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/