With the modern development of medicine and much research, scientists have not been able to fully determine the true causes of scaly lichens. Psoriasis is a disorder of the skin and tissues surrounding the joints. The disease is characterized by a non-infectious course, with the appearance of papules and red spots prone to fusion. These formations are dry, scaly, rise above the surface of the skin and represent a chronic, localized process. Microscopy reveals a significant number of keratinocytes, cells of the immune system (T-lymphocytes and macrophages), with abundant growth of the vascular network.
Psoriasis and its causes, with this development in medicine, are being actively investigated, but no one is determining the ultimate cause.
Scientists have identified several basic bases for the development of pathology:
- Genetics- the hereditary theory of the appearance of psoriasis is based on the fact that if ancestors or close relatives have this pathology, the risk of its occurrence in future generations is equal to 25% ifone of the parents is ill. With the development of the disease in both parents, the risk of its occurrence in the offspring increases to 70%. A possible option is when a healthy child is born to sick parents, but after some time, under the influence of the above factors, the disease develops in him.
- Immune Defect- Examining the histological material of patients with psoriasis, the researchers found an excessive accumulation of diseased immune cells in the layers of the epidermis. At the same time, specific antibodies were detected, and in the superficial layers of the epidermis - Munro microabscesses (accumulation of intercellular fluid, leukocytes, macrophages). A general blood test shows an increase in the number of leukocytes (T-helpers), all of which speaks to the autoimmune nature of the disease.
- Viral lesion- in this case it means retrovirus infection. This strain introduces its own mRNA chain into the host cell, replacing its genetic code with a viral one. Which manifests itself in excessive production and proliferation of immature and undifferentiated skin cells.
Interestingly, antipsoriatic treatment according to autoimmune theory is aimed at reducing the number of immune cells, including T-helpers. In the presence of psoriasis in people living with HIV / AIDS, the number of these cells decreases to the limit and the risk of developing psoriasis increases. Further investigation of this fact may completely refute the autoimmune theory of the development of psoriasis.
Factors for the development of psoriasis
What causes psoriasis? There are several provoking factors that negatively affect the body:
- Stress- this factor is the trigger for psoriatic eruptions and the final connection under the influence of which the rash decreases. This factor is one of the main, because the appearance of psoriasis in 50% of cases occurs precisely due to extreme fatigue, psychological trauma and nervous tension. With the onset of remission of psoriasis, any mental shock can provoke a relapse;
- Infections- a group of diseases with the development of which appeared primary foci of psoriatic rash. Such diseases include: all infectious diseases of the upper respiratory tract, bacterial and fungal infections affecting the skin, mononucleosis. In patients with psoriasis, the presence of an increased amount of pathogenic microflora (beta-hemolytic streptococcus and Staphylococcus aureus) is determined. Candidiasis is a fungal infectious process in which psoriasis most often develops;
- External influence- a large number of patients associate the appearance of psoriasis as a result of external physical factors. The most common of these are: mechanical trauma to the skin, burns, hypothermia and frostbite;
- Endocrinopathies- this group of diseases is accompanied by dysfunction of the body as a whole. This factor is most common in women due to the frequent changes in hormone levels in connection with growth, pregnancy, menstruation, menopause. In patients with diabetes, metabolism is significantly impaired, while the constant excess of glucose adversely affects human tissues and organs, provoking the development of other diseases;
- Toxins- act as another cause of psoriasis in the body. Its appearance is associated with food poisoning, work in factories or mills, abuse of certain products (citrus fruits, coffee, chocolate). Alcohol and smoking with their toxic effects provoke many diseases, including psoriasis;
- The pathogenetic effect includesmedication.It has been shown that a small number of patients begin to develop psoriasis while taking the following drugs: NSAIDs, beta-blockers, fortified drugs (vitamins C, B, D), cytostatics, antibiotics (cephalosporins).
Prevention of psoriasis
Many factors contribute to the development of psoriasis. The basic theory has not yet been defined and all prevention measures must be comprehensive, comprehensively targeted. Patients need to reconsider their lifestyle. If necessary, change your place of residence to a cleaner area.
It is recommended to avoid stressful situations. It is possible to take antidepressants and sedatives. The diet should include more fiber, non-allergenic fruits and vegetables, meat, fish. When treating concomitant pathologies, it is imperative to give up bad habits, consult a doctor about replacement therapy. Take courses of treatment in specialized sanatoriums.