Psoriasis is one of the most serious dermatological diseases. The pathology is incurable autoimmune in 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 and form of the disease, as well as the individual characteristics of the patient.
The main symptoms of psoriasis are unpleasant red or pink spots that appear on 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. Also, the signs of psoriasis include signs such as intense 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 sees a doctor with skin problems. The pathology is mainly prevalent among adults, but is often found in children. At risk are residents of countries with a cold and humid climate. The percentage of sick people in cold countries is higher than that of residents living in hot 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, it is also not clear how psoriasis begins. Even the joint efforts of world scientists do not allow us to give an answer to the question why psoriasis appears. According to Wikipedia, in modern medical practice, there are several theories about the occurrence of this disease. However, none of them are officially endorsed. Theories for the development of psoriasis include the following:
- Immune.
- Hereditary.
- Hormonal disorder theory.
- Theory in a context of stress.
- Disorders of metabolic processes.
- Viral origin.
Based on clinical studies and laboratory data, scientists were able to identify various points of view that suggest possible causes for the development of 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 of a different nature in the body occurs as a consequence of the activity of immune cells, which perceive certain areas of the dermis as aggressors. The consequence of this is a strong inflammation and redness of the skin.
The causes of psoriasis in the body from the point of view of immunological theory can be the following:
- rubbing their skin with clothing and shoes;
- burn;
- freeze;
- 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 immunological theory.
Genetic theory
Its other name is inheritance theory. Many scientists believe that the disease is inherited. This is demonstrated 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 have psoriasis, the percentage increases 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 the parents of a child are suffering from psoriasis, this cannot guarantee one hundred percent that the child will develop the same ailment. Heredity only increases the risk of contracting the 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 hormonal imbalance in the body. 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 point of view explains the appearance of the disease as a consequence of stress and strong emotional experiences. Representatives of this theory believe that the cause of the appearance of psoriasis may lie in a malfunction of the central nervous system.
As a result of experiences, the patient has such a phenomenon as a neurosis of the vascular walls. This causes 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 experiences 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 the 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 lipids and other processes leads to a change in the composition of the blood, weakening of immunity and other negative consequences.
The following factors can cause metabolic disorders:
- presence of 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 related to some extent with genetics. Representatives of this point of view believe that an infection can become an impetus for the development of pathology.
What factors can trigger psoriasis?
In addition to theories about the origin of the disease, there are several provoking factors. These include:
- Unhealthy diet, eating food allergens, insufficient amount of vitamins and minerals.
- Bad habits like alcohol and cigarettes, in addition to using drugs.
- Incorrect intake or premature cancellation of medications.
- Various lesions in the dermis.
- Hormonal imbalance in the body.
Heredity and a combination of various triggering factors can lead to a disease such as psoriasis. It is very important to diagnose the pathology in a timely manner and start the appropriate 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 left untreated, the disease will become severe with constant relapses. Therefore, it is important to start treatment immediately and prevent the development of psoriasis. As a preventive measure, you can use traditional medicine and its means, 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, consult your doctor, self-medication can seriously harm your health.