The causes of psoriasis have not been precisely established. But scientists agree that various factors can cause skin disease. This is confirmed by medical research, the observations of specialists. Taking into account the characteristics of the disease, we will assess the origin of the disease in children and adults; during pregnancy in women; in overweight people with depression, CNS disorder.
Characteristics of the disease
Psoriasis (scaly lichen) is a serious skin disease of an autoimmune nature. The disease can make itself felt both in childhood and in adulthood. Under certain conditions, the patient experiences severe relapses even after prolonged treatment. The length of the remission period depends on the severity of the case, the age, general health and the presence of chronic diseases in the patient.
Externally, the disease manifests as reddish-pink spots. The rashes can be on any part of the body. Often in a crust. The exacerbation is accompanied by severe itching, spreading from the area of inflammation to healthy areas of the epidermis.
The causes of psoriasis are still being investigated; Effective methods of treating psoriasis are being developed with the aim of improving both the internal condition of the patient and cleaning the skin.
Causes of psoriasis
Psoriasis: There are many causes of this unpleasant skin condition. If a person is diagnosed with this diagnosis, experts prescribe treatment taking into account the existing heredity, propensity to allergies, possible hormonal disorders, previous infections, metabolic disorders. Doctors take into account the poor quality of the patient's nutrition, stress, the presence of bad habits and an unhealthy lifestyle.
To clarify the cause of psoriasis, health indicators are first analyzed taking into account the age and gender of the patient. Next, research is conducted in several generally accepted theoretical areas, each of which will be discussed below. A detailed summary of the results obtained helps specialists to prescribe effective treatment.
The most common forms are:
- guttate psoriasis;
- palmoplantar (psoriasis on the head, elbows);
- psoriasis of the nails, hands;
- psoriatic erythroderma (rash affects the whole body, including parts of the head);
- pustular form (proliferation of plaques and abscesses);
- Psoriatic arthritis of the joints (lesions not only of the cells of the epidermis, but even inflammation of the joints, their progressive deformation) and some others.
Causes of illness in childhood
Psoriasis in infants and young children is caused by a genetic predisposition. If the parents, near or far from the family suffered from some form of this disease, in 80% of cases, the child will inherit it.
The disease may not manifest itself immediately, but against the background of a mild illness, for example, a virus, a cold. There are other causes of psoriasis in children:
- Disorders of the immune system caused by the attack of protective cells on their own tissues, sending them back to foreign tissues. When this process occurs, antibodies to the antigens inside the scales are found in the child's blood.
- Congenital acquired diseases of the liver.
- Parasites in the intestines.
- Mental disorders, severe emotional stress, dissatisfaction with oneself and others (often in adolescence), long-term experiences.
- Metabolic disorders: slowing of metabolic processes, as a result of which the body temperature remains low, "harmful" cholesterol rises, there is a lack of B vitamins, the amount of element C in the epidermis, atcontrary, increases.
Medical practice confirms that the causes of psoriasis in children can be very individual.
Causes of psoriasis in adult men and women
What causes psoriasis in adults? The causes of psoriasis in women and men have a number of common factors. But due to physiology, disorders of the thyroid gland, hormonal changes, women have a greater risk of getting sick in adulthood. Consider the symptoms of psoriasis in adults: in men and in women.
For men
The disease traditionally begins with a characteristic skin lesion. Red, scaly spots on any area of the body are a manifestation of signs of the development of the initial stage of the disease. Why is it happening?
Psoriasis in men appears against the background of such phenomena as:
- overexertion of the central nervous system due to prolonged depressive conditions;
- drink alcohol, smoke;
- being overweight, slowing down the metabolism;
- living or working in a polluted environment;
- dry structure of the upper layer of the epidermis, poorly protected skin due to insufficient humidity / low water supply.
For women
The causes of psoriasis in women are as follows:
- genetics;
- weakened immune system (less leukocytes are produced, the quality of tissue nutrition deteriorates);
- deficiency of vitamins A, group B;
- high cholesterol, metabolic disturbances;
- infectious diseases not cured in time;
- emotional disturbances;
- Timely undetected disorders of the thyroid gland, which gradually lead to hormonal disturbances.
Psoriasis theories
After much research, analyzing the origin of eczema in children and adults, scientists began to adhere to several theories. They give an understanding not only of the symptoms in the first and subsequent stages of the disease, but also explain the causes of exacerbation of psoriasis, cases of relapse. Consider each theory.
Immunity
According to doctors, any focal infection can be the cause of psoriasis on the body. For example, tonsillitis, which has become chronic, causes immune failures. And immune system disorders are the first step in the development of dermatitis.
Accidental damage to the surface of the epidermis, to which the body will react with autoimmune aggression, can lead to the development of an outbreak, where severe inflammation develops in the future (roughly mistaking its cells forforeign). Rejection occurs. Further along the chain, with each skin lesion, psoriatic scales usually form.
Hereditary
It is not difficult to understand the essence of the theory of heredity, it was mentioned above. If a patient's family, regardless of age, has loved ones with an autoimmune disease, the chances of getting sick are always high.
Viral
According to viral theory, psoriasis is called retroviral lymphotropic infection. Herbal antiviral drugs are often used in the treatment of psoriasis. It is believed that if a person has a predisposition to the disease, their immunity will not be able to "resist" the psoriatic virus. Thanks to the latest technologies, the institutes of physical and chemical medicine are developing new drugs capable of achieving long-term remission.
Allergic
Psoriasis being above all a dermatological disease, the allergic theory remains relevant today. Many doctors believe that the disease is of purely allergic origin. This is especially true for psoriatic arthritis. The allergic theory is closely related to the infectious theory, because the disease is an allergic tissue reaction to the structure of streptococci, viral bacteria.
Neurogenic
This theory is associated with functional disorders of the nervous system. Practice shows that many patients with psoriasis before the development of the disease had mental, physical injuries, burns, bruises. The neurogenic effect is confirmed when the patient is prescribed drugs to normalize the autonomic and central nervous systems. It has been proven that depression, stress, emotional overwork can cause a relapse.
Metabolic process disorders
The theory of metabolism is based on numerous studies, observations of the course of the disease, when patients, in addition to the disease considered, suffer from lipoid metabolic disorders. Being overweight directly affects the deterioration of blood composition, the biosynthetic functions of the liver. Toxins accumulate, protective functions are reduced. Bottom line: the body "responds" with rashes. The initial phase begins, plaques appear on the hands and palms.
Hormonal
Hormonal theory is closely related to the theory of metabolic disorders. The reasons for the development of psoriasis from the point of view of hormonal imbalance are studied, first of all, in women. Overweight, obesity in men also leads to hormonal disturbances, causes eczema.
Infectious
The infectious theory, as well as the parasitic theory, are among the very first. In 1879, scientists discovered a "parasitic fungus". But subsequent studies have not confirmed this fact. External infections affect immunity and, therefore, can influence the onset of pathology. In practice, patients with psoriasis regularly suffered from colds and viral illnesses during the autumn and winter periods.
Factors affecting the onset of psoriasis
Factors that directly affect the development of psoriasis are shown in a table:
| Name | Risk of early development (%) | Risk of relapse (%) |
| Stress, trauma | 49 | 41 |
| Infections | 15 | 21 |
| Physical injuries | 14 | 12 |
| Breastfeeding, adolescence, menopause | 6 | 6 |
| Hypothermia | 5 | 4 |
| Long-term medication | 3 | 6 |
| Alcohol poisoning | 2 | 3 |
| Long exposure to the sun | 2 | 2 |
The factors presented are among the main ones. Let's take a look at some of them in more detail.
Infectious diseases
Infectious diseases lead to the development of psoriasis in people with a genetic predisposition; very low immunity. These diseases are:
bronchitis- ;
- sore throat; pharyngitis
- ; flu
- with complications;
- staphylococcal fungal infections.
Untreated infection, self-medication or illiterate prescribing of drugs sooner or later leads to skin disease. It is important to consult a doctor in a timely manner, not to start treatment.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy is characterized by overall hormonal changes in the body. Immunity weakens as all forces are devoted to maintaining the development of the fetus. It is during gestation and subsequent breastfeeding that psoriatic rashes appear. Usually, after the restoration of the body, the normalization of hormones, the disease goes away or completely disappears.
Injury and damage to the surface of the epidermis
Mechanical damage to the skin can create an environment for the development of dermatosis at the wound site. Psoriatic plaques will appear after healing. According to many dermatologists, the reason for this is an aggressive reaction of the body to its own cells.
Bad habits
Since alcohol abuse and smoking have negative effects on the health of every person, doctors tend to believe that people with such habits are at risk. At a young age, the body will still have the strength to cope with such a "load". But gradually, health will deteriorate. Bad habits, along with stress, are the main causes of psoriasis.
Use of illegal drugs
People with a weak, emotional, overly sensitive nervous system, as well as all people at risk, are advised not to resort to self-medication. It is important to contact competent specialists due to the possibility of using prohibited drugs. An allergic reaction to a drug can cause skin disease. Not all medicines can be taken during pregnancy.
An illiterate approach to the treatment of a mild disease may in the future lead to the development of severe autoimmune dermatosis.
Eating disorder
A diet for psoriasis is a must. It should be borne in mind that with the help of certain food products, the patient has the opportunity to quickly overcome a relapse, consolidate the result and completely forget about medicinal creams and ointments for psoriasis.
Spiritual reasons
Psoriasis is the need to accept yourself, your illness, your skin, let go of guilt and be positive. The psychological factor, the mood of a person is one of the reasons for the appearance of psoriatic eczema. The mood of calm, a successful result contributes to the normal course of the healing process, achieving a healthy skin surface.
Prognosis of the disease
Psoriasis occurs not only on the skin, but also on internal organs. For patients, it is important to respect their own health, state of mind and diet. The disease prompts a person to choose: a healthy lifestyle or psoriasis. Treatment involves not only the use of ointments and other means, but also cleansing the body from the inside, removing toxins.
The key to success in the fight against psoriasis is a positive attitude, following the recommendations of doctors, diet and relieving stress.