cells.
Hormone imbalance can occur for the following reasons:
- period of pregnancy;
- menstruation;
- taking hormonal medications;
- puberty.
Important! According to the results of medical research, the 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 illness as a result of stress and strong emotional experiences. Representatives of this theory believe that the cause of psoriasis may lie in central nervous system dysfunctions.
As a result of experiences, the patient has a phenomenon such as a neurosis of the walls of blood vessels. This provokes a narrowing of the vascular muscles 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 experiences and stress.
Theory of exchange
The reasons for the appearance of psoriasis in women and men may 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 link between psoriasis and metabolic disorders in the body. Violation of lipids and other processes leads to a change in blood composition, weakening of immunity and other negative consequences.
The following factors may provoke metabolic disorders:
- diabetes mellitus;
- kidney and liver diseases;
- 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 view believe that infection can become an impetus for the development of pathology.
What factors can cause psoriasis?
In addition to theories of the origin of the disease, there are several provocative factors. These include:
- Unhealthy diet, eating food allergens, insufficient amount of vitamins and trace elements.
- Bad habits such as alcohol and cigarettes, as well as taking drugs.
- Misdiagnosis or premature cancellation of medication.
- Various injuries to the dermis.
- Hormonal imbalance in the body.
Why psoriasis is dangerous
At first, the disease may not cause much concern, but if left untreated, the disease will become 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 remedies, but only with the consent 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 damage your health.