Psoriasis is a chronic dermatological disease that currently affects an increasing number of people.Psoriasis is expressed by the appearance of red papules on the skin; it is popularly called “scaly lichen.”The skin turns red and itches, accompanied by a burning sensation.The lesions range from pinpoint to extensive and generalized.Most often, lesions occur in the scalp, arms, shoulders, back, groin, palms of the hands and soles of the feet.Psoriasis of the joints, bones, nails, external genital and internal organs is also found, but these forms are diagnosed quite rarely.Signs of psoriasis also include:
- The appearance of cracks in the skin, which cause very unpleasant pain;
- The structure of the nails is disrupted;
- Dry skin, which leads to the death and exfoliation of skin cells;
- The appearance of blisters on the surfaces of the feet and the inside of the hands;
- Formation of red spots that cause severe itching.They are swollen formations covered with a white scaly film.
Patients with psoriasis often spend more time in aggressive nervous tension, suffer from depression and lower their self-esteem.
If psoriasis is not treated in a timely manner, symptoms such as fever, damage to the nail surfaces and joint fractures may occur, indicating a complication of the disease.In such a situation, qualified medical assistance is simply necessary.
Since this disease is quite popular, everyone needs to know the main reasons why psoriasis appears.
Causes of psoriasis - main theories
In modern medicine there is still no definite answer to the question: “Why do psoriatic plaques appear on the skin, and where does this disease come from?”
In addition to the fact that psoriatic plaques appear on the skin, other functioning disorders are also diagnosed in the body, namely, the functioning of the immune, nervous and endocrine systems is disrupted.
The causes and mechanisms of psoriasis have been studied for more than a century, but science does not yet have an exact definition of the specific cause of skin psoriasis; there are several types of theories that all medical professionals rely on:
- Immune theory;
- Genetic theory;
- Neurogenic theory;
- Viral theory.
Each theory requires detailed consideration.
Immune theory
Many well-known scientific researchers claim that when the body’s immune system is weakened, autoimmune aggression occurs, as a result of which the human immune system rejects its own skin cells, mistaking them for foreign ones.One cannot but agree with this; undoubtedly, with a decrease in immunity, a disease such as skin psoriasis can begin to develop, but one cannot fail to take into account many other factors that can also contribute to this.
Genetic theory
It has been proven that more than 55% of the population suffering from this disease have blood relatives with exactly the same disease.If one of the parents in a family has psoriasis, then the probability of this disease occurring in children reaches 25%, and if both parents are sick, then the probability of the disease in children increases to 70-75%.Despite such impressive figures, official medicine does not consider genetic predisposition to be the main cause of psoriasis.
Neurogenic theory
The main theory that most doctors rely on is the neurogenic theory.According to this theory, psoriasis occurs with increased nervous excitability, frequent stressful situations, problems at work and in personal life, and developed neurosis.
Neurosis leads to the fact that the blood vessels narrow and the blood flow to the skin is weakened, due to which papules form.
It has also been established that with frequent experiences, nervous shocks, stress when changing place of residence, stimulation and formation of skin rashes occur.
Viral theory
Many doctors say that psoriasis can also occur against the background of an existing viral disease, or after an illness.But they still have not been able to find a specific type of virus that would cause psoriasis.Undoubtedly, after suffering a viral disease, or during illness, the immune system weakens and the likelihood of psoriasis increases.
This theory of the occurrence of skin psoriasis raises many questions and doubts in medicine, since psoriasis is not considered a disease that can be transmitted from a sick person to a healthy person.In the entire history of medicine, doctors have not recorded a single case of psoriasis infection.
Main Factors
There are a number of factors that can lead to the development of the disease that causes psoriasis:
- Skin injuries;
- Increased nervous excitability, frequent stress;
- Viral and infectious diseases;
- Use of antibiotics, vitamin complexes;
- Changes in climatic conditions, especially if a drier climate changes to a humid one;
- Dermatological diseases: fungal diseases, dermatitis;
- Incorrect diet: an abundance of sweets, fatty foods, alcoholic products;
- Changes in hormonal levels, especially in women during pregnancy, menopause, and breastfeeding.
Psoriasis can occur under the influence of any of the above factors, so people who are predisposed to this disease should protect themselves from exposure to these factors.
The main cause of psoriasis is considered to be a complex failure in the human body, caused by the influence of not one, but several factors simultaneously.
A very important fact is that psoriasis is not infectious in nature, which means it is not transmitted in any way.Given such a variety of reasons why psoriasis occurs, every person may be at risk.
It can occur in both an adult and a child, even an infant.The earlier psoriasis occurs, the more severe it can become throughout life.Therefore, it is very important to take care of your health, eat right, do not abuse alcohol, protect yourself from skin injuries and periodically strengthen the immune system.