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;popularly called "scaly lichen".The skin becomes red and itchy, accompanied by a burning sensation.Lesions range from precise to extensive and generalized.The most common lesions occur on the scalp, arms, shoulders, back, groin, palms and soles.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 disturbed;
- Dry skin, which leads to the death and peeling of skin cells;
- The appearance of blisters on the surfaces of the feet and the inside of the hands;
- The formation of red spots that cause severe itching.These 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 self-confidence.
If psoriasis is not treated in time, symptoms such as fever, damage to the nail surface and joint fractures may appear, indicating a complication of the disease.In such a situation, qualified medical assistance is simply necessary.
Since this disease is quite popular, everyone must 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 appearance of psoriatic plaques on the skin, other functional disorders are also diagnosed in the body, i.e. the work of the immune, nervous and endocrine systems is disturbed.
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:
- Immunity theory;
- Genetic theory;
- Neurogenic theory;
- Viral theory.
Each theory requires detailed consideration.
The theory of immunity
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 disagree 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 has blood relatives with exactly the same disease.If one of the parents in the family has psoriasis, then the probability of this disease 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 irritability, frequent stressful situations, problems at work and in private life, and developed neurosis.
Neurosis leads to the fact that blood vessels narrow and blood flow to the skin is weakened, which is why papules are formed.
It has also been established that frequent experiences lead to nervous shocks, stress when changing places of residence, stimulation and the appearance of skin rashes.
Viral theory
Many doctors say that psoriasis can appear on the background of an existing viral disease or after the disease.But they still haven't been able to find a specific type of virus that causes psoriasis.Undoubtedly, after a viral illness, or during the illness, the immune system weakens and the likelihood of psoriasis increases.
This theory about the origin of skin psoriasis causes 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 irritability, frequent stress;
- Viral and infectious diseases;
- Use of antibiotics, vitamin complexes;
- Changes in climatic conditions, especially if the dry climate changes to a wet 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 mentioned factors, so people who are predisposed to this disease should protect themselves from exposure to these factors.
It is believed that the main cause of psoriasis is a complex malfunction in the human body caused by the influence of not one, but several factors at the same time.
A very important fact is that psoriasis is not contagious, which means that it is not transmitted in any way.With so many different reasons psoriasis occurs, any person can be at risk.
It can occur both in an adult and in a child, even in a newborn.The earlier psoriasis appears, the more severe it can become throughout life.Therefore, it is very important to take care of your health, eat properly, do not abuse alcohol, protect yourself from skin injuries and occasionally strengthen your immune system.