Psoriasis Help 4 Friends

Tuesday, 12 November 2024

An Inside-Out Guide To Tackling Eczema and Psoriasis

From vogue.com

What happens when there’s no simple fix to your flare-up of eczema or psoriasis? Sometimes, you need to bring in a team for help—like a GP, a dermatologist, a facialist, a TCM practitioner, and a nutritionist. Here's their advice on how to tackle tricky skin conditions, especially when one size does not actually fit all.

Eczema

If you have eczema you’ll be all too familiar with those cracked, dry, and scaly patches of skin that show up a bright red on paler skin tones or an ashy, almost grey on darker skin. Left untreated, eczema becomes scalier, itchier, thicker, and more hyperpigmented.

The GP

“There are two primary causes of eczema: a leaky gut—increased intestinal permeability—which creates a low-grade inflammation in reaction to food particles leaking through your gut wall, and/or abnormal gut flora, or dysbiosis, which is when the trillions of bugs in your gut become out of balance, driving inflammation. This is caused by a high-sugar, refined-carb, low-fibre, processed diet,” says general physician Sabine Donnai, whose hi-tech diagnostic clinic in London, Viavi, prides itself on a holistic approach. “But there are other culprits, such as chemicals and other substances in creams, lotions, and detergents, as well as household cleaning products.” Her advice is to look at the whole, rather than treat the surface. “The creams, antibiotics, and other topical solutions are really just short-term solutions. You wouldn’t address every yellowing leaf of the plant if the problem is that the roots need more water!”

The dermatologist

“There are three pillars for eczema we try to tackle,” says consultant dermatologist Emma Wedgeworth. “Firstly, strengthen the skin barrier using moisturizers that can replenish. Secondly, we look at the abnormality in the skin’s immune system, treating itchy patches with medicated creams—there are more targeted creams, called phosphodiesterase inhibitors, currently in development in the US, which dampen inflammation. If these don’t work, we use light therapy, as well as immunosuppressants in the form of injections and tablets.”

The facialist

Pietro Simone, who has a clinic in London at Flemings Mayfair Hotel, says, “Avoid glycolic acid, colorants, fragrances, mineral oils, unstable vitamin C, and retinol.”

The Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner

“Acupuncture improves skin health, restores the skin barrier, and alleviates discomfort in people with eczema,” says Traditional Chinese Medicine Doctor John Tsagaris, who practices at the Harrods Wellness Clinic. “We use herbs to complement it, including liquorice, chrysanthemum, and peony, and often use High Factor Peony Root Skin Remedy to help my patients.

The nutritionist

“Detoxification is key, as systemic toxic levels make eczema worse,” says Lucy Miller, a registered, clinically qualified nutritional therapist based in Bath and London. “A whole-food, anti-inflammatory, low-allergenic diet that contains lots of pre and probiotic foods, fibre, and good fats is vital. It needs to be low in processed foods, sugar, refined carbohydrates, and alcohol to help balance blood sugar, all of which helps to control inflammation, balance hormones, and improve immunity.”

Psoriasis

This is an autoimmune condition that causes an excess turnover of skin cells that can build up into thickened plaques. There is no quick fix, but treated correctly it can be managed well, with minimal flareups.

The GP

“Take away the things that cause the problem and add those that make it better. In the vast majority of cases, this will naturally heal psoriasis,” says Donnai. She advises her patients to focus on eight things.

Eat a whole-food diet.
Remove any food sensitivities such as gluten and dairy.
Test for heavy metal toxicity (mercury and other metals can trigger or exacerbate psoriasis).
Fix your gut (“Studies suggest intestinal permeability, or leaky gut, can contribute to psoriasis”).
Use the right supplements.
Exercise regularly.
Sleep for eight hours every night.
Practice deep relaxation.

The dermatologist

“Psoriasis can be associated with lifestyle, with sufferers having higher rates of smoking, alcohol, and higher BMIs, so sometimes making a change of this nature can help,” says Wedgeworth. Psoriasis also looks different according to ethnicity, with more redness in whiter skins and more associated problems with pigmentation in darker skins. Depending on its severity, Wedgeworth will start treatment with vitamin D creams, moving on to light therapy, “which dampens it down.”

The facialist

“Less is more. Keep it simple,” says Katharine Mackenzie Paterson, founder of KMP Skin. “Avoid heavily fragranced products and use occlusive creams to help reduce the roughness. LED—such as Dermalux Flex—can also be fantastic for psoriasis.”

The Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner

“Psoriasis is one of the most common and well-researched conditions we treat with Chinese medicine,” says Tsagaris. “It’s triggered by an immunological response to various environmental, systemic, or psychological factors. Acupuncture effectively alleviates stress, a common trigger of psoriasis flares. It can also relieve pain, especially in cases of psoriatic arthritis.” Tsagaris also prescribes Chinese herbs, including salvia, liquorice, or ligusticum to calm the inflammation and restore a healthy skin barrier.

The nutritionist

“A high level of zonulin, a protein that controls the size of the gap junctions in the gut, which can indicate if you have a leaky gut, is often associated with psoriasis, so ask for a blood test to measure it,” says Miller. Her vitamin and mineral recommendations include vitamins A, B, and D, omega-3, and quercetin. Plenty of soluble fibre will also help control blood sugar and reduce inflammation.

https://www.vogue.com/article/an-inside-out-guide-to-tackling-eczema-and-psoriasis

Monday, 11 November 2024

Sunday, 3 November 2024

10-20 pc women experience psoriasis during pregnancy

From sambadenglish.com

Hormonal changes caused during pregnancy can trigger the risk of psoriasis in about 10-20 per cent of women, said health experts

New Delhi: Hormonal changes caused during pregnancy can trigger the risk of psoriasis in about 10-20 per cent of women, said health experts on Saturday.

Psoriasis is a commonly seen chronic autoimmune condition that causes skin inflammation, with thick, itchy, scaly patches, most commonly on the knees, elbows, trunk, and even the scalp. The common symptoms are red patches, rashes, scaling of the skin, dry and cracked skin, itching, and soreness. It is caused due to an overactive immune system that causes inflammation.

“Pregnancy is an exciting and life-changing phase for women. Though, it can often bring about various challenges for expectant mothers and one concerning problem is psoriasis. The hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy often lead to variations in immune response, which can trigger flare-ups,” said Dr Jisha Pillai, Dermatologist, Lilavati Hospital Mumbai. “Around 10-20 per cent of women may suffer from psoriasis during pregnancy. However, there will be no risk to the foetus due to psoriasis,” added Pillai.

Pillai noted that stress during pregnancy can also aggravate existing psoriasis and lead to the new onset of this condition. Moreover, changes in skincare routine and sensitivity to environmental triggers might position pregnant individuals at greater risk for outbreaks. Other trigger factors include smoking, secondhand smoke, alcohol, skin infections, cold weather, and certain medications.

Besides pregnancy hormones that can affect the immune system and skin, potentially altering psoriasis severity, changes in medicines can also work as potential triggers for psoriasis.

“Many psoriasis treatments are not recommended during pregnancy due to potential risks to the foetus. Women may need to discontinue certain medications, which can lead to flare-ups,” said Dr. Parinita Kalita, Associate Director, Obstetrics And Gynaecology, Robotic Surgery, Max Super Speciality Hospital. Women with more severe psoriasis before pregnancy may also have a higher risk of exacerbation, the doctor noted.

The health experts stressed the need to consult a dermatologist and an obstetrician to help manage psoriasis effectively during pregnancy. They must use products suggested by dermatologists only and avoid self-medication for managing symptoms of this condition.

“Women must report symptoms of psoriasis such as red patches, scaling of the skin, and itchiness without any delay for seeking timely intervention,” Pillai said. (IANS)

https://sambadenglish.com/miscellany/health/10-20-pc-women-experience-psoriasis-during-pregnancy-experts-7380099

Saturday, 2 November 2024

How to get psoriasis under control

From krone.at

It's hard to imagine how much psoriasis affects patients' quality of life - especially if you are not affected yourself. But those affected should not despair, because the chronic skin disease and the associated symptoms can now be treated effectively

There are many sad stories of fathers whose children are reluctant to hug them or of people who don't invite anyone home spontaneously because they can't vacuum up the flakes of skin scattered around their home so quickly. "Suffering from psoriasis is a huge burden on life," confirms Dr. Katharina Wippel-Slupetzky, a dermatology specialist in Vienna. "So it's all the more important to know that you don't have to put up with it. Although there is no cure for the skin condition, with the right treatment it is now possible to be symptom-free - and not have to be satisfied with a slight improvement in symptoms."

However, there is still a lack of knowledge about this non-contagious skin disease - even among young patients, the expert is surprised to learn. At first, they often know little about the unpleasant, itchy, rough and scaly patches on their bodies. These are often found on mechanically stressed areas such as the knees and elbows, but also on the scalp and sometimes on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet and in so-called inverse areas such as the genital area, armpits and anal folds. The joints are involved in up to 30% of cases.

Various triggers trigger the condition

"There is often a genetic background, even if only distant relatives are affected. This mainly affects psoriasis that occurs before the age of 40; in a third of cases, the disease develops before the age of 16. There is a second peak from the age of 40, usually in the 5th to 6th decade of life," explains the expert. Infections such as streptococci, but also smoking, alcohol, stress or some medications (certain drugs for high blood pressure) can trigger the outbreak of psoriasis.

The appropriate treatment for this unpleasant skin condition is discussed with the doctor.
(Bild: stock.adobe.com/B. BOISSONNET)

Sometimes very emotional or stressful phases of life also cause the condition. "A great deal has improved in terms of treatment in recent years," says Dr. Wippel-Slupetzky. "There are now various good local therapies such as creams and sprays. Irradiation with UV light, some immunosuppressive tablets such as methotrexate and those that block inflammatory messengers also help. However, drugs called biologics have revolutionized therapy. These inhibit inflammatory messengers in the body."

The way these drugs are administered is also advantageous, explains the expert: "Depending on the active ingredient, injections or infusions are administered. The frequency ranges from every few days to several times a year. This makes everyday life easier, as the application takes less time. However, basic skin care should be maintained." Of course, the doctors discuss which therapy would be best together with those affected.

"The rough rule of thumb is that if more than 10 percent of the skin is affected, systemic therapy is recommended, i.e. the entire organism is treated, be it with UV radiation, tablets, injections or infusions. If so-called 'upgrade criteria' are present, such as the infestation of visible areas such as the face, hands, severe nail infestation, but also involvement of the genital area, these therapies are also used for skin involvement of less than 10 percent." It is also important to consider the patient's individual circumstances in order to select the most suitable therapy for them.

Psoriasis often affects more than just the skin

Psoriasis is much more than just a skin disease, as it affects the entire body. Those affected have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, for example. Sometimes the joints are also affected, which is referred to as psoriatic arthritis. "30 percent of psoriasis patients develop this disease, but the skin does not necessarily have to be affected first," says Dr. Wippel-Slupetzky. "In general, nail, scalp and intimate areas are strong warning signs for the possible development of psoriatic arthritis. Skin symptoms and joint complaints that occur together should therefore always be linked and shown to a specialist."

According to the expert, patients should: "Take care of your health: go for a check-up, don't smoke and ideally don't drink alcohol or only drink a little. It is also important to aim for a normal weight, as abdominal fat in particular produces inflammatory messengers that fuel psoriasis. You should eat a Mediterranean diet with fish, olive oil and lots of vegetables."

https://www.krone.at/3577493

Friday, 1 November 2024

Can Vitamin D Help With Psoriatic Arthritis? Here’s What Experts Say

From healthcentral.com

Research has found people with psoriatic arthritis tend to be low in this essential vitamin—but the jury is out on whether a supplement can help

Psoriatic arthritis, an autoimmune disease fuelled by out-of-control inflammation, can cause symptoms like joint pain, fatigue, and swelling from head to toe, so it's no surprise that people might be looking for ways to get relief. And one option that has gotten some attention is vitamin D, which some consider to be one of the best supplements for psoriatic arthritis.

But in reality, the relationship between psoriatic arthritis and vitamin D is—as with a lot of supplements —a tricky one to figure out, since the science behind it is still unclear. What might be driving the correlation? Vitamin D is one of the most promising vitamins for psoriasis (a related but still separate condition that appears on the skin), so there’s reason to be optimistic. So, do psoriatic arthritis supplements like vitamin D merit a spot in your medicine cabinet? Here’s what the experts say.

The Relationship Between Vitamin D and Psoriatic Arthritis

The connection between vitamin D and psoriatic arthritis is more complicated than it seems. Vitamin D, for reference, benefits your body on several fronts. “It’s important for bone health and has roles in the immune system and in maintaining skin health,” says S. Louis Bridges, Jr., M.D., a rheumatologist and physician-in-chief and chair of the Department of Medicine at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City.

Research has found that vitamin D deficiency was especially common among people with PsA—and that the lower their vitamin D levels were, the more disease activity, indicated by a higher DAPSA (Disease Activity in Psoriatic Arthritis) score, they experienced. DAPSA is a measurement of PsA severity that takes into account the joints affected, pain levels, and levels of C-reactive protein, which is an inflammation marker.

But it’s unclear whether low vitamin D levels are the cause or the result of inflammation, according to Dr. Bridges. “When there is inflammation, serum levels of vitamin D decrease,” says Dr. Bridges. “Low levels of vitamin D are associated with a variety of inflammatory states.” In other words, it’s like which came first—low vitamin D, which contributes to the uptick in inflammation and DAPSA, or the inflammation, which stifles the levels of vitamin D? It’s hard to say.

Should You Take Vitamin D to Treat Your Psoriatic Arthritis?

Taking vitamin D could be helpful if you have psoriasis alongside your PsA. “Oral vitamin D supplementation may have some benefits in psoriasis,” says Dr. Bridges, though he notes that most research focuses on the efficacy of topical creams applied to plaques (versus oral supplements). “They work by slowing down the rapid skin cell turnover associated with psoriasis and have immunomodulatory effects.”

As for psoriatic arthritis, vitamin D may help ease symptoms—in theory. But “there are no studies that definitively show this, and much more work is needed,” says Dr. Bridges. “We also need studies to understand the role of vitamin D in the development and treatment of PsA, and the differences in vitamin D metabolism between patients with PsA compared to psoriasis without arthritis.”

What are the Best Sources of Vitamin D?

Sunlight is the primary source of vitamin D. “Vitamin D is made or synthesized in the skin from its precursor, a type of cholesterol,” says Shailendra Singh, M.D., a rheumatologist at White County Medical Center in Searcy, AK. “When you're exposed to the sunlight, that vitamin D precursor is formed in the skin—and once that is formed, that is converted into its active form in the liver and the kidneys.” But if you don’t spend a lot of time outside, then sunlight alone might not be enough to make the amount of vitamin D you need.

If that’s the case, you’ll need to get it from your diet—and, ideally, you should be eating your vitamin D rather than taking it through a supplement, according to Dr. Singh. “There are several foods which are enriched in vitamin D,” he says. “Most of the milk available in the market is enriched with vitamin D, as are yogurt and cheese.” You can also find vitamin D in fatty fish and fish liver oil.

How Much Vitamin D You Need With Psoriatic Arthritis

Besides infants, most people need 15 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin D a day, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). (A cup of milk has 2.9 mcg, while three ounces of salmon and trout each have over 14 mcg.) Even if you have psoriatic arthritis, that’s all our experts recommended. “I do not recommend routine vitamin D supplementation to treat psoriatic arthritis,” says Dr. Bridges.

The Risks of Too Much Vitamin D

Because it can increase calcium absorption, taking too much vitamin D can lead to hypercalcemia—literally, excessive calcium—which in turn leads to nausea, vomiting, and kidney stones. And while too much vitamin D alone can lead to kidney failure, it's extremely rare, according to the NIH. Really, it only tends to become a problem if you’re taking a lot of different vitamins, according to Dr. Singh. “Overdosing on vitamin D is very, very difficult,” he says.

And, even when you take it in an over-the-counter supplement, “that vitamin D needs to be activated inside the kidneys and in the liver to become active vitamin D—and our body will only produce as much active vitamin D as it needs,” he says. The rest gets excreted out.

Talk With Your Doctor

If you’re curious about supplementing with vitamin D, talk to your doctor—but manage your expectations accordingly. If your doctor checks your vitamin D levels and they’re low, they might recommend a supplement, says Dr. Singh. And if they’re normal, then supplementing with vitamin D won’t add any extra benefit for your psoriatic arthritis. And remember, it’s not a cure-all, and should at most be part of an overarching treatment plan overseen by your doctor.

https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/psoriatic-arthritis/psoriatic-arthritis-and-vitamin-d

Thursday, 31 October 2024

USA: 5 Organisations That Can Help You Manage Psoriasis

From everydayhealth.com

These resources make it easier for people with psoriasis to navigate the road ahead

Psoriasis is more than skin deep. For the more than 8 million people in the United States who are living with this chronic skin condition, it can leave a lasting physical, emotional, and social impact.

Organizations that have expertise in psoriasis, as well as patient advocacy groups, can provide you with educational resources, offer practical tips for managing your daily tasks, and connect you with others who understand first-hand what you’re going through.

Whether you are newly diagnosed or have been managing the condition for years, check out these resources to help yourself navigate life with psoriasis.

National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF)

The NPF is a non-profit organization founded in 1967 that is now the lead patient advocacy group for people living with psoriasis and other forms of psoriatic disease, such as psoriatic arthritis. The organization is committed to finding a cure and improving the lives of people living with these conditions.

Along with providing educational information about diagnoses and treatment options, the NPF also offers free assistance for people with psoriasis, their families, and their caregivers through the Patient Navigation Center. You can call their center directly with any question at all — from how to find a specialist to how to handle insurance issues — or submit your question online to receive a response within three business days.

The NPF also hosts a One to One program, where they can connect you by phone, email, or text to another person with psoriasis who understands what you’re going through. If you’ve had psoriasis for a while, you can also volunteer to become a One to One mentor.

One of the NPF’s major goals is to support research to find a cure for psoriasis — and in the meantime, optimize the health of everyone living with psoriatic disease. They host various community events to connect people with psoriasis locally (or virtually) while raising funds to support these initiatives.

You can also follow the NPF on:

American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD)

Founded in 1938, the AAD is the largest professional dermatology organization, representing over 20,500 experts worldwide. They’re committed to spreading awareness and finding treatments for psoriasis; promoting educational and research opportunities; and enhancing patient care for psoriasis and other dermatological conditions.

The AAD’s website offers information about psoriasis; tips for hair, skin, and nail care; dermatologist-approved insider secrets for managing the condition; and a searchable database to find a dermatologist near you who specializes in psoriasis.

For more information, contact the AAD by calling (888) 462-DERM (3376). You can also follow the AAD on:

Psoriasis Association

Founded in 1968, this United Kingdom–based charity and membership organization’s goal is to help improve the lives of people with psoriasis or other forms of psoriatic disease. Over the years, the Psoriasis Association has donated millions of pounds to fund psoriasis research that aims to understand more about the causes, nature, and care of psoriasis.

The Psoriasis Association hosts an annual Psoriasis Awareness Week, as well as other initiatives and fundraisers to spread knowledge about psoriasis to a wider audience. They also provide educational information directly on their website about psoriatic disease, including how it’s treated and how it can affect your day-to-day.

Notably, the Psoriasis Association invites members of the psoriasis community to share their stories about what life with the condition is really like. They also offer peer-to-peer support through their Facebook group and various forums, as well as an opportunity to connect with others, share experiences, and seek support.

You can reach their helpline by contacting the organization directly:

Phone: 01604-251-620
Email: mail@psoriasis-association.org.uk
WhatsApp: 07387-716-439

Inspire’s Psoriasis Community Forum

Inspire is an online community that connects people with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis (and their loved ones) to healthcare professionals. Think of it as a place where you can share health information, seek advice, and find support.

To participate, visit their Psoriasis Community forum, an online group for people with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis that has more than 300,000 members. You’ll need to create a free account to log in; afterward, you can read posts and comments and interact with other members.

PsoriaSis Collective

After experiencing a particularly bad psoriasis flare during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ayesha Patrick started searching for information and support from other people of colour. Frustrated with the lack of available resources, she founded the PsoriaSis Collective as a safe space to support women of colour who are living with psoriatic disease.

Patrick shares her personal experiences with the world through her blog and connects directly with others through her Facebook group. She also participates in NPF-hosted fundraising events in New York.

World Psoriasis Day: Top Healio stories highlight challenges of disease

From healio.com

Key takeaways:

This year’s top psoriasis-related story highlights the impact of early life nutrition on psoriasis risk.
Many headlines surrounding comorbidities also dominated headlines.

Around the world, approximately 125 million people suffer from psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. On Oct. 29, World Psoriasis Day, we recognize the challenges of and treatment advances for patients with psoriasis.

To raise awareness, Healio compiled a list of the top news in psoriasis this year.

On Oct. 29, World Psoriasis Day, we recognize the challenges of and treatment advances for patients with psoriasis. Image: Adobe Stock.

Early life nutrition could impact psoriasis risk

This year, a Swedish study found that subjects who were fed formula as infants had a higher risk for developing psoriasis compared with those who were breastfed for at least the first 4 months of life. Read more.

Oral roflumilast treatment may induce weight loss in patients with psoriasis

Treating psoriasis with oral roflumilast may induce weight loss, positioning the drug as a potentially attractive alternative for patients with psoriasis, according to a study. Read more.

Stress may be associated with increased risk of psoriasis among men

Low stress resilience in men may be linked to an increased risk for developing psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis, according to a study. Study investigator Marta Laskowski, MD, PhD, of the department of dermatology and venereology at the University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, discussed the significance of these results. Also, Joel M. Gelfand, MD, MSCE, James J. Leyden Professor of Dermatology & Epidemiology at Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and Healio Dermatology Chief Medical Editor, weighed in with his Perspective. Read more.

Treatment advancements merit updates to dermatological disqualifiers in the military

Due to medical advancements, researchers are calling for an update to the U.S. Department of Defense’s policies restricting individuals with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis from joining and remaining in the military, according to a study. Dermatologists and military members offered their expertise. Read more.

Patients with psoriasis more likely to have obsessive-compulsive disorder

A new study further confirmed the association between obsessive-compulsive disorder and psoriasis, stressing the need for dermatologists to be vigilant. Jeffrey M. Cohen, MD, director of the Psoriasis Treatment Program, director of the safety department of dermatology and assistant professor of dermatology and biomedical informatics and data science at Yale School of Medicine, discussed the study findings with Healio. Read more.

Q&A: Physician responds to Kim Kardashian using tanning booth to help psoriasis

In the beginning of the year, Kim Kardashian released a viral video flaunting her personal tanning bed built into her home. After garnering negative attention from the public and dermatologists alike, the star justified her purchase saying she uses it to help her psoriasis. Azza Halim, MD, a board certified, multi-specialist physician with a focus in aesthetic and regenerative medicine, spoke to Healio about the dangers of using tanning beds as a therapy for psoriasis. Read more.

Phase 3 data show Tremfya improves scalp psoriasis in patients with skin of colour

Patients with skin of colour that suffer from scalp psoriasis saw significant improvement in their disease severity, scalp itch and quality of life outcomes when treated with Tremfya, according to newly released phase 3 results. Read more.

Treating psoriasis with biologics does not negatively affect COVID antibody production

The use of biologics to treat psoriasis does not affect antibody production after a patient has had a COVID infection or vaccination, according to a study. Read more.

Suicidal ideation, behaviour rate low in psoriasis patients treated with bimekizumab

The long-term adjudicated suicidal ideation and behaviour rate in patients with psoriasis treated with bimekizumab was low and within general psoriasis population ranges, according to a study. Read more.

LITE: Home-based phototherapy as effective as office-based UVB treatment for psoriasis

In a real-world setting, treatment with home-based phototherapy was non-inferior to office phototherapy for people with plaque or guttate psoriasis, with both options safe and efficacious, according to a presentation at the American Academy of Dermatology annual meeting. Read more.

https://www.healio.com/news/dermatology/20241029/world-psoriasis-day-top-healio-stories-highlight-challenges-of-disease