Psoriasis Help 4 Friends: October 2024

Thursday, 31 October 2024

USA: 5 Organisations That Can Help You Manage Psoriasis

From everydayhealth.com

These resources make it easier for people with psoriasis to navigate the road ahead

Psoriasis is more than skin deep. For the more than 8 million people in the United States who are living with this chronic skin condition, it can leave a lasting physical, emotional, and social impact.

Organizations that have expertise in psoriasis, as well as patient advocacy groups, can provide you with educational resources, offer practical tips for managing your daily tasks, and connect you with others who understand first-hand what you’re going through.

Whether you are newly diagnosed or have been managing the condition for years, check out these resources to help yourself navigate life with psoriasis.

National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF)

The NPF is a non-profit organization founded in 1967 that is now the lead patient advocacy group for people living with psoriasis and other forms of psoriatic disease, such as psoriatic arthritis. The organization is committed to finding a cure and improving the lives of people living with these conditions.

Along with providing educational information about diagnoses and treatment options, the NPF also offers free assistance for people with psoriasis, their families, and their caregivers through the Patient Navigation Center. You can call their center directly with any question at all — from how to find a specialist to how to handle insurance issues — or submit your question online to receive a response within three business days.

The NPF also hosts a One to One program, where they can connect you by phone, email, or text to another person with psoriasis who understands what you’re going through. If you’ve had psoriasis for a while, you can also volunteer to become a One to One mentor.

One of the NPF’s major goals is to support research to find a cure for psoriasis — and in the meantime, optimize the health of everyone living with psoriatic disease. They host various community events to connect people with psoriasis locally (or virtually) while raising funds to support these initiatives.

You can also follow the NPF on:

American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD)

Founded in 1938, the AAD is the largest professional dermatology organization, representing over 20,500 experts worldwide. They’re committed to spreading awareness and finding treatments for psoriasis; promoting educational and research opportunities; and enhancing patient care for psoriasis and other dermatological conditions.

The AAD’s website offers information about psoriasis; tips for hair, skin, and nail care; dermatologist-approved insider secrets for managing the condition; and a searchable database to find a dermatologist near you who specializes in psoriasis.

For more information, contact the AAD by calling (888) 462-DERM (3376). You can also follow the AAD on:

Psoriasis Association

Founded in 1968, this United Kingdom–based charity and membership organization’s goal is to help improve the lives of people with psoriasis or other forms of psoriatic disease. Over the years, the Psoriasis Association has donated millions of pounds to fund psoriasis research that aims to understand more about the causes, nature, and care of psoriasis.

The Psoriasis Association hosts an annual Psoriasis Awareness Week, as well as other initiatives and fundraisers to spread knowledge about psoriasis to a wider audience. They also provide educational information directly on their website about psoriatic disease, including how it’s treated and how it can affect your day-to-day.

Notably, the Psoriasis Association invites members of the psoriasis community to share their stories about what life with the condition is really like. They also offer peer-to-peer support through their Facebook group and various forums, as well as an opportunity to connect with others, share experiences, and seek support.

You can reach their helpline by contacting the organization directly:

Phone: 01604-251-620
Email: mail@psoriasis-association.org.uk
WhatsApp: 07387-716-439

Inspire’s Psoriasis Community Forum

Inspire is an online community that connects people with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis (and their loved ones) to healthcare professionals. Think of it as a place where you can share health information, seek advice, and find support.

To participate, visit their Psoriasis Community forum, an online group for people with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis that has more than 300,000 members. You’ll need to create a free account to log in; afterward, you can read posts and comments and interact with other members.

PsoriaSis Collective

After experiencing a particularly bad psoriasis flare during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ayesha Patrick started searching for information and support from other people of colour. Frustrated with the lack of available resources, she founded the PsoriaSis Collective as a safe space to support women of colour who are living with psoriatic disease.

Patrick shares her personal experiences with the world through her blog and connects directly with others through her Facebook group. She also participates in NPF-hosted fundraising events in New York.

World Psoriasis Day: Top Healio stories highlight challenges of disease

From healio.com

Key takeaways:

This year’s top psoriasis-related story highlights the impact of early life nutrition on psoriasis risk.
Many headlines surrounding comorbidities also dominated headlines.

Around the world, approximately 125 million people suffer from psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. On Oct. 29, World Psoriasis Day, we recognize the challenges of and treatment advances for patients with psoriasis.

To raise awareness, Healio compiled a list of the top news in psoriasis this year.

On Oct. 29, World Psoriasis Day, we recognize the challenges of and treatment advances for patients with psoriasis. Image: Adobe Stock.

Early life nutrition could impact psoriasis risk

This year, a Swedish study found that subjects who were fed formula as infants had a higher risk for developing psoriasis compared with those who were breastfed for at least the first 4 months of life. Read more.

Oral roflumilast treatment may induce weight loss in patients with psoriasis

Treating psoriasis with oral roflumilast may induce weight loss, positioning the drug as a potentially attractive alternative for patients with psoriasis, according to a study. Read more.

Stress may be associated with increased risk of psoriasis among men

Low stress resilience in men may be linked to an increased risk for developing psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis, according to a study. Study investigator Marta Laskowski, MD, PhD, of the department of dermatology and venereology at the University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, discussed the significance of these results. Also, Joel M. Gelfand, MD, MSCE, James J. Leyden Professor of Dermatology & Epidemiology at Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and Healio Dermatology Chief Medical Editor, weighed in with his Perspective. Read more.

Treatment advancements merit updates to dermatological disqualifiers in the military

Due to medical advancements, researchers are calling for an update to the U.S. Department of Defense’s policies restricting individuals with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis from joining and remaining in the military, according to a study. Dermatologists and military members offered their expertise. Read more.

Patients with psoriasis more likely to have obsessive-compulsive disorder

A new study further confirmed the association between obsessive-compulsive disorder and psoriasis, stressing the need for dermatologists to be vigilant. Jeffrey M. Cohen, MD, director of the Psoriasis Treatment Program, director of the safety department of dermatology and assistant professor of dermatology and biomedical informatics and data science at Yale School of Medicine, discussed the study findings with Healio. Read more.

Q&A: Physician responds to Kim Kardashian using tanning booth to help psoriasis

In the beginning of the year, Kim Kardashian released a viral video flaunting her personal tanning bed built into her home. After garnering negative attention from the public and dermatologists alike, the star justified her purchase saying she uses it to help her psoriasis. Azza Halim, MD, a board certified, multi-specialist physician with a focus in aesthetic and regenerative medicine, spoke to Healio about the dangers of using tanning beds as a therapy for psoriasis. Read more.

Phase 3 data show Tremfya improves scalp psoriasis in patients with skin of colour

Patients with skin of colour that suffer from scalp psoriasis saw significant improvement in their disease severity, scalp itch and quality of life outcomes when treated with Tremfya, according to newly released phase 3 results. Read more.

Treating psoriasis with biologics does not negatively affect COVID antibody production

The use of biologics to treat psoriasis does not affect antibody production after a patient has had a COVID infection or vaccination, according to a study. Read more.

Suicidal ideation, behaviour rate low in psoriasis patients treated with bimekizumab

The long-term adjudicated suicidal ideation and behaviour rate in patients with psoriasis treated with bimekizumab was low and within general psoriasis population ranges, according to a study. Read more.

LITE: Home-based phototherapy as effective as office-based UVB treatment for psoriasis

In a real-world setting, treatment with home-based phototherapy was non-inferior to office phototherapy for people with plaque or guttate psoriasis, with both options safe and efficacious, according to a presentation at the American Academy of Dermatology annual meeting. Read more.

https://www.healio.com/news/dermatology/20241029/world-psoriasis-day-top-healio-stories-highlight-challenges-of-disease

Thursday, 24 October 2024

World Psoriasis Day 2024: Psoriatic Disease and Family--Standing Together in Support and Understanding

From finance.yahoo.com

STOCKHOLM, Oct. 22, 2024 /CNW/ -- Each year on October 29th, the global community unites on World Psoriasis Day to raise awareness and advocate for progress in the fight against psoriatic disease. This year, the focus is on the profound impact of psoriatic disease on families, highlighted by the theme "Psoriatic Disease and Family." This chronic condition is a painful, lifelong noncommunicable disease (NCD) that affects millions worldwide, influencing not just the lives of those diagnosed, but also their loved ones.

The challenges of living with psoriatic disease extend far beyond skin lesions and joint pain; they infiltrate daily life and reshape family dynamics. Patients endure both physical symptoms and emotional struggles, including anxiety and depression, exacerbated by social stigma and treatment complexities. In response to this theme, IFPA has released a pivotal report, Inside Psoriatic Disease: Family, revealing that approximately 90% of families report their loved one's condition significantly impacts their quality of life.

The report highlights how psoriatic disease disrupts routines, increases household responsibilities, and alters leisure activities. Families find themselves navigating practical and emotional challenges together, often without adequate support. This report emphasizes the vital but often unrecognized role that family members play in managing the disease—offering care during flare-ups and emotional reassurance while grappling with their own feelings of helplessness and frustration.

Frida Dunger, Executive Director of IFPA, notes: "Psoriatic disease impacts not only those living with the condition but also their loved ones. Families often shoulder the physical and emotional struggles, providing crucial support as they navigate the complexities of care and treatment together."

World Psoriasis Day 2024 aims to raise awareness of these challenges and calls for stronger support networks. IFPA urges healthcare providers, communities, and policymakers to recognize the central role families play and ensure they receive the resources and support they need.

How to get involved:

This year's campaign invites individuals and families to share their stories and raise awareness on social media using the hashtag #psoriaticdiseaseandfamily. Campaign materials, including the Family Report, are available at psoriasisday.org.

About IFPA

Founded in 1971, IFPA is the international federation of psoriatic disease associations. IFPA's members represent over 60 million people living with psoriatic disease worldwide. More information about IFPA is available at https://ifpa-pso.com.

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/world-psoriasis-day-2024-psoriatic-080000167.html

Childhood Psoriasis: What Parents Need to Know

From everydayhealth.com

Overview

What Is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes the body’s immune system to mistakenly attack healthy skin cells. “It’s as though the body is trying to fight off a fungal infection, even though there’s no fungus there,” says Steven Feldman, MD, PhD, a professor of dermatology at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

This leads to an overproduction of skin cells and a build-up of scaly, patchy rashes known as plaques, Dr. Feldman says.

Every year, about 20,000 children under 10 are diagnosed with psoriasis. That makes it rare among children, affecting about 1 percent. Childhood psoriasis has a higher frequency in girls. The earlier a child develops psoriasis, the more likely it is to be severe.

“It can be very extensive,” says Feldman. “Fortunately, we’ve got treatments for controlling the disease.”

Symptoms of Childhood Psoriasis

In both children and adults, the hallmark symptoms of psoriasis are patchy, scaly rashes, says Adnan Mir, MD, PhD, a paediatric dermatologist, dermatopathologist, and an assistant professor of dermatology at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx, New York.

“When you think of psoriasis, you think of these scaly plaques on the elbows and knees,” says Dr. Mir. “But it can happen anywhere, including on the scalp and on the face. It can even involve the nails.”

Other signs and symptoms of psoriasis include:

Rash that varies in colour, spanning shades of purple with grey scales on darker skin tones to pink or red with silvery-white scales on white skin
Rashes that also range in size from spots of dandruff-like scaling to patches of affected skin or major eruptions over many parts of the body
Small scaling spots, which are most often seen in children
Dry, cracked skin due to rashes that may bleed
Itching, burning, or soreness in the affected areas
Cyclic rashes that flare up for a few weeks or months, subside, then recur again

An early sign of psoriasis is typically small bumps that grow with scales forming on top. If your child scratches the rash, the scales may tear from the skin, which can lead to bleeding. Lesions — or larger areas of damaged skin — can form as the rash continues to spread across the body.

Research suggests that psoriasis tends to happen most often on the extremities (limbs, hands, or feet) in children. Pruritus (itchy skin) is the most common symptom among children. In infants, it’ll often appear in the first year as diaper psoriasis, a lingering rash on a baby’s diaper area, Mir notes.

Types of Childhood Psoriasis

There are several distinct types of psoriasis that can affect children, each with their own signs and symptoms.

Plaque Psoriasis

As in adults, plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis in children, affecting about 34 to 73 percent of children. Those with plaque psoriasis have dry, itchy, raised, patchy rashes covered with scales, most commonly on the scalp, elbows, lower back, or knees. The affected skin might heal with changes in colour, especially in darker skin tones. This is known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Nail Psoriasis

Psoriasis can also affect the fingernails and toenails. This often leads to pitting, discoloured fingernails, or abnormal nail growth. Psoriatic nails can loosen and separate from the nail bed. In severe cases, nail psoriasis can lead to weak and crumbling nails.

Guttate Psoriasis

Guttate psoriasis causes 2 percent of all cases of psoriasis and most often affects children and teens rather than adults. It’s often triggered by a bacterial infection, usually the bacteria that causes strep throat. It’s marked by small, drop-shaped patches on the arms, legs, and torso.

Most people who have guttate psoriasis will make a complete recovery, but about one-third of people will go on to develop chronic psoriasis.

Inverse Psoriasis

People with inverse psoriasis develop rashes in areas where the skin rubs against itself, such as the armpits, belly button, below your breasts, and in your groin area. The rash may be discoloured (brown, red, or purple), and the affected parts of your body may feel damp.

A key difference between inverse psoriasis and other types is that inverse psoriasis doesn’t involve thick, scaly plaques or flaky skin.

Pustular Psoriasis

People who develop this rare type of psoriasis have clearly defined pus-filled blisters on top of their psoriasis plaques. The pustules can join together, creating other fluid-filled blisters that can burst.

Erythrodermic Psoriasis

Erythrodermic psoriasis is serious and life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Most people who develop it already have another form of psoriasis.

When someone develops this condition, the skin on most of the body looks burnt, and patients have chills, fever, muscle weakness, a quick pulse, and severe itching. Before developing erythrodermic psoriasis, patients will often notice their psoriasis is worsening or not responding to treatment at all.

Causes of Childhood Psoriasis

Psoriasis isn’t contagious. Your child can’t catch psoriasis from another person or spread it to someone else, Mir says.

Scientists don’t yet know the exact cause of psoriasis, but they believe genetics and the immune system are significant factors.

Genetics Family history is a major factor when it comes to psoriasis. Thirty-five to 90 percent of cases are linked to family history. In about 30 percent of cases, a first-degree relative of the person with psoriasis (such as a parent or sibling) has the condition, too. Researchers have found more than 1,300 genes that are linked to an increased risk of psoriasis. That said, not all children with a family history will develop psoriasis, and some children with no family history can still develop it, Feldman notes.
Infections Certain infections, especially strep throat, are a common trigger for psoriasis. This is especially relevant in cases of childhood psoriasis, Mir notes. In children, about one-third to half of all young people with psoriasis may experience a flare two to six weeks after an ear infection, strep throat, bronchitis, tonsillitis, or a respiratory infection.

Children who are susceptible to psoriasis may not develop symptoms for months or years until an environmental factor triggers the condition. Common psoriasis triggers include:

Cold, dry weather
Smoking or being exposed to second-hand smoke
Injuries to the skin, ranging from bug bites and sunburn to cuts and scrapes
Infections
Certain medications, such as high blood pressure drugs, lithium, and antimalarial drugs

Diagnosis of Childhood Psoriasis

A dermatologist, especially a paediatric dermatologist who specializes in treating psoriasis, can provide an accurate diagnosis.

A dermatologist will examine your child’s skin and ask you or your child questions about their personal health history and family history. In some instances, your child may need a skin biopsy to rule out other health conditions with similar symptoms.

During the physical assessment, your child’s dermatologist may ask questions such as:

Does your child’s parents, siblings, or extended family have a history of skin conditions?
Is this the first time you’ve noticed an outbreak on your child’s skin?
When did you or your child first notice symptoms like a rash, itchy skin or spots?
Have you tried any home remedies to treat your child’s skin?
What types of soaps and shampoos do you use on your child?

Treatment of Childhood Psoriasis

“Psoriasis should be managed closely with a dermatologist,” says Mir. “They can advise on the safety of different treatments, whether they should consider a phototherapy, or whether the psoriasis is severe enough for systemic therapy.”

The treatment options your child’s dermatologist recommends for them will depend on your child’s age, psoriasis severity, where the rash occurs on the body, and their overall health. Here are some possible treatments for childhood psoriasis.

Topical Treatments

These can include steroid creams, moisturizers for dry skin, and medicated lotions or shampoos, among other formulations. The most common topical treatments for psoriasis are:

Anthralin: a tar cream that slows the growth of skin cells.
Calcineurin inhibitors: a type of topical treatment that calms rashes and lessens the build-up of scales
Coal tar: a treatment that can reduce itching, scaling, and inflammation
Corticosteroids: the most commonly prescribed treatments for mild to moderate psoriasis
Retinoids: a gel- or cream-based treatment option
Salicylic acid: a treatment option to reduce scales associated with scalp psoriasis
Vitamin D analogues: synthetic forms of vitamin D that slow the growth of skin cells

Light Therapy

Light therapy is often the first treatment option doctors turn to for moderate to severe psoriasis, either on its own or together with medications. With light therapy, patients are exposed to controlled amounts of natural or artificial light in repeated sessions.

Oral or Injectable Medications

Your doctor may prescribe your child an oral or injectable medication if they have moderate to severe psoriasis or if other treatments aren’t effective. These may include:

Biologics: injectable drugs that affect the immune system and interrupt the cycle of psoriasis in the body
Cyclosporine: an oral immunosuppressant for severe psoriasis that’s usually well tolerated among children
Methotrexate: an oral medication that slows the growth of skin cells and calms inflammation
Retinoids: oral medications that can slow the growth of skin cells.
Steroids: injectable treatments for small but persistent patches of psoriasis

Lifestyle Management Strategies

Along with medication treatment, daily self-care and lifestyle management strategies can help your child keep their psoriasis symptoms at bay. Key lifestyle strategies include:

Ensure your child gets physical activity every day and is at a healthy weight.
Feed your child a healthy, well-balanced diet.
Have your child take their medications as directed.
Take gentle, lukewarm baths every day. Avoid using hot water, which can worsen symptoms.
Use moisturizer regularly, especially after bathing to help lock moisture into your skin.
Avoid harsh soaps, which can irritate your child’s skin, and use mild soaps instead.
Remind your child to avoid scratching and trim their nails short so it won’t hurt their skin if they do scratch.
Learn your child’s triggers and help them avoid those triggers.
Consider having your child join a support group if one is available. It can help to connect with peers who are going through similar challenges.

Psoriasis Help 4 Friends