With the modern development of medicine and many researches, scientists cannot completely determine the real causes of the development of scaly lichen. Psoriasis is a disorder of the skin and tissues that surround 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, rising 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 proliferation of the vascular network.
Psoriasis and its causes, with this development of medicine, are being actively investigated, but no one is determining the final cause of its occurrence.
Scientists identify several main bases for the development of pathology:
- Genetics- hereditary theory 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% if one parent is ill. With the development of the disease in both parents, the risk of its occurrence in the offspring increases to 70%. It is possible for a sick child to give birth to a healthy child, 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 scientists found an excessive accumulation of diseased immune cells in the layers of the epidermis. At the same time, specific antibodies were found, and in the surface 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), which all speaks to the autoimmune nature of the disease.
- Viral lesion- in this case means infection with retroviruses. This strain introduces its own tRNA chain into the host cell, replacing its genetic code with a viral one. Which is manifested in the overproduction and multiplication of immature and undifferentiated dermis 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 in 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 link, under the influence of which the rash is reduced. This factor is one of the main ones, because the appearance of psoriasis in 50% of cases occurs precisely due to extreme overwork, psychological trauma and nervous tension. With the onset of remission of psoriasis, any mental shock can cause a relapse;
- Infections- a group of diseases whose development appeared in the primary foci of psoriatic rash. Such diseases include: all infectious diseases of the upper respiratory tract, bacterial and fungal infections that affect the skin, mononucleosis. An increased amount of pathogenic microflora (beta-hemolytic streptococcus and Staphylococcus aureus) was found in patients with psoriasis. Candidiasis is a fungal infectious process in which psoriasis most often develops;
- External influence- a fairly large number of patients associate the occurrence of psoriasis as a result of external physical factors. The most common are: mechanical trauma to the skin, burns, hypothermia and frostbite;
- Endocrinopathy- this group of diseases is accompanied by impaired functioning of the organism as a whole. This factor is most often found in women, due to frequent changes in hormonal levels related to growing up, pregnancy, menstrual cycle, menopause. In patients with diabetes mellitus, the metabolism is significantly disturbed, while the constant excess of glucose negatively affects human tissues and organs, causing the development of other diseases;
- Toxins- act as another cause of psoriasis on the body. Its occurrence is associated with food poisoning, work in factories or factories, abuse of certain products (citrus fruits, coffee, chocolate). Alcohol and smoking by their toxic effects cause many diseases, including psoriasis;
- The pathogenetic effect involvestaking medications.It has been proven that a small number of patients have started to develop psoriasis by taking the following medications: NSAIDs, beta-blockers, fortified medications (vitamins C, B, D), cytostatics, antibiotics (cephalosporins).
Psoriasis Prevention
Many factors contribute to the development of psoriasis. The basic theory has not yet been established and any prevention measures should be comprehensive and all-encompassing. Patients should reconsider their lifestyle. If necessary, change your place of residence to a more environmentally friendly area.
It is recommended to avoid stressful situations. It is possible to take antidepressants and sedatives. The diet should contain more fiber, non-allergenic fruits and vegetables, meat, fish. When treating concomitant pathologies, it is necessary to abandon bad habits, consult a doctor about replacement therapy. Attend treatment courses in specialized sanatoriums.