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 commonly called “scaly lichen”.The skin becomes red and itchy, accompanied by a burning sensation.The lesions range from punctual to extensive and generalized.Most often, lesions occur on the scalp, arms, shoulders, back, groin, palms of the hands and soles of the feet.We also find psoriasis of the joints, bones, nails, external and internal genitals, but these forms are diagnosed relatively 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, which leads to the death and exfoliation of skin cells;
- The appearance of blisters on the surface of the feet and inside of the hands;
- Formation of red spots causing severe itching.These are bulging 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 time, symptoms such as fever, damage to the surface of the nails 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 very popular, everyone should know the main reasons why psoriasis appears.
Causes of psoriasis – main theories
In modern medicine, there is 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, 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 cutaneous psoriasis;There are several types of theories that all health professionals rely on:
- Immune theory;
- Genetic theory;
- Neurogenic theory;
- Viral theory.
Each theory requires detailed examination.
Immune theory
Many renowned scientific researchers claim that when the body's immune system is weakened, an autoimmune attack occurs, as a result of which the human immune system rejects its own skin cells, mistaking them for foreign cells.We can only 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 the exact same disease.If one of the parents in a family suffers from psoriasis, the probability of this disease occurring 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 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 is manifested by increased nervous excitability, frequent stressful situations, problems at work and in personal life, and developed neurosis.
Neurosis leads to the fact that blood vessels narrow and blood flow to the skin is weakened, which leads to the formation of papules.
It has also been established that with frequent experiences, nervous shocks, stress when changing the place of residence, stimulation and the formation of 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 haven't been able to find a specific type of virus that could cause psoriasis.Undoubtedly, after suffering from a viral illness or during an illness, the immune system weakens and the risk 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.Throughout the history of medicine, doctors have not recorded a single case of psoriasis infection.
Main factors
A number of factors 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 climate;
- Dermatological diseases: fungal diseases, dermatitis;
- Poor diet: 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.People predisposed to this disease must therefore protect themselves against exposure to these factors.
The main cause of psoriasis is considered to be a complex failure of 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 that it is not transmitted in any way.Given the diversity of causes of psoriasis, anyone can be at risk.
This can occur in an adult as well as in a child or even an infant.The earlier psoriasis appears, the worse it can become throughout life.Therefore, it is very important to take care of your health, eat right, not abuse alcohol, protect yourself from skin damage, and periodically strengthen the immune system.