The causes of psoriasis have not been precisely established. But scientists agree that a variety of factors can cause skin conditions. This is confirmed by medical research, observations of specialists. Considering the characteristics of the disease, we will evaluate the origin of the disease in children and adults; during pregnancy in women; in overweight people with depression, CNS disorder.
Characteristics of the disease
Psoriasis (squamous lichen) is a serious dermatological disease of an autoimmune nature. The disease can manifest itself both in childhood and in adulthood. Under certain conditions, the patient has severe relapses even after prolonged treatment. The length of the remission period depends on the severity of the disease case, the age, the general state of health and the presence of chronic diseases in the patient.
Externally, the disease manifests itself as reddish pink spots. The rashes can appear anywhere on the body. Often crusted. The exacerbation is accompanied by severe itching, spreading from the area of inflammation to healthy areas of the epidermis.
The causes of psoriasis are still being studied; Effective psoriasis therapy methods are being developed with the aim of improving both the internal condition of the patient and the cleanliness of the skin.
Causes of psoriasis
Psoriasis - The causes of this unpleasant skin condition are many. If a person is diagnosed with this diagnosis, then experts prescribe treatment taking into account the existing heredity, propensity for allergies, possible hormonal disorders, previous infections, metabolic disorders. Doctors take into account the poor quality of the patient's nutrition, stress, the presence of bad habits and an unhealthy lifestyle.
To clarify the cause of psoriasis, health indicators are first analyzed, taking into account the age and gender of the patient. It is then investigated in several generally accepted theoretical areas, each of which will be considered below. A detailed summary of the results obtained helps specialists to prescribe an effective treatment.
The most common forms are:
- guttate psoriasis;
- palmo-plantar (psoriasis on the head, elbows);
- psoriasis of nails, hands;
- psoriatic erythroderma (skin rashes affect the entire body, including parts of the head);
- pustular form (overgrowth of plaques and abscesses);
- psoriatic arthritis of the joints (damage not only to the cells of the epidermis, but even inflammation of the joints, their gradual deformation) and some others.
Causes of childhood ailments
Psoriasis in infants and young children is caused by a genetic predisposition. If the parents, close or distant relatives of the family suffered from some form of this disease, in 80% of cases the child will inherit it.
It is possible that the disease does not manifest itself immediately, but in the context of a mild illness, for example, a virus, a common cold. There are other causes of psoriasis in children:
- Immune system disorders caused by protective cells attacking their own tissues, sending them to strangers. When this process occurs, antibodies to the antigens found within the scales are found in the child's blood.
- Acquired congenital liver diseases.
- Parasites in the intestines.
- Mental disorders, severe emotional stress, dissatisfaction with oneself and with others (often in adolescence), long-term experiences.
- Metabolic disorders: slowing down of metabolic processes, as a result of which the body temperature remains low, "harmful" cholesterol increases, there is a lack of B vitamins, the amount of element C in the epidermis, on the contrary, increases.
Medical practice confirms that the causes of psoriasis in children can be very individual.
Causes of psoriasis in adult men and women
What is the cause of psoriasis in adults? The causes of psoriasis in women and men have several common factors. But due to physiology, thyroid gland disorders, hormonal changes, women have a higher risk of getting sick in adulthood. Consider the symptoms of psoriasis in adults: in men and women.
For men
The disease traditionally begins with a characteristic skin lesion. Scaly red spots in any area of the body are a manifestation of signs of the development of the initial stage of the disease. Why does it manifest?
Psoriasis in men appears in the context of phenomena such as:
- central nervous system overexertion due to prolonged depressive conditions;
- drink alcohol, smoke;
- being overweight, slowing down metabolism;
- living or working in a contaminated environment;
- dry structure of the upper layer of the epidermis, poorly protected skin due to lack of moisture / low amount of water.
For women
The causes of psoriasis in women are as follows:
- genetics;
- weakened immune system (fewer leukocytes are produced, the quality of nutrition of tissues worsens);
- vitamin A deficiency, group B;
- high cholesterol levels, metabolic disorders;
- infectious diseases that are not cured in time;
- emotional disturbances;
- undetected timely disorders of the thyroid gland, gradually leading to hormonal disturbances.
Theories of psoriasis
After much research, analyzing the origin of eczema in children and adults, scientists began to adhere to various theories. They provide an understanding not only of the symptoms in the first and later stages of the disease, but also explain the causes of exacerbation of psoriasis, cases of relapse. Let's consider each theory.
Immune
According to doctors, any focal infection can be the cause of psoriasis in the body. For example, tonsillitis, which has become chronic, causes immune failures. And disorders in the immune system are the first step in the development of dermatitis.
Accidental damage to the surface of the epidermis, to which the body will react with autoimmune aggression, can lead to the development of a focus, where severe inflammation develops in the future. Rejection occurs. Further along the chain, with each damage to the skin, psoriatic scales usually form.
Hereditary
It is not difficult to understand the essence of the theory of inheritance, mentioned above. If a patient's family, regardless of their age, has relatives suffering from an autoimmune disease, there are still high risks of getting sick.
Viral
According to viral theory, psoriasis is known as a retroviral lymphotropic infection. Herbal antiviral medications are often used in the treatment of psoriasis. It is believed that if a person is predisposed to the disease, then his immunity will not be able to "resist" the psoriatic virus. Thanks to the latest technologies, institutes of physical and chemical medicine are developing new drugs that can achieve long-term remission.
Allergic
Since psoriasis is primarily a dermatological disease, the allergic theory is still relevant today. Many doctors believe that the disease is of purely allergic origin. This is especially true for psoriatic arthritis. The allergic theory is closely related to the infectious one, since the disease is an allergic tissue reaction to the structure of streptococci, viral bacteria.
Neurogenic
This theory is associated with functional disorders of the nervous system. Practice shows that many patients with psoriasis before the development of the disease had physical, mental trauma, burns, bruises. The neurogenic effect is confirmed when the patient is prescribed drugs to normalize the work of the autonomic and central nervous systems. It has been proven that depression, stress, emotional overexertion can cause a relapse.
Disorders of metabolic processes
The theory of metabolism is based on numerous studies, observations of the course of the disease, when patients, in addition to the disease in question, suffer from lipoid metabolic disorders. Being overweight directly affects the deterioration of the composition of the blood, biosynthetic functions of the liver. Toxins accumulate, protective functions are reduced. Bottom line: the body "responds" with rashes. The initial stage begins, plaques appear on the hands and palms.
Hormonal
The hormonal theory is closely related to the theory of metabolic disorders. The reasons for the development of psoriasis from the point of view of hormonal imbalance are studied, first of all, in women. Being overweight, obesity in men also leads to hormonal disturbances, cause eczema.
Infectious
The infectious theory, together with the parasitic theory, are among the first. In 1879, scientists discovered a "parasitic fungus. "But later studies did not confirm this fact. External infections affect immunity and therefore can affect the onset of pathology. In practice, psoriasis patients suffered from colds and viral illnesses during the fall and winter periods.
Factors that affect the appearance of psoriasis
The factors that directly affect the development of psoriasis are shown in a table:
| Name | Early stage of development risk (%) | Risk of relapse (%) |
| Stress, trauma | 49 | 41 |
| Infections | 15 | 21 |
| Physical injury | 14 | 12 |
| Breastfeeding, adolescence, menopause | 6 | 6 |
| Hypothermia | 5 | 4 |
| Long-term medication | 3 | 6 |
| Alcohol intoxication | 2 | 3 |
| Prolonged sun exposure | 2 | 2 |
The factors presented are among the main ones. Let's consider some of them in more detail.
Infectious diseases
Infectious diseases lead to the development of psoriasis in people with genetic predisposition; very weak immunity. Such diseases are:
- bronchitis;
- sore throat;
- pharyngitis;
- flu with complications;
- fungal infections, staphylococcal.
Untreated infection, self-medication or illiterate prescription of drugs, sooner or later, cause dermatosis. It is important to consult a doctor in a timely manner, not to start treatment.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy is characterized by global hormonal changes in the body. Immunity weakens as all forces are used to maintain the development of the fetus. It is during pregnancy and later lactation that psoriatic skin eruptions appear. Usually, after the restoration of the body, the normalization of hormones, the disease subsides or completely disappears.
Injury and damage to the surface of the epidermis
Mechanical damage to the skin can create a favorable environment for the development of dermatosis at the wound site. Psoriatic plaques will appear after healing. According to many dermatologists, the reason in this case is an aggressive reaction of the body to its own cells.
Bad Habits
Since alcohol abuse and smoking negatively affect the health of all people, doctors tend to believe that people with these habits are at risk. At a young age, the body will still have the strength to cope with such a "load". But gradually health will deteriorate. Bad habits, along with stress, are the main causes of psoriasis.
Use of illegal drugs
People with a weak, emotional, overly susceptible nervous system, as well as anyone at risk, are advised not to resort to self-medication. It is important to contact competent specialists due to the possibility of using prohibited drugs. An allergic reaction to a medicine can cause skin diseases. Not all medications can be taken during pregnancy.
An illiterate approach to treating mild disease may lead to the development of severe autoimmune dermatosis in the future.
Eating disorder
The diet for psoriasis is essential. It should be borne in mind that with the help of certain food products, the patient has the opportunity to quickly overcome a relapse, consolidate the result, and completely forget about medicinal psoriasis creams and ointments.
Spiritual reasons
Psoriasis is the need to accept yourself, your disease, your skin, give up guilt and be positive. The psychological factor, the mood of a person is one of the reasons for the appearance of psoriatic eczema. The mood for calm, a successful result contributes to the normal course of the healing process, obtaining a healthy skin surface.
Prognosis of the disease
Psoriasis appears not only on the skin, but also on internal organs. For patients, it is important to respect their own health, mood and nutrition. The disease makes a person choose: a healthy lifestyle or psoriasis. Treatment involves not only the use of ointments and other means, but also cleansing the body from the inside, removing toxins.
The key to success in the fight against psoriasis is based on a positive attitude, compliance with the recommendations of doctors, diet and elimination of stress.