Jab that can cure psoriasis

by MARTYN HALLE

Thousands of people suffering from psoriasis could gain long-term relief with a revolutionary new drug.
Until now, there has been no drug specifically targeted at this condition that affects 1.2 million people in the Britain, and more than 90 million worldwide.
Not only is Amevive the first drug developed for psoriasis, it also holds out the hope of long-term remission from the disease.

Many patients find that existing treatments are only short-lived before having to be repeated. But when using Amevive, patients may stay symptom-free for up to a year.

The drug - which is launched in the UK at the end of the year - is normally injected weekly into the arm (at a hospital) over a 12-week period. By the end of that time patients will have started to notice their skin beginning to clear.

Amevive works by slowing the cells in the immune system responsible for psoriasis. The disease is caused by these immune cells - called T cells - becoming overactive. These cells are the triggers for psoriasis and other autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

In psoriasis, the skin cells multiply ten times faster than the normal rate.

The excess cells pile up on the skin surface, forming red, raised, scaly, plaques that can be painful and disfiguring.

Many find themselves excluded from social circles because of the belief that psoriasis is infectious in some way, which it is not. Sufferers may be embarrassed to do normal activities such as swimming because it exposes their psoriasis.

Amevive is likely to benefit the 350,000 people in Britain who suffer from psoriasis so badly that they need more than mild creams to try and keep the condition in check.

'There is a tremendous stigma attached to psoriasis,' says Gladys Edwards, of the Psoriasis Association. 'If patients got long-term relief from a new drug, that would boost their self-esteem and allow them to get on with a normal life.'

Dermatologists find that no single drug is completely effective for all psoriasis sufferers. But in trials, Amevive gave complete or near complete remission for 75 per cent of patients after the 12-week course of injections. Some patients remained disease-free for up to ten months.

Professor Chris Griffiths, a leading expert on psoriasis, carried out trials with Amevive at Hope Hospital in Manchester. He says the drug has advantages over many existing drugs because it has, so far, been shown to have few side effects.

He adds: 'There have been some reasonable drugs in the past, but what makes Amevive different is that it was specifically designed to treat psoriasis.

'PUVA is a form of photolight therapy, which is very effective for many patients, but has to be used sparingly because - like most light therapies - there is an increased risk of cancer.

'Cyclosporine is used to prevent rejection in transplant surgery and works really well because it suppresses the immune response, but it has been linked to kidney damage and can cause raised blood pressure.'

Methotrexate, an anti- cancer drug, has been shown to be effective, but it can be toxic to the liver.

'Amevive worked well for a number of patients on our trial and it appears to have a very promising future,' says Professor Griffiths.

'Rather than suppress the condition, it targets the cause of the disease.'

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-163262/Jab-cure-psoriasis.html

The Best Treatment For Psoriasis

People often talk about the different treatments used against psoriasis and how well they worked for them, but unfortunately whatever may have worked for one person won't necessarily work for another. This can make identifying the single best treatment for psoriasis difficult, and is what makes curing yourself of the condition a minefield of different lotions and potions.

Because of this hit and miss nature of finding the best treatment for psoriasis, many people will fail to find ultimate relief from it. However, eradicating psoriasis from your life needn€ ??t be as difficult as this sounds, just by taking a holistic approach to the problem.

Holistic treatment is all about taking a look at the bigger picture, and looking at the whole range of factors that can combine to cause psoriasis. This approach is not about taking a magic pill that will make the problem go away, but in applying changes to areas of your life that can make an impact on your condition.

Most people with psoriasis will already be using some kind of cream or lotion on the affected areas, to help soothe the skin and help it to heal. These can help, but as they are only targeting the symptoms on the surface, they are not the best treatment for psoriasis. That said, if they do help then they can be a part of our holistic cure, although it is recommended you use products with natural ingredients. This is also true of soap and shower gels, too many chemicals in them can irritate the skin further.

To truly tackle the condition, the best treatment for psoriasis is to address it at the root of what causes it. Unfortunately it is still not full understood exactly why psoriasis happens to some people, but we do know enough to be able to take some action to stop it. Psoriasis is known to be an immune system related disorder, and thus by helping our immune system we can help rid ourselves of the disease.

In view of helping the immune system, the best treatment for psoriasis sufferers to take is going to involve addressing their diet. If you eat too much processed convenience food and not enough healthy fresh produce, then you are already harming your immune system. To function properly it needs a daily supply of vital nutrients, and much of the food we eat today is stripped of these nutrients in the manufacturing process.

Not only that, but chemicals are added to the food such as preservatives, emulsifiers and colourings, which all have a detrimental effect on the immune system. The toxic chemicals these foods dump in the body are often too much for the immune system to deal with efficiently, and can leave it unable to fight off diseases like psoriasis. The normal process to deal with toxins is to flush them out through the urine and bowels, but when a build up occurs the body will use the pores on the skin to expel them, irritating the skin and exacerbating the problem.

The best treatment for psoriasis has to involve reducing the amount of toxins you put in your body, by eating healthier, and removing any build up through a good detox program. This way of tackling psoriasis may involve a little work in implementing the changes required, but it is effective and will also leave you in better health overall.

http://goarticles.com/article/The-Best-Treatment-For-Psoriasis-How-To-Finally-Beat-Psoriasis/6468410/

Dry Penile Skin? Here's What Your Body May Be Missing

By John Dugan

Dry penile skin is more than just a minor cosmetic problem - it can cause discomfort and embarrassment, and it can even impair a man's ability to perform well, not to mention making the tissue more susceptible to infection. Some of the causes of a dry, itchy penis may be surprising, and addressing them is an important aspect of penis care. Here are just some of the things a man may be missing in his diet and other daily habits that can damage his penile health.
1) Vitamin A. This fat-soluble vitamin plays an important role in overall skin health. It is found in many moisturizers and cosmetic products and can improve the quality of the skin's surface. It can be obtained from fruits and vegetables that have an orange color (such as carrots, sweet potatoes and peaches) as well as dark green, leafy vegetables.
2) Vitamin C. Vitamin C has both antioxidant and skin-building properties and is vitally important to a healthy penis. Vitamin C can help to keep the skin oxygenated, allowing for faster repair of dry, damaged tissue. Vitamin C can be found in many food sources, including citrus fruits, onions, tomatoes, peppers and dark green, leafy vegetables.
3) Vitamin D. Vitamin D is known as the "miracle vitamin" because it is needed for so many of the functions carried out in the body on a cellular level. An adequate supply of vitamin D is needed for healthy, smooth skin. It is produced in limited quantities in the body and requires exposure to sunlight; it is also added to enriched food products such as milk and bread. Vitamin D is frequently found in skin creams and moisturizing lotions.
4) Vitamin E. This vitamin has received considerable attention lately as an important component of skin health. It is frequently used in treating chronic skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, both of which are characterized by dry, itchy, distressed skin. It is also beneficial for skin that is generally healthy, because it works to lock in moisture and boosts the skin's natural lubricating properties. Vitamin E is found in green, leafy vegetables as well as fortified cereals, and it is often added to body creams and lotions.
5) Water. The skin naturally loses water throughout the day, and this needs to be replaced in order maintain adequate hydration levels. Without it, the skin can become dry and papery, even when other nutrients are present in adequate amounts.
Steps for improving dry penile skin
To improve the look and feel of the penis, men can take the following positive steps - and, in doing so, they may find that they feel healthier and more energized in general:
- Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Men should strive for five to seven servings a day, looking for fruits and vegetables in a wide array of colors and textures to be sure they are getting a good supply of the various vitamins and minerals they contain.
- Don't skimp on the healthy fats. True, too much fat - or the wrong kind of fat - has been linked to health problems like obesity and heart disease. On the other hand, the body needs a certain amount of fat to carry out its basic functions, including maintaining healthy skin. Heart-friendly fats that do not contain cholesterol come from plants; olive oil, for instance, is a good source of dietary fat and can add plenty of flavor and texture to the diet.
- Stay hydrated. It is important to replace body fluids that are lost through sweating, urination, other metabolic processes or even just rubbing against clothing. For overall health, men should be consuming at least 8 8-oz. glasses of water per day; doing so can lead to a better skin tone and texture as well as reducing that dry, rough feeling.
- Make use of a penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil). A quality product that contains a high-end moisturizer such as Shea butter, combined with the hydrating capacity of vitamin E, can provide almost instant relief for dry, itchy penile skin. A cream that is fortified with vitamins A, C and D can also work from within to create skin that is smooth, supple and responsive, rather than dry, dull and parched.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Dry-Penile-Skin?-Heres-What-Your-Body-May-Be-Missing&id=8746211

Beating Psoriasis Without Drugs

Psoriasis is one of the many diseases which are caused by the body's immune system, which has suffered a malfunction. The immune system mistakenly identifies good cells as "foreign" and attacks them, in a bid to protect the body.

This is why there is currently no cure for Psoriasis. There are some vendors who claim they do have a cure but considered expert medical opinion disagrees. Conventional treatment suppresses the immune with steroid medication, which causes problems in at least two ways.

First, the steroids cause many side effects, some of them can be very serious. Not every patient suffers from these side effects but careful monitoring by medically qualified professionals is vital.

Secondly, there is a need to bolster the immune system with additional medication, known as steroid-sparing or adjuvant drugs. These drugs can also cause side-effects.

If you want to avoid the dangers of these medications, there are various ways to get relief, depending on what type of psoriasis it is and where it is.

1) Creams, oils and lotions: There are many of these available, each with a different mixture of ingredients and each claiming varying degrees of success, from mild relief to complete cure!
The advantages of creams and oils is that they are quick and convenient to apply and they are relatively inexpensive. Many of them claim excellent results from happy customers.
They have the obvious disadvantage that they can be messy and uncomfortable, staining clothes and bedclothes and may be unsightly if applied to the face, hair or hands.

2) Where the psoriasis is in the hair or on the scalp, a shampoo is often the most convenient and effective treatment. Some shampoos have a strong odor, which many people consider to be unpleasant and this could be embarrassing in a social situation. Generally speaking, psoriasis shampoos and hair treatments are not expensive.

3) Nail psoriasis and fungal nail infections are in a different category. Toenails live in a sweaty and humid environment, where fungus can thrive, so improvement in this condition can be difficult and slow. Argan oil is a popular treatment for toenails and finger nails.

With toenails, there is the slight consolation that they are out of sight most of the time. Finger nails are probably easier to treat but it if they are in a bad state, they can be a cause of considerable embarrassment, especially for the ladies.

4) There is a growing number of natural remedies in tablet form, to be taken internally, usually with the aim of calming or "curing" the immune system. They make considerable claims in avoiding the harsh chemicals and drugs of conventional treatments, with emphasis on natural and herbal ingredients.

5) Hypnosis has had a place in homeopathic medicine for many years. The large number of practitioners and products is testimony to the popularity of these treatments, as is the startling behaviour seen in many stage and theatre shows.

Growth in technology has seen a huge increase in the availability of home treatments, in the form of CD's and downloads, so that sufferers can use these methods in the comfort and privacy of their own home.

http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Five-Best-Ways-To-Beat-Psoriasis-Without-Drugs&id=8736008

Aloe Vera and Its Benefits

Aloe Vera has long been the calming gelatinous plant, used for almost all kinds of healing. Inside the plant lies the soothing and cool gel that can miraculously heal almost all sorts of cuts, wounds and burns. The leaves of the plant form a rosette and despite the spiky look and feel she is quite majestic and long-legged.
Like any kid, we used the leaf of the plant to treat burns and cuts. Bacterial infections like staph can be easily treated by the usage of this plant. The gel of this plant surpassed any anti-biotic treatment procedures, surpassing almost all anti-bacterial ointments.
If you are facing problems with proper functioning of your small intestine, aloe Vera might come to use. They work on your wrinkles, and, consuming them helps you lose a lot of weight. Drinking smoothies made of aloe four times a week can help you derive desired weight.
The gel and the latex are the useful parts of the aloe plant. The gel is obtained from the center of leaf cells, while the latex is obtained from the cells just beneath the leaf of the skin. The gel is responsible for causing changes in the structure of the skin that will help in the treatment of skin diseases and other factors. The plant can actually speed up wound healing by the improvement of blood circulation in the area, thereby preventing cell death around a wound.
Researches over the years have proven that the properties in aloe are meant to be harmful to a certain range of bacteria and fungi. Also the latex in the plant is meant to work as laxatives. The plant works the old fashioned way Cleansing, healing and repairing the damage of the past, ensuring renewal of the cells and cleansing your system.
A few benefits
· Having aloe latex by the mouth can actually help you reduce the source of constipation.
· O.5% extract of aloe cream, if used 3 times daily helps increase the cold sore healing rate in men.
· Itchy skin, rashes on the skin and mouth can also be healed by the usage of aloe vera. Usage of a mouthwash daily, for 8 weeks can result in reduces pain in association to itchy rashes formed in your mouth.
Research otherwise shows that application of a cream, having about 0.5% of aloe for 4-8 weeks reduces plaques in skin, thereby decreasing the chances of psoriasis. The aloe gel however works on decreasing redness of skin.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Aloe-Vera-and-Its-Benefits&id=8759201

The 7 Types of Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a skin disease, often marked by red scaly patches. There are several different types of psoriasis. In most cases, people have one type at a time. Sometimes symptoms go away. Then, another type of psoriasis crops up in response to a trigger. Here is a brief overview of the main types of psoriasis.

Plaque Psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis. About eight in 10 people with psoriasis have this type. It is also sometimes known as psoriasis vulgaris.

Plaque psoriasis causes raised, inflamed, red skin covered by silvery white scales. These may also itch or burn. Plaque psoriasis can appear anywhere on your body but often appears in these areas:

• Elbows
• Knees
• Scalp
• Lower back

Rather than coming and going, plaque psoriasis may last for years.

Guttate Psoriasis

Guttate psoriasis often starts suddenly in childhood or young adulthood. It occurs is less than 2% of cases. This type causes small, pink-red spots on the skin. Usually less thick than plaque lesions, they often appear in these areas:

• Trunk
• Upper arms
• Thighs
• Scalp

These things may trigger guttate psoriasis:

• An upper respiratory infection such as strep throat or tonsillitis
• Stress
• Skin injury
• Certain drugs such as beta-blockers

This type of psoriasis may go away within a few weeks, even without treatment. However, some cases are more stubborn and require treatment.

Inverse Psoriasis

Inverse psoriasis appears as bright-red, smooth, shiny lesions. These don't have scales. Inverse psoriasis usually appears in these areas:

• In the armpits
• In the groin
• Under the breasts
• In skin folds around the genitals or buttocks

Because of its location, inverse psoriasis may worsen from sweating and rubbing. For this reason, it can be hard on overweight people or those with deep skin folds. An overgrowth of yeast may trigger this type of psoriasis.

Pustular Psoriasis

Pustular psoriasis is uncommon and mostly appears in adults. Pustular psoriasis causes pus-filled bumps (pustules) surrounded by red skin. These may look infectious, but they are not. Reddening can appear first, followed by scaling and the formation of the pus-filled bumps.

This type of psoriasis may show up in one area of the body such as the hands and feet. Or it may cover most of the body (generalized). Pustular psoriasis can be very serious, so immediate medical attention is needed. Generalized pustular psoriasis can cause:

• Fever
• Chills
• Nausea
• Fast heart rate
• Muscle weakness

These things may trigger pustular psoriasis:

• Topical or systemic medications, especially steroids
• Sudden withdrawal of systemic medications or strong topical steroids used over a large area of the body
• Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) light without sunscreen
• Pregnancy
• Infection
• Stress
• Exposure to certain chemicals

Erythrodermic Psoriasis

This type of psoriasis is the least common, but it’s very serious. Eyrthrodermic psoriasis affects most of the body and causes widespread, fiery skin redness that may appear burned. In addition, you may have:

• Severe itching, burning, or peeling
• An increase in heart rate
• Changing body temperature

If you have these symptoms, see the doctor right away. You may need to be hospitalized. This type of psoriasis can cause severe illness from protein and fluid loss. You may also develop an infection, pneumonia, or congestive heart failure.

These things may trigger erythrodermic psoriasis:

• Sudden withdrawal from a systemic psoriasis treatment
• An allergic drug reaction
• Severe sunburn
• Infection
• Medications such as lithium, anti-malarial drugs, cortisone, or strong coal tar products

Erythrodermic psoriasis may also occur if you have a long period where it is hard to control your psoriasis.

Nail Psoriasis

Up to half those with psoriasis have nail changes. This is even more common in those who have a type of psoriasis that affects the joints (psoriatic arthritis).

These are common symptoms of nail psoriasis:

• Pitting -- small pits on the surface of the nails
• Tender painful nails
• Separation of the nail from the bed
• Change of color (yellow-brown)
• Chalk-like debris buildups under the nail

With nail psoriasis, you are more likely to also have a fungal infection.

Nails are a more difficult area to treat because the medication doesn't easily penetrate the nail bed. As a result, topical medication doesn’t work well. Steroids can be injected into the nail, light therapy may be needed, or internal medicine may be required. It helps to keep nails trimmed as short as possible.

Psoriatic Arthritis

This is a condition where you have both psoriasis and arthritis (joint inflammation). In 70% of cases, people have psoriasis for about 10 years before developing psoriatic arthritis. About 90% of people with psoriatic arthritis will also have nail changes related to psoriasis.

The most common joint symptoms of psoriatic arthritis are:

• Painful and stiff joints that are worse in the morning and after rest
• Sausage like swelling of the fingers and toes
• Warm joints that may be discolored

 http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/psoriasis-14/psoriasis-types?page=1

Women And Psoriasis

The disease can undermine self-confidence, relationships and women's perceptions of themselves

By Amy Stork

The emotional and social effects of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis cut a deeper path through women's social and emotional lives than men's, according to a new National Psoriasis Foundation report.
The report, an analysis of survey data from nearly 5,000 patients, showed that 20 percent of women said psoriasis is a very large problem in their everyday lives, compared to 12 percent of men. Nearly 60 percent of women said psoriasis interferes with their capacity to enjoy life, compared to 52 percent of men.
Sociology and psychology experts say that's because psoriasis taps into complex realities about how women are perceived in society and how they perceive themselves.
Dr. Wendy Chapkis, director of the women and gender studies program at the University of Southern Maine and author of "Beauty Secrets: Women and the Politics of Appearance," says psoriasis stirs up a concern with appearance that underlies many women's lives.
"The pressure is so intense on women to appear attractive to others. So much of our capital in the world is based on our appearance," Chapkis said. "That's not just an emotional reality—that's a material reality."
She said studies have shown that women who are overweight or whose appearance differs from the norm have a harder time getting and keeping jobs regardless of competence, and are paid less.
Dealing with psoriasis can be particularly hard on young women, according to Dr. Julie Nelligan, a Portland, Ore., psychologist who specializes in the emotional impact of chronic diseases.
"People under 40 are looking for their social group, their career, their mate," said Nelligan. "It's very important how other people perceive them. If their psoriasis is in a place that makes them uncomfortable, that can impair their confidence and ability to form the key relationships and activities that are the foundation for their lives."

Psoriasis 'always present'

The relationship between appearance and confidence for women living with psoriasis is complicated and sometimes confusing. Leigh Z., a 33-year-old San Diego resident who was diagnosed at age 5, says psoriasis dominated her outlook for many years.
"It was always present. When I went shopping, when I went to a new school, in every sort of situation there was always the psoriasis. I didn't date at all in high school, and it wasn't until I had a boyfriend in college that I started coming out to my closest friends about psoriasis."

The disease appeared mostly on her elbows and knees then; now, she sees it mainly on her ankles, upper arms and, since pregnancy, on her fingernails. Though she is more open about psoriasis now, and feels comfortable talking about it in person, Leigh identified herself for this article by her middle name only.
"It's ironic that I feel so comfortable in my own skin, yet I am not willing to expose myself nationally, to say, 'Here I am, I have psoriasis, look at me.' Even now, it is still something I am coming to grips with."
Leigh feels lucky to have found a treatment regimen (she uses coal tar ointment) that allows her to keep the disease from ruling her life. Now a busy mother and communications professional, keeping thoughts of psoriasis at bay helps her focus on other priorities.
"Otherwise, I would go crazy," she said.
Psychologist Nelligan said that finding a sense of control, as Leigh has, is essential to overcoming the feelings of anger, frustration, embarrassment and helplessness that hit female psoriasis patients harder than males.
"A lot of women don't feel they are as powerful a force in their own lives as men do. Men are taught from early on to figure out how to solve their problems and be on their own. Women don't grow up with the same sense of (controlling their own destiny)."

Self-acceptance is key

Nelligan says cognitive behavioral therapy is particularly useful in empowering women. The technique focuses on how patients perceive their own effectiveness in dealing with important issues in their lives, and on changing thought patterns that lead to helplessness and despair.
How a woman with psoriasis chooses to dress may be an example.

Given the importance of appearance to women's success and self-esteem, it's hardly a surprise that nearly half of the women surveyed said they alter their clothing choices to conceal psoriasis, compared with a third of men.
Hiding psoriasis may be a sign that a woman suffers from shame and embarrassment about her body, and feels she has no choice but to cover up. On the other hand, choosing flattering clothing that highlights other features could mean a woman has accepted her disease and is taking control by making choices that increase her confidence. That acceptance is at the core of emotional health for anyone with a chronic disease, Nelligan said.
"Even if you are getting treatment, you still have the disease. You have to figure out how you are going to live your life anyway. If you don't accept that you have psoriasis or any other chronic illness, then you don't address it and it creates even more chaos in your life."
Brooklyn, N.Y., resident Patricia O'Shea was diagnosed with psoriasis 14 years ago at age 41. The disease was a huge blow to her self-esteem. Prominent psoriasis on her face and hands destroyed the flawless skin she had considered her best feature and left her feeling exposed and alienated.
"When this hit, I was extremely angry. I was a waitress and a swimming instructor. This ended both of those jobs," she said.
Finding the National Psoriasis Foundation and eventually becoming a support group leader for the New York City area helped O'Shea come to terms with the disease and separate it from her identity as a woman.
"Before, I thought it was a punishment," she said. "Now I know it is just part of the package of Patricia O'Shea. If you can't accept that, then you don't get me."
Finding a supportive community, as O'Shea did, is critical in helping women see how their own emotional struggles with psoriasis are tied into larger social realities, says sociology professor Chapkis.
"The really painful piece is when we not only feel bad, but then we feel bad about feeling bad," she said. "It's damaging to feel this is our individual, personal, private failing rather than the effect of a society that makes clear to women that appearance absolutely determines how important we are. That's why it is so important for women to be in community with other women with the same challenges."
http://www.psoriasis.org/advance/women-and-psoriasis