Hair Loss from Scalp Psoriasis: What to Know + How to Reduce It

From wrcbtv.com

Scalp psoriasis—a type of psoriasis that causes thick, scaly plaques on the scalp, hairline, or neck—can certainly take a toll on self-esteem. One 2017 study found that people with psoriasis tend to have lower self-esteem, quality of life, and body image than the general population, especially if they have moderate or severe symptoms.

One by-product of scalp psoriasis that may affect self-esteem is hair loss. Thinning or breakage of hair does not seem to be caused by scalp psoriasis itself, but due to excess rubbing and itching of the scalp, which breaks or damages the hair follicles. Certain ingredients in scalp psoriasis treatments may also cause this damage.

Either way, the good news is that this hair loss is temporary, and hair should grow back when the offending habit or treatment ceases.

Since hair loss from scalp psoriasis is primarily caused by rubbing and other irritations, the key to reducing hair loss is actually just good psoriasis management. That’s because having your scalp psoriasis under control results in fewer plaques and less itching, which allows the hair to grow normally.

To control psoriasis symptoms, reduce itch, and improve hair growth, try these psoriasis management tips:

1. Stick to your prescribed treatments

Of course, the most important thing you can do is follow your dermatologist’s recommendations. They may prescribe things like medicated shampoos, topical steroid creams, scale-softening products containing salicylic acid (which helps break down plaques), or even more systemic treatments like oral medications or biologics.

Sticking to medications or using them as directed can help reduce plaques and itch on the scalp. If something is not working with your treatment, talk to your dermatologist before making any adjustments.

2. Manage your stress

It’s easier said than done sometimes, but stress management plays a big role in psoriasis treatment. Stress is a major trigger for psoriasis flares—partially because prolonged elevated levels of stress hormones worsen inflammation in the body.

Using stress-relieving strategies is linked to a reduction in psoriasis symptoms. In general, being under stress also makes it harder to keep up healthy lifestyle habits, like eating nutritious meals, getting enough sleep, and sticking to your gym routine. Try meditation or exercise to keep stress levels manageable.

3. Try cold packs and cool lotion

When your scalp is itchy, a cool sensation may feel soothing on the skin. Cold packs can of course provide the chill, but another option is storing your moisturizer in the fridge so it’s cool when you apply it. (Cool showers are also an option, if you can handle ‘em.)

4. Brush + shampoo gently

Too much force or irritation can result in broken hair follicles and hair loss. This goes for everyone, not just people with scalp psoriasis.

5. Use conditioner

Dry hair can break more easily, so it is more likely to result in hair loss from basic brushing. Use a regular (non-medicated) conditioner after each time you shampoo to increase moisture and strength in the hair.

Still struggling with hair loss or other symptoms of scalp psoriasis? Consult a dermatologist for help getting the healthy scalp you deserve.

https://www.wrcbtv.com/story/41953239/hair-loss-from-scalp-psoriasis-what-to-know-how-to-reduce-it

Does BMI and Diet Affect the Severity of Psoriatic Arthritis?

From news-medical.net
By Ratan-NM, M. Pharm

Psoriatic arthritis is a painful, disabling disease which involves inflammation of the skin and joints.

Psoriatic arthritis is characterized by synovitis and enthesitis. Synovitis is inflammation of the membrane that covers synovial joints. Enthesitis is inflammation of the entheses, which are the regions where tendons or ligaments attach to the bone.

Swelling, pain and stiffness are the major symptoms associated with psoriatic arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis can affect any part of the body; however, the fingers and toes are most often affected.

Evidence suggests that both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are associated with obesity and the metabolic syndrome. These two conditions increase the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke.

Observational studies show that obesity is present in 45% of psoriatic arthritis patients. Obesity in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis leads to higher disease activity, decreased responses to therapies, and lower probability of achieving minimal disease activity (MDA).

                                                    Image Credit: NAR studio/Shutterstock.com

The mechanisms linking psoriatic arthritis with obesity

Obesity may negatively impact the disease onset as well as the disease severity of psoriatic arthritis. Though the exact mechanisms linking psoriatic arthritis with obesity is not fully elucidated, the following are proposed as some possible ways.

1. Common immunologic pathways

Both psoriatic arthritis and obesity are characterized by chronic inflammation, which involves similar immunologic pathways. The key cytokines involved in the development of psoriatic arthritis are tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and interleukins (IL).

White adipose tissue, also termed white fat, is a type of adipose tissue found in human body which plays a key role in maintaining the energy homeostasis of the body. White fats produce the same cytokines (TNFα and IL) as those involved in the pathogenesis of psoriatic arthritis.

In addition to TNFα and IL, white fats also produce pro-inflammatory adipokines such as leptin, resistin, and anti-inflammatory adipokines such as adiponektin, omentin.

In people who are obese, white fats are infiltrated by macrophages, dendritic cells and lymphocytes.

Additionally, the pro-inflammatory cytokines and adipokines are overproduced in obesity, which propels the inflammatory processes in psoriatic arthritis.

Apart from systemic immune mediated inflammation, localized inflammation in fat cells inside joints and beneath the psoriatic skin lesions can also lead to progression of psoriatic arthritis.

2. Biomechanical stress

Biomechanical stress is another mechanism which links obesity with psoriatic arthritis. The extra weight around the joints can cause biomechanical stress and damage.
Psoriatic arthritis causes enthesitis or inflammation at site of tendons and ligaments where they attach to bones.
These sites of attachment are often subject to mechanical stress. In obese individuals, the weight load causes increased mechanical stress; it is also associated with increased possibility of local microdamage.

3. Behavioural factors

Another interesting mechanism linking psoriatic arthritis and obesity is behavioural factors.  The pain and skin lesions associated with psoriasis can lead to behavioural changes in the patient, which leads to lowered physical activity and over-eating.
This ultimately result leads to obesity, which may further reduce the patient’s mobility and physical activity. In such cases, it is suggested to seek physician advice and follow an efficient weight loss treatment.

Weight Loss Benefits

As per a recent study published in the journal Arthritis research & therapy, short-term weight loss treatment with VLED (very low energy diet), a diet that is low in energy/calories, can have significant positive effects on disease activity in joints, entheses and skin in patients with psoriatic arthritis and obesity.

Psoriatic arthritis patients who lose weight are found to have better treatment outcomes with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biological drugs.

As per a study published in 2016, in the journal Rheumatology (Oxford), obesity is associated with diminished treatment response and adherence to the biological drug, TNF-α inhibitor (TNFI), in psoriatic arthritis.

A combination of pharmacological drugs and weight loss treatment is recommended in patients presenting with psoriatic arthritis and obesity. Weight loss can lead to improvements in disease activity, treatment responses and also decrease the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

https://www.news-medical.net/health/Does-BMI-and-Diet-Affect-the-Severity-of-Psoriatic-Arthritis.aspx

What Your Nails Reveal About Your Health

From newsmax.com

The next time you go for a manicure or pedicure, take a good look at your nails. They may be mini x-rays of what's going on in your body.
"If you notice little red lines on your nails called splinter haemorrhages, that could be a sign of pericarditis," Dr. Anthony Youn, author of "The Age Fix," tells Newsmax. The lines could also indicate systemic diseases that cause inflammation in blood vessels such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma, or malignancies.

                                                    (Monika Podlaska/Dreamstime.com)

"Your nails are a good reflection of your health," dermatologist Christine Poblete-Lopez, M.D., of the Cleveland Clinic, agrees. "Many things can occur in the nails that can signify systemic or skin problems."

Here are some examples:

• Cracked or split nails. While overzealous washing and drying of your hands can cause a brittle texture, the underlying cause of cracked nails may be malnutrition or a vitamin deficiency.
• Nail pitting. Tiny, pinpoint-like depressions in a nail could indicate psoriasis or connective tissue disorders such as Reiter's Syndrome, according to the Mayo Clinic.
• Nail clubbing. When the nail bed curves over the fingertips, it could indicate low levels of oxygen in the blood, which in turn could signal lung disease. Clubbing may also be a symptom of cardiovascular disease, liver disease, and AIDS.
• Spoon nails. If your nails look like they've been scooped out from the centre, you may have iron deficiency anaemia or a liver condition in which your body takes in more iron than you need.
• Terry's nails. If your nails appear white without the moon-shaped symmetry of healthy nails, it could be a sign of severe liver disease, diabetes, congestive heart failure, or hyperthyroidism. Terry's nails are often a sign of aging as well.
• Yellow nail syndrome. When nails thicken and new growth slows down, the nails start to thicken, resulting in a yellowish tint to the nail plate. This could indicate a respiratory disease such as chronic bronchitis.
• Nail separation. This condition is called onycholysis and, according to experts at Harvard Medical School, can be caused by everyday activities such as tapping a keyboard. However, it can also be caused by certain medical conditions such as fungus infections, a reaction to medications or consumer products, overactive thyroid, and iron deficiency.
• Beau's lines. These are grooves that run horizontally across the nail plate and may be caused by psoriasis, chemotherapy, nutritional deficiencies, or diminished blood flow to the fingers — a common symptom of Raynaud's disease.

Pay attention to anything on or around your fingernails or toenails that suddenly looks differed, says Dr. Poblete-Lopez. "Anything that doesn't look normal ought to be addressed," he says. "Your best course of action is to see a doctor as soon as possible."

https://www.newsmax.com/Health/health-news/nails/2020/03/16/id/958497/

Hand washing: Expert advice for people with skin conditions

From medicalnewstoday.com

To stem the tide of COVID-19, the advice from all major health bodies is to wash your hands properly and frequently. However, regular hand washing can exacerbate skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis. In this feature, we ask the experts for advice.

Hand washing is one of the most powerful ways to slow the spread of infectious diseases.
However, for individuals with particularly dry skin or skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis, excessive hand washing can result in skin damage and sore hands. Even for individuals with healthy skin, overuse of soaps and hand sanitizers can cause the skin to dry out and crack.

As Dr. Zainab Laftah, consultant dermatologist and a spokesperson for the British Skin Foundation explained to Medical News Today:
“Repetitive use of hand sanitizers and hand washing can strip the proteins in the epidermis (top skin layer), leading to a compromise of the skin barrier and, therefore, the risk of infection. Additionally, soaps can give rise to irritant hand dermatitis, which presents as dry, flaky, itchy red skin, particularly in the finger web spaces and on the knuckles.”

To avoid this, Dr. Laftah recommends “the use of a regular moisturizer.”
Individuals with pre-existing skin conditions are more at risk of skin damage. These people “may benefit from hand washing with a moisturizer that contains an antibacterial ingredient, for example, chlorhexidine or benzalkonium chloride,” explains Dr. Laftah.

However, she notes that a recent study reported that “hand sanitizers containing these biocidal ingredients were less effective than alcohol-based hand gels at eradicating the coronavirus.”
Besides moisturizing, it is also important to dry hands thoroughly. This is important for two reasons: firstly, germs are transferred more easily between wet hands.

Secondly, as Dr. Laftah explains, “water itself has a drying effect on the skin by reducing the skin’s natural oils when it evaporates, thus impairing the skin barrier.”
Overall, Dr. Laftah recommends either of the following two options:

• Wash with soap or with moisturizer and water, then moisturize.
• Use an alcohol-based hand gel and then moisturize afterward. Moisturizing at the same time might compromise the anti-microbial properties of the hand gel.

She adds that a “moisturizer that lathers can act as a soap substitute and will be less drying on the hands; therefore, those with cracked skin may find this more soothing.”
Following on from this, Dr. Adil Sheraz, also a consultant dermatologist and a spokesperson for the British Skin Foundation, explained to MNT, “If patients feel the need to use alcohol or sanitizing gel, (this may exacerbate the eczema or skin condition), then apply emollient immediately afterward to minimize skin irritation.”

Minimizing the impact of hand washing

We contacted the British Association of Dermatologists who were keen to stress that they “don’t want to deter people from following government guidance on reducing the risk of coronavirus infection, hand washing being a key part of this.”
However, they do offer the following advice to help minimize the impact that increased hand washing might have on already damaged skin:

• Moisturizers, or emollients, are vital for treating hand dermatitis. They help repair damaged outer skin and lock moisture inside. People should apply them repeatedly throughout the day, and whenever the skin feels dry.
• Applying an emollient after washing the hands can help. They advise that some individuals might benefit from applying emollient to their hands overnight while wearing cotton gloves.
• When washing the dishes, using cleaning products, or shampooing a child’s hair, a person can protect their hands by wearing latex or rubber gloves.

Immunosuppressants

Some skin conditions have an immune component. For this reason, doctors sometimes prescribe immunosuppressants, including methotrexate and ciclosporin.
Some individuals have shown concern and are asking whether they should stop taking their medication.

According to Dr. Sheraz, “There is no good evidence that being on immune-suppression necessarily increases the risk of getting COVID-19 or that the disease has a more severe course in such people. However, there is still a lot to learn about the virus, and following government advice is vital.”

The British Association of Dermatologists reiterate this stance. They make it clear that “creams used for skin conditions, in the correct quantities recommended by dermatologists or [doctors], are not likely to increase the risks of getting COVID-19 or having a more severe form of the illness.”

They write that “At present, most people are choosing to continue treatment until there is evidence on which to base advice. […] Any decision made about stopping treatment should include the consideration that your skin condition may deteriorate. It may also be more difficult to access healthcare services over the upcoming months.”

“Unfortunately there is no blanket answer for these patients,” Dr. Sheraz told MNT, “a decision will need to be made on a case to case basis. Stopping immune-suppressing medication may well result in a flare-up of the underlying condition. This will need to be taken into account.”

The overarching themes are that hand washing is essential and that individuals who have particularly dry hands or skin conditions should use emollients to minimize damage and consider buying emollient soap substitutes.

For live updates on the latest developments regarding the novel coronavirus and COVID-19, click here.
For information on how to prevent the spread of coronavirus, this Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) page provides advice.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hand-washing-advice-for-people-with-skin-conditions#Immunosuppressants