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.Psoriasis is also found on the joints, bones, nails, external genitals and internal organs, but these forms are very rarely diagnosed.Signs of psoriasis also include:
- The appearance of cracks in the skin, which cause very unpleasant pain;
- The structure of the nails is disturbed;
- Dry skin, which leads to the death and exfoliation of skin cells;
- The appearance of blisters on the surface of the feet and the inside of the hands;
- Formation of red spots that cause intense 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-esteem.
If psoriasis is not treated in a timely manner, symptoms such as fever, damage to 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 for the appearance of psoriasis.
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 disorders in the functioning of the body are also diagnosed, namely, the functioning 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:
- Immunological theory;
- Genetic theory;
- Neurogenic theory;
- Viral theory.
Each theory requires detailed consideration.
Immunological 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 cells.We cannot help but agree with this;Undoubtedly, with a decrease in immunity, a disease such as skin psoriasis may 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 the family has psoriasis, the probability of the disease occurring in children reaches 25%, and if both parents are sick, the probability of the disease in children increases to 70-75%.Despite these impressive numbers, official medicine does not consider genetic predisposition to be the main cause of psoriasis.
Neurogenic theory
The main theory that most doctors trust is the neurogenic theory.According to this theory, psoriasis occurs with increased nervous excitability, frequent stressful situations, problems at work and personal life, and developed neurosis.
Neurosis leads to narrowing of blood vessels and weakening of blood flow to the skin, due to 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 would cause psoriasis.Undoubtedly, after suffering a viral illness, or during an 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 several 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 weather conditions, especially if a drier climate changes to a humid one;
- Dermatological diseases: fungal diseases, dermatitis;
- Incorrect 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 above factors, therefore people 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 the variety of reasons why psoriasis occurs, everyone can be at risk.
It can occur in both adults and children, even in babies.The earlier psoriasis occurs, the more serious it can become throughout life.Therefore, it is very important to take care of your health, eat well, not abuse alcohol, protect yourself from skin injuries and periodically strengthen your immune system.