Suffering from psoriasis? Symptoms, causes, prevention & natural home remedies to help tackle the problem

From timesnownews.com

The most common symptoms of psoriasis include ridged nails, cracked skin that may bleed, scaly plaques on the scalp, and burning sensations around patches.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that causes the rapid build-up of skin cells. It is characterised by symptoms and signs such as red patches, itching, and soreness on the skin. Psoriasis causes cells to develop rapidly on the skin that leads to thickened skin, silvery scales, and crusty patches. Scales typically develop on joints and it may develop on face, scalp, feet, neck, and hands. This entire process normally takes around three to four weeks. Psoriasis is not contagious i.e. you do not get it by touching someone who has psoriasis.

         Here's all you need to know about psoriasis remedies  |  Photo Credit: Getty Images

Types of psoriasis

1. Plaque psoriasis: Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of psoriasis. It appears on the skin in patches that causes red skin lesions covered with silvery scales.
2. Guttate psoriasis: Guttate psoriasis is not as common as plaque psoriasis and can go away on its own in a few weeks or months. It appears as small and round spots called papules.
3. Inverse psoriasis: Inverse psoriasis is also known as flexural psoriasis or hidden psoriasis because it's usually not visible and can cause a painful rash under your breasts.
4. Pustular psoriasis: Pustular psoriasis is a severe form of psoriasis that makes your skin become red and painful with raised and pus-filled bumps.
5. Erythrodermic psoriasis: It is an inflammatory form of psoriasis that form deep red rashes all over the body.

Signs & symptoms of psoriasis include:

• Red patches on the skin
• Swollen and stiff joints
• Soreness around patches
• Itching and soreness
• Ridged nails
• Cracked skin that may bleed
• Scaly plaques on the scalp
• Burning sensations around the patches

What causes psoriasis?

• Vitamin D deficiency makes your skin unhealthy and causes dry skin that acts as a common trigger for psoriasis
• Stress and social anxiety worsen psoriasis because it makes the sign and symptoms look more severe
• Injuries to the skin such as bruises, burns, and cuts
• Infections act as a trigger that may cause psoriasis

Psoriasis: Who's at risk?

• Genetics i.e. family history: If one of your family members has psoriasis, you have a higher risk of getting it.
• Smoking has negative impacts on psoriasis treatment.
• Obesity raises your chances of getting psoriasis.
• A person having skin injury and infection such as strep throat is at risk.
• Hormonal changes: Psoriasis can also occur at times when the levels of certain hormones are unbalanced.
• Immune disorders such as human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) because it weakens the body's immune system.
• Other common triggers include infections, stress, cold and environmental factors.

Natural home remedies for psoriasis:

• Avoid red meat and dairy products.
• Avoid processed foods.
• Keep your skin moisturised.
• Avoid drinking too much alcohol.
• Reduce stress and start meditating.

When to seek medical treatment?

If psoriasis signs or symptoms such as joint pain and skin swelling persist for more than one week without improvement and make your routine tasks difficult, then it is better to consult a doctor or medical practitioner for an examination.

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a professional healthcare provider if you have any specific questions about any medical matter.

https://www.timesnownews.com/health/article/suffering-from-psoriasis-symptoms-causes-prevention-natural-home-remedies-to-help-tackle-the-problem/513675

Check with doctors before going herbal, psoriasis patients told

From khaleejtimes.com

Psoriasis is a skin disorder with no cure and requires treatment to control symptoms and flare-ups - but not all patients are ready to accept the need for life-long medications.

Some choose to fully rely on alternatives and this can be dangerous, experts said.

Dr Ahmed Mohsen Ameen, a specialist at the dermatology department of NMC Specialty Hospital in Abu Dhabi, said psoriasis is no longer a skin condition, it is a multisystem disease that can adversely affect joints, nails, the cardiac system and eyes.

Once, a patient came up to him with active skin psoriasis with mild arthritis, joint tenderness and swelling.

"Unfortunately the patient refused to take medicines as he thought they were harmful and toxic. Instead, he tried changing his lifestyle and turned to herbal treatment," Dr Ameen said.

Nine months later, he came back saying that he was admitted in a hospital with frozen joints and was not able to move for three weeks.

"Sadly, his psoriasis affected the sacroiliac joint and made significant erosions and destruction to the joint," the doctor said.

While a psoriasis cure is yet to be discovered, it can be easily controlled with new biologic treatment modalities and, hence, improve a patient's quality of life, Dr Ameen said.

He added that early treatment would make a difference. "This would not only help in treating the disease with minimum complications but also prevent the onset of other diseases."

              Psoriasis affects about 125 million people across the globe. (Alamy)

Millions affected

Psoriasis affects about 125 million people across the globe and it is said to be caused by an overactive immune system.

Typically, skin cells are replaced every 28 to 30 days. But for those with psoriasis, new cells grow and move to the surface every three to four days.

The extra skin cells form scales and red patches that are itchy and sometimes painful.

Dr Sonia Wilson, specialist dermatologist at RAK Hospital, said evidence suggests that the prevalence of psoriasis may be rising worldwide and in the UAE.

"According to the World Psoriasis Day consortium, about two to three per cent of the total population have psoriasis. In the UAE, around 4.3 per cent suffers from this disease and 8,000 new cases are diagnosed every year," she said.

The disease is believed to be related to problems with the immune system and considered a hereditary condition.

"According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, one in three patients with psoriasis report having a relative with the condition. If one parent is affected, an offspring has about a 10 per cent chance of having psoriasis. If both parents have the disease, an offspring has approximately a 50 per cent chance of developing it."

Psoriasis, she said, may start or worsen because of some triggers, such as infections, certain medications, smoking, stress, heavy alcohol consumption, vitamin D deficiency, skin injuries, bite reactions, getting a tattoo or piercing, or a severe sunburn. These triggers should be identified and avoided, Dr Wilson advised.

Controlling this genetic condition requires proper management and it's not always easy, she explained. "I have a patient who had tried various medication and creams since the condition manifested 20 years ago.

"After years of trying and testing different treatments, he is now on a medication that has worked for him to the extent that almost 90 per cent of the skin on his body is cleared," she said. "The genetic makeup of the condition lives within him, so he has to be on life-long medication."

https://www.khaleejtimes.com/news/uae-health/check-with-doctors-before-going-herbal-psoriasis-patients-told

Could Changing Your Diet Help With Managing Psoriasis?

From health.usnews.com

Learn about how dietary changes may help manage the condition in certain circumstances. This article is based on reporting that features expert sources.

Psoriasis – an autoimmune condition that causes skin cells to grow more rapidly, leading to itchy patches of red skin and silvery scales – affects about 8 million people in the U.S. today. The disease is also associated with a raised risk of joint problems – namely psoriatic arthritis, an inflammatory form of arthritis related to the skin condition – and cardiovascular disease, as well as other issues ranging from diabetes to depression.

Given that psoriasis is typically chronic and can have a whole-body impact, those with the condition are often motivated to make lifestyle changes, in addition to treatments, to manage it. Along those lines, there’s been some focus on whether dietary changes may help – specifically, what types of foods or drink a person might consume or avoid to keep it under better control.

Eating Less to Maintain a Healthy Weight

One thing that research has established is that obesity increases one’s risk of developing psoriasis, and it’s associated with increased disease severity and a decreased response to treatment.

A systematic review of dietary recommendations for adults who have psoriasis, published in the journal JAMA Dermatology last year, strongly recommended a reduced calorie diet for overweight and obese patients with psoriasis. Research shows when patients shed extra pounds and keep them off long term, it has a lasting impact on easing psoriasis symptoms and decreasing severity of the disease.

                                                                       (Getty Images)
Fat contributes to inflammation by releasing substances called cytokines – “so reducing fat reduces inflammation,” notes Dr. Patricia Farris, a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Tulane University and a dermatologist in private practice in Metairie, Louisiana. “Accordingly, the current recommendation is to reduce weight by reducing calories.”

Eating Less to Maintain a Healthy Weight

One thing that research has established is that obesity increases one’s risk of developing psoriasis, and it’s associated with increased disease severity and a decreased response to treatment.

A systematic review of dietary recommendations for adults who have psoriasis, published in the journal JAMA Dermatology last year, strongly recommended a reduced calorie diet for overweight and obese patients with psoriasis. Research shows when patients shed extra pounds and keep them off long term, it has a lasting impact on easing psoriasis symptoms and decreasing severity of the disease.

Fat contributes to inflammation by releasing substances called cytokines – “so reducing fat reduces inflammation,” notes Dr. Patricia Farris, a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Tulane University and a dermatologist in private practice in Metairie, Louisiana. “Accordingly, the current recommendation is to reduce weight by reducing calories.”

Connection to Celiac Disease

But experts say that, generally speaking, data isn’t sufficient to definitively recommend avoiding certain foods. Based on research to date, the strongest evidence supports a gluten-free diet among patients with psoriasis who also have celiac disease (an autoimmune disease in which eating gluten can damage the small intestine and affect food absorption) or a gluten sensitivity.

Psoriasis is associated with a higher risk of developing other autoimmune conditions like celiac disease. “While estimates vary, it’s felt that patients with psoriasis have about a twofold higher risk of celiac disease,” says Dr. Rajani Katta, a dermatologist and clinical assistant professor of medicine at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. “This is why dermatologists will inquire about gastrointestinal symptoms or family history and test further if needed.”

"Other recommendations have minimal supportive scientific evidence,” adds Dr. Ladan Afifi, a medical resident in the dermatology department at UCLA Health who has studied the potential role of diet in psoriasis management.

A Gluten-Free Diet Isn’t Recommended for Everyone

Some people without celiac disease also have gluten antibodies. These proteins are produced by the immune system because the body perceives gluten as a threat.

In one analysis, about 5% of patients without psoriasis had gluten antibodies, while about 14% with psoriasis had gluten antibodies. In addition, Katta points to a small study looking at about 30 psoriasis patients who had gluten antibodies. The researchers found that when study participants followed a gluten-free diet for three months, their psoriasis improved. That was documented with a measure called psoriasis area and severity index, or PASI. Those with psoriasis who didn’t have gluten antibodies had no improvement in their condition as a result of following a gluten-free diet.

While Katta says she doesn’t suggest a gluten-free diet for all patients with psoriasis, she does recommend it for those with celiac disease or gluten-free antibodies. But experts say more high quality studies, like randomized controlled trials, are still needed in this area. In fact, the JAMA Dermatology review only “weakly recommended” a gluten-free diet with those who had such markers of gluten sensitivity.

Diet Changes Shouldn't Be About Restrictions

The JAMA Dermatology review suggests it may be worth it for adults with psoriasis to try a Mediterranean diet. That includes eating two or more servings of vegetables and three or more servings of fruit daily – and having legumes, tree nuts (which include almonds) and fish or seafood three times or more a week.

Researchers also “weakly recommended” that patients with psoriatic arthritis consider vitamin D supplementation. Similarly, the review also "weakly recommended" that those with the condition who are overweight or obese try to lose weight with a low-calorie diet.

“While there are nutrition influencers on social media who design cute infographics with diets for psoriasis, elimination of specific foods really isn’t supported by available research yet,” says Julie Stefanski, a registered dietitian with Stefanski Nutrition Services in York, Pennsylvania, and a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

“Before starting an elimination diet, begin an inclusion diet. There are a few consistent factors in the research that point towards beneficial food components in immune and skin health,” Stefanski says. “One priority should be to regularly include omega-3 polyunsaturated fats from fish.” The best sources include mackerel, herring, tuna, sardines and salmon, she says.

Diets that are heart healthy like the Mediterranean diet also help protect against higher cardiovascular risk with psoriasis – which could prevent a stroke or heart attack. The Mediterranean diet is also considered an anti-inflammatory diet – which some think may be helpful in combating inflammation associated with psoriasis.

“The Mediterranean diet has many documented health benefits,” Farris says, pointing to research that suggests it may be helpful for people with psoriasis. “Accordingly, I suggest consuming more vegetables, olive oil, fruits, whole grains, legumes and fish and less meat, refined grains, processed foods and sugar.”

Experts says other tried and true eating patterns are worth trying as well, like the DASH diet (for dietary approaches to stop hypertension), which is promoted by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.

“Overall, based on our research findings to date, an anti-inflammatory eating pattern is recommended for all patients with psoriasis. There are a number of options, including the Mediterranean diet, the DASH diet and many traditional diets,” Katta says. “The key feature is an emphasis on whole foods, fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices, with less intake of highly processed foods, added sugars and refined carbohydrates.”

Alcohol in Moderation

If you consume alcohol, experts generally consider it wise to drink in moderation – that means no more than one drink per day for women or two for men.

“Unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as alcohol use and tobacco use, are both considered triggers of psoriasis,” says Dr. Kristina Callis Duffin, co-chair of the department of dermatology at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. Drinking may increase the chances of developing psoriasis or make the condition worse and lead to flare-ups of symptoms. Quitting smoking and not imbibing or cutting back on alcohol may improve psoriasis.

Treatment First

Experts emphasize that it’s important for a person with psoriasis to see a dermatologist to discuss treatment options. Lifestyle changes are a supplement to, not a replacement for, medical intervention. That includes dietary changes.

“There really is no single food or supplement that causes psoriasis (or) cures psoriasis,” Callis Duffin emphasizes. She also pushes back on the suggestion that specific food choices directly impact the condition, based on rigorous study of supposed food triggers.

But other experts stress that while more research is needed, it’s worth adopting at the very least a balanced and healthy diet. That could mean following a Mediterranean diet, for example – and in some cases, eating less overall.

https://health.usnews.com/conditions/skin-disease/psoriasis/plaque-psoriasis/articles/could-changing-your-diet-help-with-managing-psoriasis

Improving dental health and diet could help with treatment for psoriasis

From dentistry.co.uk

Improving dental health and diet could help with the treatment for psoriasis, according to a study by American dermatologists.

Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes thick, itchy patches of red skin with silvery scales.
According to the NHS, psoriasis effects around 2% of people in the UK.
The skin disease usually starts in adults under 35 years old, and affects men and women equally.

The study found psoriasis patients who rated their gum health as poor or very poor exhibited significantly more severe psoriasis symptoms than those with healthy gums.
On the other hand, patients who reported consuming fresh fruit at least once a day experienced milder psoriasis symptoms.

The study was published in the Dermatology Online Journal.
Psoriasis is caused by a problem with the immune system.

Treatment for psoriasis

‘Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease so although it often presents as red, scaly patches on the skin,’ said Benjamin Kaffenberger, a dermatologist and study lead at the Ohio State Wexner Medical Centre.
‘We know that the causes and consequences are more than skin deep
‘We’re looking for some sort of trigger that sets off the immune system.
‘Because strep throat is one of the known triggers and the microbiome of bacteria in the mouth is much more complex, that became our starting point.
‘We wondered if poor dental health could be a risk factor for psoriasis.’

Research carried out

A lifestyle and diet questionnaire was sent to 265 patients at Ohio State’s dermatology clinics.
The study surveyed 100 patients with psoriasis and 165 without the disease.
It showed poor dental and oral health is associated with those who had psoriasis.

Kaffenberger explained: ‘Patients who had more severe psoriasis were more likely to report that their gums were in worse condition than patients who didn’t have mild to moderate psoriasis in the first place.
‘Patients who had higher fruit consumption reported less significant psoriasis.’
Therefore, fruit and potentially fresh foods are an associated protective factor.

The study also reinforced data from previous studies that found family history of psoriasis, smoking and obesity were significant predictors of psoriasis.
Kaffenberger hopes to expand the study outside Ohio State’s dermatology clinics.
He suggest having dermatologists screen for dental health and counsel psoriasis patients for improved dietary health.

‘The key is to protect your gums and your mouth by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing.
‘Lifestyle changes include quitting smoking, avoiding high alcohol consumption and properly managing diabetes,’ he added.

https://www.dentistry.co.uk/2019/11/05/dental-health-diet-treatment-for-psoriasis/