Psoriasis is one of the most serious dermatological diseases. The pathology is autoimmune and incurable in nature and occurs in all ages. The disease is characterized by its undulating nature. Recessions are followed by calm periods and vice versa. The duration of remission always depends on the type and form of the disease and the individual characteristics of the patient.
The main symptoms of psoriasis are unpleasant pink or red spots that appear in different parts of the human body. In medical practice, such rashes are commonly referred to as plaques or papules. In most cases, plaques are covered with scales characteristic of the pathology and rise millimeters above the surface of healthy skin. Signs of psoriasis include symptoms such as severe itching in the area of the lesions and inflammation.
Psoriasis, the causes of which have not yet been clarified, can be diagnosed in every tenth person who sees a doctor with skin problems. The pathology is prevalent primarily in adults, but often occurs in children. Residents of countries with cold, humid climates are at risk. The rate of the disease is higher in cold countries than among the population living in warm climates.
What is psoriasis: a theory of the origin of the disease
Until now, it is not possible to find out the exact causes of the disease, nor is it clear how psoriasis begins. Even the joint efforts of world scientists do not answer the question of why psoriasis appears? According to Wikipedia, there are several theories in modern medical practice about the occurrence of this disease. However, neither of them is officially supported. Theories for the development of psoriasis include:
- Immun.
- Hereditary.
- Theory of hormone disorder.
- Theory on the background of stress.
- Disorders of metabolic processes.
- Of viral origin.
Based on clinical trials and laboratory data, scientists have been able to identify several perspectives that suggest possible causes for the pathology.
Immune Theory
Many scientists determine the causes of psoriasis in children and adults based on the characteristics of the immune system. This theory is by far the most common. From the point of view of its founders, the appearance of plaques on different types of bodies occurs as a result of the activity of immune cells, which perceive certain areas of the dermis as aggressors. This results in severe inflammation and redness.
The causes of psoriasis in the body from the point of view of immune theory can be:
- rubbing leather with clothing and shoes;
- burns;
- freezing;
- microcracks;
- is scratched.
The test showed that a large number of immune cells could be identified at the site of psoriasis spots. This is a partial confirmation of immune theory.
Genetic theory
The other name is inheritance theory. Many scientists are of the opinion that the disease is inherited. This is evidenced by a number of opinion polls, the results of which showed that the risk of developing a child’s disease in the case of maternal pathology is 20-25%. If both parents suffer from psoriasis, the percentage rises to 75.
Genetic predisposition is considered a major factor in the development of the disease. The combination of several provocative factors significantly increases the risk of pathology.
Important! If a child’s parents suffer from psoriasis, this cannot give a one hundred percent guarantee that the child will certainly suffer from the same disease. Inheritance only increases the risk of disease.
Endocrine theory
The cause of psoriasis in the hands, back, head and other parts of the body can be partly explained by endocrine theory. Here, scientists suggest that abnormal changes in the dermis occur as a result of hormonal imbalances in the body. Disruption of the normal functioning of the endocrine system causes a decrease in the vital activity of dermal cells.
Hormone imbalances can occur for the following reasons:
- pregnancy period;
- menstruation;
- taking hormonal medications;
- puberty.
Important! According to medical research, not all cases of violations of hormonal levels in the patient's blood are observed. Given these facts, the endocrine system cannot be considered essential.
Neurogenic theory
The development of psoriasis also supports neurogenic theory. This perspective explains the onset of the disease as a result of stress and strong emotional experiences. Proponents of this theory believe that the cause of psoriasis lies in the failure of the central nervous system.
Experience has shown that the patient has a phenomenon such as vascular wall neurosis. This provokes narrowing of the vascular muscle and damage to blood flow. This results in the appearance of rashes on the body in the form of scaly plaques.
Surveys show that in more than half of all patients with psoriasis, the development of the disease was preceded by strong experience and stress.
Exchange Theory
The causes of psoriasis in women and men also lie in the violation of the body's metabolic processes. This is the opinion of representatives of the theory of metabolic disorders.
Medical research has found a clear link between psoriasis and metabolic disorders in the body. Violation of lipid and other processes leads to changes in blood composition, weakened immunity, and other negative consequences.
The following factors can provoke metabolic disorders:
- diabetes mellitus;
- kidney and liver diseases;
- unbalanced diet;
- sedentary lifestyle.
Virus Theory
Some scientists explain the causes of psoriasis by transmitting a viral infection or the presence of chronic inflammatory foci in the body. This theory is to some extent related to genetic theory. Proponents of this view believe that infection may become dynamic in the development of pathology.
What Factors Can Cause Psoriasis?
In addition to theories of the origin of the disease, there are a number of provocative factors. These are:
- Unhealthy eating, consumption of food allergens, insufficient amounts of vitamins and minerals.
- Bad habits such as alcohol and cigarettes and drug use.
- Incorrect medication intake or untimely withdrawal.
- Various injuries of the dermis.
- Hormonal imbalance in the body.
A combination of heredity and a number of provocative factors can lead to a disease like psoriasis. It is very important to diagnose the pathology in time and start proper treatment. This will help you avoid a number of negative consequences in the future.
Why is psoriasis dangerous
At first, the disease may not cause much discomfort, but if left untreated, the disease will be severe with permanent relapses. Therefore, it is important to start treatment immediately and prevent the development of psoriasis. You can use traditional medicine and its tools as a preventative measure, but only with your doctor’s consent.
Now that you know what causes psoriasis, you need to start treating it. If you have any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor, and self-medication can seriously damage your health.