The causes of psoriasis have not been precisely determined. But scientists agree that various factors can cause skin diseases. This is confirmed by medical research, 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, a CNS disorder.
Characteristics of the disease
Psoriasis (scaly lichen) is a serious dermatological disease of an autoimmune nature. The disease can be felt in both infancy and adulthood. Under certain conditions, the patient experiences severe relapses even after long-term treatment. The duration of the remission period depends on the severity of the case, age, general 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 cover. Exacerbation is accompanied by severe itching, spreading areas of inflammation to healthy areas of the epidermis.
The causes of psoriasis are still being studied; effective methods of psoriasis therapy are being developed with the aim of improving the patient's internal condition and cleansing the skin.
Causes of psoriasis
Psoriasis: There are many causes for this uncomfortable skin condition. If a person is diagnosed with this diagnosis, experts prescribe treatment taking into account the existing heredity, predisposition to allergies, possible hormonal disorders, previous infections, metabolic disorders. Doctors take into account the patient's poor diet, stress, the presence of bad habits and unhealthy lifestyle.
To clarify the cause of psoriasis, health indicators are first analyzed taking into account the age and sex of the patient. Research is then conducted in several generally accepted theoretical areas, each of which will be discussed below. A detailed summary of the results obtained helps experts to prescribe effective treatment.
The most common forms are:
- guttate psoriasis;
- palmar-plantar (psoriasis of the head, elbows);
- psoriasis of nails, hands;
- psoriatic erythroderma (skin rash affects the whole body, including parts of the head);
- pustular form (excessive growth 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 problems
Psoriasis in newborns and young children is caused by a genetic predisposition. If the parents, close or distant relatives in the family suffered from any form of this disease, then in 80% of cases the child will inherit it.
The disease may not manifest immediately, but in the background of any mild illness, for example a virus, a cold. There are other causes of psoriasis in children:
- Immune system disorders caused by the attack of protective cells on their own tissues, directing them to the sides. When this process occurs, antibodies to the antigens found inside the scales are found in the baby’s blood.
- Congenital, acquired liver disease.
- Parasites in the gut.
- Mental disorders, strong 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 grows, vitamin B is missing, the amount of element C in the epidermis, on the contrary, grows.
Medical practice confirms that the causes of psoriasis in children can be very individual.
Causes of psoriasis in adult 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 in women.
For men
The disease traditionally begins with a characteristic skin lesion. Red, scaly spots on any part of the body are manifestations of signs of the development of the initial stage of the disease. Why does it manifest?
Psoriasis in men occurs in the background of such phenomena as:
- excessive stress on the central nervous system due to long-term depressive states;
- drinking alcohol, smoking;
- overweight, slowing of 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 (less leukocytes are created, the quality of tissue nutrition deteriorates);
- vitamin A deficiency, group B;
- high cholesterol levels, metabolic disorders;
- infectious diseases that are not cured in time;
- emotional disorders;
- timely undetected thyroid disorders, which gradually lead to hormonal disorders.
Theories of psoriasis
After much research, 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 worsening psoriasis, cases of recurrence. Consider each theory.
Immune
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 disorders in 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 serious inflammation will develop in the future. There is a rejection. Further along the chain, with each skin damage, psoriatic scales usually form.
Hereditary
It is not difficult to understand the essence of the theory of inheritance, it is mentioned above. If the patient's family, regardless of age, has relatives who suffer from autoimmune diseases, there is still a high risk of getting the disease.
Viral
According to viral theory, psoriasis is called 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, 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
Since 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 of psoriatic arthritis. Allergy theory is closely related to infectious, because the disease is an allergic reaction of tissues to the structure of streptococci, viral bacteria.
Neurogens
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, contusions. 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 cause 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 under consideration, also suffer from disorders of lipoid metabolism. Being overweight directly affects the deterioration of blood composition, liver biosynthetic function. Toxins accumulate, protective functions are reduced. Bottom: The body “reacts” with a skin rash. The initial phase begins, plaques appear on the hands and palms.
Hormonal
Hormone 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 lead to hormonal disorders, causing eczema.
Infectious
Infectious theories, along with parasitic theory, are among the first. In 1879, scientists discovered a "parasitic fungus". But later research has not confirmed this fact. External infections affect immunity and, therefore, can affect the occurrence of pathology. In practice, patients with psoriasis regularly suffered from colds and viral diseases during the autumn and winter periods.
Factors influencing the appearance of psoriasis
Factors that directly affect the development of psoriasis are shown in the table:
| Name | Initial development risk (%) | Risk of recurrence (%) |
| Stress, trauma | 49 | 41 |
| Infections | 15 | 21 |
| Physical injury | 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 prescribing of drugs sooner or later cause dermatosis. It is important to see a doctor in a timely manner, not to start treatment.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy is characterized by global hormonal changes in the body. Immunity weak chaos all the energy is spent on maintaining the development of the fetus. Psoriatic skin rashes appear during pregnancy and subsequent breastfeeding. Usually, after the body recovers, hormones normalize, the disease recedes 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 reason in this case is the aggressive reaction of the body to its own cells.
Bad habits
Because alcohol abuse and smoking negatively affect every person’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.
Use of illegal drugs
People with a weak nervous system, emotional, overly sensitive, as well as all those at risk are advised not to resort to self-medication. It is important to contact the competent experts because of the possibility of using illicit drugs. An allergic reaction to the drug can cause dermatosis. Not all medications can be taken during pregnancy.
An illiterate approach to treating a mild illness can lead to the development of severe autoimmune dermatosis in the future.
Eating Disorders
Diet for psoriasis is mandatory. It should be borne in mind that with the help of certain food products, the patient has the opportunity to quickly overcome relapse, consolidate the result and completely forget about medicated creams and ointments for psoriasis.
Spiritual Reasons
Psoriasis is the need to accept yourself, your disease, your skin, give up guilt and be positive. Psychological factor, human mood are one of the reasons for the appearance of psoriatic eczema. Mood for calmness, 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 forces a person to choose: either a healthy lifestyle or psoriasis. Treatment includes not only the use of fats and other means, but also cleansing the body from the inside, removing toxins.
The key to success in fighting psoriasis is based on a positive attitude, adherence to medical recommendations, diet and stress relief.