A healthy diet to treat psoriasis

From thefuss.co.uk

Scientists say there is little evidence to support the notion that diet can have a major impact on psoriasis, but many people with the disease swear they’ve found relief by changing what they eat.
This Psoriasis Awareness Month we speak to a number of experts to see what they think and whether they believe changing your diet can help alleviate psoriasis.
According to the Psoriasis Association, up to 1.8 million people in the UK are affected by psoriasis.
The condition can occur anywhere on the body and causes the skin to become flaky and itchy. There is no cure for psoriasis but there are many ways it can be managed on a daily basis.

Foods to avoid if you have psoriasis

Sugar

It’s the hidden sugars in our food we need to watch out for. Always check the sugar content in sauces, bread, cereals, soups, yoghurts, dressings and most ‘low fat’ foods. Lily Soutter, Nutritionist at www.lilysoutternutrition.com explains why, “Sugar not only contributes to hormonal imbalances, which can lead to spotty and greasy skin but it can also play a role in inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea”.

Junk food

We all know fast foods are bad for us. But why does it flare up Psoriasis? Junk foods very often come with ingredients that may aggravate skin problems and worsen inflammation – including additives, sugar, and excess salt. They are also usually high in quickly digested and absorbed carbohydrates (think white bread, pastries, and crisps), which can upset the balance of natural flora in our gut as well as blood sugar and hormone balance, all of which can tie in with skin problems,” explains Nutritionist Cassandra Barns.
There is no scientific evidence that any special psoriasis diet is beneficial, says Paul Yamauchi, MD, of the Dermatology Institute and Skin Care Centre in Santa Monica, California. However, as long as you eat a healthy diet, he adds, there’s no harm in exploring whether avoiding some foods and eating others might help you manage psoriasis flares and reduce inflammation.

High-fat dairy

Psoriasis is a disease of inflammation, so it makes sense that an anti-inflammatory diet might help reduce symptoms. One food group commonly associated with inflammation is high-fat dairy. Try cutting out whole milk and full-fat cheeses, and opt for lower-fat versions instead. Even if it doesn’t improve your psoriasis, low-fat dairy is better for your heart, Yamauchi says.

Alcohol

“A lot of my patients tell me if they consume too much alcohol, it makes their psoriasis worse,” Yamauchi says. While no scientific studies prove the link, you may want to explore whether limiting alcohol consumption reduces flare-ups for you. The theory is that alcohol dilates the blood vessels, giving white blood cells and other substances in the blood easier access to the skin, thus promoting the inflammatory response that triggers psoriasis flares. Alcohol also dehydrates your body and can dry the skin, worsening psoriasis symptoms.

Foods to eat if you have psoriasis

Omega 3

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation and Omega 3 fatty acids, found in fish oil can be very helpful in reducing it. However, not all fatty acids are the same –  Omega 6 (vegetable oils) might actually increase inflammation.  “Unfortunately, many people have much higher levels of omega 6 than omega 3 in their body, often due to the use of vegetable oils in cooking and the lack of oily fish consumption. “To correct this balance, cut out all vegetable oils and margarine (as well as processed food) and replace it with healthy fats such as olive oil, coconut oil, butter or ghee. Aim to eat oily fish such as sardines, salmon or mackerel at least three times a week,” recommends Dr. Marilyn Glenville, the UK’s leading Nutritionist and author of Natural Alternatives of Sugar (www.marilynglenville.com).
Make sure you include in your daily menu avocados, smoked salmon, nuts, and seeds. Lily Soutter, Nutritionist at www.lilysoutternutrition.com says: “They not only have great hormone balancing effects, which can help prevent spots but also are potent anti-inflammatories, which can reduce symptoms of eczema and psoriasis”.

Tumeric

‘Curcumin (a component of turmeric) is a strong anti-inflammatory agent, helpful when treating chronic conditions, such as psoriasis or arthritis.’ says Barns.

Vitamin A

“Fruits and vegetables that provide vitamin A help promote healthy skin. Good sources of vitamin A are cantaloupe, carrots, mango, tomatoes, and watermelon,” Yamauchi says.

Herbs and herbal supplements

Some people with psoriasis find their skin condition responds to herbs used to enhance the body’s immune system and reduce inflammation. While no scientific evidence supports the use of herbs or herbal supplements, some psoriasis patients report success with evening primrose oil, milk thistle, and oregano oil.

Chamomile tea

Robin Aspinall, Managing Director of 100% natural first aid spray NatraSan, says: “A cup of chamomile tea can not only help you to relax but the topical anti-inflammatory properties of this daisy-like flower can help to relieve psoriasis flare-ups. Add one heaped teaspoon of chamomile flowers to one cup of boiling water, leave for 10 minutes then strain out the flowers. Soak a clean cloth in the liquid and apply to the affected area.”

Psoriasis and stress

Psoriasis is more than a physical condition; it can also lead severe to psychological effects. Although every sufferer has different triggers for their psoriasis, symptoms often worsen during times of stress and anxiety. Learning ways to deal with stresses and annoyances can help. Some people find that exercise can help to relax them and therefore improve symptoms.
“When irritated skin flares up in visible places, people tend to worry about their appearance. That can affect personal and work life, causing anxiety and tension” explains Barns.
How to reduce your stress levels? Dr. Glenville suggests to eat yourself happy: “We need to make sure that our levels of serotonin (the ‘feel good’ hormone) remain high. A simple change of diet can work wonders. The body makes serotonin from tryptophan, which occurs naturally in foods such as dairy products, fish, bananas, dried dates, soy, almonds, and peanuts. The manufacture of serotonin depends on how much tryptophan is transported into your brain. Combining the foods mentioned above with unrefined carbohydrates, such as brown rice, wholemeal bread or oats helps the body to release insulin to help tryptophan uptake to the brain. A good example would be to kick start your day with eggs and wholemeal toast for breakfast.”

Vitamin D and Psoriasis

Vitamin D, often called the ‘sunshine vitamin’, has an enormous influence on our body. Not only is it vital for bone health as well as obesity and diabetes, but it can also help with psoriasis. “Vitamin D can change the way cells grow. As those who suffer from Psoriasis tend to produce more skin cells, it can slow this process down and cause the plaques to become less scaly and thinner,” says Shona Wilkinson, Nutritionist at SuperfoodUK.com the online shopping destination for health & wellbeing.
So what can we do? “It can be difficult to get enough sunlight to stimulate vitamin D synthesis in this country – even in the summer! The ideal first step is to get your vitamin D level tested to see how much yours needs to increase, if at all. In most cases, your doctor will do this for you. If you’re deficient (under 75 nmol/L) or ‘insufficient’ (under 100 nmol/L) then taking a supplement can be the best way to get your level up.”

How to treat psoriasis

You could also try Dermalex Psoriasis (£29.99 for 150g). Dermalex reduces psoriasis symptoms, moisturises the skin and helps prevent new flare-ups. It normalises skin cell production and activates the skin’s own repair mechanism, uniquely repairing the skin barrier and it doesn’t contain perfumes or parabens.
Keeping the skin moist and nourished from the outside is crucial, as it can bring instant relief from itchiness and discomfort. However, emollient creams that are often recommended by doctors and pharmacists, rarely provide long-term relief. What’s more, they can even irritate already inflamed skin, as very often they contain chemicals, such as chlorocresol and Cetearyl alcohol. Instead, try a natural cream or balm, such as What Skin Needs Skin Balm (£13.99), which contains a blend of natural ingredients including Plantolin, an extract from an Australian indigenous plant. This powerful ingredient along with Aloe Vera extract and tea tree essential oil can help to manage skin conditions by reducing inflammation and oxidative damage. The formula as a whole is designed to reduce irritation, soothe and repair dry and damaged skin.

http://www.thefuss.co.uk/psoriasis-diet/

8 Psoriasis Triggers to Avoid

By Denise DeWitt

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that attacks the skin. Normally, the immune system helps defend the body against germs that can make us sick. But when the immune system malfunctions, it can attack healthy cells instead.
People with psoriasis develop skin plaques which are itchy, thick patches of skin. Plaques may look sore and red or may look like white scales.
Psoriasis can also lead to dry patches of skin that may bleed, stiff or swollen joints, and thick or ridged fingernails or toenails.
Psoriasis symptoms often come and go seemingly at random. But there are things you can watch out for to reduce the likelihood of a flare-up.
Be aware of these psoriasis triggers and avoid them:
1) Dry skin
Cold, dry weather can lead to dry skin and may make symptoms worse. If you can’t escape a cold or dry climate, be sure to use lots of moisturizers on your skin. A humidifier in the house can also help keep your skin moist.
2) Skin damage
Your skin may be extra-sensitive to any kind of bump or cut. Take care when trimming your fingernails that you don’t break the skin, and be careful when shaving.
Avoid deliberate skin damage such as acupuncture, tattoos or piercings, as well as wearing clothing that rubs on your skin. Be sure to wear gloves when working in the yard, and use bug spray to protect against insect bites.
3) Stress
Stress may trigger a psoriasis flare-up. And if you are worried about a flare-up, you may feel even more stressed. So try to limit stressors in your life and consider yoga, meditation and other techniques to keep your stress levels at a minimum.
4) Medications
Drugs that affect your body’s immune response may act as triggers for your psoriasis. Examples include beta-blockers for high blood pressure, lithium for mental disorders and anti-malaria drugs.
5) Alcohol
The connection is not clear, but some people with psoriasis see increased skin symptoms if they have more than one or two drinks a day.
Alcohol may also interact with some medications prescribed to control psoriasis. Check with your doctor before you drink alcohol.
6) Sunlight
A little bit of sun is good for your skin. Research shows that the ultraviolet light in sunshine can slow the growth of skin cells. But be careful you don’t get too much sun.
A sunburn can be a psoriasis trigger as well as increasing your risk for skin cancer. Some psoriasis medications may make your skin more sensitive to sun damage.
7) Infections
A simple cold or sore throat that activates your immune system can also trigger a psoriasis flare-up. This is particularly true if you have strep throat.
So if you tend to get strep or have a lot of sore throats, don’t try to wait them out. Talk to you doctor to see if you should take antibiotics.
8) Weight
Some studies show that being overweight or obese may contribute to psoriasis flare-ups. Be sure to maintain a healthy weight, get regular exercise, and eat a healthy diet to help keep your psoriasis under control.
Some people find that avoiding certain foods, especially those that cause inflammation, also helps them avoid flare-ups.
Psoriasis may clear up for months or even years, or may follow a cycles of flare-ups that vary depending on the season or other factors.
If you have questions about psoriasis or what you can do to protect your skin, talk to your health care provider.

http://www.empowher.com/psoriasis/content/8-psoriasis-triggers-avoid?page=0,1

Do You Have Eczema or Psoriasis? How to Tell Them Apart

By Stacy Lloyd

It’s not surprising that many people don’t know the difference between eczema and psoriasis. It’s easy to confuse the two diseases as they are very similar in appearance. Many doctors believe both skin conditions stem from an immune disorder.
While they have some things in common, there are many differences.
With psoriasis, a person’s white blood cells attack their own skin by mistake, setting off a chain reaction causes blood vessels to dilate and attract even more white blood cells.
The result? Increased production of skin cells that travel too fast to the surface, in days rather than in weeks.
This causes dead skin and white blood cells to build up and appear as thick, scaly silvery patches on the skin's surface, according to Mayo Clinic.
As for eczema, genetic and environmental factors are believed to be involved.
Eczema makes skin red and inflamed. Patches are sometimes dark, rough, leathery and swelling. They can be crusty, oozy or scaly. They can appear on the face, inside the elbows, the back of knees and on hands and feet.
One of the worst symptoms of eczema is an intense itch which mostly happens at night. Sometimes people can scratch so hard that their skin bleeds.
For those with psoriasis, the patches may or may not be itchy. But if they do itch, the skin may feel burning or stinging. According to WebMD, some say it feels like being bitten by fire ants.
The scaly and silvery patches are often found outside the elbows and knees. It’s common for it to affect the scalp and nails as well.
An eczema breakout can be triggered by certain substances and environmental factors.

Healthgrades listed common triggers as household cleansers, detergents, soaps, chlorine, dust, pets, pollen, mold, dandruff, wool and some foods. Other culprits include sudden temperate changes and stress.
Psoriasis triggers are generally physiological. For example, some medications, stress, cold weather, smoking and alcohol can induce or worsen an episode of psoriasis, according to LiveStrong.com.
Sufferers can also experience outbreaks when their skin is injured. This happens via scratches, sunburn and vaccination.
Eczema tends to be a childhood skin disease. Bel Marra Health said that many people outgrow it when they become teens or are in their early twenties.
Psoriasis, on the other hand, usually appears between the ages of 15 and 35. Unfortunately, it’s not limited to that age range. People of other ages can get it too.
According to Bel Marra Health, 31.6 million Americans have eczema and approximately 7.5 million people suffer from psoriasis.
When it comes to treatments, eczema patients respond well to corticosteroid creams and antihistamines which reduce inflammation and relieve itching. Phototherapy (using ultraviolet light) keeps the immune system in check.                                       

There is no cure for psoriasis, but patients can benefit from three types of treatments.
Topical treatments can be salicylic acid and steroid creams. Phototherapy is also effective. And oral medications work with the immune system or clear the psoriasis patches.

http://www.empowher.com/skin-hair-amp-nails/content/do-you-have-eczema-or-psoriasis-how-tell-them-apart?page=0,1

Top tips for dealing with psoriasis

From Cheshire-today.co.uk

According to the Psoriasis Association up to 1.8 million people in the UK are affected by psoriasis.
The condition can occur anywhere on the body and causes skin to become flaky and itchy. And while there is no cure there are many ways it can be managed on a daily basis.
Here, Robin Aspinall, managing director of 100% natural first aid spray NatraSan, offers his top tips on chemical-free ways to cope with this painful ailment:
Stay calm and choose nature
Psoriasis is more than a physical condition; it can also lead severe to psychological effects. Although every sufferer has different triggers for their psoriasis, symptoms often worsen during times of stress and anxiety. Learning ways to deal with stresses and annoyances can help. Some people find that exercise can help to relax them and therefore improve symptoms.
Top tip – the wonders of chamomile
A cup of chamomile tea can not only help you to relax but the topical anti-inflammatory properties of this daisy-like flower can help to relieve psoriasis flare-ups. Add one heaped teaspoon of chamomile flowers to one cup of boiling water, leave for 10 minutes then strain out the flowers. Soak a clean cloth in the liquid and apply to the affected area.
Control your diet
Nutritionists recommend an omega-rich diet to help psoriasis. Oily fish is packed full of essential omega-3 fatty acids which can help reduce inflammation and build up a strong immune system, which in-turn may help to relieve itchy symptoms. Avoid dairy, fried food, refined sugars and alcohol as these are thought to exacerbate itchiness. For an extra boost, try and get as much sunlight as possible or consider vitamin D supplements to help reduce skin inflammation and irritation.
Try NatraSan
Many over-the-counter products for psoriasis can lead to detrimental side-effects for sufferers. 100% natural spray, NatraSan contains hypochlorous acid – a mild but highly effective antiseptic produced naturally by the human body to fight off germs and bacteria.
This product is ideal for people that suffer from psoriasis on the scalp especially as it is non-greasy and soothes irritation. Hypochlorous acid speeds up the body’s healing process so can help with any cracked, sore areas too.
It costs £10 for 250ml and the Travel Buddy is £7 for 100ml. Available at www.natrasanuk.com
World Psoriasis Day, held on 29th October, aims to raise awareness about this extremely irritating and often aggressive immune condition.

http://www.cheshire-today.co.uk/41865/top-tips-for-dealing-with-psoriasis/

Psoriasis Linked to Social Anxiety and Depression in Study

By Daniela Semedo

Psoriasis is linked to depression, poor sleep quality, and anxiety interacting with and being around others, researchers from University Hospital Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele in Italy reported. The findings were recently published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, in a study titled “Psychopathological Variables and Sleep Quality in Psoriatic Patients.”
Particular attention has been given to the existing link between psoriasis and psychosocial stress. In fact, psychosocial stress is a risk factor for this skin disease — a disease that can, in turn, dramatically affect a patient’s’ self-image, causing considerable stress.
To assess the prevalence of psychiatric disturbances and sleep disorders in psoriatic patients, while also taking into account demographic and clinical variables, the researchers recruited 102 patients with psoriasis. All were asked to complete the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), the Interaction Anxiousness Scale (IAS), the Audience Anxiousness Scale (AAS), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The severity of the patients’ skin lesions was assessed using the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI).
Results revealed that psoriasis was associated with depression (37.5% of patients), clinically relevant interaction anxiety (46.1%), and clinically relevant audience anxiety (47.1%).
Thirty-nine patients (38.2%) presented a PSQI ≥ 5, the cutoff value indicating poor sleep quality. An association between interaction anxiety and psoriasis-related erythema of the lower limbs, as well as between PSQI ≥ 5 and head psoriasis-related erythema, was found, particularly among male patients.
“In light of what has been reported here, it is apparent that … psoriatic patients should be assessed from a holistic point of view, in order to identify associated disorders that could benefit from targeted treatments. Other studies with a larger sample size and a healthy control group are necessary to confirm our results,” the researchers concluded.
Psoriasis is a long-lasting autoimmune disease which is characterized by patches of abnormal skin. These skin patches are typically red, itchy, and scaly, and may vary in severity from small and localized to full body. Psoriasis affects 2%–4% of the general population in Western countries.

http://psoriasisnewstoday.com/2016/08/08/psoriasis-linked-to-social-anxiety-and-depression-in-study/

Treating psoriasis reduces risk of other ailments: Study

By Emily Lunardo

A new study has found that treating psoriasis may reduce the risk of developing other health problems. Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition, and because the associated inflammatory processes can give rise to other health complications. An estimated 7.5 million Americans suffer from psoriasis.
Health complications associated with psoriasis include heart disease, obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol and blood pressure, and stroke.
The study suggests that proper treatment and management of the skin condition may help reduce the risk of other health problems in psoriasis patients. The goal of psoriasis treatment is to reduce inflammation, which translates into improved overall wellbeing.
The researchers suggest that all psoriasis patients should discuss their possible risk of other health complications with their doctors and work out a plan to treat psoriasis and address their risk factors. Following a healthy lifestyle is also important for further reducing their risk of adverse health outcomes. This includes eating well, exercising, not smoking, and minimizing alcohol intake.

http://www.belmarrahealth.com/treating-psoriasis-reduces-risk-of-other-ailments-study/

What is psoriasis and what you can do about it

By Cathy Stephenson

"My daughter is in her 20s and has just been diagnosed with psoriasis. Can you give me some information about this?" - Anne
Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune condition, typified by dry, scaly, red patches of skin. It is less common than eczema, but still affects around 2-3 per cent of New Zealanders. It causes significant physical and psychological distress, and in severe cases can be quite debilitating.
Psoriasis can occur at any age, but is typically diagnosed either in the teen years, or later on in middle age. It affects males and females equally, and there is a genetic link, with a third of patients also having an affected relative.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition, which means that for some reason the body's immune system attacks and destroys healthy body tissue, in this case primarily the skin cells. It can be associated with other autoimmune conditions such as diabetes, and up to 25 per cent of patients with psoriasis will also suffer from a related form of arthritis.
Although you can't avoid "getting" psoriasis, there are known factors that will aggravate the condition and make your symptoms worse. These include:
* Smoking
* High alcohol intake
* A diet high in sugar
* Certain medications, including beta blockers and lithium
* Stress.
In fact the link with emotional stress is so strong that on some occasions people will have no symptoms at all until a stressful event triggers a flare-up, and once their stress is under control their psoriasis may all but disappear.
There are several different types of psoriasis, and the symptoms can vary depending on which type you have. However, in classical cases of psoriasis the following may occur:
* Distinct raised patches of overgrown, red, dry, scaly skin; these can get quite flaky and cause severe itching. They can occur anywhere, but typically are found on the elbows, knees, scalp and in the "flexures" such as underneath the breasts, in the armpits and groin
*  The amount of skin affected varies hugely – in mild cases, there may just be one or two small plaques, but in severe cases most of the body can be involved
*  In nail psoriasis, finger and toenails can become pitted and fragile
*  For people who develop arthritis with their psoriasis, the symptoms include pain, swelling and stiffness in joints and surrounding tissues
*  Many people with psoriasis, especially those with severe forms, will have low self-esteem, and anxiety around their body image – in more extreme cases, this can lead to depression.
In terms of treatment options, it will depend a little on what type of psoriasis your daughter has, and how severe it is. Milder forms respond to topical treatments including:
*  Emollients – regular use of a thick emollient or moisturiser, such as fatty cream or cetomacrogol, can be a really good way to prevent cracking and irritation of the skin. Substances like urea or salicyclic acid are known as "keratolytics" – they break down the scaly plaques and can be added to these moisturisers to make them more effective.
*  Tar products – using either coal or pine tar products, especially in the bath or shower can be an effective way to reduce the itching and discomfort.
* Corticosteroid ointments – steroids can be very useful in managing the symptoms of psoriasis, but need to be used sparingly as they can cause long-term damage to the skin; milder steroids such as hydrocortisone can be used on the face, but stronger versions (such as betnovate or dermol) are only suitable for use elsewhere on the body, and in short courses to reduce the potential harm.
*  Vitamin D analogues – calcipotriol or Daivonex works by reducing the thickness of the scale, although the redness tends to remain; they need to be used sparingly as they can be toxic if the weekly total dose is exceeded.
*  For scalp psoriasis, shampoos such as ketoconazole or steroid -based products such as betnosol can be good for symptom relief.
If your daughter's psoriasis is severe or not responsive to any of these topical treatments, she may require either phototherapy (where UV light is used to reduce the psoriatic plaques) or an oral medication.
These would usually be prescribed by a dermatologist, so ask your GP for a referral to a specialist if needed. Be mindful too that your daughter may be struggling with her condition, so don't hesitate to offer extra support or ask your GP about any local groups that might be helpful.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/well-good/teach-me/82529253/what-is-psoriasis-and-what-you-can-do-about-it