Tips on how to protect your skin during winter months

From tristatehomepage.com

With the temperatures right now, it doesn’t quite feel like winter outside, but it’s still important to remember to keep your skin protected during this time of year.
The cold dry winter air can be rough on anyone’s skin, especially those who suffer from Psoriasis.
Psoriasis is a skin disorder in which the body’s own immune system becomes overactive and attacks normal tissues.

Cold air has an extraordinarily low moisture content, which can steal moisture from the skin.
People should make sure to protect themselves this winter by covering up outdoors.
Layer up and use moisturizers before going outside.

Inside, you should cut down on those long hot showers. Experts says hot showers strip natural oils from the skin.
Also, you should use a thick, fragrance-free body cream after showering and make sure you’re using the right soap.
Switch to a moisturizing soap and ditch the scented body wash to avoid itchy winter skin.

Just a reminder, just because it’s winter and less daylight, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be using sunscreen.

https://www.tristatehomepage.com/news/local-news/tips-on-how-to-protect-your-skin-during-winter-months/1678384437

Psoriasis: When Is Dry Skin A Sign Of Disease?

From medicaldaily.com

Among the many challenges that accompany winter, dry skin is a common problem. Due to a drop in humidity levels, you are simply more prone to dried, irritated skin which can include signs like redness and flakes.
But when is your dry skin a sign of a chronic condition known as psoriasis? Unlike the wintertime scenario mentioned above, psoriasis is not seasonal in nature. It is regarded as an inflammatory disease since the problem is related to the immune system.
In the United States, a little over 2 percent of the population — or an estimated 7.5 million Americans— have psoriasis. While stress, obesity, infections, and habits like smoking can increase one's risk, family history is believed to be the biggest risk factor as it is often passed on to children by parents.

Psoriasis is characterized by a reduced life cycle of the human skin cells. While our cells are normally replaced once a month on average, a person with psoriasis can have new cells develop every three to four days.

This build-up of excess skin cells leads to the development of plaques. These plaques are pink or red raised patches of skin covered with white or silver scales. This is the most common form of the condition, known as plaque psoriasis.
While the plaques can appear anywhere on the body, patients often report their occurrence on the scalp, elbows, knees, lower back, and genitals. The affected patches of skin can be extremely itchy and painful, even prone to cracking and bleeding. When large areas of skin are affected, one may also experience joint pain.

Previously, experts have discussed how skin conditions like acne can make a person feel anxious, isolated and self-conscious, taking a toll on their well-being. The case is no different for patients of psoriasis who may feel embarrassed about the appearance of their skin.
"It’s a real problem. A condition that’s visible like this is a disease that can change how people view you. It can change how you present yourself and even what you wear," Jennifer C. Cather, M.D., a dermatologist at Modern Dermatology-Aesthetics Centre, told SELF. Though psoriasis is not contagious, the misconception that it is, can also affect the self-image of patients.

If these signs sound familiar, it is possible that you may have psoriasis. It is recommended that you see a dermatologist who will help diagnose the condition.
Though there is no cure as of yet, treatment is available which focuses on reducing inflammation according to Gary Goldenberg, M.D., a dermatologist based in New York City. He explained to Women's Health Mag that many patients "can be almost completely cleared of their symptoms" with the help of steroid cream, pills, biologic injections, and even dietary changes.

https://www.medicaldaily.com/psoriasis-when-dry-skin-sign-disease-429076

Alternative medicine might help ease psoriasis symptoms

From reuters.com

(Reuters Health) - Complementary and alternative medicine approaches might help relieve psoriasis symptoms, a research review suggests.
Such approaches included acupuncture, meditation, and herbal remedies like indigo naturals or curcumin, according to the authors of the review.
Raised patches of dry, scaly, itchy skin are a hallmark of psoriasis. The inflammatory skin condition can be made worse by exposure to stress, cold, and infections. Symptoms may be eased by topical ointments and medications, but there is no cure.
Even though up to half of psoriasis patients use complementary and alternative medicine to get relief, research to date hasn’t offered a clear picture of what approaches might be most effective at clearing up skin or making it less uncomfortable, researchers note in JAMA Dermatology.
For the current study, researchers examined data from 60 studies of a wide variety of complementary and alternative medicine approaches to relieving psoriasis. While these studies were too varied in quality, design and outcomes measured to draw firm conclusions about the effectiveness of different types of non-traditional therapies, the results suggest that at least some complementary and alternative medicine interventions might help some people with psoriasis feel better, said study co-author Dr. Alexandra Price of the University of Miami in Florida.
“Certain complementary and alternative medicine therapies, such as indigo naturalis, curcumin, fish oil, meditation, acupuncture, and hypocaloric diets, have been shown to be safe and effective treatments for psoriasis in randomized controlled trials, although fish oil had conflicting results,” Price said by email.
Patients should still be cautious, however.
“While there are a number of natural therapies available over the counter, only a few of them have been studied in trials,” Price said.
Even when studies have been done, results may not be definitive, Price noted.

The formulations and doses of curcumin and indigo naturalis that have been effective in clinical trials are not widely available for patients to buy, Price said. That means when patients buy these products, they may get untested versions.
Fish oil, the most common alternative therapy for psoriasis, has been effective in some studies but not in others, making it unclear how much it helps, Price added.
In the current analysis, fish oil showed no meaningful improvements in psoriasis in 12 controlled experiments that randomly assigned some people to use this product and others to use a placebo or alternative remedy. But other less rigorous types of studies found daily fish oil did appear to help improve symptoms.
“Traditional treatments for psoriasis, such as topical corticosteroids, topical vitamin D analogues, retinoids, and biologic therapies, currently have the most data supporting their use, and therefore, should remain first treatments for psoriasis,” Price advised.
When patients do want to explore other options, they should consider the relative risk associated with different types of complementary and alternative medicine, said Dr. Steve Xu of the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago.
“With topical and oral complementary and alternative medicines, there is a greater potential for harm for adverse events, lesser clinical evidence for efficacy, and unclear manufacturing processes for ingredient purity and consistency,” Xu, who wasn’t involved in the study, said by email.

At the same time, there may be little harm in trying low-risk things like meditation or other stress reduction techniques in combination with traditional medicine, even if trials don’t decisively prove that these alternatives help, Xu added.
“If it works for my patient and they feel like they derive a benefit from it - who am I to discourage it or be a naysayer,” Xu said.

https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-health-psoriasis/alternative-medicine-might-help-ease-psoriasis-symptoms-idUKKCN1MF2L5

Lessons Learned From Living With Psoriatic Arthritis

From healthcentral.com
By Diane Talbert

Like many people, I was diagnosed first with psoriasis and then psoriatic arthritis. The diseases go hand in hand. My biggest challenge over the years was finding a doctor that believed I had psoriatic arthritis and that I wasn’t being a hypochondriac for 25 years. I have worked diligently with my doctors to understand my psoriatic arthritis and find out what works for me. Knowledge is power. If I had known now what I knew 25 years ago things would have turn out so much differently for me. Here are nine lessons I’ve learned.

You don’t have to suffer in silence

The biggest lesson I have learned is that you don’t have to suffer in silence. I used to feel like I was the only person who was going through this, but I learned that we are not alone. I have met so many people over the years that lived with this disease. They have given me the courage to move on. You need to stop blaming yourself for your disease; there was nothing you could do to stop it. I ran a support group for years. This was one of the most rewarding things that I could have done for myself. I got to share my pain with people who were like me.

Learn to recognize change

When the swelling began in my fingers and toes I knew this would be a life-changing thing for me. I had to find the best doctors and listen to them. Cold packs became my best friend to help for pain and swelling. You can also use heat. Remember that life teaches us lessons over and over again until we get it right. Let’s try to improve things in our life if possible.

You can help others

Helping others has been one of the most rewarding things for me to do. I have tried to make it my mission to not miss meetings or events because of pain. This doesn’t work always, but I try. I believe I have a journey to complete, to learn new things and have a great time doing it. I volunteer as much as possible, even if it’s just visiting nursing homes, which is very rewarding to me. I love to see our elderly smile — just because.

Ask for help

Asking for help was a hard one for me. I thought I could conquer the world alone, but when you get so much pain in your body that you can’t walk, you need someone to help you. Don’t think you’re weak for asking. We are all reluctant to ask for help. We should all ask for help more often. If you don’t ask for help, people will assume that you are ok. There are times you will need help from family and friends.

Find a good doctor

I have been seeing doctors my whole life but it took me 25 years to get diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. If in your heart you know something is wrong, find a good doctor. Ask lots of questions. Only you have the knowledge about your unique condition. The right doctor will listen to what you have to say and incorporate that information into your treatment.

You are not weak

Having this disease does not make you weak. We are just as strong as everyone else. We just have more pain to deal with. There are days I can’t open a jar or walk up a flight of stairs, but that doesn’t stop me from trying. Make the distinction between being weak and being ill. Even in your illness, you are strong.

Know your body

You can have signs of psoriatic arthritis everywhere, inside and out. I started out with the scaly rashes and the pitting in the nails very early in life. I didn’t get the sausage fingers until later. I started having joint and pain at age 25. It was many years later before it attacked my spine and I started having stiffness. My worst pain now is my shoulders and knees that keep me from doing what I must do. Medications have help a lot. Pay attention to these signs. Know your body.

Practice self-care

Having this disease makes you very fatigued and tired. I have learned that I must practice self-care and treat myself gently. Drinking plenty of water and eating well are two things that help me a great deal. I also try to get some exercise, even of it’s a few minutes a day. Don’t try and do everything by yourself. Ask for help. Get plenty of rest and follow your doctor’s orders.

Be your own advocate

Be your number one advocate. Explain to people that you do get tired easily, so there are some things you might not feel like doing right now. Explain that saying no has nothing to do with them. If I talk too much about my disease, I apologize. I just want to be a part of the cure and offer suggestions. Remember, anyone can get it, not just older people. Being your own advocate means going the extra mile to get the right treatment. See a rheumatologist to get the proper diagnosis. He will look for swelling, pain, do X-rays, MRIs to check for joint damage. Ask lots of questions.

https://www.healthcentral.com/slideshow/lessons-learned-from-living-with-psoriatic-arthritis

How to tell the difference between psoriasis and ringworm

From health24.com

It is often difficult to differentiate between skin conditions. Two skin conditions often confused with each other are psoriasis and ringworm (dermatophytosis). Knowing the symptoms of each condition can help you to identify your rash.

What are the differences? 

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition caused by the rapid growth of skin cells and inflammation. It changes the life cycle of your skin cells.
Typical cell turnover allows skin cells to grow, live, die and slough off on a regular basis. Skin cells affected by psoriasis grow rapidly but stay on the body. This causes a build-up of skin cells on the skin’s surface, which leads to thick, red, scaly patches of skin. These patches are most common on the knees, elbows, genitals and toenails.

Ringworm, on the other hand, is a temporary red, circular rash that develops on your skin and, despite its name, is not caused by a worm, but a fungal infection. The rash typically appears as a red circle with clear or normal-looking skin in the centre. Ringworm is highly contagious and spreads through skin contact.

Symptoms of psoriasis
Not everyone's psoriasis symptoms are the same. Symptoms may include:

• Red patches of skin
• Silvery scales over red patches of skin
• Dry, cracked skin that might bleed
• Itching, burning or soreness
• Sore or stiff joints
• Thick, ridged or pitted nails

Psoriasis may appear as one or two patches, or it may cause clusters of patches that grow to cover a large area.
Treatment can reduce symptoms, but psoriasis patches may be an issue for the rest of your life. Thankfully, many people experience periods of low or no activity. These periods, which are called remission, may, however, be followed by periods of increased activity.

                                                                  ^{Image credit: iStock}

Symptoms of ringworm 

The signs and symptoms of ringworm may include:

• A red, scaly area that may or may not itch
• A raised border around the scaly area
• An expanding scaly area that forms a circle
• A circle with red bumps or scales and a clear centre

You may develop more than one circle, which can overlap.

Treating psoriasis and ringworm 

Both ringworm and psoriasis can be effectively managed and treated. Currently, psoriasis can’t be cured, but treatments can reduce symptoms.

Ringworm treatments can eliminate the infection. This will reduce the chances of passing it on to other people. 

When to see your doctor 

Make an appointment to see your dermatologist if you have developed an unusual spot on your skin. If you think you came into contact with a person or animal with ringworm, be sure to tell your doctor.

If you have a family history of psoriasis, mention that as well. In most cases, however, your doctor can diagnose the condition just by conducting a thorough skin examination.

https://m.health24.com/Medical/Skin/Fungal-skin/how-to-tell-the-difference-between-psoriasis-and-ringworm-20181008

All you need to know about psoriasis

From dnaindia.com

According to the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA), Psoriasis affects almost 3% of the world’s population. While the percentage may seem small, close to 125 million people across the globe live with this condition.
Often neglected as a mere skin and cosmetic condition, Psoriasis is, in fact, an autoimmune condition.
It causes raised, scaly, itchy, dry, flaky, red skin that can resemble a rash, commonly found on the elbows, knees and scalp.

However, it’s more than your typical dry skin.
On World Psoriasis Day, which fell on  October 29, medical experts urge the importance to know more about Psoriasis and the related symptoms and severity of associated diseases, especially if the condition is left untreated.

What is Psoriasis?
In Psoriasis, the body’s immune system attacks its own healthy cells and is unable to differentiate between healthy cells and foreign bodies.
Dr. B.S. Chandrashekar, Medical Director, CUTIS Academy of Cutaneous Sciences, Bengaluru, says, “Psoriasis is an auto-immune condition largely due to genetic reasons. The immune system starts attacking some parts of the skin which cause a build-up on the surface".
The attack on healthy cells hastens the formation of skin cells, which build up on the skin’s surface, resulting in dry and scaly patches.

What causes it?
Psoriasis can affect people of all age groups but is most common in the 15-35 years age group. Studies have also shown that early onset psoriasis, often known as Type I Psoriasis affects people under the age of 40 years i.e. 16-22 years of age. Also, late onset psoriasis or Type II Psoriasis affects people above the age of 40 years, between 57 and 60 years.

Dr. Monica Bambroo, HOD – Dermatology & Cosmetology, Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon said, “There is no single cause for psoriasis and it can happen to anyone regardless of age and gender. Basis several studies, some of the risk factors identified are stress, smoking, drinking alcohol, skin injury or infections and genetic predisposition. Therefore, it is imperative to consult a dermatologist immediately after the first symptoms are observed. The bottom line is not to ignore a skin rash.”

What are co-morbidities and how do they relate to psoriasis?
A co-morbidity occurs when one or more additional diseases or disorders occur with a primary disease or disorder.
Many psoriasis patients are at the risk of developing co-morbidities, one of the most known is Psoriatic Arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a type of inflammatory arthritis and preceded by psoriasis. Close to 26% of psoriasis patients develop psoriatic arthritis which can be a painful, sometimes disabling condition that affects the joints, tendons and bones .
Psoriasis patients can also suffer from Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) where the blood vessels can become inflamed. This can lead to build-up of a fatty substance called plaque inside artery walls which slows or interrupts the flow of blood to the heart. This increases the risk of heart disease and heart attack. Other conditions that psoriasis patients might suffer from are diabetes and obesity.

More importantly, people with psoriasis are twice as likely to be depressed as those who don't have it.
Dr. Shehnaz Arsiwala, Dermatologist, Saifee Hospital & Prince Aly Khan Hospital and Medical Director Renewderm Centre Skin Hair Lasers and Aesthetics, Mumbai, said, “Psoriasis patients often suffer neglect and discrimination, both in their professional lives and personal relationships. The need of the hour is to raise public awareness about this disease and help people understand that it does not spread through contact. This will help build empathy for psoriasis patients, a lack of which causes them mental and emotional stress.”
Even if the psoriasis symptoms are mild, one is still prone to a higher risk of depression which can lead to take an extensive mental and emotional toll on an individual’s life. In one study, nearly 20% of people with psoriasis had some form of depression .
Dr. Maya Vedamurthy, Director, RSV Skin Clinic and Senior Consultant, Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, said, “Psoriasis can cause stress and emotional trauma in patients living with it. The average time gap between onset of symptoms and diagnosis is usually more than a year. Psoriasis is also stigmatized as being contagious and people suffering with it often start staying aloof, choosing this behaviour as a coping mechanism.”

Can Psoriasis be treated?

The severity of psoriasis varies from person to person. Some may see flare-ups at the peak of the onset of symptoms which later subside with proper diagnosis and treatment. Whereas, other people may experience flare-ups that come and go throughout their lives.
Dr. Uma Chakravadhanula, Consultant Dermatologist, Idea skin clinic at Madhapur, Hyderabad says, “Early diagnosis and effective treatment can also prevent complications associated with psoriasis like psoriatic arthritis which can cause permanent disabilities to the joints. Suitable treatment options are dependent on the stage and severity of psoriasis. The most widely used treatment for psoriasis are topical treatments, phototherapy (light therapy), systemics and biologics. Biologic drugs are considered the most effective treatment option for severe psoriasis. They are protein-based drugs that target those specific parts of the immune system, that are responsible for triggering psoriasis.”

The next time you have an itchy and flaky red rash on your skin, do not ignore it – it could be psoriasis. An early visit to your dermatologist can go a long way in effective management of the condition.

https://www.dnaindia.com/health/report-all-you-need-to-know-about-psoriasis-2682005

Could treating psoriasis in the future be as easy as going online?

From eurekalert.org

New research from the Keck School of Medicine of USC finds that an online care delivery model is equivalent to in-person care for improving psoriasis symptoms

LOS ANGELES - For approximately 8 million Americans, visiting a doctor regularly is the key to managing their psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by itchy or painful red patches that can appear anywhere on the body. But for some people, seeing a specialist regularly can be a monumental challenge, especially for those who live in rural or underserved communities. A new study led by the Keck School of Medicine of USC, however, raises the possibility that one day, people with psoriasis may be able to simply go online to receive their care. Published today in JAMA Network Open, the study found that online and in-person care were equally effective at improving psoriasis symptoms.

"Patients with chronic skin diseases need ongoing care, and depending on where they live, their access to dermatological care can be variable," says the study's lead author April Armstrong, MD, MPH, professor of dermatology (clinical scholar) and associate dean for clinical research at the Keck School. "Our study suggests that an online care delivery model is an effective way to bring high-quality care to patients regardless of where they live or what their work/life schedules look like."

In the multicentre study, Armstrong and her colleagues followed nearly 300 patients who had been randomized to either online or in-person care and monitored their symptom improvement.
Patients assigned to online care logged in to a secure, web-based connected health platform where they could communicate with their primary care provider or dermatologist, share images of their skin and receive treatment recommendations. After reviewing transmitted information, health care providers evaluated patients' progress, provided patient education and prescribed medications electronically. Patients assigned to in-person care received treatment as usual.

Psoriasis severity was measured at baseline and again at three, six, nine and 12 months. Across the follow-up visits, the two groups achieved similar improvement in psoriasis severity scores.
"From a patient's perspective, there are several benefits to an online care delivery model: They don't need to travel to a facility with specialty care, they can receive high-quality specialty care at home and they can communicate with their doctor at a time that's convenient for them," Armstrong says. "From a provider's perspective, the benefits include flexibility in where and when they work."

While this study focused on patients with psoriasis, Armstrong believes that the online care model has other potential applications as well.
"The use of teledermatology needs to be considered in other patient populations with chronic skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis. There is a critical need for children and adults with atopic dermatitis to receive high-quality specialist care for this condition through novel telehealth delivery methods," she says.

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-10/uosc-ctp100318.php

Is my rash psoriasis or folliculitis?

From medicalnewstoday.com

Psoriasis and folliculitis can both cause patches of itchy, red, inflamed skin to appear. However, they are very different conditions.

The additional symptoms that these conditions cause are not the same, and they have different causes. Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition, while folliculitis is a temporary infection of the hair follicles.
Folliculitis is quite common, and anyone can get this skin problem. Although psoriasis is relatively prevalent, it will only affect 2–3 percent of people worldwide.
In this article, we look at the differences in the symptoms and causes of these two conditions to help people distinguish between them. We also cover treatment options and when to see a doctor.

Psoriasis vs. folliculitis

Although they both affect the skin, psoriasis and folliculitis are very different conditions.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune inflammatory condition. There are several types of psoriasis, each of which has slightly different symptoms.
The types of psoriasis that can resemble folliculitis include:

• Plaque psoriasis, which causes dry, red patches on the skin. The patches may be raised, itchy, and painful.
• Guttate psoriasis, which produces small, scaling lesions on the skin. This form of psoriasis occurs as a result of bacterial infection and will usually resolve without treatment once the infection clears.
• Pustular psoriasis, an uncommon type of psoriasis that causes pus-filled skin blisters together with itching, fever, chills, and diarrhoea.

People are most likely to mistake guttate or pustular psoriasis for folliculitis because all of these conditions can cause patches of small, red or yellow spots on the skin.

                                              Psoriasis can cause red, scaly patches of skin.

Folliculitis

Folliculitis is a mild skin infection that results from bacteria entering the base of a hair follicle. It can occur anywhere on the body that has hair.
Unlike psoriasis, which is a chronic condition that often requires long-term treatment, folliculitis is a temporary bacterial infection that will usually clear up quickly with treatment.
Folliculitis presents as small, red or yellow bumps containing pus. The bumps often appear after a person shaves, wears tight clothing, or comes into contact with hot water.

Symptoms of psoriasis and folliculitis

There is an overlap in the symptoms of psoriasis and folliculitis. For example, some forms of psoriasis cause small, red or yellow skin bumps that resemble folliculitis.
However, there are also differences between the symptoms of these conditions. Folliculitis is more likely to affect areas of skin where friction occurs, such as the thighs and buttocks, or areas that people have recently shaved. Conversely, psoriasis symptoms can appear anywhere on the body.
The symptoms of psoriasis include:

• red, inflamed, and raised patches of skin with a covering of thick, silvery scales
• small areas of scaly skin
• dry skin that may crack or bleed
• itching, burning, and soreness around the patches
• thick, pitted, and ridged nails
• swollen and painful joints, in people who also have psoriatic arthritis

The symptoms of folliculitis include:

• small pus-filled blisters that may erupt and ooze
• small or large infected bumps on the skin
• a painful, itching, or burning sensation

Causes

                  Gaining weight or wearing tight clothing can increase the risk of folliculitis.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition, and it is not contagious. The exact cause of psoriasis is not clear, but there are some known risk factors and triggers.
Folliculitis is an infection. Bacteria are usually responsible for this condition, but viruses and fungal infections can also cause it. Folliculitis can be contagious, and people may pass the infection to others through close skin contact.

The risk factors for psoriasis and folliculitis are different.
Risk factors for psoriasis include:

• having a family history of psoriasis
• getting a viral or bacterial infection
• injuring the skin
• being obese
• smoking

Various triggers can cause psoriasis flares to occur. These differ between people but often include stress, diet, and other lifestyle factors.

The following factors can increase a person’s risk of folliculitis:

• using an improperly maintained hot tub
• shaving, plucking, or waxing
• wearing tight clothing
• using some topical medications, such as coal tar
• gaining weight
• having a suppressed immune system

Treatment

People with psoriasis may require long-term treatment to manage their symptoms.
Psoriasis treatments may include:

• topical corticosteroids to control inflammation and itching
• retinoids to manage inflammation
• moisturizers for dry skin
• coal tar products to remove scales and soften skin
• oral or injected medication
• salicylic acid for scaling
• light therapy

Folliculitis treatment aims to clear the infection, after which there should be no lasting effects.

Folliculitis treatments may include:

• avoiding triggers
• warm compresses
• keeping the area clean
• antiseptic lotion
• topical or oral antibiotics, if the infection does not clear up on its own

When to see a doctor

          A person who suspects that they have psoriasis should see a doctor for a diagnosis.

Folliculitis is not harmful and will go away on its own. However, any individuals who suspect that they have psoriasis should see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
People should also see a doctor if they have any symptoms of infection, such as worsening pain, swelling, or fever, especially they believe that it is severe or spreading.
Anyone with an unexplained rash should seek medical attention. Delayed diagnosis can make the symptoms worse and delay recovery.

What else could the rash be?

People may sometimes mistake psoriasis and folliculitis for other skin conditions, including:

Summary

Psoriasis and folliculitis can cause similar symptoms, but they are separate conditions with different causes.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that it is possible to manage but not cure. Folliculitis is a bacterial infection that tends to resolve in a few days with home care or antibiotics.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323207.php

How can psoriasis affect the mouth and tongue?

From udaipurkiran.com

Psoriasis can affect any area of skin, including that of the mouth and tongue. The condition can cause cracks to form on the tongue or smooth patches, in a complication called geographic tongue.

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition. It causes a person’s skin to grow faster than average, resulting in red and often scaly patches of skin.
These patches can form anywhere on the body. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, the most common areas are the scalp, elbows, and knees.
Less frequently, psoriasis affects the mouth. Oral psoriasis can cause red patches with yellow or white edges to form on the tongue.
Read on to learn more about the symptoms, risk factors, and treatments for psoriasis on the tongue.

Symptoms of psoriasis on the tongue

                                      People with psoriasis may develop geographic tongue.

Psoriasis can cause noticeable changes in the colour, texture, and feeling of the tongue.
For example, people with psoriasis are more likely to develop an inflammatory condition called geographic tongue, or erythema migrans.
The condition stems from an issue with the immune system. It causes the tongue’s skin cells to grow and shed at an irregular rate, resulting in smooth patches.
An estimated 10 percent of people with psoriasis experience geographic tongue, compared to 1–2 percent of the general population.
Symptoms of psoriasis on the tongue include:

• red patches with yellow or white borders
• swelling and redness on the tongue
• smooth patches
• fissures or cracks in the surface of the tongue

Psoriasis on the tongue can be tricky to diagnose because signs may be mild or even unnoticeable.
However, for some people, these symptoms can lead to pain or swelling so severe that it makes eating or drinking difficult.
Authors of a 2016 study concluded that identifying the cause of issues such as geographic tongue can be difficult. Not all people with geographic tongue have psoriasis, but the two conditions are likely linked.
A thorough examination and testing can help a doctor determine if a person with geographic tongue has oral psoriasis.

How does psoriasis affect the mouth, gums, and lips?

Psoriasis typically does not affect the mouth. When it does, people may experience the following symptoms:

• peeling skin on the gums
• sores or pustules in or around the mouth
• pain or a burning sensation when eating hot or spicy foods
• a noticeable change in taste

In most cases, the patches or sores will appear on the inside of the cheeks.

Risk factors for psoriasis on the tongue

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation in the United States, about 10 percent of people are born with one or more gene that makes them prone to psoriasis in general. However, only 2–3 percent of these people actually develop the condition.
To develop psoriasis, a person must have at least one of the relevant genes and be exposed to triggers.
Several factors can trigger psoriasis, including:

• stress
• medications
• infection
• injury to the skin

Psoriasis may affect only one area of the body or several, and it may arise in new places. No matter where it occurs, psoriasis is not contagious, so a person cannot pass on the condition to others.

Treatment

Many treatments can help people manage their psoriasis symptoms.
Oral psoriasis sometimes requires no treatment. However, consult a doctor if the symptoms interfere with daily activities.
The doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatories or topical anesthetics for people with oral psoriasis. These medications can help reduce inflammation and pain, making it easier to eat and drink.
A person may notice improvements in oral psoriasis if they treat body-wide symptoms. Typically, when treating psoriasis, a doctor will prescribe medications, such as:

• methotrexate
• acitretin
• cyclosporine

Prevention

To prevent psoriasis symptoms from flaring up, it can help to avoid triggers. For psoriasis on the tongue, a person can:

• avoid spicy or very hot foods
• quit smoking
• use mouth rinses
• practice good oral hygiene

It can also help to reduce stress, which can worsen symptoms.

Outlook

Psoriasis is a chronic condition that forms patches of dry or broken skin. It can affect skin on any part of the body, including the tongue and mouth.
A person can manage symptoms by avoiding triggers and taking medication. Triggers can include certain foods, some medicines, and stress.
Seek treatment for psoriasis, even if symptoms are mild. A doctor can develop an overall treatment plan to help reduce the number of flare-ups.
Some people with psoriasis find that it affects their mental health. Counsellors can provide support.

https://udaipurkiran.com/how-can-psoriasis-affect-the-mouth-and-tongue/

How I Came to Better Control My Psoriasis

From everydayhealth.com

A combination of light therapy and biologics helped the author gain better control of his psoriasis.

                                                     Getty Images; Rafe Swan/Getty Images

When it comes to my psoriasis, I don’t often have good news to share. Today, though, I can say my skin looks and feels clearer than at any time in recent memory. I woke up this morning feeling great and took less time than usual to take care of my skin before heading out to work.
The last time the inflammation on my skin calmed this much I was taking cyclosporine to manage my psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Cyclosporine effectively controlled my skin conditions at higher approved doses. However, my doctors and I agreed from day one that I should try to find something with fewer and less severe side effects for long-term management.
Treatments I tried over a 12-year period failed to work well enough to allow me to stop cyclosporine completely. Then last summer a new biologic injectable medication called Tremfya (guselkumab) gained U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval, and my doctor and insurance company allowed me to try it. It improved the psoriasis enough to where I could almost stop using cyclosporine.

This August marks the one-year milestone of my trying that new biologic. It also happens to be Psoriasis Action Month. A couple of years ago the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) decided to change the month’s focus from “awareness” to “action.” The idea of the new emphasis is to empower those with psoriasis to take control of their disease.
This message resonates with me because there have been times when my psoriasis seemed to be in control of my life. The repeated failure of traditional and complementary treatments left me dejected and willing to settle with more psoriasis. The following tells the story of how I overcame disempowering barriers and took positive steps to better control my psoriasis over the past year.

It Works for Me

I vividly remember a psoriasis magazine column called “It Works for Me.” I enjoyed reading about how certain treatments helped individuals with psoriasis. It also gave me new things to try even if they might not ultimately work for me. I daydreamed about how I would one day share my story in that column.
What became discouraging over the last few years, though, is how new treatments worked for others while none seemed to work for me. When I heard a friend in the psoriasis community share their story of how a treatment cleared their skin, I felt both glad and envious. One time, I told a friend that I was still using cyclosporine. They shook their head disapprovingly and said, “You need to get off that!”
Psoriasis medications and treatments often come with a percentage label indicating its effectiveness. The first biologic injectable for psoriasis, called Amevive (alefacept), became available in 2003. Even though studies showed a relatively low effectiveness rate, it helped a friend at church with psoriasis. Remembering that friend gave me hope to keep trying and encourage others to find what works for them.

Failure Is Not an Option

One of my favourite movies is the 1995 film Apollo 13, directed by Ron Howard. The flight director of the Apollo mission, Gene Kranz, is attributed with saying “Failure is not an option” when the mission goes awry. That phrase represented the Apollo team’s dedication and perseverance to find a solution to save the astronauts. When I wanted to give up on finding a better treatment for my psoriasis, I thought of Apollo 13.
With the rapid flow of psoriasis research findings and treatments available, I reasoned I could eventually find a solution for myself. One treatment I tried midyear, however, tested that enthusiasm. I can’t say for certain that the medication made me feel ill, but I can report that it did not improve my psoriasis during the few months I took it.
My dermatologist and I then set our sights on using the new biologic, which was scheduled for availability a few months later in the summer. In the meantime, I went back to cyclosporine and pondered the next steps. I didn’t give up hope, although I needed a pause. The saying “Failure is not an option” inspired me as I recovered and regained the strength and will to fight on.

Treatments New and Old

The biologic worked as well as any of the four I had tried before, but not well enough. After a few months, my dermatologist declared that psoriasis covered a moderate amount of my skin and that my atopic dermatitis needed better control. I immediately asked if I could go back to cyclosporine. But he suggested I add either narrowband ultraviolet light therapy or another biologic for atopic dermatitis.
Neither of the two options he proposed appealed to me. Light therapy is an old treatment that I first started using at age 9. Since then, I’ve logged over 20 years on various forms of light therapy. I even vowed to never use artificial ultraviolet light again after I sustained a painful skin burn over a decade ago. The idea of taking a second biologic seemed intriguing, but I worried about the side effects and cost.
I opted to purchase a home narrowband ultraviolet light panel, and started using it at a very low dose of light exposure three times a week.
It took a couple of months of trial and error, but the light therapy–biologic combination treatment did begin to clear my psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. I’m hoping that this combination works for a while so I can enjoy the rest of summer with mostly clear skin.
Gaining better control of my skin conditions has taken perseverance, courage, and a willingness to try an older treatment together with a newer biologic. While there is no magic formula that works for everyone with psoriasis, I encourage anyone still struggling to manage their psoriasis well to take action this month. Remember: Failure is not an option!
You can read more about my experiences in my blog for Everyday Health and on my website.

https://www.everydayhealth.com/columns/howard-chang-the-itch-to-beat-psoriasis/how-came-better-control-my-psoriasis/

What to do if your child has psoriasis - triggers to avoid and treatments to try

From rsvplive.ie

Psoriasis runs in families, so if you have it, it could be passed on to your kids.
For most children, the inflammatory skin disease is usually limited to just a few patches - and it tends to respond well to treatment.
However it can sometimes be quite serious and cause kids to be self-conscious about their appearance, develop low self-esteem or even depression.

                                                            (Image: Shutterstock)

Risk factors that can increase the chance of a breakout include: 1) Infections including colds, strep throat and other contagious diseases
2) Obesity
3) Certain medications including lithium, anti-malarial drugs and beta blockers used to treat high blood pressure
4) Skin injuries including cuts, sunburn and insect bites
5) Cold weather

If your child is showing symptoms of psoriasis, you should talk to your doctor to figure out the best method of treatment.
Treatments can be phototherapy, topical (creams and ointments) or systemic (oral and injected medications).
Sometimes a combination of therapies can be used.
Besides following your doctor's advice, there are certain things you can do at home to help ease your child's psoriasis, according to KidsHealth,

These include:
1) Feeding your child plenty of fruits and vegetables

2) Cutting down on treats and helping your child maintain a healthy weight
3) Reminding your child to keep skin clean and moisturised
4) Spending time outdoors
5) Giving your child plenty of emotional support
6) Reminding them to keep up their treatment.

https://www.rsvplive.ie/life/health/psoriasis-child-triggers-treatment-help-13081536

Psoriasis: Five things that are triggering it and how to avoid them

From rsvplive.ie

Psoriasis affects 100,00 people in Ireland and there's still no known cure, but there are ways of avoiding the triggers.
Things that tend to encourage a flare up or cause symptoms to get worse include:

1) Drinking too much alcohol
2) Smoking
3) Certain medicines, including lithium, some antimalerial medicines, anti-inflammatory medicines including ibuprofen, and ACE inhibitors (used to treat high blood pressure)
4) Stress
5) An injury to your skin, sun as sunburn, an insect bite or cut
Psoriasis suffers should try to cut down on drinking and smoking, make sure to protect themselves to the sun and reduce stress by getting plenty of sleep and exercise and practising relaxation techniques.

A recent study also showed that a Mediterranean diet, containing large amounts of olive oil, fruit, vegetables and wholegrain cereals and limiting meat, dairy and alcohol, could combat the chronic inflammatory disease.
Unfortunately psoriasis is hereditary, so you're more likely to get it if you have a close relative with the disease.

Symptoms include red patches of skin, itching and burning, thick, pitted nails and painful joints.

Treatments can be topical (creams and ointments) or systemic (oral and injected medications).
Phototherapy is also used, sometimes in combination with other treatments.

https://www.rsvplive.ie/life/health/psoriasis-things-triggers-symptoms-treatment-13081165

Here’s how turmeric is beneficial for your skin

From thehealthsite.com

Turmeric can treat acne, psoriasis, stretch marks and skin pigmentation. It is an ancient medicinal herb. The scientific name of turmeric is Curcuma longa.

Turmeric contains an antioxidant which plays a vital role in enhancing skin health. Like health benefits, this spice has several skin benefits as well. It can treat acne, psoriasis, stretch marks and skin pigmentation. It is an ancient medicinal herb. The scientific name of turmeric is Curcuma longa.

Psoriasis treatment
The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric can help treat psoriasis easily. According to researchers, turmeric might obstruct the inflammatory enzymes linked to psoriasis. It can also reduce the levels of cytokines, which stimulate cell inflammation.
For psoriasis using turmeric is pretty simple. You can take half a teaspoon of powdered turmeric and add water to it. Until you get a paste to keep stirring. Apply a thin layer of this ointment to the affected area. Cover the area with some breathable fabric and leave it on overnight. Next morning, remove the cloth and rinse your skin with warm water.

Acne treatment
The antibacterial properties of turmeric help to treat acne. And its anti-inflammatory properties help to treat the inflammation caused by pimples.
Use turmeric milk to treat acne. All you need to do is to take 3 tablespoons of milk and 1 teaspoon of turmeric along with few drops of honey and 2 tablespoons of flour. Mix all the ingredients properly and apply a thin layer of this mixture on your face. Leave it on your skin for 20 minutes, allow it to dry. After that, you can then rinse off the mask and apply moisturizer.

Stretch marks cure
It is best for treating stretch marks because of the curcumin content, which penetrates the cell membranes. It is known to alter the physical properties of the cell membrane and thus, it might cure stretch marks as well.
You can use turmeric with curd. Simply apply to paste to your legs, waist arms and stomach before your bath. Wait for about 20 minutes, allow the paste to soak in. Then wash it off.

Treats skin pigmentation
Turmeric have bleaching properties which helps to treat skin pigmentation. You just have to mix 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder and 1 teaspoon lemon juice. Apply the mixture to the affected area and leave it on for 20 minutes. For at least an hour don’t go out in the sun. Rinse with cold water. Daily before showering, you can do this once.

http://www.thehealthsite.com/news/heres-how-turmeric-is-beneficial-for-your-skin-kd0818/

Mum Cures Her Psoriasis With 'Miracle' £4 Baby Cream

From pretty52.com

Kirsty Usher from Bristol has suffered with severe psoriasis for 20 years, but she has finally found a cream that has cured her condition.
Forty-six-year-old Kirsty was so self-conscious about the psoriasis on her legs that she would wear 100 denier black tights all the time - including during summer ever since the age of 27.
The mother-of-two has tried everything to cure her regular flare ups, including prescription medication and remedies such as UVB light treatment.
In December 2017, she saw a success story about Childs Farms products on Facebook, and after buying the £4 Baby Moisturiser she saw a noticeable difference in her skin within days.
Kirsty said: "For the past twenty years I have been so self-conscious about my legs that I have been wearing 100 denier tights, even in the middle of summer.
"The worst of my psoriasis has always been on my legs, but it also gets on my elbows and scalp too.

"I can tell people think it is contagious by the looks they give me, so I've always thought it was just easier to cover up rather than be made to feel uncomfortable by people staring.
"One evening I went out with my friends and they convinced me to leave the tights at home. At the bar, a man came up to us and ridiculed me for my legs. That was it then - I never went out without my tights on after that.
"When I saw the story about the Childs Farm Baby Moisturiser I just thought: 'why not?' I was desperate for something to work.

"I popped into Tesco to buy the cream and started using it, and within a couple of hours the itching had stopped. Within a week I could see my skin was no longer so red, and soon after my skin was really flat and I could see whole sections where my legs were a skin colour rather than bright red. I couldn't believe it."This summer marks the first time that Kirsty has gone out wearing dresses without tights for the first time in nearly 20 years.

She added: "This is the first time in nearly twenty years that I have worn a dress without tights. It feels amazing to finally have bare legs especially in this heat. Childs Farm has change my life and given me back my confidence."
Joanna Jensen, founder of Childs Farm, added: "We believe that everyone should feel happy in their skin and so it's fantastic to know that our Baby Moisturiser has offered Kirsty some relief, as well as giving her the confidence to step out without tights. We are constantly overwhelmed by the love and support we get for our brand and would like to wish Kirsty all the very best for the future."

http://www.pretty52.com/news/real-life-mother-cures-psiorisis-with-4-baby-cream-20180727

Mediterranean diet might help ease psoriasis

From reuters.com

(Reuters Health) - The Mediterranean diet might do more than help ward off heart disease, it may also help improve psoriasis, a new study suggests.
“Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease triggered by environmental factors,” said lead author Dr. Celine Phan, a dermatologist at Hopital Mondor, in Creteil, France.

“The Mediterranean diet, which is characterized by a high proportion of fruits, vegetables, cereals, fish, extra-virgin olive oil, etc., could reduce chronic systemic inflammation thanks to the anti-inflammatory properties of these foods,” she said in an email.

Some people seem to inherit a susceptibility to developing psoriasis, noted Dr. Laura Ferris, an associate professor of dermatology at the University of Pittsburgh, who wasn’t involved in the study.
“It’s a condition characterized by areas or patches of skin that is red and thickened and scaly,” Ferris said in an email. “It can really impair a patient’s quality of life because of discomfort and appearance. If there’s red flaking, scaling skin on the face and hands it really gets in the way of life.”
About 2 percent of the U.S. population has psoriasis, Ferris said.

Phan and her colleagues tapped into a large ongoing French health study that had collected dietary information on 158,361 volunteers over two years. The researchers sent all of the study participants a link to an online psoriasis questionnaire. Of the 35,735 who filled out the questionnaire, 3,557 reported they had psoriasis, with 878 saying it was severe.

Along with information on food consumption, the original study also collected information on lifestyle and health factors, such as gender, age, smoking habits, body mass index (BMI), physical activity levels, cardiovascular disease and depression symptoms.

The researchers rated volunteers’ eating habits according to how closely they followed the Mediterranean diet. Previous studies have found the diet is associated with a lower risk of chronic systemic inflammation, which has been linked to heart disease as well as conditions like psoriasis.
After taking into account other lifestyle and health factors that can raise the risk of psoriasis, researchers found that severe cases of the disease were less likely in people whose eating habits were more similar to the Mediterranean diet.

Compared to people whose eating habits scored lowest by Mediterranean diet standards, those who scored highest on Mediterranean diet adherence were 22 percent less likely to have severe psoriasis, and those whose diets were moderately Mediterranean were 29 percent less likely.

The study found no association between diet and the onset of psoriasis.
The researchers did, however, find an association between psoriasis severity and several other factors, including BMI, smoking, activity levels, heart disease, high triglycerides, high blood pressure, diabetes and depression.

While the study doesn’t prove that consuming a Mediterranean diet will lessen the severity of psoriasis, “it raises some interesting questions and is provocative,” said Dr. Jonathan Silverberg, an associate professor of dermatology, preventive medicine and medical social sciences at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago and director of the Eczema Center at Northwestern Medicine. “Other studies have suggested a connection. So this would be confirmatory of those studies.”

What an observational study like this one cannot show is whether the Mediterranean diet is causing improvement or whether there’s some factor shared by people who eat this way that is helping with psoriasis, said Silverberg, who was not involved in the new research.
But it takes studies like this to spur other researchers to do the randomized controlled clinical trials that could answer that question, Silverberg said. Even if it’s shown that the Mediterranean diet can help improve symptoms, “I doubt it would be effective enough to replace the myriad treatment options we now use in clinical practice,” Silverberg said. But doctors might be able to use it as an add-on treatment strategy, he noted. 

For now though, it might make sense to steer patients toward a Mediterranean diet because there’s little downside, Ferris said. Moreover, “there is an association between following the Mediterranean diet and other health benefits,” she explained. “And maybe it will help with psoriasis.”

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-psoriasis-mediterranean-diet/mediterranean-diet-might-help-ease-psoriasis-idUSKBN1KF26R

Unlike Beauty, Psoriasis Is More Than Skin Deep

From prweb.com

July 2018, Unlike beauty, psoriasis is more than skin-deep. In fact, recent research links the inflammatory skin disorder, in its more serious forms, to greater incidence of early death, says Christopher Byrne RPA-C, referring to a recent study in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology. Byrne is a certified physician assistant at New York- and New Jersey-based Advanced Dermatology PC and the Centre for Laser and Cosmetic Surgery.

“Authors of the study report that patients with 10 percent or more of their body covered by psoriasis were at double risk of dying. That finding is not surprising considering psoriasis’ link to increased likelihood of heart attack, stroke, cardiovascular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, life-threatening abdominal aneurysms, depression and even suicide,” says Byrne.

Calling psoriasis, a “complex, systemic, lifelong disorder,” Byrne advises patients to seek professional medical assistance should inflamed, raised, scaly, itchy patches characteristic of the disease begin appearing on the skin. The patches are the result of an over proliferation of skin cells, which, when scratched, may bleed and cause a burning or stinging sensation. Scratching also can lead to infection.

Psoriasis interrupts the body’s acquired immune system by causing antibodies and immune cells to attack, or interfere with, healthy tissue. The autoimmune reaction triggers an overproduction of T-cells, resulting in development of plaques on the skin. T-cells are the body’s defence again invaders like bacteria and viruses.

“Having a physician diagnose the condition in its earliest stages will ensure better management of the disorder, possibly slow or prevent certain disease-related processes and enhance a patient’s quality of life,” explains Byrne, adding that dermatologists, in particular, play an important role in screening patients for other diseases associated with psoriasis.

Early diagnosis is especially important since symptoms of eczema, a less serious skin problem, can sometimes be mistaken for those of psoriasis, Byrne says.

Considered the most prevalent autoimmune disease in the United States, psoriasis affects an estimated 7.5 million Americans and 125 million people worldwide. Between 10 percent and 30 percent of patients also will develop psoriatic arthritis, which promotes inflammation in and around the body’s joints.

The term psoriasis comes from a Greek word meaning “itchy.” Experts believe that people in biblical times may have oftentimes confused psoriasis with leprosy and isolated psoriasis patients even though the disorder is not contagious.

“Although the disease can develop at almost any age, it usually begins between the ages of 15 and 25,” Byrne says. “The most common form of the disorder is plaque psoriasis, which generates the appearance of scaly lesions typically on the scalp, knees, elbows and lower back.”

The disorder has no known cure, but treatments, including creams, corticosteroids, retinoids and other topical medications; photodynamic (light) therapy; biologic drugs for more moderate psoriasis; and systemic medications to attempt controlling serious flare-ups of the disease, can be effective in alleviating and minimizing recurrence of symptoms, Byrne says.

New research has given scientists a better understanding of psoriasis’ cellular and molecular mechanisms, which also underlie immunity system dysfunctions affecting the heart and other body organs, and Byrne says he is hopeful novel, more effective psoriatic treatments will be developed in the near term.

Meanwhile, Byrne emphasizes that patients can do much on their own to control psoriasis by avoiding “triggers” that aggravate symptoms or prompt recurrence of the disease and improving lifestyle. He offers these tips:

    Eat a well-balanced diet that includes omega-3 and vitamin D. Salmon, herring and walnuts are among sources of omega-3.

    Take short, warm – not hot – baths. Consider using fragrance-free bath oils or Epsom salts in the water to help reduce skin dryness and itching.

    Keep psoriatic skin moisturized. Use a topical ointment or cream, such as petroleum jelly. A moisturizer can be most effective when applied immediately after a bath.

    Try not to scratch that itch. Scratching further irritates the skin, and damaged skin can become infected.

    Reduce stress in your life. Stress can cause flare-ups of psoriasis.

    Avoid alcohol and stop smoking. Studies show both alcohol and smoking worsen symptoms of psoriasis and limit effectiveness of treatments.

Bio: Christopher Byrne RPA-C is a certified physician assistant at Advanced Dermatology PC and the Centre for Laser and Cosmetic Surgery.

https://www.prweb.com/releases/unlike_beauty_psoriasis_more_than_skin_deep/prweb15639587.htm

Psoriasis: How to deal with the frustrating, flaky skin condition

From marieclaire.co.uk

Counting eczema among its unsightly friends, psoriasis is another uncomfortable skin condition that can leave its sufferers feeling incredibly self-conscious.

It’s estimated that some 125 million people have psoriasis worldwide, according to the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations.

But you may not be 100% sure if you have it, or what exactly it is (we’re guessing that’s why you’re here, anyway).
We asked Dr Justine Kluk, Harley Street dermatologist, to answer the most common questions about the skin ailment below.

What is psoriasis?

‘Psoriasis is an inflammatory condition of the skin that affects approximately 2% of the population,’ Dr Kluk explains. ‘The outer layer of our skin is constantly generating new skin cells and replacing old ones.
‘But in psoriasis, this process is sped up significantly and occurs over days rather than weeks. This increase in cell turnover leads to the typical symptoms that we see.’

What are the symptoms of psoriasis?

‘Psoriasis causes salmon pink patches to appear on the skin. These often have silvery scale on the surface. Sometimes, they cause soreness, discomfort or itching and sometimes they don’t,’ explains Justine.
‘Any part of the skin can be affected, however the elbows, knees, belly button, scalp and ears are some of the most frequently affected sites. Psoriasis can occur on genital skin, between the buttocks and in the armpits, where the patches are typically smooth, red and shiny rather than flaky.
‘If the nails are affected, pits or ridges can appear on the surface, or the nails can become thickened and discoloured. In certain individuals, psoriasis can also affect the joints by causing swelling, pain and stiffness and this is known as psoriatic arthritis.’

What causes psoriasis?

There are a fair few factors that can contribute to a person developing and having the condition.
‘Your genes play an important role, meaning that if one or more of your parents or siblings has psoriasis you will have an increased chance of developing it compared to someone who doesn’t have any affected family members,’ Dr Kluk tells us.
‘Environmental factors, such as stress, smoking, infection and certain medication, such as beta blockers, can also act as triggers.’

Are there psoriasis treatments?

Unfortunately, like a lot of skin conditions, there is no ‘cure’ per se for psoriasis. The good news is that there are lots of things you can do to keep its prevalence under control.
‘The choice of treatment really depends on how severely you are affected and includes creams containing a steroid or vitamin D, tablets and injections that modify the immune system, and phototherapy, which is a form of outpatient light treatment carried out in hospital Dermatology Departments,’ our doctor explains.

‘Most psoriasis sufferers will benefit from frequent and liberal application of a moisturising cream or ointment, and scalp symptoms can improve with the regular use of a coal tar-based shampoo or scalp lotion containing coconut oil,’ she adds.
‘If you are suffering with psoriasis and are finding it difficult to put your feelings into words and get the right support from friends, family or even your doctor, charities like The Psoriasis Association or the website skinsupport.org.uk from the British Association of Dermatologists are a good place to start.’

https://www.marieclaire.co.uk/life/health-fitness/psoriasis-treatment-causes-605058

What Every Man Should Know About Psoriasis

From rd.com

Psoriasis is more than a skin problem; it’s a chronic autoimmune disease. And more men suffer from severe psoriasis than women, so it’s time to educate yourselves, guys.

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is often thought of as a common skin problem, but it’s much more than that. It’s a chronic autoimmune disease that causes the rapid build-up of skin cells that leads to scaling on the skin’s surface and red, inflamed patches on the affected areas. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, scientists still don’t know exactly what causes the disease, but it’s believed that the immune system and genetics play major roles. It can develop at any age, most commonly between the ages of 15 and 35, and it typically affects the outside of the elbows, knees or scalp, although it can appear anywhere on the body. It’s widely believed that men and women develop it at equal rates, but a recent study of 5,400 sufferers in Sweden found that the rate of severe psoriasis (covering more than 10 percent of the body) was significantly higher in men than in women. “In my experience men often present for care at later stages of the disease than women,” reveals board-certified dermatologist Rawn Bosley of Westlake Dermatology. “The early signs are often mild and overlooked by my male patients. In my experience, men tend to seek dermatological care when quality of life worsens due to their disease.” While home remedies cannot cure an autoimmune condition, these therapies can provide relief to stressed skin.

Types

While there are five types of the psoriasis, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation, the most common is plaque psoriasis, which is distinguished by dry, raised, red plaques (skin lesions) with silvery scales on the body. Other types of the condition can affect nails, scalp, or even joints, though the latter version, psoriatic arthritis, is the rarest type. 

Symptoms

Psoriasis symptoms vary from person to person, but the most common are red patches of skin; small scaling spots; dry, cracked skin that may bleed; and thickened, pitted, or ridged nails, says Mayo Clinic. Some sufferers also report itching, burning or soreness, or swollen and stiff joints. Some people might only have a small patch of scaling, while in others major eruptions cover large areas of their body. One of the most frustrating aspects of this disease is that it is so unpredictable. While most types go through cycles, flaring for a few weeks or months, they don’t always follow a pattern.

Some people live with the disease forever, while others go into complete remission. “This is a chronic disease with intermittent flares and relapses,” says board-certified dermatologist Tsippora Shainhouse. “It can be extremely well-controlled, but not cured.”

Triggers

Some foods may make psoriasis worse. Other possible triggers are stress, injury to the skin, infection, and certain medications. Some psoriasis can appear as a reaction to injury or trauma. This is known as the Koebner phenomenon orKoebner response. Possible triggers are vaccinations, sunburns, and scratches. Certain medications can aggravate psoriasis, such as lithium, some antimalarial drugs, the high blood pressure medication Inderal, and the heart medication Quinidine. Anything that can affect the immune system can be a trigger. In particular, streptococcus infection (strep throat), which has been linked to psoriasis. Some sufferers notice outbreaks in response to allergies and the weather, although there have been no studies.

Topical treatments

Topical treatments, either over the counter or by prescription, are normally the first treatment following diagnosis. These treatments, when applied to the skin, help to slow down or normalize excessive cell reproduction and reduce inflammation. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, the most frequently prescribed topical treatment are corticosteroids, commonly known as steroids. They reduce the swelling and redness of lesions. Steroids come in various strengths, ranging from very strong or “superpotent” (Class 1) to very weak or “least potent” (Class 7). The stronger the steroid, the more effective it is in treating the symptoms, but the risk of side effects is greater. Potential side effects of topical steroids include thinning of the skin, pigmentation changes, stretch marks, redness and dilated surface blood vessels. When applied to widespread areas of the skin or used over long periods of time, steroids can be absorbed through the skin and affect internal organs. It’s important to follow your doctor’s advice when applying steroids, and the National Psoriasis Foundation advises against using steroids for more than three weeks without seeking further medical advice. Over the counter topicals typically contain salicylic acid and coal tar, both FDA-approved for treatment. Aloe vera, jojoba, zinc pyrithione, or capsaicin may be added for their moisturizing, soothing, and itch-relieving properties. If topical treatments don’t alleviate symptoms, oral treatments, systemics, or phototherapy may be considered.

Alternative remedies

Complementary and alternative remedies focusing on preventive care and pain management include dietary changes, herbs and supplements, mind/body therapies such as aromatherapy, yoga and meditation, physical therapies, exercise and the ancient arts of acupuncture and tai chi. Some sufferers enlist the help of a naturopathic physician to figure out what alternative remedies might work for them. While much of the evidence supporting alternative therapies is anecdotal, most of them are considered to be safe. However, always tell your doctor what remedies you are trying, particularly if you are also being prescribed treatment.

Lifestyle changes

Living with psoriasis can be stressful, and stress can be a trigger, so make self-care a priority. Small changes to everyday routine can help manage symptoms. Keep your skin well lubricated, as it reduces redness and itching and helps the skin to heal. Lock in water by applying a heavy cream or ointment to affected areas daily, after every shower, and to hands after every wash. Avoid hot baths, which aggravate the skin; take lukewarm showers of 10 minutes or less instead. If you do take a bath, keep the water lukewarm and try adding oil, oilated oatmeal, Epsom salts, or Dead Sea salts to help remove scale and relieve itching. As soon as you get out of the a bath or shower, apply cream or ointment—fragrance-free is best, to avoid skin irritation. Also, eliminate toxins. “Don’t smoke and minimize alcohol consumption, both of which can lead to flares,” explains Shainhouse. “Exercise and maintain a healthy body weight, as being overweight is also associated with skin disease.”

https://www.rd.com/health/conditions/psoriasis-in-men/