The causes of psoriasis have not been determined. But scientists are unanimous that various factors can cause skin diseases. This is confirmed by medical research, observations of specialists. Given the peculiarities 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 dermatological disease of an autoimmune nature. The disease can be felt both in early childhood and in adulthood. Under certain conditions, the patient has severe relapses even after prolonged treatment. The length of the remission period depends on the severity of the disease, the age, the general state of health and the presence of chronic diseases in the patient.
Externally, the disease manifests itself as reddish-pink spots. The rash can be on any part of the body. Often crust. Exacerbation is accompanied by severe itching, spreading the area of inflammation in healthy areas of the epidermis.
The causes of psoriasis are still being studied; effective methods for the treatment of psoriasis are being developed in order to improve both the patient's internal condition and the cleansing of the skin.
Causes of psoriasis
Psoriasis: The causes of this unpleasant skin condition are many. If a person is diagnosed with this diagnosis, experts prescribe treatment, taking into account the existing heredity, susceptibility to allergies, possible hormonal disorders, previous infections, metabolic disorders. Doctors take into account the patient's poor nutrition, stress, the presence of bad habits and unhealthy lifestyle.
To clarify the cause of psoriasis, first analyze the health indicators, taking into account the age and sex of the patient. Research is then carried out 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;
- palmar-plantar (psoriasis of the head, elbows);
- psoriasis of the nails, hands;
- psoriatic erythroderma (skin rashes affect the whole body, including parts of the head);
- pustular form (overgrowth of plaques and abscesses);
- psoriatic arthritis of the joints (damage not only to the cells of the epidermis, but even inflammation of the joints, their gradual deformation) and some others.
Causes of childhood disease
Psoriasis in infants and young children is caused by a genetic predisposition. If parents, close or distant relatives in the family have suffered from some form of this disease, then in 80% of cases the child will inherit it.
The disease may not appear immediately, but against the background of any mild illness, such as a virus, the common cold. There are other causes of psoriasis in children:
- Immune system disorders due to attack of protective cells on their own tissues, directing them to others. When this process occurs, antibodies to the antigens that are inside the scales are found in the child's blood.
- Congenital, acquired liver diseases.
- Parasites in the gut.
- Mental disorders, severe emotional stress, dissatisfaction with yourself 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 increases, B vitamins are missing, the amount of element C in the epidermis, on the contrary, increases.
Medical practice confirms that the causes of psoriasis in children can be very individual.
Causes of psoriasis in older men and women
What is the cause of psoriasis in adults? The causes of psoriasis in women and men have a number of common factors. But due to physiology, thyroid disorders, hormonal changes, women have a higher risk of getting sick in adulthood. Consider the symptoms of psoriasis in adults: in men and women.
For men
The disease traditionally begins with a characteristic skin lesion. Red, scaly spots on any part of the body are a sign of the development of the initial stage of the disease. Why does it manifest?
Psoriasis in men occurs against the background of such phenomena as:
- overexertion of the central nervous system due to prolonged depressive states;
- drinking alcohol, smoking;
- overweight, slowing metabolism;
- living or working in a polluted environment;
- dry structure of the upper layer of the epidermis, poorly protected skin due to insufficient moisture / small amount of water.
For women
The causes of psoriasis in women are as follows:
- genetics;
- weakened immune system (fewer leukocytes are produced, the quality of tissue nutrition deteriorates);
- deficiency of vitamins A, group B;
- high cholesterol levels, metabolic disorders;
- infectious diseases not treated in time;
- emotional disturbances;
- timely undetected thyroid disorders, which gradually lead to hormonal disorders.
Theories of psoriasis
After many studies analyzing the origins of eczema in children and adults, scientists have begun 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. Let's look at each theory.
Immune
According to doctors, any focal infection can cause psoriasis on the body. For example, tonsillitis, which has become chronic, provokes immune failures. And disorders of the immune system are the first step towards 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 focus, where severe inflammation develops in the future. Rejection occurs. Further down the chain, psoriatic scales usually form with each skin lesion.
Hereditary
It is not difficult to understand the essence of the theory of heredity, it was mentioned above. If the patient's family, regardless of age, has relatives suffering from an autoimmune disease, there is still a high risk of getting sick.
Viral
According to viral theory, psoriasis is referred to as a retroviral lymphotropic infection. Herbal antiviral drugs are often used to treat psoriasis. It is believed that if a person has a predisposition to the disease, then his immunity will not be able to "resist" the psoriatic virus. Thanks to the latest technologies, institutes of physical and chemical medicine are developing new drugs that can achieve long-term remission.
Allergic
Because psoriasis is primarily a dermatological disease, allergy theory remains relevant today. Many doctors believe that the disease is of purely allergic origin. This is especially true for psoriatic arthritis. Allergic theory is closely related to infectious, as the disease is an allergic tissue reaction to the structure of streptococci, viral bacteria.
Neurogenic
This theory is related to functional disorders of the nervous system. Practice shows that many patients with psoriasis before the development of the disease had mental, physical trauma, burns, injuries. The neurogenic effect is confirmed when the patient is prescribed drugs to normalize the autonomic and central nervous system. It has been proven that depression, stress, emotional strain can provoke relapse.
Disorders of metabolic processes
The theory of metabolism is based on numerous studies, observations of the course of the disease, when patients, in addition to the disease in question, suffer from lipoid metabolic disorders. Being overweight directly affects the deterioration of blood composition, biosynthetic functions of the liver. Toxins accumulate, protective functions are reduced. Bottom line: the body "reacts" with skin rashes. The initial stage 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 in terms of hormonal imbalance are studied, above all, in women. Overweight, obesity in men also lead to hormonal disorders, provoke eczema.
Contagious
Infection theory, along with parasitic theory, are among the first. In 1879, scientists discovered a "parasitic fungus". But later studies do not confirm this fact. External infections affect the immune system and can therefore affect the onset of pathology. In fact, patients with psoriasis regularly suffer from colds and viral illnesses in the fall and winter.
Factors influencing the appearance of psoriasis
The factors that directly affect the development of psoriasis are shown in the table:
| Name | Early stage risk (%) | Risk of recurrence (%) |
| Stress, trauma | 49 | 41 |
| Infections | 15 | 21 |
| Physical Trauma | 14 | 12 |
| Breastfeeding, adolescence, menopause | 6 | 6 |
| Hypothermia | 5 | 4 |
| Long-term medications | 3 | 6 |
| Alcohol poisoning | 2 | 3 |
| Long sun exposure | 2 | 2 |
The presented factors are among the main ones. Let's 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 weak immunity. Such diseases are:
- bronchitis; sore throat;
- pharyngitis;
- flu with complications;
- Staphylococcal, fungal infections.
Untreated infection, self-medication or illiterate prescription sooner or later provoke dermatosis. It is important to consult a doctor in a timely manner, not to start treatment.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy is characterized by global hormonal changes in the body. Immunity weakens as all forces are expended to maintain fetal development. Psoriatic skin rashes appear during pregnancy and subsequent breastfeeding. Usually after the recovery of the body, the normalization of hormones, the disease disappears or disappears completely.
Injury and damage to the surface of the epidermis
Mechanical damage to the skin can create a favorable environment for the development of dermatosis at the wound site. Psoriatic plaques will appear after healing. According to many dermatologists, the cause in this case is an aggressive reaction of the body to its own cells.
Bad habits
Because alcohol abuse and smoking negatively affect everyone's health, 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.
Illicit drug use
People with a weak nervous system, emotional, overly susceptible, and all at risk are advised not to resort to self-medication. It is important to contact competent specialists because of the possibility of using illicit drugs. An allergic reaction to the drug can provoke dermatosis. Not all medicines can be taken during pregnancy.
An illiterate approach to the treatment of a mild illness may in the future provoke the development of serious autoimmune dermatosis.
Eating Disorder
Diet for psoriasis is mandatory. It should be borne in mind that with the help of certain foods the patient has the opportunity to quickly overcome the recurrence, to consolidate the result and completely forget about the healing creams and ointments for psoriasis.
Spiritual causes
Psoriasis is the need to accept yourself, your disease, your skin, give up guilt and be positive. The psychological factor, the person's mood are one of the reasons for the appearance of psoriatic eczema. The mood for calm, a successful result contribute to the normal course of the healing process, obtaining a healthy skin surface.
Disease prognosis
Psoriasis occurs not only on the skin but also on the internal organs. It is important for patients to respect their own health, state of mind and diet. The disease makes a person choose: either a healthy lifestyle or psoriasis. Treatment includes 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 based on a positive attitude, following the doctor's recommendations, diet and stress relief.