The symptoms of the disease, namely red spots on the skin, plaques, dryness, severe itching, cause a lot of discomfort in the arms, legs, groin, hairline, nails and, in severe cases, even the eyes.
Despite the great efforts of specialists and scientists, the cause of the disease cannot be identified.There are many different theories.Immune system supporters argue that the disease is affected by poor immunity.Research confirms that parents with psoriasis often have children with a similar disease.
Patients notice that after experiencing stress, symptoms intensify.Many believe that metabolism, the functioning of the endocrine system, and other factors influence psoriasis.In this article, we will take a closer look at the causes of psoriasis, the treatment methods that exist, and its symptoms.
Causes of psoriasis
Scientists have not yet been able to discover the main cause of psoriasis.From experiments, studies and surveys carried out, it was discovered under what conditions and factors the disease occurs most frequently.However, each factor is not found in all cases, so theories have been formed that have not yet been confirmed.
A dermatologist can tell you what psoriasis is, what its symptoms are, but today it is not possible to give an exact answer to the question of what causes psoriasis and what medication will definitely help cure it.
Many patients note that under stress and non-compliance with dietary rules, psoriasis symptoms can worsen;The disease is also more common in people with poor immunity and metabolism and disorders of the endocrine system.But it is unknown if these factors really influence the disease.
Let's look at the following main theories about the cause of psoriatic rashes in children and adults:
- immune
- Genetic.
- Viral.
- Endocrine.
- Neurogenic.
- Metabolic disorder.
In the photo you can see the symptoms of psoriasis and a description of its types;The causes of the disease are listed below.
Immune theory of psoriasis
This theory is considered one of the most well-founded and popular among specialists.Thus, its followers believe that the disease appears due to a phenomenon such as autoimmune aggression.Let's look at the principle by which this happens.
Since the immune system does not function properly, it identifies healthy cells as pathological and has a destructive effect on them.Healthy cells become diseased, affected areas become inflamed, areas of peeling appear, and cells die.Peeling is caused by the following factors:
- Friction of the affected areas.
- Climatic skin damage: burns, hypothermia.
- Mechanical damage in the form of wounds, cuts.
The cells affected by psoriasis were examined under the microscope and antigenic formations actually occurred, while in healthy areas they are absent.But this does not prove the immune theory of the appearance of psoriasis, since the cause of its appearance is unknown.Many scientists believe that the immune factor alone is not enough to cause psoriasis symptoms.The immunological factor often becomes the "start" of the disease.
genetic theory
This theory can be tested by conducting research, surveys, and compiling statistics.Experts suggest that a person has a higher risk of getting sick if their parents have a similar illness.The reason for this is a hereditary predisposition.It is possible that not only parents, but also more distant relatives can "pass on" genes with this disease.
According to the survey results, more than half of the patients have one or more people suffering from a similar disease.Experts compiled statistics and identified risks:
- The risk of a child getting sick if only the parent has psoriasis is 1 in 4.
- If both the father and the mother have psoriasis, the risk is much higher: 3 to 4.
However, from the results we can also see that patients may not have sick family members.Therefore, the hereditary factor is not considered the main one.This study confirms the theory that not one, but two or more factors lead to the disease.Therefore, it is not only genetics that is to blame for the appearance of the disease.
viral theory
For a long time, many experts believed that viral infections predispose to the appearance of skin diseases.The hypothesis is related to the fact that during a disease that appears as a result of exposure to viral formations, the symptoms of psoriasis intensify.It was observed that in some patients the first symptoms appeared during the period of the disease.
Those who oppose this theory have refuted: this theory is directly related to the immune system, since when the body is damaged by viruses, the patient's immune defenses are greatly weakened, and it is this that becomes the cause of the disease.This theory is also refuted by the non-infectious nature of psoriasis.Since it is impossible to catch a disease from another patient, the disease is not viral in nature.
endocrine theory
Proponents of the endocrine theory have put forward the following assumption: the lack of hormonal production directly affects the appearance of psoriasis.According to them, the development of pathological cells is due to hormonal imbalances.
This happens precisely due to alterations in the endocrine system.This includes gland secretion, excessive use of hormone-containing medications, pregnancy, and ovulation in women.Since hormone levels change during pregnancy and ovulation, this can contribute to the onset of symptoms.This theory is explained by the fact that excessively active proliferation of cells in the body indicates alterations in regulation, and this is altered precisely for endocrine reasons.
According to doctors' reviews of their patients' observations, it was revealed that with dysfunction of the endocrine system, an increase in symptoms is observed.But there is no evidence or refutation of this theory, since it was not possible to establish which hormones are produced, intensifying the symptoms.
neurogenic theory
Many patients experience confirmation of this theory for themselves: they notice that after experiencing stress and depression, not only do symptoms such as itching and rashes intensify, but many people even show signs of the disease for the first time.This is due to disorders of the nervous system and is related to the patient's psychosomatics.
This theory appeared very recently;No research has been done on this, like other theories.
According to this theory, the disease appears and progresses in the following cases:
- Stress and depression.
- Experiences.
- Insomnia.
- Severe fatigue, overwork.
In stressful situations, a person's blood vessels constrict, causing poor blood flow to the skin.This is why, according to experts, manifestations of psoriasis may appear.Thus, in the last century, doctors noticed that the signs of the disease, according to their patients, appeared after experiences.Therefore, this theory was based solely on the patients' words.
Metabolic disorders
Dermatologists around the world have an assumption related to the fact that psoriasis appears due to poor metabolism in the patient's body.According to numerous studies carried out, which were carried out on the basis of tests in laboratory conditions.Many patients showed similarities in their results.
Patients with psoriasis experience a slow metabolism and various metabolic disorders.This is expressed by a noticeable decrease in temperature, high cholesterol levels and various toxic formations that the body did not process in time and were not eliminated.
The lack of retinol in the blood, adermin, cyanocobalamin (vitamins A, B6, B12, respectively) - this is what characterizes the course of the disease.At the same time, the level of ascorbic acid is higher than normal.
Factors that cause the appearance of psoriasis.
According to studies, it has been revealed which factors most often unite patients with psoriasis, under what conditions the incidence increases and what causes the increase in symptoms.The factors in which the incidence is most frequently observed are detailed below.
infectious diseases
Various diseases associated with the development of infections in the body can cause psoriasis symptoms and relapses.They also cause complications and lead to serious illnesses.Therefore, if a patient suffers from various infectious diseases during psoriasis, it is necessary to quickly eliminate the source and symptoms, cure the disease, and consult a doctor to prescribe medication.
Pregnancy
It has been observed that during pregnancy women get sick more frequently.This is due to hormonal changes, so the endocrine theory of psoriasis applies here.Therefore, pregnant women should be tested more often, undergo examinations and consultations with their doctor, monitor their general health, try not to worry, follow proper nutrition or the diet prescribed by the doctor, do not drink alcohol or smoke, preferably fall asleep and wake up at the same time, as well as eat food.
Injuries and damage to the skin.
With various skin injuries, such as wounds, burns, cuts, scratches, there is a risk of developing psoriasis.This article includes chemical damage to the skin under the influence of various household-related substances and any other chemicals.Many patients work in factories and are in constant contact with irritants;In this case, it is necessary to use protective gloves or other methods.
bad habits
The cause of the disease can be bad habits, such as drinking alcohol and smoking.
Use of certain medications.
Overdose of various medications, such as antibiotics, immunostimulants, and even vitamins, can increase the symptoms of psoriasis.This is due to the immune theory of the onset of the disease.
poor nutrition
It has been noted that in people who do not follow the rules of proper nutrition, symptoms manifest themselves much more clearly than in those who eat properly and monitor their diet.If you have psoriasis, you should not eat fried, spicy, salty, sweet or smoked foods.
Psoriasis treatment
It is not advisable to select medications for the treatment of psoriasis yourself, as they can worsen the course of the disease.Your treating dermatologist must diagnose the disease and prescribe the necessary treatment.It is impossible to completely cure psoriasis, since it is chronic.The right medication will provide rapid symptom relief and long-term remission.
In addition to medication, it is necessary to follow a special diet for psoriasis.This will reduce oil production by the sebaceous glands.The diet excludes the consumption of fatty, smoked, spicy, salty foods, alcohol and tobacco.It is prohibited to drink strong coffee and tea.It is also recommended to take medications that improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.Thanks to the diet, the metabolism is restored.
Doctors also prescribe vitamin complexes that include vitamins D, group B, A and E. It is recommended to eat fish, olive oil and honey.
Psoriasis prevention
To prevent relapse of the disease or the appearance of the first symptoms, the following preventive measures can be followed:
- Don't expose yourself to stress, anxiety, depression.
- Follow proper nutrition, give up bad habits and engage in light physical activity.
- Use vitamin complexes.
- Restore the functioning of internal organs if there are diseases.
- Visit your doctor more often.