Hope after research breakthrough for psoriasis patients

From illawarramercury.com.au

Half a million Australians affected by a debilitating skin and joint disease could be one step closer to a cure after a major scientific breakthrough.

Researchers from the Australian National University have discovered a gene mutation is responsible for psoriasis outbreaks.

Patients living with the auto-immune disease carry a mutated IKBKB gene, and patients with psoriatic arthritis could carry two versions of the gene.

Almost one-third of Australians with psoriasis go on to develop psoriatic arthritis, characterised by pain, joint stiffness and swelling.

ANU researcher Chelisa Cardinez said the scientific breakthrough, which came from mice-testing, may lead to earlier detection and treatment.

"Delays in psoriatic arthritis diagnosis is linked to worse clinical outcomes for patients," she said.

"By developing a better understanding of the IKBKB gene and the role it plays in promoting the onset of these diseases, it could bring us a step closer to one day finding a cure," Dr Cardinez said.

A breakthrough on the genetic drivers of psoriasis offers hope for people living with the disease. (David Crosling/AAP PHOTOS)

Rebecca Davey is one Australian living with the disease.

"People don't understand the debilitating effects these conditions can have on the individual and a whole family when someone is in constant pain," she said.

Ms Davey was forced to give up her nursing job due to the irritation of constant hand washing on her skin, and says she has faced stigma for her disease.

"So many people are accused of having poor hygiene due to the plaques or even just minor skin lesions as they erupt," she said.

"I had no idea what was causing my hands to flare up all the time ... our poor GPs often don't recognise these conditions early."

There is a shortage of skin doctors in Australia, with just 645 practising dermatologists and only six per cent working in regional or remote areas.

Rheumatologists are also in short supply.

In 2021 there were 380 adult and 20 paediatric rheumatologists in Australia, to care for seven million Australians.

Ms Davey says the shortages are making the disease harder for patients.

"People can wait over a year for an appointment if their symptoms are less dramatic," she said.

"We must raise greater awareness of invisible disabilities such as those created by these conditions."

https://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/8568235/hope-after-research-breakthrough-for-psoriasis-patients/ 

‘If I Can Lift Over 200 Pounds, Then I Can Easily Talk About My Psoriasis’

From ca.movies.yahoo.com

After being diagnosed with psoriasis in elementary school, Britni Denney’s self-confidence plummeted. “As a kid, all you want to do is fit in,” she says.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes red, itchy, scaly patches on the skin, called plaques. For Denney, they showed up on her scalp, ears, torso, and limbs. The condition affects over 2 percent of the world’s population, and can begin at any age.

Throughout her childhood, Denney recalls hiding the patches as best she could, strategically choosing clothes that would both cover them up and camouflage any dandruff from the plaques on her scalp. She avoided talking about her condition, and sometimes asked friends to photoshop her patches out of photos.

Over the years Denney has learned that her biggest psoriasis trigger is stress: Situations at work or in her personal life worsened existing patches or led to new ones forming. During a particularly stressful time in her life, Denney’s cousin brought her along to a CrossFit gym. Though she was intimidated at first, Denney had fallen in love with the high-intensity strength-training workout by the end of her first session.

She joined a local CrossFit gym in Pensacola, FL, and now three years later, it’s her main stress-management outlet. “I walk into the CrossFit gym at least five to six times a week, and I know that any ounce of stress that I might have is just gonna melt away,” Denney says.

                                                                                Photo credit: Hearst Owned

Now 30, Denney feels completely differently about her condition—she frequently posts about her psoriasis on social media (which has helped her find community around the world). And she welcomes opportunities to educate others about her condition.

“CrossFit finally gave me the self-confidence that I didn't have when I was younger,” she says. “It gave me the confidence to be okay with the body that I was given and to understand that I'm going to be different. And that it's okay.”

https://ca.movies.yahoo.com/movies/lift-over-200-pounds-then-210000110.html 

Expert debunks psoriasis myths

From uk.news.yahoo.com

Psoriasis is a condition that causes dry, flaky red patches of skin that are covered in silver scales.

Although psoriasis is a relatively common condition, affecting around 1 in 50 people in the U.K., there is a lot of misinformation surrounding it, particularly on social media.

Ali Hedley, Medical and Professional Affairs Manager from Epaderm, has debunked some of the most common psoriasis myths.

"Psoriasis is just dry skin"

People often think that psoriasis is just dry skin, but it is actually a long-term skin condition.

"Contrary to popular belief, psoriasis is a chronic skin condition, not just dryness," Ali explains. "Our skin naturally sheds and produces new skin cells. For those with 'normal' skin, this takes place every 3-4 weeks and for those with psoriasis this takes place every 3-7 days, causing psoriasis patches to appear."

"Psoriasis looks like eczema"

The two skin conditions are often confused, but they are very different.

"Distinguishing itself from eczema, psoriasis exhibits thicker, more raised, and redder patches," Ali says. "Eczema generally targets the folds and creases of your body (behind the knees, between the elbows, on the neck), psoriasis often targets the surface of the skin (scalp, elbows, outer knees)."

"Psoriasis is contagious"

Although much is still unknown about the skin condition, it is known that it is not contagious.

"Psoriasis is not contagious. There is still research to be done to understand the cause of psoriasis but it does tend to run in families," the expert insists. "People with the psoriasis gene will find many triggers that cause a flare-up, most commonly infection, skin injuries, stress, and hormonal changes."

"Psoriasis can be cured"

Although it can be treated, psoriasis cannot be cured.

"While there's no cure for psoriasis, there are lots of simple and effective treatments to make skin more comfortable including emollients and moisturisers," Ali explains. "Epaderm Ointment provides practical relief during flare-ups. The over-the-counter emollient, with no fragrance and just three ingredients, is an effective option for moisturising and softening the skin."

"Only topical treatments can help with psoriasis"

There are a number of things you can do to treat your psoriasis, including taking baths.

"Many people believe that creams, moisturisers and ointments are the only options to treat psoriasis but there are other options," Ali states. "As long as the water isn't too hot, baths are a great way to ease the symptoms of psoriasis. Staying active, maintaining a balanced diet, and substituting your traditional hand soaps for the Epaderm Cream are various ways to support skin health beyond topical treatments."

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/expert-debunks-psoriasis-myths-121315372.html 

The triggers of psoriasis and how to treat it

From telegraph.co.uk 

By Marina Gask

Treatment options have improved enormously for this autoimmune disease. Here’s the low-down on this itchy and distressing condition

Distressing and aggravating for those that have it, psoriasis is an auto-immune condition that affects around two in 100 people in the UK. I am one of them.

In the mid 1980s, at 23 and having just returned with a healthy tan from a summer working on a campsite in the south of France, my brown face was now peppered with pale pink spots, especially round the hairline. Apart from being unsightly, they were itchy.

And, as I subsequently found out from a dermatologist, they were my first signs of psoriasis – a condition I’ve intermittently suffered from ever since. 

What exactly is psoriasis and how can you tell if you have it?

It occurs when certain immune cells are triggered and become overactive, acting as if healing a wound, leading to the rapid growth of skin cells that cause the plaques to form. While you can never get rid of it, knowing your triggers can help you avoid a flare-up, or ‘flare’.

But first of all, it helps to know for sure that it’s definitely psoriasis. “Unlike eczema, which is ill-defined, psoriasis has clear demarcations – there’s a distinct cut-off between normal skin and affected skin,” says Dr Zainab Laftah, a consultant dermatologist with the British Skin Foundation.

The condition can start at any age, but most often develops in adults either between 20 and 30 years old, or between 50 and 60. 

What are the triggers of psoriasis?

Common triggers include stress - in my case, simultaneously struggling to find a job and a flat (and get over a relationship break-up) was the perfect storm. For me it’s manageable, but for some, the condition can hugely affect their quality of life. “People with extreme psoriasis can become socially withdrawn. The impact on their self-esteem can affect daily activities, such as sport and swimming. Psoriasis is associated with metabolic syndrome, so exercise is important in reducing their risk of cardiovascular disease. So, treatment should be sought,” says Dr Laftah. 

“But there’s every reason to be optimistic. Driven by a greater understanding of the molecular drivers of the disease, we now have some incredibly good treatments,” says Professor Catherine Smith, consultant dermatologist and spokesman for the Psoriasis Association.

What are the different types of psoriasis? 

Plaque psoriasis

The most common type, about 80-90 per cent of people living with the condition experience plaque psoriasis, named after the clearly demarcated red plaques formed by a build-up of skin cells that can occur anywhere on the body. These can be red, itchy and sore, with white or silvery scales. In dark skin, the plaques’ appearance may be purple, greyish or darker brown. Common triggers are alcohol, insect bites, skin injury and sunburn.

Plaque psoriasis is the most common type, affecting around 80-90 per cent of psoriasis sufferers CREDIT: Getty

Guttate psoriasis

Also known as ‘tear drop’ or ‘rain drop’ psoriasis, this is a rash of small spots on the torso, back, limbs and sometimes head, neck and scalp. It tends to occur most often in children, adolescents and younger adults. It’s often triggered after a streptococcal throat infection, or other viral or bacterial infection – and in 2023 researchers found it can be triggered by Covid 19. 

Facial psoriasis

Up to half of people with psoriasis get it on their face. This comes in the form of thick, angry, scaly skin on the forehead, around the eyes, on cheeks or chin, as well as eyebrows, round the mouth and on the sides of the nose. As with other types of psoriasis, genetic predisposition is the root cause, but facial psoriasis can be triggered by an infection, a reaction to a medication, a skin injury or emotional stress. 

Nail psoriasis

Nail psoriasis is discolouration, pitting or separation of the nail from the nail bed, and around 50 per cent of people who have psoriasis get it on their nails. Difficult to treat, it can be very painful and may impact daily activities. “It can affect both hands and feet and can be debilitating and hard to camouflage. There are some biologics (injectable treatments) that have proven effective against nail psoriasis,” says Dr Laftah.

Scalp psoriasis

Causing dandruff-like flakes, it’s common for plaque psoriasis to appear on the scalp, often visible around the hairline as well as on the forehead, neck and behind the ears. It can lead to temporary thinning of the hair, but once managed with the right treatment for your psoriasis, this will grow back.

What is psoriatic arthritis?

Affecting about 30 per cent of people with psoriasis, this is a chronic inflammatory disease of the joints that often appears between the ages of 30 and 50, although children can be affected. Symptoms include swollen, stiff and painful joints and tendons, reduced range of motion, eye inflammation and fatigue. In its most severe form, this can cause permanent disability, so a consultation with a rheumatologist is required to find the right treatment plan. “We know it’s under-diagnosed. If people with psoriasis have joint problems, it’s vital to report them to your doctor,” says Prof Smith.  

What are the lifestyle triggers for psoriasis?

Obesity, alcohol, smoking and an inactive lifestyle can all worsen psoriasis, as can medications like lithium and Beta-blockers. And stress is a major factor. “Major life events and stressful incidents can trigger psoriasis in some people. And there can be a lot of judgement around that – people saying: ‘You’re just stressed, you need to relax,’ when really it’s not as simple as that,” says Prof Smith. 

“We also know that among people with psoriasis, there is prevalent alcohol dependence and misuse, and it’s a bit of chicken and egg thing, because severe psoriasis has a huge impact on people’s lives,” so their alcohol misuse may well be driven by distress over their psoriasis. “We know there’s prevalent depression and suicidality in people with psoriasis. It’s stigmatising and for some people, difficult to live with,” says Prof Smith.

 “If you are overweight or obese, you are more likely to have more severe psoriasis, covering in some cases much of the body. But if you lose weight this may help,” says Prof Smith.

Food and diet triggers

Foods that exacerbate psoriasis include saturated fatty acids like butter and palm oil, red meat and sugar. “Avoid excess alcohol and processed foods and eat lots of fruit and vegetables,” says Prof Smith. Anti-inflammatory foods like leafy green vegetables are believed to help with managing psoriasis.

Environmental triggers

Cold weather can trigger psoriasis flares due to lack of sunlight and humidity and the impact of indoor heating and dry air. A dermatology study found that exposure to air pollution can also cause flares. And while UVB sun rays can ease psoriasis in some cases, bad sunburn can set it off. “Research is ongoing to understand how our genes interact with the environment and to identify the other triggers,” says Prof Smith.

Is psoriasis genetic?

While some people will have a family history of the condition, others may not. But having a family member with the disease increases your risk of getting it. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, if one of your parents has psoriasis, you have about a 10 per cent chance of getting it, while if both do, your risk is 50 per cent.

“There is often a crossover with other immune-mediated conditions like IBD (Crohns Disease) and certain types of arthritis,” says Dr Laftah. This means these conditions run in families and there’s a cross-link between them. “If for example, one of your parents has IBD and the other has psoriasis, it increases your chance of developing an immune-mediated condition”.

Prof Smith says there are certain factors that drive the risk of patients’ psoriasis being more severe, one of which is their genetic burden. “In other words, if you’ve got a positive family history, that’s one indicator of your likely genetic burden, and if you’ve inherited a lot of the areas in the genome that increase your susceptibility to psoriasis, you are more likely to have it severely”.

What causes late on-set psoriasis?

A peak period for developing late-onset psoriasis is between 50 and 60. “I’ve seen multiple patients get psoriasis for the first time at this age. And in these cases, the first thing we have to rule out is a new trigger. We know that certain drugs, particularly Beta-Blockers for arrhythmia, can cause psoriasis to present,” says Dr Laftah. 

Psoriasis causes in children

Although relatively rare in the very young, it is estimated that a third of people develop the condition before the age of 16. Children will sometimes get psoriasis in response to a throat infection, and it may completely clear up within months and never return, or it could later present as plaque psoriasis. It can affect children of any age – even babies. 

What treatments are available for psoriasis?

While there’s no cure for psoriasis, treatments have come on in leaps and bounds, making it far easier to manage and control. “For people with more extensive disease there’s been a complete step change, with the development of immunomodulatory therapies and biologics. These drugs are designed to target the pathways that are dysregulated or overactive in psoriasis,” says Prof Smith.

Psoriasis creams and phototherapy           

Treatment tends to start with topical therapy  – steroid creams or ointments which for mild to moderate psoriasis can be enough, slowing the production of skin cells and reducing itching. “Alongside steroids, we also prescribe vitamin D analogue cream, which reduces the inflammatory process. If that doesn’t work, we offer photo therapy,” says Dr Laftah. Phototherapy involves exposing the skin to ultraviolet light on a regular basis. Treatments can be done in a health care provider’s office, a clinic, or at home with a phototherapy unit. The  key to success with light therapy is consistency.

Psoriasis home treatments

As a depleted gut microbiome may help trigger psoriasis, studies have shown that taking probiotics can help in improving skin health and reducing symptoms. Taking a supplement called Propolis, a resin-like material made by bees that is derived from tree buds and plants, has been proven to improve symptoms, as has using aloe vera gel. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, taken in pill form, is another home remedy for alleviating psoriasis. 

In all cases, keeping the skin moisturised is vital, as this will ease itching. Stick to fragrance-free products for sensitive skin, like E45 moisturising cream and lotion, and try using coal tar shampoo for the scalp. The sun’s UVB rays can slow the growth of affected skin cells, so exposure to sunlight can be helpful, on the advice of your doctor. Sunburn can worsen the condition so it’s important to expose the skin gradually, for brief periods, and use fragrance-free sunscreen for sensitive skin.

Immune-suppressant treatments

In cases of severe psoriasis, or where other treatments don’t work, you can be prescribed systemic treatments by a dermatologist, taken in pill form. Immune-suppressant drugs reduce psoriasis by dampening down the immune inflammatory mediated response. While these treatments can be very effective, there are potentially serious side effects, so these need to be discussed with your consultant. 

In some cases, this form of treatment can be essential to your future health. “Twenty per cent of patients who have psoriasis will go on to have psoriatic arthritis, and where that’s involved, regardless of how severe the psoriasis is, they need something that’s going to dampen down that immune system, because any inflammatory response in the joints will cause irreversible damage,” says Dr Zainab Laftah.

Psoriasis injection treatments

Biological treatments or ‘biologics’, taken in injectable form, are usually prescribed on the NHS if you have severe psoriasis that has not responded to other treatments, or if you cannot use other treatments for health reasons.

“Biologics enable treatment to be very selective – only blocking the cells that are involved in inflammatory response, so you get a better response and less side effects,” says Dr Laftah.

For facial psoriasis, Botox may potentially be beneficial, says aesthetic surgeon Dr Jonquille Chantrey: “There is clinical data showing that neurotransmitters are involved in the pathology of various skin conditions, including psoriasis, and Botulinum toxin (Botox) impacts these. The initial data showed that botulinum toxin can improve the symptoms of patients with both stable and active psoriasis. It is crucial however to have a detailed consultation with a doctor who can diagnose whether injectable procedures are safely indicated.”

Psoriasis and acupuncture

In my case, the treatment that has helped me the most whenever psoriasis has reappeared in my life – at times of stress, following illness and, in particular, during menopause – is acupuncture combined with Chinese herbs.

Commonly used to tackle psoriasis in China, and with a low risk of side effects, studies are ongoing, but it’s believed acupuncture reduces itching and inflammation by accelerating absorption of metabolites, and may improve the immune function of the body and repair skin lesions. It’s the combination of the herbs and needles that have quicker results, says acupuncturist Lei Zhou An, who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). “The acupuncture helps to calm your stress, regulating your sleep and menstrual cycle, while the herbs change the pathology to improve symptoms”. To find a reputable trained practitioner, go to the RCHM or the British Acupuncture Council. 

For more information go to www.psoriasis-association.org.uk and myskin.org

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/health-fitness/conditions/skin/what-triggers-psoriasis-causes-treatments-symptoms/

Scalp Psoriasis Can Be Treated in Many Ways

From uexpress.com

By Elizabeth Ko, M.D and Eve Glazier, M.D.

Dear Doctors: I recently developed very bad psoriasis, but only on my scalp. The itch is awful. I'm not interested in the medications advertised on TV because of the side effects. Can you recommend anything? 

Dear Reader: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition in which a glitch in the immune system causes skin cells to multiply at an abnormally fast pace. This results in raised patches of scaly, reddened skin. Known as plaques, they are often itchy and can be painful.

On light-skinned people, a build-up of dead skin cells makes them appear silvery. In darker skin, plaques have a brown, grey or purplish hue. Although psoriasis can develop anywhere on the body, it occurs most often on the skin of the elbows, torso, knees and scalp. In some people, as in your case, symptoms are confined to the scalp. This results in powdery, scaling skin that often looks like dandruff.

When you say you're not interested in the newer psoriasis treatments, we suspect you're referring to a class of medications known as biologics. They work by calming the part of the immune system involved in the overgrowth of skin cells. Biologics are effective, and because they are targeted, there is a reduced risk of their causing problems to your kidneys, liver or other organs. However, as with any medication, they can cause side effects. These include headache, injection site reactions, upper respiratory infection and urinary tract infection. If you change your mind, your doctor can help you explore this option.

There is a range of other treatments for scalp psoriasis. Topical corticosteroids, such as clobetasol propionate, are effective at managing symptoms, including itching. For scalp psoriasis, they are available in medicated shampoos. These can be safely used regularly for several weeks to ease symptoms. After that, weekly or semi-weekly use is usually adequate for maintenance.

As with all corticosteroids, side effects are possible. These include redness and burning, thinning of the skin, skin dryness and acne. Corticosteroids can interact with certain medications, including aspirin. They should not be used when other medical conditions are present, including diabetes. Anyone using corticosteroids should follow directions carefully.

Additional treatments include salicylic acid, which can soften plaques. Retinoids, used to treat acne, can slow overgrowth and ease inflammation. A topical retinoid cream known as tazarotene is sometimes prescribed for psoriasis. Coal tar, a type of creosote, may also reduce inflammation and slow cell growth. It is available over the counter in many forms, including shampoo. Some people find relief with specialized laser and other light treatments. A dermatologist can explain the available options.

Lifestyle changes are also important. Psoriasis flares and ebbs, and you may find a connection to certain foods, climate or behaviour. Don't try to manually reduce plaques or remove psoriasis “dandruff,” as this may increase inflammation. Because scalp psoriasis can occur in tandem with psoriatic arthritis, it would be wise to see a dermatologist for a definitive diagnosis. Depending on your symptoms and medical history, they may refer you to a rheumatologist.

https://www.uexpress.com/health/ask-the-doctors/2024/03/06

Joint Pain + Rash May Be Early Warning Signs of Psoriatic Arthritis — Here’s What Can Help

From yahoo.com/lifestyle

Sore, stiff joints are more than just a nuisance. When pain flares up, it can sometimes make even simple tasks like driving or writing challenging. But what you might not know is that if your joint pain occurs alongside skin-related symptoms, it could point to an autoimmune disease like psoriatic arthritis (PsA). So, what are the early warning signs of psoriatic arthritis, and why do they matter?

To answer these questions, we connected with top rheumatologists. Here, doctors explain what psoriatic arthritis is, what everyone with joint pain should look out for and the best home remedies to ease symptoms.

WHAT IS PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS?

“Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory condition that generally involves the skin, nails and also the joints,” explains Aly Cohen, MD, an integrative rheumatologist and the author of Non-Toxic: A Guide to Living Healthy in a Chemical World. “It’s an autoimmune disease, which means that your immune system recognizes your body as the enemy, particularly your joints and skin.”

Without treatment, psoriatic arthritis can cause permanent joint and tendon damage, affecting your mobility and quality of life. Although there’s no cure, a personalized treatment approach can relieve pain, reduce inflammation and preserve your mobility.                                                                                                          Natalia SERDYUK/Getty

RISK FACTORS FOR PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS

Dr. Cohen says that researchers aren’t yet sure why some people get psoriatic arthritis and others don’t. “There are a lot of different theories and associations, but there’s no direct cause and effect,” she says. “We know that the immune system gets tricked up and all of a sudden starts fighting itself.”

Some of the factors thought to contribute to psoriatic arthritis include:

• Genetics

• Family history (about 40% of psoriatic arthritis patients have a family history of the condition)

• Lifestyle (such as diet and exercise)

• Stress

• Smoking

• Environmental factors (such as exposure to pollutants and/or toxic chemicals)

The gut biome may also play a role, according to Dr. Cohen, because our stomachs “act as an entrance to our immune system process.”

Psoriatic arthritis is different from other arthritis types in that it affects people of all ages, from children to adults. This makes the disease somewhat unpredictable. Consider that “approximately 2% of the general population has psoriasis,” says Brett Smith, DO, a rheumatologist based in Knoxville, Tennessee. “Of those individuals, around a third to a quarter will develop psoriatic arthritis in their lifetime.”

WHAT ARE THE EARLY WARNING SIGNS OF PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS?

The condition ranges in severity and affects everyone differently. Here are some of the most common early warning signs of psoriatic arthritis to look out for:

1. Skin rash

One of the most obvious early warning signs of psoriatic arthritis is a rash with raised patches of red, angry-looking skin. These patches often have white or silvery scales called plaques that itch and burn. A psoriatic arthritis rash can form anywhere on the body, but Dr. Cohen says they’re most common in places like the scalp, ears, elbows and knees.                                                                                                   RUTH JENKINSON/Getty

2. One-sided joint pain

Like other types of arthritis, psoriatic arthritis causes the joints to become “stiff, painful, swollen and tender with a reduced range of motion," says Marina Magrey, MD, a professor of medicine at Case Western University and the Chief of Rheumatology at UH Cleveland Medical Centre.

However, Dr. Cohen says these symptoms “tend to be very asymmetrical compared to rheumatoid arthritis.” For example, you might have chronic pain in the lower left of your back but not on the right, or vice versa. Similarly, you might notice your right knee and elbow have a rash, but the same joints on the opposite side of your body don’t.

3. Swollen fingers

Another one of the common early warning signs of psoriatic arthritis? Dactylitis, or what Dr. Cohen calls “sausage digits”. This causes the joints in your fingers or toes to swell and turn red, almost as if they look like sausages. This can be especially painful and may affect your ability to use your hands and fingers during everyday tasks.                                                                                                          Ville Heikkinen/Getty

4. Nail pitting

Sometimes, psoriatic arthritis affects the health and integrity of the fingernails and toenails. Dr. Cohen says that many people with PsA experience “what’s called nail pitting or nail pits, where there are little dots [or indentations] on the nails.” Since nail pitting affects 10-50% of people with psoriasis, if it occurs, it’s a  good indication you’re at risk of psoriatic arthritis. (Click through to learn more about dents in fingernails and the health conditions that cause them.)

HOW PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS IS DIAGNOSED

If you have any of the above early warning signs of psoriatic arthritis, schedule a visit with your primary care physician for a rheumatologist referral. Dr. Cohen says that not all doctors have the experience or knowledge to diagnose psoriatic arthritis, so it’s beneficial to work with an expert.

Because psoriatic arthritis presents such a wide range of symptoms, there isn’t a single test used to diagnose it. Instead, Dr. Magrey says screening involves a process of elimination.

Here’s what to expect: “Your doctor gathers a comprehensive medical history and tries to tease out where you’re hurting,” Dr. Magrey explains. “She’ll perform a physical exam, looking at your skin and checking your affected joints and tendons for inflammation. She may order some blood tests, like markers for inflammation, and order MRIs or X-rays to look for active inflammation in your tendons and joints.”

Dr. Cohen says that this comprehensive diagnostic approach helps confirm you have psoriatic arthritis while ruling out other conditions that present similarly.

HOW TO EASE PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS SYMPTOMS

You might think that the only way to manage psoriatic arthritis is with prescription medication, but that often isn't the case. Dr. Cohen says that for many folks, healthy lifestyle changes reduce inflammation, minimize flare-ups, and prevent permanent joint and tissue damage. Here's how to keep psoriatic arthritis in check:

1. Opt for whole foods

“[Whenever I’m working with a new patient] I always start with their diet,” Dr. Cohen says. “Lots of the chemicals in our food, and even gluten, affect the gut microbiome and have even been associated with symptom exacerbation.”

A smart bet: eating more whole foods and fewer processed items. Dr. Cohen says you don’t have to follow a specific diet, but should aim to include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and lean proteins in your snacks and meals.

Several studies have found that plant-based diets in particular reduce inflammation and pain perception in people with arthritis. Likewise, a cleaner diet can help you maintain a healthy weight and take pressure off sore joints, bones and tendons. (Click through for more of our best arthritis self-care tips.)                                                                                                                           Arx0nt/Getty

2. Get your beauty sleep

Sound sleep is essential for feeling your best. But if you have psoriatic arthritis, those Zzzs can be hard to catch. The reason? 30-80% of people with PsA report sleep problems, since joint and skin pain can make it difficult to doze off. And in a vicious cycle, that lack of sleep can make symptoms worse.

“Getting good sleep is very helpful for pain perception and pain management,” Dr. Cohen explains. For sounder rest, keep your room at a comfortable temperature, go to bed at the same time each night and turn off electronics at least 30 minutes before bed.

3. Use a faucet filter

Up to 45% of the nation’s tap water contains "forever chemicals" or PFAS. These substances have been linked to health problems such as autoimmune diseases. “Contaminated drinking water is probably associated to a large degree [with the rise in autoimmune disease],” Dr. Cohen says. “That’s why I argue for cleaner drinking water, because it’s such a large source of these immune system-altering chemicals.”

The good news: Cleaning up your drinking water is easier than you may think. All you need is a faucet-mounted filter containing activated carbon or reverse osmosis membranes, which helps remove PFAS from tap water. One to try: Brita Faucet Water Filtration System (Buy on Amazon, $30.79).                                                                                                    fcafotodigital/Getty

4. Try Omega-3s

Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats that act as anti-inflammatories. It’s possible to get them through foods such as fatty fish, nuts and seeds. But if those aren't part of your regular diet, a supplement can help.

“I would argue that having the right supplements for inflammation, like high-quality, well-sourced Omega-3 fish oil can be very helpful,” Dr. Cohen says. “The two most important things to look for on the label are DHA and EPA fatty acids. These healthy fats have the greatest anti-inflammatory effects.”

Dr. Smith recommends supplements from Pure Encapsulations or Thorne "for the purity of each supplement and the research behind their products.” Two to try: Pure Encapsulations O.N.E. Omega (Buy from Pure Encapsulations, $43) and Thorne Super EPA (Buy from Thorne, $42). (Click through to see how omega-3s aid weight loss, too.)

5. De-stress

Many people with psoriatic arthritis say their symptoms get worse when they feel anxious or overwhelmed. That’s because stress activates the body’s inflammatory response, kicking pain and swelling up a notch. Stress is also a common psoriasis trigger. Up to 88% of psoriasis patients report that stress often precipitates a flare.

You may not be able to avoid stress completely, but mindfulness practices like meditation can help. Sound intimidating? It doesn't have to be! Simply taking a few moments to focus on the here and now can help you let go of your worries.

6. Sink into a soothing soak

Warm water does wonders for sore muscles and swollen joints. It can also soothe inflamed and irritated skin, reducing common psoriatic arthritis symptoms like redness and itching. To boost the benefit, stir Epsom salts into your soak. The salt's magnesium sulfate is an effective analgesic for both acute and chronic pain. Plus it helps moisturize skin, minimizing scaly, dry patches. (Click through for 10 other brilliant uses for Epsom salts).                                                                                                    David Lees/Getty

EARLY WARNING SIGNS OF PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS: PREVENTION IS KEY

The old proverb “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” is particularly relevant if you have psoriatic arthritis. Dr. Cohen says that because it’s a systemic disease, you need to focus on whole-body health.

“Make sure to schedule routine eye exams, because psoriatic arthritis can affect your vision," She says. "Likewise, make sure you’re getting regular dental cleanings. There’s some connection in terms of the gut microbiome and infections in the mouth. Health maintenance is really important for just keeping the disease in remission. It can prevent it from getting worse and help prevent flares, too.”

https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/joint-pain-rash-may-early-141914948.html