Type 2 Diabetes - Psoriasis Is a Risk Factor for the Metabolic Syndrome

By Beverleigh H Piepers

According to dermatologists - skin specialists, and endocrinologists - gland specialists at the University of Verona in Verona, Italy, the skin condition psoriasis raises the risk of developing the metabolic syndrome. Their report was published in the January and February 2018 copy of the Journal of Clinical Dermatology.
Psoriasis is a non-contagious skin disorder in which skin cells divide too fast and slough off in white or transparent scales. The metabolic syndrome is similar to Type 2 diabetes.

Signs and symptoms of psoriasis include...

• raised, red inflamed patches of skin,
• white scales,
• itchiness,
• pain, and
• dry, cracked skin that can bleed.

Signs and symptoms of the metabolic syndrome include...

• Type 2 diabetes,
• mild insulin resistance,
• belly fat,
• high blood pressure,
• abnormal blood fats, and
• nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

People diagnosed with psoriasis are at least twice as likely to develop the metabolic syndrome as non-psoriatic individuals. The former has a 20 to 50 percent risk.

Cortisone is one conventional method of treating psoriasis, but it can raise blood sugar levels. According to the Verona specialists, the biological medications are safer. Treating psoriasis patients with low-calorie diets and exercise is recommended to achieve and/or maintain a healthy lean weight.
Another type of medication recommended by the Verona dermatologists is the biologicals. Psoriasis is caused by autoimmunity, in which the immune system attacks the body. The biologicals work to calm down the immune system...

• patients must stop the medication if they acquire an infection, such as a cold.
• a yearly flu shot is a good idea for people with psoriasis taking one of the biologicals - and a good idea for everyone else as well.

The biologicals are given by injection just under the skin of the arms, abdomen, or thighs. A list of these medications include...

• adalimumab (Humira),
• brodalumab (Siliq),
• etanercept (Enbrel),
• golimumab (Simponi),
• infliximab (Remicade),
• ixekizumab (Taltz),
• secukinumab (Cosentyx), and
• ustekinumab (Stelara).

The biologic medical products work by interfering with pro-inflammatory molecules released by the immune system...

• Enbrel, Simponi, Remicade, and Humira interfere with TNF alpha or tumor necrosis factor alpha. TNF alpha is a proinflammatory cytokine, a protein involved in causing inflammation. It is secreted mainly by monocytes and macrophages, white blood cells that produce inflammatory reactions. It is also built to some extent by a white blood cell called the lymphocyte, blood vessel cells, and fibroblasts, cells that cause blood clotting.
• Siliq, Cosentyx, and Taltz work by blocking human interleukin 17, another inflammatory molecule.
• Stelara blocks inflammatory molecules interleukin 22 and interleukin 23.

Although managing your disease can be very challenging, Type 2 diabetes is not a condition you must just live with. You can make simple changes to your daily routine and lower both your weight and your blood sugar levels. Hang in there, the longer you do it, the easier it gets.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Type-2-Diabetes---Psoriasis-Is-a-Risk-Factor-for-the-Metabolic-Syndrome&id=9851950

Should those with rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, cold sores use skin scrubs?

From the healthsite.com

While it is no secret that wrong types of exfoliation scrubs can harm your skin, the importance of scrubbing your skin cannot be underestimated. But should you scrub your skin vigorously for getting that soft, baby like skin? Should people with specific skin conditions do this? Amarjeet Bhatia, Chief Medical Officer at Doctor Insta insists on only using scrubs made with natural ingredients such as sugar, salt, carrier oils, and honey as they are great for the skin.

Harsh skin scrubs are bad for psoriasis: Psoriasis is a common condition, affecting 125 million people worldwide, or a full 2-3% of the world’s population. Psoriasis causes red, itchy patches on the body that may appear scaly. Skin scrubs are bad for psoriasis, which can irritate the skin and bleed the scales. However, a homemade gentle exfoliator made of either honey or coal tar or sweet almond oil and Vitamin E oil works well.

Skin scrubs can be used by people who have impetigo: Skin scrubs can be used for impetigo along with antibacterial soaps as they will prevent the spread of infection.
Eczema patients can use skin scrubs: Sugar scrubs can be used for Eczema as scrubs will help facilitate the removal of dead skin to prevent the skin from flaking or cracking. Skin will soften and smoothen the skin while still retaining the natural moisture.

Which scrubs are better for you- salt or sugar? Sugar scrubs are gentler than salt scrubs because the granule is round and therefore doesn’t have any ability to “cut” the skin. It’s a far better choice for sensitive skin types and the only choice for the face.
Things to look for when buying skin scrub:

• Scrubbing twice a week is sufficient.
• If you have oily skin, use a gel based scrub.
• If you have dry skin, use a cream based scrub.
• If you have sensitive skin, go for a scrub with super soft granules.

http://www.thehealthsite.com/beauty/should-those-with-rosacea-eczema-psoriasis-cold-sores-use-skin-scrubs-f1217/

How omega-3 can soothe psoriasis

From hollandbarrett.com

The skin condition, psoriasis, can have a damaging effect on the quality of life for those who have it. Find out how omega-3 can help relieve the symptoms of psoriasis.
Psoriasis may not be life-threatening but, for the 2-3% of the UK who have the skin condition, it can still be disabling. Almost three-quarters of those with psoriasis say it can have a significant impact on their quality of life.

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease which causes skin-cell production to be increased four- to seven-fold, resulting in patches of built-up skin cells called plaques. Plaques appear red, flaky and crusty and may be covered in silvery scales. They may also be sore and itchy.
Psoriatic plaques can appear anywhere on the body, but are commonly found on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back. Psoriasis may also affect the joints, causing inflammation known as psoriatic arthritis.

How can omega-3 help?

Omega-3 fatty acids are known to boost our immune function and dampen down the body’s inflammatory response. Research suggests that consuming sufficient levels of omega-3 during the first year of life may help protect against a variety of autoimmune disorders.
Taking omega-3 supplements when autoimmune skin or joint conditions do develop can help relieve the symptoms. Studies show that high-dose omega-3 supplements can improve the symptoms of redness, thickness, scaling and itching in psoriasis.

Omega-3 and psoriatic arthritis

Although little research has looked at the impact of omega-3 fatty acids on psoriatic arthritis, there is good evidence to suggest that omega-3 supplements can improve the symptoms.
There is also evidence to show omega-3s can improve joint function in other forms of arthritis, offering hope to those who are affected by the condition.

Advice is for information only and should not replace medical care. Please consult a doctor or healthcare professional before trying any remedies.

http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/the-health-hub/omega-3-can-soothe-psoriasis/

Ten tips to help manage psoriasis over the winter

From irishtimes.com

Psoriasis is a very common, non-contagious, long-term inflammatory skin disorder in which there is an increase in the rate at which skin cells are produced and shed from the skin. It affects at least 73,000 people in Ireland.

The red, raised scaly patches of psoriasis can affect any part of the skin surface, but most commonly involve the elbows, knees, lower back and scalp.

Psoriasis is a condition that tends to run in families – both the immune system and genetics are important in its development. Environmental factors can also play a role. In some cases, emotional stress, infection (such as a streptococcal throat infection), injury to the skin or certain medications can trigger the first episode of psoriasis, while certain lifestyle factors (such as heavy drinking and smoking) may worsen it.

Psoriasis is not contagious, infectious or the result of poor hygiene.

Some people with psoriasis notice seasonal changes in the severity of their condition, sometimes experiencing a worsening of symptoms in winter. Over the winter months, things like dry air from central heating and reduced exposure to sunlight can contribute to this deterioration. More generally, psoriasis tends to improve in warmer climates and worsen in colder ones.

Although there is no cure as yet, there are a range of effective treatment options available. Treating psoriasis is important for good disease management, as well as general health.

1) Emollient therapy: an important part of daily skin care

While the treatment of psoriasis depends on its severity and location, the use of emollients (commonly known as moisturisers), and emollient wash products (used instead of soap and shower gel), play an important, but often undervalued, role in management. Used every day, emollients help to soften the scale, soothe dry, itchy skin and increase the effectiveness of prescribed treatments.

2) Remember: avoid ordinary soap, shower gel and bubble bath

Winter conditions can be very drying on the skin, and soap-based products can further dry out the skin. Instead, choose soap substitutes/emollient wash products when bathing or showering.

3) Choosing an emollient

Emollients come as lotions, creams and ointments. Finding the right emollient is often a matter of trial and error – the best emollients are those that you prefer to use and will continue to use every day. Your healthcare professional will be able to give advice about the different emollient products available.

4) Applying emollients to the skin

Do not stick your fingers into a tub of emollient. Always use a clean spoon or spatula to prevent contamination. Emollients should be applied in a smooth, downward motion, in the direction of hair growth, after a bath/shower and before going to bed.

5) Treatment options for psoriasis

Talk with your doctor to find a treatment that is suitable for you. Try not to become disillusioned if one treatment does not work – there are many effective treatment options available: topical treatments (preparations applied directly to the skin), phototherapy (a form of artificial ultraviolet light therapy, delivered in hospital dermatology departments), and medicine taken in tablet form or by injection. Be sure to talk to your doctor about your symptoms and progress, and if necessary alternative treatment options or onward referral to a dermatologist.

6) Psoriasis affects people in different ways

Living with psoriasis can affect you emotionally and socially, as well as physically. Its unpredictable nature (psoriasis can vary in severity in the same person at different times) and visibility can negatively impact on a person’s quality of life and personal relationships. Everyday activities like trying on clothes when shopping, going to the swimming pool or even going to a hairdresser can be a challenge, sometimes leading to feelings of self-consciousness and embarrassment because of worries about what others will think or say.

7) Acknowledge your feelings and emotions about your condition

If you are feeling anxious or down, it is important to share your feelings with your doctor.

8) Associated conditions (co-morbidities)

Although psoriasis affects the skin, it is an inflammatory disorder, which means it is related to irregularities in the body’s own immune system, and has been associated with a number of other conditions, including cardiovascular disease and psoriatic arthritis. Ask your doctor about your risk for heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Your GP is an expert in screening and treating these if necessary. If you have symptoms of arthritis, ask for a referral to a rheumatologist.

9) If possible, identify and avoid psoriasis triggers

Things such as infections, injuries to your skin, stress, environmental conditions, smoking, alcohol and sunburn may make it worse.

10) Learn more about psoriasis

This will make it easier to have a conversation with your doctor about treatment options and treatment progress.

https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/health-family/ten-tips-to-help-manage-psoriasis-over-the-winter-1.3280678

Skin 4 Skin Conditions That Are Often Misdiagnosed, According to Dermatologists

From allure.com

Ever look at an unfamiliar spot r blemish and wonder if it's a blackhead, pimple or sun spot? Worse, ever consider that it could be something more? To the untrained eye, unusual skin presentations can cause confusion and alarm. They can also go misdiagnosed, often not getting the attention they require. This is because many skin conditions can seem similar in appearance to one another, says Shari Marchbein, board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor of dermatology at New York University School of Medicine.

"For example, a pink flaky spot or rash can be eczema, dandruff, ringworm, psoriasis, or even a skin cancer, like squamous cell carcinoma," she says. Unfortunately, patients sometimes report to the dermatologist's office sharing a previous diagnosis that is incorrect and having missed out on valuable treatment time. Because this occurs more often than documented, we've highlighted the top four skin conditions most commonly, well, diagnosed — and how to look out for them.

Basal Cell CarcinomaIn some cases, skin cancer can be mistaken as a small blemish. Basal cell carcinoma (the most common skin cancer in the U.S. – one in five people will have it in their lifetime, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation) "can often start as a small pink bump that can be confused or misdiagnosed as acne," says Marchbein. Because of this, dermatologists typically recommend coming into the office for examinations if a new spot is present for more than three weeks and is consistently growing, bleeding, or changing in any way.

Rosacea
Another common misdiagnosis is rosacea disguised as acne, says Estee Williams, a board-certified medical, cosmetic and surgical dermatologist and clinical professor in dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Centre in New York City. "Pimples, breakouts, zits ... everyone knows what acne is, but many people have not heard of rosacea, even though 16 million Americans have the condition," she says. The chronic skin condition of the face has two prominent traits — redness and skin sensitivity — which makes the disease difficult to both diagnose and treat.
"When it comes to rosacea, there are 50 shades of red — anything from rosy cheeks to pimples that are often mistaken as acne," says Williams. "Even the most-seasoned dermatologist may find it challenging to distinguish the two, and what's more, acne medications tend to make rosacea worse." Williams warns that if you have sensitive skin, tend to blush or flush easily, or have pink pimples that take a long time to heal, you might have rosacea.

Psoriasis
Many people self-diagnose themselves with a dry, flaky scalp when, in fact, they have psoriasis, according to Joshua Zeichner, the director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. "Psoriasis is a condition in which your immune system gets angry at your skin and attacks it," he explains. "We don't understand why this happens." In this case, the skin typically develops flaky plaques, which typically show up on the elbows and knees, but can also be found on the scalp. Dermatologists can suggest prescription options to help with inflammation.

Eczema
In Zeichner's experience, eczema — an inflammatory condition in which the skin develops microscopic cracks, causing a loss of hydration — can often be confused for the fungal infection ringworm. "Many people come into the office having used an antifungal cream on a scaly, red rash on the body," he says. "I find that more times than not patients are actually suffering from eczema."
In order to avoid a misdiagnosis, it's important to seek expert insight and treatment from a board-certified dermatologist (a skin expert with eight years of extra training and expertise) any time you have an unusual skin finding or concern, says Marchbein.

https://www.allure.com/story/misdiagnosed-skin-conditions

Managing psoriasis this winter

From deccanherald.com

All of us experience mild to the moderately dry skin at some point, but for some, it's a chronic problem. Especially during winter, the cold winds, low humidity, wet weather and lack of sunlight drain the moisture out of our skin making it dry and itchy. Psoriasis causes skin cells to build up, and form shiny scales and itchy, dry red patches. The skin patches can be painful and can vary in size and intensity over time.

Winter can trigger psoriasis outbreaks, but there are many ways to tackle the drying effects of cold temperature.

Keep your skin moist to ease redness and itching, and heal psoriasis patches. The thicker the cream or ointment, the better it is at locking moisture into your skin.

Long showers in hot water sucks moisture from your skin. Shower in warm water just long enough to soap up and rinse off.

Cold weather can irritate your skin. Cover yourself with a soft scarf, hat, and gloves when you go outside to protect exposed areas of skin.

Drink plenty of water. You will know if you are getting enough because your urine will be a pale yellow.

Stress can worsen the condition. Try a massage or spa treatment to beat the winter chill.

Vitamin D deficiency is often related to psoriasis. One must consume vitamin D supplements.

Dr Sanjiv Kandhari
(The author is a dermatologist)

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/640830/managing-psoriasis-winter.html

When is that itch a fungus?

From health24.com

What do jock itch, ringworm, thrush and athlete’s foot have in common? They all cause itching, but there is another thing – they often get mistaken for eczema or psoriasis.
If the above-mentioned conditions all cause similar symptoms, why can’t we treat them the same? Surely a cream for eczema or skin dryness fights any sort of skin condition? The answer is it doesn't work that way.

What is a fungal infection?
Fungal infections are caused by fungi, a group of microscopic organisms that thrive on the dead keratin of the skin, hair or nails.
Fungal infections can spread from one person to another, or through public spaces such as shared showers or swimming pools.
Different fungi cause different fungal infections. One of the most common forms of fungal infections is athlete's foot (tinea pedis), which is caused by ringworm and causes redness, itching and peeling around the toes.

What is eczema?
Eczema is a disease caused by inflammation of the skin and the skin's inability to retain adequate moisture. The result is a dry, troublesome rash that itches, which may occur on almost any part of the body.
The redness, itchiness and rash caused by eczema isn't contagious. Eczema is not related to fungus, but it's possible to also have a fungal infection on top of eczema. In that case, your doctor will have to take a skin swab to determine whether a fungal infection is present or not.
Eczema tends to appear on the face and scalp of babies and in places where the skin creases or folds in adults, such as the back of the knees or elbows, between the fingers or on ankles and wrists.
Doctors aren't sure what exactly causes eczema, but there are many allergens and irritants that can trigger a flare-up. Eczema is also most likely to be inherited.

What is psoriasis?
Just like eczema, psoriasis is also a chronic skin disease that causes redness and flaking. Psoriasis can affect big patches of skin all over the body, but can also occur on fingernails, toenails and around joints.
Psoriasis usually starts as one or more small psoriatic plaques – dark-pink, raised patches of skin with overlying silvery flaky scales – usually on the scalp, knees, elbows, back and buttocks. It can also occur in the eyebrows, armpits, navel and groin. It’s more likely to flake, while itching is uncommon.
Recent research has shown that psoriasis is a disorder of the immune system. A type of white-blood cell, called a T cell, helps protect the body against infection and disease. Abnormalities in the so-called T helper cells and the way that they interact with skin cells are associated with psoriasis.

How to find the correct treatment

• Consult your doctor or dermatologist for the right treatment. A fungal infection sometimes requires an oral antibiotic.
• Consider the duration of the symptoms. Eczema and psoriasis are chronic, while a fungal infection, although it may reoccur, can be eliminated.
• If your symptoms don't respond to an over-the-counter treatment, see a doctor. 

http://www.health24.com/Medical/Skin/Fungal-skin/when-is-that-itch-a-fungus-20171016

How Your Diet Can Make Your Psoriasis Symptoms Worse—And What To Do About It

From prevention.com

Chronic inflammation is at the root of this disease, but you can find relief through what you eat

Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune skin disease that causes skin cells to build up rapidly, resulting in redness, scaling, itchiness, dry skin, and pain. These patches of inflamed skin are known as psoriasis lesions. They can appear anywhere on the surface of the body, though most often they show up on the scalp, knees, and elbows. Like the other autoimmune conditions, the causes of psoriasis aren’t entirely clear but experts believe a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental trigger is in play.

Psoriasis can have a profound negative impact on quality of life not only because of its physical symptoms but also because lesions can be disfiguring. In a review of over 500 psoriasis patients, 73% reported that they felt stigmatized in some way because of their appearance. Psoriasis patients also report higher levels of anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts than the general population, and the worse the severity of their psoriasis, the greater the burden on self-esteem, body image, psychological health, social life, and overall quality of life.

Sadly, the emotional toll of psoriasis is only one aspect of its challenges. Psoriasis patients are also at greater risk of additional autoimmune illnesses, including rheumatoid arthritis, another form of arthritis known as psoriatic arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. But on top of it all, the risk of yet another autoimmune condition, celiac disease, is especially severe. Research suggests that having psoriasis roughly doubles the odds of being diagnosed with celiac disease. (Another study found the converse to be true, too: Having celiac disease significantly raises the risk of developing psoriasis.)

On a happier note, one study found that 42% of psoriasis in patients with celiac disease could be attributed to the underlying celiac disease, suggesting that for psoriasis patients with a gluten sensitivity, adopting a gluten-free diet may improve psoriasis symptoms. This is yet another instance of the healing power of eating for your particular body and your particular health profile. Many foods have different effects on different people. Use this knowledge to heal, rather than harm.

Another way people with psoriasis may better control their symptoms is to lose any extra weight. That’s right—losing weight can improve your psoriasis and improve how you respond to medications. In one study, 60 obese patients with psoriasis were divided into either a weight loss group that ate 800 to 1,000 calories a day for 8 weeks, followed by 8 weeks of no more than 1,200 calories a day, or a control group. After 16 weeks, the weight loss group lost an average of nearly 34 pounds, compared to less than 1 pound in the control group. Those in the intervention group also experienced an average change of −2.3 points in their Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores, a standard assessment of psoriasis activity, as opposed to just −0.3 in the control group.

Researchers also noted that the greatest reduction in psoriasis severity occurred in the first half of the study, when the greatest weight loss occurred.

Researchers later conducted a follow-up study of this same group to observe the long-term effects of weight reduction, following the participants for an additional 48 weeks. Of the 32 people who completed the full course, average weight loss compared to original weight was just over 22 pounds and PASI scores were 2.9 points lower compared to the baseline. According to these results, long-term weight loss appears to keep psoriasis severity down for the long term.
Psoriasis is also associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes—conditions that help explain why psoriasis is strongly associated with a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. The association is so strong, in fact, that psoriasis is now classified as an independent risk factor for heart disease, as dangerous as smoking, excess weight, and diabetes.

What’s going on here? All of the coexisting conditions in psoriasis, from depression to celiac disease to cardiovascular illness, are linked by chronic inflammation. In study after study, researchers have observed that people with celiac disease and psoriasis also display signs of a leaky gut (intestinal permeability) brought about by inflammation. Obesity alone promotes a chronic inflammatory state and can lead to metabolic syndrome, as fat cells continually release a special type of cytokine known as adipokines and affect levels of leptin, the hormone that plays a role in controlling hunger.

https://www.prevention.com/health/plaque-psoriasis-treatment

Skin Care: Living With Psoriasis

By Shabir S Joosub

Psoriasis is a persistent skin disorder that affects many people. It is a disorder that multiplies skin cells ten times faster than the speed that they should be regenerated. Common places that a person could get psoriasis are the elbows, knees and scalp.
This skin disorder can be caused by multiple factors. These factors include genetics, stress and skin damage from the sun or wounds. You can identify it by the patchiness on the skin that flakes often.
When you contract or develop this disorder it is important to limit the amount of times the skin gets scratched because of the itchiness. This will be difficult in the beginning but scratching causes the skin to become agitated and makes the situation worse. Therefore hydrating the skin is important. Try to use aqueous based shampoos or lotions or selenium sulphide or tar-based products. The healing process could take a while because the body has to slow down the regeneration of the cells and heal the red patches on the surface of the skin.

Some treatments could cause the skin to burn when being applied whilst some shampoos could cause you to lose some hair. Consult with your doctor if you experience unusual or uncomfortable symptoms and only keep going with the treatment if so advised.
Flakiness is also associated with dryness and dead skin. This is where the aqueous products could help. It also cools the skin down and soothes the surface for your comfort. Any form of infection often feels hot so cooling it down helps with the healing process without overworking the body.
Certain physicians also recommend that you keep the shampoo in your hair for a few minutes longer. There are chemicals in shampoos that improve hair and scalp quality but by being washed out quickly, you won't experience the treatment and benefits.
If you are dealing with psoriasis you also need to check that there isn't something you apply to your skin that will trigger a breakout. Many online tutorials give the audience ways to grow hair faster or heal a wound quicker. Castor oil is a good example for faster hair growth. Although, it does work well as a natural method for hair growth it also speeds up the natural process of hair regrowth which will cause surrounding cells to do the same. Don't forget that hair is also a form of skin.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Skin-Care:-Living-With-Psoriasis&id=9799914

The Best Fabrics to Wear If You Have Psoriasis

From sheknows.com

Around 7.5 million Americans suffer from psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory disease of the immune system that causes the skin cells to grow at an accelerated rate. It usually occurs on the scalp, knees, elbows, hands and feet, but can appear anywhere on the body.

Far more than just a physical condition, psoriasis can cause feelings of self-consciousness, impact every aspect of a person's life and influence everyday decisions people who don't have psoriasis don't have to think twice about, such as the clothes they wear. Certain styles and fabrics may aggravate the affected skin, while others are much more comfortable.

Dr. Tien Nguyen, a dermatologist at Orange Coast Memorial Medical Centre in Fountain Valley, California, recommends soft, breathable fabrics for people with psoriasis and advises against wearing itchy clothing. "Anything that causes sweat or irritation of psoriatic plaques can worsen the condition," she warns.

As a general rule, natural is good and synthetic is bad when it comes to psoriasis. Common synthetic fabrics include polyester, nylon and elastane. Check the garment labels before you buy.

Here are three fabrics that should be staples in your wardrobe if you have psoriasis.

1. Cotton

The higher the cotton content in a fabric, the more comfortable it will be next to the skin — and comfort is key for people with psoriasis. As a soft, breathable fabric, cotton should be the top choice for someone with psoriasis (or very dry or sensitive skin).

Dr. Delphine Lee, a dermatologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Centre in Santa Monica, California, highlights an Italian clinical trial comparing the effect on plantar psoriasis of socks containing a synthetic fibre with standard cotton socks. The trial showed no difference between the two fabrics, yet patient global satisfaction was statistically lower for the socks containing synthetic fibre.

2. Modal

Modal, a type of rayon, is a manufactured fibre, but is not synthetic — it’s made from wood pulp, a naturally occurring raw material. Modal is an ideal fabric for people with psoriasis because it is lightweight, smooth, soft and extremely breathable. It is similar in texture to cotton, but less likely to shrink, fade or pill. Look for undergarments and workout clothes made of modal, as they wick moisture away from the skin and dry faster in heavy sweating conditions. Often, people with psoriasis, particularly inverse psoriasis — lesions under the armpits, on the groin, under the breasts and in other natural folds of the body — find sweating a trigger because it stimulates itching and scratching of the skin and worsens psoriasis symptoms.

3. Silk

Breathability is an important factor, but it's not the only consideration. For example, linen is a very breathable fabric, but it can be uncomfortable against patches of psoriasis because of the uneven, slightly raised surface. Silk, on the other hand, is cool and soothing, even during flare-ups, because it has great moisture-wicking properties, helps to regulate body temperature, is hypoallergenic and doesn't create static, so it won't cling to the skin.
As well as breathable fabrics, opt for loose, comfortable styles. "People with psoriasis may find physical friction from tight clothing irritating," says Lee. "It is also important to be aware of fabrics that are irritating on an individual basis, for example, some people find wool to be very itchy. It is best to avoid fabrics that cause any irritating symptoms, particularly during flare-ups."

http://www.sheknows.com/health-and-wellness/articles/1136094/best-fabrics-to-wear-for-psoriasis

Psoriasis: Why it Gets Worse in Winter and Fall

From iuhealth.org

Fall: It brings beautifully coloured leaves, cooler, crisper air, festive holidays and all too often, itchy skin. Why? Experts say the season’s drier air and lower levels of the sun’s ultraviolet rays can worsen inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis (since ultraviolet light hinder the rapid growth of skin cells--a characteristic of the condition). The dry heat blared in most buildings during colder months can also sap the body of its natural stores of moisture, leading to dry, itching, cracked skin.
Wondering what you can do? Here, William A. Wooden, MD, FACS a plastic surgeon at Indiana University Health offers some helpful insights on psoriasis.
“Normally our skin grows all the time and sheds effectively but with people who have psoriasis it doesn’t shed fast enough and therefore gets thicker and scalier,” says Dr. Wooden. This is also once again a systemic condition that tends to run in families…meaning it’s not contagious and if your mom, dad, or siblings have had it, your risk could be higher.

Symptoms:  Like eczema, this can be a lifelong condition where the immune system basically sends off faulty information to the skin’s cells that force them to grow too quickly, says Dr. Wooden. The result can be the formation of plaque-like growths that may appear scaly and are often quite itchy. Common places for plaque formations include knees, elbows, lower back, and scalp.
Treatment: It is very important to keep tabs on when a patient’s psoriasis flares up. Oftentimes things like stress, illness, or new medications may trigger symptoms. Sadly, there is no cure, but Dr. Wooden says there are a variety of treatments that may offer patients relief including laser options, steroids and anti-inflammatories. “Patients with psoriasis should work with a doctor to find the right treatment plan for them,” says Dr. Wooden, who reiterates that there isn’t one perfect solution so some trial and error may be involved.
Prevention: “Patients also need to be attuned to the balance of the body,” says Dr. Wooden, who says that psoriatic flare-ups are often an indication that something else is off internally.

http://iuhealth.org/news-hub/detail/psoriasis-why-it-gets-worse-in-winter-and-fall/#.WcVbdoWcFYc

Are Your Emotions the Key to Your Skin Problems?

From preen.inquirer.net

The way we have expressions like “laugh lines” or “frown lines” already indicate that emotions affect our skin’s behaviour. Psychodermatology is “therapy for you skin” and looks into the “different ways of dealing with the connection between the mind and the skin,” according to The Cut. In simpler terms, your breakouts might just be an indication of stress and not that you need some salicylic acid.

Before you revamp your skin routine or book a vacation in the ruse of “getting your skin back to its youthful state,” we’ve compiled a few facts of this growing science. Keep an eye on it, we say, it might just be the treatment you need.

#1 You can’t use it to replace your derma appointments just yet 

In the United States, there are only half a dozen clinics that practice pscychodermatology. For everyday skin problems, it’s still best to see your dermatologist first. Clinical therapist Matt Traube tells The Cut that psychodermatology steps in only if you didn’t get the results you were hoping for from your derma.

#2 It is first employed in severe skin conditions

Though the science is relatively young, it is still routed in old observations. The relationship between psychology and skin concerns manifests in habits such as hair-pulling, skin picking, and delusions involving insects crawling all over the skin. It is also linked as to why peeling a scar can be satisfying for some even if it’s painful. These are commonly called body-focused repetitive behaviours, the explanations of which are slowly being uncovered.

#3 Stress plays a big factor 

Pyschodermatology finds that stress is a main factor for skin conditions. Medical research on people with psoriasis confirms that stress is a contributing factor in making things worst. “A couple of recent studies have corroborated this, with one finding that most people with psoriasis named emotional stress—not diet, not the weather, not medications or infections—as the number one trigger for their symptoms.” How exactly? There are suspicions that it’s about how our hormones, which also regulate our skin’s condition, behave differently under stress.
Other than this, I bet you are familiar with how stress can make you form habits that are damaging to the skin. Late nights spent at your job cause under-eye bags, dry skin, and acne. So perhaps the next time you decide to revamp your skincare routine, all you might need to do is clock in a few hours of sleep or spend some time away from the stressful situation.

#4 Immune cells might be the culprit at times

Hormones are the first suspect when it comes to situations like these but psychodermatology is trying to find out how immune cells might be in on it as well. When stressed, our immune system compensates through cells. These cells then can make your skin do certain things. “Take something called Langerhans cells, for instance, which are in the upper layers of the skin, and act as a go-between for the nervous system and the immune system. In psoriasis patients, those scaly skin patches that are symptomatic of the condition tend to form when Langerhans cells leave the upper layer of the skin — and research has suggested that stress may be involved in causing this movement of those cells.”

#5 The cure might be in your brain already

Given these hints, there is a suggestion that your mind might just be your best cure next to your trusted serum. Think about this situation: You’re stressed because of a pimple on your cheek that you feel people are staring at or feel disgusted by (although that is usually not the case). The stress causes the imperfection to get worst, making you more stressed, then a cycle is born. Try to then think of the opposite. As Matt told The Cut, “If we can somehow get in the middle of that and work with those thoughts that are not necessarily always accurate, like this idea that everyone is somehow staring at them and their skin imperfection, we can reduce the stress, and we can reduce flare-ups.”

http://preen.inquirer.net/55308/are-your-emotions-the-key-to-your-skin-problems

Psoriasis Isn't Contagious and Other Myths Busted

From franciscanhealth.org

We just might have to thank Kim Kardashian for raising awareness of psoriasis - a common disease that affects 7.5 million Americans. The lifelong condition that she and other celebrities like LeAnn Rimes have, causes an unsightly, itchy rash.
Beyond vanity, one of the most frustrating aspects for psoriasis patients is facing outsiders' negative reactions to their flare-ups. If you don't understand the disease, you might fear getting close to someone who's afflicted. Or, you might even dismiss the condition as a cosmetic problem. Here, we break down common myths and share the facts about psoriasis:

Myth #1: Psoriasis is contagious.

It's easy to see why you might shy away from touching someone with psoriasis. The rash looks like it could be contagious. But it isn't something you can catch from someone else.
The exact cause of psoriasis isn't known, but doctors believe it's an autoimmune disorder (the result of an overactive immune response). In people with psoriasis, the body creates skin cells faster than normal. The cells build up and layer over one another causing irritation and a silvery white thickening of the affected area.

Myth #2: Those dry, scaly patches will go away if you use lotion. 

Unfortunately, psoriasis isn’t simply dry skin, so over-the-counter moisturizers won’t help eliminate the scaly patches. However, psoriasis treatments include prescription lotions and creams that can be used to slow skin-cell growth and reduce irritation.

Myth #3: Itching your skin will cause psoriasis to spread.

Psoriasis isn’t a skin infection and can’t be spread through touching or itching. But the following triggers may set off a new bout of rashes or worsen symptoms of existing psoriasis patches:

• Stress
• Alcohol
• Smoking
• Infection
• Cold weather
• Sunburn
• Certain medications (Consult your healthcare provider about which medications may be right for you). 

Myth #4: Symptoms of psoriasis are only skin deep.

Psoriasis rashes aren't just unattractive, they're also itchy and painful. About 30 percent of people with psoriasis develop a condition, called psoriatic arthritis that causes joint pain, stiffness and swelling.

Myth #5: Psoriasis can be cured with treatment.

There is no cure for psoriasis. However, the following treatments can help manage symptoms:

• Prescription lotions
• Light therapy
• Oral medications
• Medications by injection or through an intravenous (IV) infusion

A doctor who specializes in dermatology, or treating skin disorders, can assess the severity of psoriasis and recommend the best treatment.

Myth #6: Psoriasis is preventable.

Anyone can develop psoriasis, but you're more likely to have psoriasis if someone in your family has the disease. Having a severe infection like HIV, or reoccurring infections like strep throat may make you more likely to develop psoriasis, too. Other factors that may increase your risk include smoking, obesity and stress.
Now that you know the truth about psoriasis, please help spread the word. Share this information with others on Facebook and Twitter today!

https://www.franciscanhealth.org/news-and-events/news/psoriasis-isnt-contagious-and-other-myths-busted

Psoriasis Linked to High Cholesterol Levels, Study Finds

From ajmc.com

Psoriasis patients often also maintain high cholesterol levels because of a class of immune cells that link hyperlipidemia with the development of psoriasis symptoms.

In a new study, Chyung-Ru Wang, PhD, a professor of Microbiology-Immunology, and her team utilized a strain of mice with specific immune cells, called self-lipid–reactive T-cells, and high levels of cholesterol, hyperlipidemia, in their blood.

The researchers noticed the mice with hyperlipidemia began developing skin diseases mirroring the usual development of psoriasis in humans.

“To our surprise, these mice spontaneously developed skin lesions, which were caused by the activation of self-lipid reactive T-cells only under conditions of hyperlipidemia,” said in a statement. “The skin disease closely matched the symptoms and progression of psoriasis in humans.”

Scientists in the past have acknowledged a potential association between psoriasis and high cholesterol, but Wang’s study explores a new link that has not previously been explained or explored.

In another experiment by Wang and her team, blood samples of human psoriasis patients were investigated. The researchers found increased levels of the same self-lipid–reactive T-cells in the patients with psoriasis compared to those without.

“As a large proportion of psoriatic patients are dyslipidemic, this finding is of clinical significance and indicates that self-lipid–reactive T-cells might serve as a possible link between hyperlipidemia and psoriasis,” the authors wrote in the study.

The study demonstrates why hyperlipidemia may be associated to certain autoimmune diseases, including psoriasis. This link will continue to be explored through the targeting of antigens that provoke T-cells that will assist in providing the necessary research to develop new treatments for psoriasis and other diseases involved with high cholesterol.

“Overall, this study not only sheds light on the role of group 1 CD1–autoreactive T cells in a chronic inflammatory disease, but also identifies a potential cause of the inflammatory process that could serve as a link among psoriasis, hyperlipidemia, and cardiovascular diseases,” the researchers concluded.

http://www.ajmc.com/newsroom/psoriasis-linked-to-high-cholesterol-levels-study-finds

How Bad Is Your Psoriasis?

From everydayhealth.com

Finding the right psoriasis treatment for you depends on how bad your symptoms are. To determine if psoriasis is mild, moderate, or severe, a dermatologist relies on several criteria, from what it looks and feels like to how it affects your life.
For people like Phyllis Spool, tracking psoriasis symptoms can be a real challenge. A retired preschool teacher in Worcester, Massachusetts, Spool remembers how psoriasis made her ankles bleed when she was in kindergarten. Now she feels like she wakes up to “a new patch in a different spot every morning.”
At each visit, Spool’s doctor will take pictures of her psoriasis patches. At the following visit, they compare pictures to determine how the condition has changed, and evaluate her treatment going forward.

Body Surface Area

One of the key factors in diagnosing and treating psoriasis is assessing how much of a patient’s body surface area (BSA) is affected by the condition. The area covered by the palm of your hand and fingers, for instance, equals 1 percent of your BSA.

Based on BSA alone, psoriasis severity level is characterized as:

• Mild, if the affected BSA is less than 3 percent
• Moderate, if it’s between 3 and 10 percent
• Severe, if it’s greater than 10 percent

The Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) is a scoring system used to calculate severity based on the amount of body surface area affected as well as the combined redness, thickness, and scaling of the psoriasis lesions.
Another method of scoring used by dermatologists is the Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA) or the Physician Global Assessment (PGA). This is a 5-point scale on which clear skin is scored as a 0 and severe patches are rated a 5.
“I go over the BSA and IGA every time I see a patient,” says Jerry Bagel, MD, director of the Psoriasis Treatment Centre at Windsor Dermatology in East Windsor, New Jersey.
The location of the psoriasis is a factor, too. Your dermatologist may characterize the condition as more severe, regardless of your BSA, if you have:

• Patches in visible or sensitive places, like your face, genitals, hands, or nails
• Patches that make it hard for you to walk or use your hands

How Psoriasis Affects Your Life

Dr. Bagel sometimes asks patients to answer a questionnaire known as the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) to measure how much psoriasis affects their lives. The DLQI assesses a skin condition’s impact on a person’s work, relationships, ability to do things, and mood.
Spool discusses her condition’s emotional and physical toll with her doctor. She describes being embarrassed in her own house whenever skin flakes fall onto the floor, or being troubled at night if she can’t bend her arms “because the skin feels too tight.”
Bagel says that your doctor doesn’t know how much psoriasis impacts your life at any given time unless you share your thoughts and feelings. “You may have felt like it was routine to treat a patch on your face before,” he explains. “But if it’s time for your prom or wedding, you may feel a new urgency.”

How Sick Is Psoriasis Making You?

Having psoriasis puts you at risk for other medical conditions, too, from psoriatic arthritis to cardiovascular disease. In evaluating your condition and treatment plan, your doctor looks at complications or comorbidities you already have, as well as others that are considered a risk.
“I tell all my patients to see their primary doctor to get a physical each year,” Bagel says.
Jashin Wu, MD, director of dermatology research at Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Centre in California, stresses the importance of factoring in emotional and mental health issues, such as depression, when evaluating the effects of psoriasis. Dr. Wu refers patients to the National Psoriasis Foundation to learn about support groups.
As Bagel puts it, “comorbidities change the algorithm of treatment plans.”
All of these factors, from the direct effects that psoriasis has on your skin to other emotional and physical complications, contribute to the management strategy that you and your doctor work out.

http://www.everydayhealth.com/psoriasis/living-with/how-bad-your-psoriasis/

Eczema and psoriasis? THIS part of your morning routine could be triggering skin problems

From express.co.uk

ECZEMA and psoriasis are two of the skin conditions which affect 60 per cent of British people.
However, having a shower could be making them worse - if you live in a hard water area, that is.
This type of water is supplied to 60 per cent of UK homes, including the south east and east midlands.
However it’s been suggested that it aggravates skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

                                          Hard water: It can aggravate certain skin conditions

There are currently 1.7 million people in the UK with eczema, and cases have risen by 40 per cent in recent years.

It’s a condition that causes the skin to become itchy, red, dry and cracked, according to the NHS.
Dr Sharon Wong, consultant dermatologist (www.drsharonwong.com), said: “Hard water does not directly cause eczema but is a common aggravating factor in those who are genetically predisposed to developing eczema.
“Hard water, which has a greater mineral content - mainly calcium and magnesium ions - has been linked to an increased risk of eczema and more severe disease in children.”
“When the skin's barrier function is compromised, such as in eczema, the minerals can enter the skin as allergens causing inflammation and worsening eczema.”
Similarly, psoriasis - which affects two to three per cent of the UK population - causes red, flaky, crusty patches of skin covered with silvery scales.
“Whilst there is no evidence that hard water causes psoriasis, the fact that the minerals in hard water have a drying effect on the skin can worsen psoriasis and other dry skin problems,” she explained.
Whether the water that comes out of your tap is soft or hard depends on the geology of your area, but there are ways to minimise or stop its negative effects on your skin.
Dr Wong added: “This can be minimised by installing a water softener, using bath oils not bubble bath and using emollient/cream washes instead of soap.
“Both bubble bath and soaps contain surfactant which strips away the natural oils of your skin. Finally, using a regular and good moisturiser helps because it forms a protective layer on the skin thus preventing further fluid loss.”
Sukhbinder Noorpuri, GP and CEO of i-GP, said: “Hard water contains dissolved minerals such as calcium and magnesium. When used with soaps and detergents, this leaves a skin residue which blocks pores trapping oil, leading to irritation, dryness, blemishes and itching.
“A water softener will reduce these skin issues, and convert the minerals found in hard water, into more soluble minerals that are less harmful for the skin.”
Ecocamel have created the Shower Head ORB SPA which can convert hard water into soft water.

http://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/814611/eczema-psoriasis-skin-problems-symptoms-cure

How To Fight Fungus And Win

By Andy Gibson

They don't make a pretty sight, although they are a fairly common sight. Fungal Infections find a cozy breeding ground in the warm environment, but they needn't blight your life.

What are fungal infections?
Though we all harbor some fungus (a type of airborne, microscopic, parasitic plant that thrives on humans and animals) on our body, daily hygiene routines like bathing wash it off sufficiently to prevent infection. However, some parts of our body may unwittingly serve as fungus-friendly environments (fungus thrives in moist, warm areas). The result: disfigured, discolored and partly avulsed (torn off) finger nails/toe nails, or a rash if skin areas are affected.
Which are the body's most susceptible areas?
Susceptible sites include the toe nails, toe spaces (the infection known as athlete's foot), finger nails, groin (jock itch), scalp (ringworm, which gets its name from its symptom, a ring-like rash); rarely, other parts of the body, such as the upper torso, may be affected.
How common are fungal infections?
The incidence of fungal infections is ten times higher than in the general world population mainly because of poor hygiene, poor. nutrition which lowers immunity, the hot, humid climate which is conducive to fungal breeding, overcrowding which promotes the spread of the infection, inadequate medical facilities and low social standards (so that the condition is not seen as a social embarrassment by most sufferers and therefore goes untreated and spreads).

Who are most susceptible to fungal infections?

• Those who lack proper hygiene habits; with regular bathing and washing, fungi fall to set a foothold.
• Habits like sharing towels, combs, footwear, or the regular use of swimming pools or gymnasiums also makes a person more prone to catching the infection.
• 
  
• The obese: Fungi thrive in warm, moist places and find a cozy home in pockets like the underside of flesh folds (which create friction, thus raising the local temperature and trapping moisture). The obese also sweat profusely which, helps make the environment even more conducive for fungal growth.
• 
  
• For the same reason, those who wear tight or synthetic clothing which inhibits the skin from breathing freely are at increased risk.
• 
  
• Those who wear tight or closed footwear like sneakers or gumboots over long hour. Such footwear results in increased temperature and sweating. Synthetic socks add to the risk.
• 
  
• Thumb-suckers and those who have frequent manicures which tend to damage the cuticle and leave it open to infection.
• 
  
• The undernourished, whose immunity is lowered. As a result the Langerhans cells (located in the epidermis) and involved in combating surface infections are weakened.
• 
  
• Pet owners or animal lovers may invite infection through cuddling pets or other animals, especially those which are not cleaned regularly.
• 
  
• Those who work in wet/damp conditions, such as those involved in housework, launderers, waiters, workers in the canning and tanning industries.
• 
  
• The pregnant: During pregnancy excessive vaginal discharge and frequent urination make the moist vaginal and groin area breeding grounds for fungus.
• 
  
• Diabetics: Common sites among them are the groin/penis because the urine, high in sugar content, promotes ideal breeding conditions. Another susceptible site is the feet because, in diabetics, the blood vessels become thickened resulting in reduced blood supply to the hands and feet, which in turn disrupts the defence mechanisms there. Also, the reduced nerve sensation makes diabetics prone to hand and feet injuries that invite fungal infections.
• 
  
• The sexually promiscuous: fungal infections are also sexually transmitted - by contact and through, fluids (infected women develop a curdy vaginal discharge).
• 
  
• Those on immunosuppressant and cytotoxic drugs taken after an organ transplant are susceptible because these drugs again inhibit the immune system.
• For the same reason, those suffering from AIDS are more susceptible. In them, the infection usually manifests itself in the mouth or food pipe, although other sites may also affect.
• What are the tell-tale signs of a fungal infection?
  
  Skin and nails that are infected by fungus change their appearance in three ways:
  1. A ring-like rash (tinea or ringworm) makes its appearance; the centre is relatively clear, compared to the periphery which contains fluid, and is marked by rings that spread outward.
  In adults, common sites for this rash are the feet (athlete's foot); nails, which get brittle and crumble or break off; the groin; the waist, in women wearing their dresses tightly; the scalp and beard (loss of hair, skin peeling, soreness and pain and, in severe cases, pus formation).
  Among children, who lack 'the protective sebaceous secretion against infection, a common site is the scalp, to which the infection spreads easily through barbers tools, bed linen, hair-bands etc. The rash is always accompanied by severe itching.
  2. Patches on the skin (either light-coloured, red, brown or even blackish) that appear on the upper torso and face where the sebaceous glands exist in profusion. This infection is called pityriasis versicolor and is often mistaken for leprosy or leucoderma. It usually affects young adults.
  3. Whitish or reddish soggy skin around the finger and toe-nails, in between the toes and/or fingers, in body folds like the underarms and groin, and below pendulous breasts in older and obese women. The nails become lack-lustre, brownish or blackish, rough and wavy. This infection is called candidiasis.
  In infants, the symptom may appear as a curdy coat on the tongue; as nappy area rash (that often follows persistent, loose motions); or in the neck folds.
  It is always accompanied by pain, itching and burning.
  In pregnant women, the vagina is a likely site for the rash and, in women taking the oral pill; it's the vulvo-vaginal area that is prone to this infection.
• Among diabetics, the groin, penis and feet are susceptible areas.
  
  
• Is the incidence of fungal infection higher in certain seasons?
  The ringworm type, which usually infects the finger-nails and toe-nails (the incidence is 25 per cent and 75 per cent respectively) is more common in summer, because the high temperature promotes sweating, providing a congenial environment for this fungus to breed.
  Candidiasis, which infects nails, finger and toe spaces, and body folds, and in infants the tongue and groin, is more common in the monsoon because this fungus thrives in a moist environment.
  How easily does fungal infection spread?
  Fungal infection are highly contagious; they may spread directly, (by touching an infected person) or indirectly (by using an infected person's clothes, comb, towel, shoes etc.). Once fungus finds a base, it spreads easily, say, from one toe to the next and then to the other foot and to the fingers. From there, it may well spread to the scalp when the head is scratched, or to other susceptible body parts. Often, an entire family living under one roof can get infected if rigorous hygiene and precautions are not maintained.
  How is a fungal infection different from psoriasis?
  The main distinguishing feature is the absence of itching in psoriasis. Psoriasis is a genetic disorder which is non-infective, and non-contagious. The nails get pitted (thimble nail) or form ridges and separate from their bed. The surrounding areas are red, dry and scaly. This condition commonly appears on the scalp, elbows, knees, palms and soles.
  In a fungal infection, on the other hand, white spots appear on the nail or they get discoloured or dark, a powdery (chalky) substance may be visible on the underside of the nail and the portion below the free nail may thicken, thus lifting the nail. The nail may become brittle and crumble and the surrounding skin may scale or form blisters and scabs. This may spread to the groin area, underarms or other susceptible parts.
  Is a fungal infection just a cosmetic nuisance, or can other health problems result?
  In a person who has a genetically weak immune system (or is on immunosuppressants), frenetic scratching can cause wounds through which the fungus could enter internal organs like the brain (bringing on symptoms like fever, » headache, vomiting, convulsions and even coma); the respiratory system (breathlessness, chest pain); and the food pipe (difficulty in swallowing). This is why early diagnosis is particularly important in the case of diabetics and other susceptible groups.
  If the fungus affects the fingernails, social embarrassment is major fallout. Besides, an infected finger leaves itself wide open to bacterial infections and abscesses like whitlow. If it is localized in the groin area, the person suffers great discomfort in public because he cannot obtain relief from scratching. In the case of symptoms like hypo-pigmentation or light-coloured patches, the patient often wrongly associates them with leucoderma or leprosy, causing himself undue anxiety and tension which may affect his health in other ways.
  Do fungal infections need to be treated by a dermatologist or will a chiropodist do?
  A chiropodist will only trim, cut the nail and provide local treatment which is far from sufficient.
  A dermatologist is better equipped to identify the associated susceptible areas, and to prescribe adequate treatment in the form of local applications and tablets.
  After a physical examination with a Wood's lamp which emanates ultra-violet light and makes some types of fungus glow, he will scrape out a small sample of the finger-nail, mount it on a microscope and look for the chain formation characteristic of fungus and its spores, to confirm the diagnosis. Or the dermatologist may do a culture, where the scraped sample is allowed to grow in an artificial medium.
  What is the usual line of treatment?
  As far as ringworm nail infections are concerned, oral and local medications and, in some cases, surgery may be advised. Commonly prescribed tablets contain griseofulvin or ketoconazole, both taken with milk because fats enhance absorption.
  But the hitch with oral medications is that they have to be taken until the new nail grows out, which may take from a year to a year and a half in the case of a toe-nail infection and about six months in the case of the finger-nail.
  
  Taking these drugs over such a long period of time is dangerous because of their side-effects. Ketoconazole is associated with nausea, vomiting, liver damage (jaundice), and increase in the level of fats in the blood (triglycerides and cholesterol) and, rarely, even damage to the kidneys and bone marrow. Griseofulvin may bring on nausea, vomiting, photosensitivity (when the skin becomes oversensitive to light and light exposed areas become sore) general skin rash, and pigmentation, liver and bone marrow damage.
  Because these drugs are so strong, they are contra-indicated in the case of pregnant women sufferers.
  For other sites like the scalp and body folds, the oral treatment is limited to only one and a half to two months.
  For candidial infections, once the susceptible factor is identified and then steered clear of, this opportunist plant dies natural death. But the recovery will be hastened by the administration of oral ketoconazole and local antifungal lotions, creams, powders. (Only in a few stubborn and recurrent cases of ringworm of the nail, the sufferer may have to endure it for the rest of his life).
  Antifungal lotions or cream containing clotrimazole, miconazole and ketoconazole have limited benefits when used alone as the nails are solid dead cells and medication cannot penetrate. Except in the case of candidiasis of the nail, where nail changes are only a secondary effect, surgery where the infected portion of the nail is removed under local anesthesia, enabling a new nail to grow out is by far the best treatment. It is a quick way to eliminate a large quantum of infection and thus effectively stem its spread.
  
  
  
• Tips for keeping nails dry:
  The nails are the most common sites for fungal infections. The best way to stay fungus proof is to keep them cool and desert dry. Try some of these techniques:
  
  

  1. After a bath or wash, dry your feet thoroughly by fanning out your toes under a fan. Follow this by liberally sprinkling talcum powder in the spaces between the toes.
  2. Change your socks (preferably choose cotton ones) at least once a day.
  3. Wear shoes that are well ventilated. Walking shoes with mesh sections and perforated leather are good choices.
  4. Make sure your shoes dry out completely overnight. Air out removable inner soles, Stuff soaked shoes with newspaper and put then near (not on) a heat source or have more than one pair of shoes and wear a different on alternate days.
  5. After a run or jog, change out of your sweat dampened shoes and socks and wash and dry your feet thoroughly. And if you walk to work, or your feet are wet or damp by the time you arrive, change into fresh footwear.
  6. Use rubber gloves, preferably cotton lined, for dish washing and other soggy chores.
  7. Wear dry gloves while gardening or doing similar outdoor jobs; remember fungus thrives in soil as well.
  8. Wear open sandals while walking around wet public places such as gym and swimming pool showers. And make sure you keep a can of powder in your gym/poolside lockers.

  
  
  
  
  I firmly believe that the whole universe is inter-connected. Our body, mind and spirit are deeply rooted with each other. If body is sick, the mind cannot relax or feel good. And if mind is not relaxed, it will give birth to stress and that will lead to chronic health problems.
  So, it is clear that in order to posses a sound body we must have a calm and peaceful mind. Without a sound mind we cannot expect our potential growth or development.
  
  http://ezinearticles.com/?How-To-Fight-Fungus-And-Win&id=9702126

5 troubling skin condition myths busted

From raconteur.net

The skin is our largest organ, which protects us from a multitude of intruders, and is also a good mirror of our general health. But there are a number of troubling conditions, some of which carry persistent myths.

ACNE

Although acne is one of the most common skin conditions, it’s also one of the most sorely misunderstood.
More than 80 per cent of cases of adult acne occur in women, probably linked to changes in hormone levels during menstruation, pregnancy and with things like polycystic ovary syndrome.
While we might have been told as teenagers that our acne was due to poor hygiene, in fact most of the biological triggers occur beneath the skin.
Acne is caused when the sebaceous glands produce too much sebum, which mixes with dead skin cells and block follicles. So washing your skin too often or too vigorously could actually be making it worse.
Though eating a healthy diet is always a good idea, those Easter eggs or takeaways probably aren’t having too much of a negative effect on your skin as research links no particular foods to acne outbreaks. The best treatments are gentle anti-bacterial products.

ECZEMA

Eczema tends to be talked about in the singular and advised about by kindly family members. But it’s a myth that eczema is all the same. There are a few different types, all with different causes, some allergy-related and some attributed to genetic protein deficiency.
While food and eczema are often discussed in the same sentence, the effects of diet have proved inconclusive, with diet being a trigger for some people, but not others and often only relevant for young children.
Atopic eczema manifests itself in dry skin unable to retain moisture, and is thought to be hereditary, related to asthma and hay fever. It can also become red and itchy with certain triggers such as some soaps and detergents, changes in the weather and food allergies.
Dermatitis is often used to describe a type of eczema which results from contact with some chemicals and detergents as well as some plants.
The best treatment for eczema is usually an emollient cream, which moisturises the skin and prevents it from drying out.

ROSACEA

Rosacea, characterised by redness of cheeks, chin, nose and forehead, is a vascular and inflammatory condition that affects one in ten people. More obvious in people with fairer skin, it can look a lot like sunburn or flushing. It can also cause sore or bloodshot eyes.
This condition is often lumped in with acne but, while they may look alike, they have very different characteristics.
Research has suggested that rosacea is actually linked to a dysfunction in the body’s natural immune system or an abnormality in blood vessels, so treatments should err away from the antibacterial and towards things that address blood vessel issues, such as antibiotics or light therapy.
Rosacea has nothing whatsoever to do with hygiene. In fact, scrubbing the skin can make symptoms worse. However, there are a few common triggers, such as alcohol, spicy food and sun, though these might seem desirable.

PSORIASIS

Psoriasis affects around 2 per cent of people in the UK and mostly those over 35, though it can start at any age. It’s recognisable by sometimes itchy and sore patches, usually on elbows, knees, scalp and the lower back, but can appear anywhere.
People with psoriasis produce more skin cells than average and this is related to problems with the immune system, though injury, infection or certain medicines can trigger a bout. As with other conditions, stress and lack of sleep can make things worse. It can also be hereditary.
Again, it’s a myth that there’s only one type of psoriasis. In fact there are several, including pustular, inverse, guttate and plaque, which is the most common. It’s also a myth that it’s contagious. It’s not.
Psoriasis is usually treated with emollients, phototherapy (exposure to ultraviolet light) or systemic (oral and injected) medicines. Often vitamin-D creams can be used in mild cases to slow the production of skin cells and offer relief from inflammation.

SEBORRHOEIC DERMATITIS

Seborrhoeic dermatitis is notable by red, inflamed skin patches, occasionally with white or yellow greasy or itchy scales, and usually appearing on the scalp, face – around the eyes and forehead – ears and skin folds. It can also appear on the eyelids and lead to a common condition known as blepharitis.
It is believed that the commonly occurring yeast malassezia plays a role in the development of seborrhoeic dermatitis, which affects up to five in every hundred people in the UK. Those with the condition are more sensitive to malassezia and this leads to an inflammatory reaction. Symptoms usually get worse with tiredness or stressful situations. It’s not contagious.
Treatments include medicated shampoo for the scalp, usually with ingredients such as coal tar, ketoconazole, pyrithione zinc, selenium sulfide or salicylic acid, which help reduce the yeast or soften the skin and minimise the itching. Antifungal creams containing ketoconazole can help to reduce malassezia yeast on the body and corticosteroid creams reduce inflammation.

https://www.raconteur.net/healthcare/5-troubling-skin-condition-myths-busted

That’s not just any rash!

From mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com

The persistent nature of psoriasis makes it challenging to manage. Here’s how to cope.
Last year while promoting the film Suicide Squad, English model-turnedactor Cara Delevingne was seen with painful-looking sores on her back and arms. Delevingne has frequently spoken about suffering from psoriasis, and this was a flare-up. According to a new survey conducted by global research firm GFK (Gesellschaft für Konsumforschung) across UP, Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Punjab and Delhi, 66 per cent of sufferers have experienced discrimination or humiliation because of the condition that typically manifests as a rash, but is not a skin disease. Here’s what causes the condition and how to manage it.

What is psoriasis?

Clinical dermatologist Dr Sushil Tahiliani, who is also a member of the special investigation group on psoriasis formed by the Indian Association of Dermatologists, says, “Psoriasis is an immunologically mediated condition largely seen in genetically pre-disposed individuals. It’s not an autoimmune disease where the immune system targets the entire body. Here, the immune system is responsible for attacking some parts of the skin because in those areas, the skin gives out wrong signals. It’s important to understand that this is not a skin disease. It is perceived to be so as its manifestations are mainly on the skin. It also has manifestations on the tendons and joints.”
According to him, approximately 2 per cent of the world’s population has psoriasis. “In certain communities like Eskimos, it’s very rare as they don’t cross breed and their community doesn’t have genes that causes psoriasis. But 4-9 per cent of the population in Scandinavian countries suffers from this condition. In India, it affects approximately 2-3 per cent of the population.”

Skin specialist Soma Sarkar says, “In psoriasis, pathogenic T cells are activated, thereby releasing chemicals that causes the inflammation and leads to an abnormal growth of skin and the swelling of the blood vessels underneath. When these T cells are activated, they behave like they are fighting a wound and in turn release a lot of chemical signals which causes the skin to have abnormal growth. So, the skin builds up more than it can shed, thus causing a plaque of psoriasis.”

It can occur at any age but is more prevalent in people with metabolic disorders like diabetes and those who suffer from increased triglycerides and cardiovascular diseases. Dermatologist Dr Apratim Goel says, “Factors like stress, high blood pressure; extreme cold temperature and trauma (Koebner phenomenon attributed to German dermatologist Heinrich Köbner, which refers to skin lesions caused due to trauma) also trigger this condition. People suffering from metabolic syndrome (obesity; hypertension; dyslipidemia; insulin resistance) are at a higher risk of this disease because of the presence of similar pro-inflammatory mediators.”

Types of psoriasis
‘Plaque psoriasis,’ the most common form of this condition, manifests as red patches covered with a silvery-white build-up of dead skin cells or scales. This is typically seen on the scalp, knees, elbows and lower back. Itchy and painful, these scales may even crack and bleed. Dr Sarkar explains: “‘Guttate psoriasis’, which manifests as as small, red lesions on the skin, is mostly seen in children and it is caused due to a respiratory or throat infection. It can appear all over the body. ‘Pustula psoriasis’, comprising white pustules surrounded by red skin, is mostly seen on the palms and soles.

‘Inverse psoriasis’, manifests as red lesions mainly in skin folds (like the groin and in armpits) where there is a lot of friction. In ‘nail psoriasis’, the hard surface on top of the nails starts losing keratin cells. As a result, pits form over the nails. In some cases, it can also destroy the nail bed.”

According to Dr Tahiliani, up to 20 per cent of people who have psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis. “It can either affect the fingers and toes or it can appear on the heels. It can also affect one or two major joints like the shoulder, knees or the spine. Depending on the joints which are affected, the patient might first experience morning stiffness which can last up to half an hour. If the joints become swollen, red and tender and are not treated adequately, it can lead to permanent immobility.”

It takes a toll psychologically

Psoriasis is a long-standing condition and can affect the patient psychologically. As it affects a person’s physical appearance, in some cases it may affect the sufferer’s sense of self-esteem severely. Dr Goel says, “As the lesions heal, the skin starts to darken. Moreover, the disease can spread to joints which can affect the body’s movement because of the swelling and pain over the lesions. If scaling is in excess, it can lead to protein loss and also temperature dysregulation (where a patient may feel hot or cold despite no change in the actual temperature of the environment).

Psoriatic arthritis is a painful condition. Even simple things like sleeping, standing or walking become difficult for patients, making them dependent on others. This too takes a toll on one’s self-confidence.”

Dr Tahiliani adds, “People with untreated psoriasis become reclusive. It is not contagious but a lack of knowledge can make others wary. It’s not uncommon for sufferers to stop attending social events and lose self confidence. This can cause social isolation.”
Treatment
Treatment is available in various forms — oral therapy, steroids, topical applications, emollients and injectables (these act on the chemicals released by the T cells), are all available depending upon the severity of the disease. Dr Goel says, “For mild cases, topical steroids complemented with moisturisers and antihistamines are effective. For moderate cases, topical steroids, moisturisers, phototherapy with UVB radiation or UVA radiation are recommended. In severe cases, topical treatment with phototherapy and oral medications are recommended. In case of psoriatic arthritis, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and physiotherapy are advised.”

Counselling also forms an integral part of treatments. Dr Tahiliani says, “The patient has to understand the disease and learn to be patient. He or she must also be regular about follow-ups.”

http://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/others/health-lifestyle/thats-not-just-any-rash/articleshow/58040450.cms

Men More Prone to Severe Psoriasis: Study

From health.usnews.com

THURSDAY, April 6, 2017 (HealthDay News) -- Severe psoriasis is much more common in men than women, a new study from Sweden reports.

Researchers reviewed data from more than 5,400 people in Sweden with the common skin disease. The study found that women had a significantly lower rate of severe psoriasis than men.

This was true for all age groups and for all parts of the body except the head, where severity scores were about the same for both sexes.

The discovery that men's psoriasis is often more serious helps explain a gender gap, with more men than women seeking psoriasis treatment, said study senior author Marcus Schmitt-Egenolf. He is a researcher at Umea University's Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine.
"These findings should motivate a gender perspective in the management of severe psoriasis and its comorbidities, such as cardiovascular and metabolic disease," Schmitt-Egenolf said in a university news release.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin disease. Unlike severe psoriasis, most autoimmune diseases such as lupus and multiple sclerosis are more common in women than in men.

The study was published recently in the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology.

http://health.usnews.com/health-care/articles/2017-04-06/men-more-prone-to-severe-psoriasis-study