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 becomes red and itchy, accompanied by a burning sensation.Lesions vary from punctual to extensive and generalized.Most often, lesions occur on the scalp, arms, shoulders, back, groin, palms and soles of the feet.Psoriasis of the joints, bones, nails, external genitalia and internal organs is also found, but these forms are diagnosed quite rarely.Signs of psoriasis also include:
- The appearance of cracks on the skin, which cause very unpleasant pain;
- The structure of the nails is disrupted;
- Dry skin, leading to the death and exfoliation of skin cells;
- The appearance of blisters on the surface of the feet and inside the hands;
- Formation of red spots that cause severe itching.They are swollen formations covered with a white, scaly film.
Psoriasis patients often spend more time in conditions of aggressive nervous tension, suffer from depression and lower their self-esteem.
If psoriasis is not treated promptly, symptoms such as fever, damage to the nail surface 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 definitive 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 functional disorders are also diagnosed in the body, i.e. 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 still does not 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 say 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 help but agree with this;Without a doubt, 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 shown that more than 55% of the population affected by this disease have relatives with the same disease.If one of the parents in a family has psoriasis, the probability of this disease manifesting itself in children reaches 25%, and if both parents are sick, the probability of the disease in children increases to 70-75%.Despite such impressive figures, official medicine does not believe that genetic predisposition is the main cause of psoriasis.
Neurogenic theory
The main theory that most doctors rely on is the neurogenic theory.According to this theory, psoriasis is manifested by increased nervous excitability, frequent stressful situations, problems at work and in personal life, and the development of neurosis.
Neurosis leads to the fact that blood vessels narrow and blood flow to the skin weakens, causing the formation of papules.
It has also been established that with frequent experiences, nervous shocks, stress when changing place of residence, stimulation and the 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 have not yet been able to find a specific type of virus that can cause psoriasis.Undoubtedly, after suffering from a viral disease or during an illness, the immune system weakens and the likelihood of developing psoriasis increases.
This theory of the appearance 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 several factors that can lead to the development of the disease that causes psoriasis:
- Skin lesions;
- 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;
- Improper diet: abundance of sweets, fatty foods, alcoholic products;
- Changes in hormone levels, especially in women during pregnancy, menopause and breastfeeding.
Psoriasis can occur under the influence of any of the factors listed above, so people predisposed to this disease should protect themselves from exposure to these factors.
The main cause of psoriasis is considered to be a complex breakdown in the human body, caused by the influence of not one, but several factors at once.
A very important fact is that psoriasis is not infectious in nature, that is, it is not transmitted in any way.Considering such a variety of reasons why psoriasis occurs, any person can be at risk.
It can occur in both an adult and a child, even a newborn.The earlier psoriasis occurs, the more severe it can become later in life.Therefore, it is very important to take care of your health, eat well, not abuse alcohol, protect yourself from skin lesions and periodically strengthen the immune system.