Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that currently affects an increasing number of people.Psoriasis appears as red papules on the skin; it is often called "scaly lichen."The skin becomes red, itchy, and burns.Lesions range from subtle to widespread and systemic.Most commonly, 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 rarely diagnosed.Signs of psoriasis also include:
- Cracks appear in the skin, causing very unpleasant pain;
- The structure of the nail is destroyed;
- Dry skin, causing skin cells to die and fall off;
- Blisters appear on the surface of the feet and the inside of the hands;
- Red spots form, causing severe itching.They are swollen structures covered with white scales.
People with psoriasis tend to spend more time in aggressive nervous states, suffer from depression and have lower self-esteem.
If psoriasis is not treated promptly, symptoms such as fever, damage to the nail surface, and joint fractures may occur, suggesting complications of the disease.In this case, qualified medical assistance is necessary.
Because this disease is so prevalent, it's important to understand the main causes of psoriasis.
Causes of Psoriasis - Main Theories
"Why do psoriasis plaques appear on the skin, and where does the disease come from?" Modern medicine still has no clear answer.
In addition to the appearance of psoriatic plaques on the skin, other dysfunctions are diagnosed in the body, namely interference with the functioning of the immune, nervous and endocrine systems.
The causes and mechanisms of psoriasis have been studied for more than a century, but science has yet to pinpoint the exact cause of cutaneous psoriasis; all medical professionals rely on several types of theories:
- immune theory;
- genetic theory;
- neurogenic theory;
- Virus theory.
Each theory requires detailed consideration.
immune theory
Many leading scientific researchers claim that an autoimmune attack occurs when the body's immune system weakens, causing the body's immune system to reject its own skin cells, mistaking them for foreign cells.One cannot disagree with this; there is no doubt that as immunity declines, diseases such as skin psoriasis may begin to develop, but we cannot fail to consider that many other factors may also contribute to this disease.
genetic theory
It has been confirmed that more than 55% of people with this disease have a blood relative with the exact same disease.If one parent in the family suffers from psoriasis, the probability of the child suffering from the disease reaches 25%. If both parents have the disease, the probability of the child suffering from the disease increases to 70-75%.Despite these impressive numbers, official medicine does not consider genetic predisposition to be the primary cause of psoriasis.
neurogenic theory
The main theory that most doctors rely on is the neurogenic theory.According to this theory, the development of psoriasis is accompanied by an increase in nervous excitability, frequent stressful situations, problems in work and personal life, and the development of neuroses.
Neurosis causes blood vessels to narrow and blood flow to the skin to weaken, resulting in the formation of pimples.
It has also been proven that frequent experiences can lead to nervous shock, stress when changing places of residence, irritation and the formation of rashes.
virus theory
Psoriasis can also occur in the context of an existing viral illness or after illness, many doctors say.But they still haven't been able to find the specific type of virus that causes psoriasis.There is no doubt that after or during a viral illness, the immune system weakens and the likelihood of developing psoriasis increases.
This theory of the occurrence of cutaneous psoriasis has raised many questions and doubts in medicine because psoriasis is not considered a disease that can be transmitted from sick to healthy people.In the entire history of medicine, doctors have not recorded a single case of psoriasis infection.
main factors
There are many factors that may contribute to the development of psoriasis disease:
- skin damage;
- Increased nervous excitability and frequent stress;
- Viruses and infectious diseases;
- use of antibiotics, vitamin complexes;
- Changes in climatic conditions, especially from dry to humid climates;
- Skin diseases: fungal diseases, dermatitis;
- Incorrect diet: a lot of sweets, greasy food, alcoholic products;
- Changes in hormonal levels, especially in women during pregnancy, menopause, and breastfeeding.
Psoriasis can develop under the influence of any of the above factors, so people who are susceptible to the disease should protect themselves from these factors.
The main cause of psoriasis is considered to be a complex malfunction of the human body, caused not by one factor but by the simultaneous influence of several factors.
A very important fact is that psoriasis is not contagious in nature, which means it cannot be spread in any way.Given that psoriasis can occur for a variety of reasons, everyone may be at risk.
It can occur in adults and children, even babies.The earlier psoriasis occurs, the more severe the condition will become throughout life.Therefore, it is important to take care of your health, eat right, not drink too much, protect yourself from skin damage, and strengthen your immune system regularly.