Psoriasis Linked to High Cholesterol Levels, Study Finds

From ajmc.com

Psoriasis patients often also maintain high cholesterol levels because of a class of immune cells that link hyperlipidemia with the development of psoriasis symptoms.

In a new study, Chyung-Ru Wang, PhD, a professor of Microbiology-Immunology, and her team utilized a strain of mice with specific immune cells, called self-lipid–reactive T-cells, and high levels of cholesterol, hyperlipidemia, in their blood.

The researchers noticed the mice with hyperlipidemia began developing skin diseases mirroring the usual development of psoriasis in humans.

“To our surprise, these mice spontaneously developed skin lesions, which were caused by the activation of self-lipid reactive T-cells only under conditions of hyperlipidemia,” said in a statement. “The skin disease closely matched the symptoms and progression of psoriasis in humans.”

Scientists in the past have acknowledged a potential association between psoriasis and high cholesterol, but Wang’s study explores a new link that has not previously been explained or explored.

In another experiment by Wang and her team, blood samples of human psoriasis patients were investigated. The researchers found increased levels of the same self-lipid–reactive T-cells in the patients with psoriasis compared to those without.

“As a large proportion of psoriatic patients are dyslipidemic, this finding is of clinical significance and indicates that self-lipid–reactive T-cells might serve as a possible link between hyperlipidemia and psoriasis,” the authors wrote in the study.

The study demonstrates why hyperlipidemia may be associated to certain autoimmune diseases, including psoriasis. This link will continue to be explored through the targeting of antigens that provoke T-cells that will assist in providing the necessary research to develop new treatments for psoriasis and other diseases involved with high cholesterol.

“Overall, this study not only sheds light on the role of group 1 CD1–autoreactive T cells in a chronic inflammatory disease, but also identifies a potential cause of the inflammatory process that could serve as a link among psoriasis, hyperlipidemia, and cardiovascular diseases,” the researchers concluded.

http://www.ajmc.com/newsroom/psoriasis-linked-to-high-cholesterol-levels-study-finds

How Bad Is Your Psoriasis?

From everydayhealth.com

Finding the right psoriasis treatment for you depends on how bad your symptoms are. To determine if psoriasis is mild, moderate, or severe, a dermatologist relies on several criteria, from what it looks and feels like to how it affects your life.
For people like Phyllis Spool, tracking psoriasis symptoms can be a real challenge. A retired preschool teacher in Worcester, Massachusetts, Spool remembers how psoriasis made her ankles bleed when she was in kindergarten. Now she feels like she wakes up to “a new patch in a different spot every morning.”
At each visit, Spool’s doctor will take pictures of her psoriasis patches. At the following visit, they compare pictures to determine how the condition has changed, and evaluate her treatment going forward.

Body Surface Area

One of the key factors in diagnosing and treating psoriasis is assessing how much of a patient’s body surface area (BSA) is affected by the condition. The area covered by the palm of your hand and fingers, for instance, equals 1 percent of your BSA.

Based on BSA alone, psoriasis severity level is characterized as:

• Mild, if the affected BSA is less than 3 percent
• Moderate, if it’s between 3 and 10 percent
• Severe, if it’s greater than 10 percent

The Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) is a scoring system used to calculate severity based on the amount of body surface area affected as well as the combined redness, thickness, and scaling of the psoriasis lesions.
Another method of scoring used by dermatologists is the Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA) or the Physician Global Assessment (PGA). This is a 5-point scale on which clear skin is scored as a 0 and severe patches are rated a 5.
“I go over the BSA and IGA every time I see a patient,” says Jerry Bagel, MD, director of the Psoriasis Treatment Centre at Windsor Dermatology in East Windsor, New Jersey.
The location of the psoriasis is a factor, too. Your dermatologist may characterize the condition as more severe, regardless of your BSA, if you have:

• Patches in visible or sensitive places, like your face, genitals, hands, or nails
• Patches that make it hard for you to walk or use your hands

How Psoriasis Affects Your Life

Dr. Bagel sometimes asks patients to answer a questionnaire known as the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) to measure how much psoriasis affects their lives. The DLQI assesses a skin condition’s impact on a person’s work, relationships, ability to do things, and mood.
Spool discusses her condition’s emotional and physical toll with her doctor. She describes being embarrassed in her own house whenever skin flakes fall onto the floor, or being troubled at night if she can’t bend her arms “because the skin feels too tight.”
Bagel says that your doctor doesn’t know how much psoriasis impacts your life at any given time unless you share your thoughts and feelings. “You may have felt like it was routine to treat a patch on your face before,” he explains. “But if it’s time for your prom or wedding, you may feel a new urgency.”

How Sick Is Psoriasis Making You?

Having psoriasis puts you at risk for other medical conditions, too, from psoriatic arthritis to cardiovascular disease. In evaluating your condition and treatment plan, your doctor looks at complications or comorbidities you already have, as well as others that are considered a risk.
“I tell all my patients to see their primary doctor to get a physical each year,” Bagel says.
Jashin Wu, MD, director of dermatology research at Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Centre in California, stresses the importance of factoring in emotional and mental health issues, such as depression, when evaluating the effects of psoriasis. Dr. Wu refers patients to the National Psoriasis Foundation to learn about support groups.
As Bagel puts it, “comorbidities change the algorithm of treatment plans.”
All of these factors, from the direct effects that psoriasis has on your skin to other emotional and physical complications, contribute to the management strategy that you and your doctor work out.

http://www.everydayhealth.com/psoriasis/living-with/how-bad-your-psoriasis/

Eczema and psoriasis? THIS part of your morning routine could be triggering skin problems

From express.co.uk

ECZEMA and psoriasis are two of the skin conditions which affect 60 per cent of British people.
However, having a shower could be making them worse - if you live in a hard water area, that is.
This type of water is supplied to 60 per cent of UK homes, including the south east and east midlands.
However it’s been suggested that it aggravates skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

                                          Hard water: It can aggravate certain skin conditions

There are currently 1.7 million people in the UK with eczema, and cases have risen by 40 per cent in recent years.

It’s a condition that causes the skin to become itchy, red, dry and cracked, according to the NHS.
Dr Sharon Wong, consultant dermatologist (www.drsharonwong.com), said: “Hard water does not directly cause eczema but is a common aggravating factor in those who are genetically predisposed to developing eczema.
“Hard water, which has a greater mineral content - mainly calcium and magnesium ions - has been linked to an increased risk of eczema and more severe disease in children.”
“When the skin's barrier function is compromised, such as in eczema, the minerals can enter the skin as allergens causing inflammation and worsening eczema.”
Similarly, psoriasis - which affects two to three per cent of the UK population - causes red, flaky, crusty patches of skin covered with silvery scales.
“Whilst there is no evidence that hard water causes psoriasis, the fact that the minerals in hard water have a drying effect on the skin can worsen psoriasis and other dry skin problems,” she explained.
Whether the water that comes out of your tap is soft or hard depends on the geology of your area, but there are ways to minimise or stop its negative effects on your skin.
Dr Wong added: “This can be minimised by installing a water softener, using bath oils not bubble bath and using emollient/cream washes instead of soap.
“Both bubble bath and soaps contain surfactant which strips away the natural oils of your skin. Finally, using a regular and good moisturiser helps because it forms a protective layer on the skin thus preventing further fluid loss.”
Sukhbinder Noorpuri, GP and CEO of i-GP, said: “Hard water contains dissolved minerals such as calcium and magnesium. When used with soaps and detergents, this leaves a skin residue which blocks pores trapping oil, leading to irritation, dryness, blemishes and itching.
“A water softener will reduce these skin issues, and convert the minerals found in hard water, into more soluble minerals that are less harmful for the skin.”
Ecocamel have created the Shower Head ORB SPA which can convert hard water into soft water.

http://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/814611/eczema-psoriasis-skin-problems-symptoms-cure

How To Fight Fungus And Win

By Andy Gibson

They don't make a pretty sight, although they are a fairly common sight. Fungal Infections find a cozy breeding ground in the warm environment, but they needn't blight your life.

What are fungal infections?
Though we all harbor some fungus (a type of airborne, microscopic, parasitic plant that thrives on humans and animals) on our body, daily hygiene routines like bathing wash it off sufficiently to prevent infection. However, some parts of our body may unwittingly serve as fungus-friendly environments (fungus thrives in moist, warm areas). The result: disfigured, discolored and partly avulsed (torn off) finger nails/toe nails, or a rash if skin areas are affected.
Which are the body's most susceptible areas?
Susceptible sites include the toe nails, toe spaces (the infection known as athlete's foot), finger nails, groin (jock itch), scalp (ringworm, which gets its name from its symptom, a ring-like rash); rarely, other parts of the body, such as the upper torso, may be affected.
How common are fungal infections?
The incidence of fungal infections is ten times higher than in the general world population mainly because of poor hygiene, poor. nutrition which lowers immunity, the hot, humid climate which is conducive to fungal breeding, overcrowding which promotes the spread of the infection, inadequate medical facilities and low social standards (so that the condition is not seen as a social embarrassment by most sufferers and therefore goes untreated and spreads).

Who are most susceptible to fungal infections?

• Those who lack proper hygiene habits; with regular bathing and washing, fungi fall to set a foothold.
• Habits like sharing towels, combs, footwear, or the regular use of swimming pools or gymnasiums also makes a person more prone to catching the infection.
• 
  
• The obese: Fungi thrive in warm, moist places and find a cozy home in pockets like the underside of flesh folds (which create friction, thus raising the local temperature and trapping moisture). The obese also sweat profusely which, helps make the environment even more conducive for fungal growth.
• 
  
• For the same reason, those who wear tight or synthetic clothing which inhibits the skin from breathing freely are at increased risk.
• 
  
• Those who wear tight or closed footwear like sneakers or gumboots over long hour. Such footwear results in increased temperature and sweating. Synthetic socks add to the risk.
• 
  
• Thumb-suckers and those who have frequent manicures which tend to damage the cuticle and leave it open to infection.
• 
  
• The undernourished, whose immunity is lowered. As a result the Langerhans cells (located in the epidermis) and involved in combating surface infections are weakened.
• 
  
• Pet owners or animal lovers may invite infection through cuddling pets or other animals, especially those which are not cleaned regularly.
• 
  
• Those who work in wet/damp conditions, such as those involved in housework, launderers, waiters, workers in the canning and tanning industries.
• 
  
• The pregnant: During pregnancy excessive vaginal discharge and frequent urination make the moist vaginal and groin area breeding grounds for fungus.
• 
  
• Diabetics: Common sites among them are the groin/penis because the urine, high in sugar content, promotes ideal breeding conditions. Another susceptible site is the feet because, in diabetics, the blood vessels become thickened resulting in reduced blood supply to the hands and feet, which in turn disrupts the defence mechanisms there. Also, the reduced nerve sensation makes diabetics prone to hand and feet injuries that invite fungal infections.
• 
  
• The sexually promiscuous: fungal infections are also sexually transmitted - by contact and through, fluids (infected women develop a curdy vaginal discharge).
• 
  
• Those on immunosuppressant and cytotoxic drugs taken after an organ transplant are susceptible because these drugs again inhibit the immune system.
• For the same reason, those suffering from AIDS are more susceptible. In them, the infection usually manifests itself in the mouth or food pipe, although other sites may also affect.
• What are the tell-tale signs of a fungal infection?
  
  Skin and nails that are infected by fungus change their appearance in three ways:
  1. A ring-like rash (tinea or ringworm) makes its appearance; the centre is relatively clear, compared to the periphery which contains fluid, and is marked by rings that spread outward.
  In adults, common sites for this rash are the feet (athlete's foot); nails, which get brittle and crumble or break off; the groin; the waist, in women wearing their dresses tightly; the scalp and beard (loss of hair, skin peeling, soreness and pain and, in severe cases, pus formation).
  Among children, who lack 'the protective sebaceous secretion against infection, a common site is the scalp, to which the infection spreads easily through barbers tools, bed linen, hair-bands etc. The rash is always accompanied by severe itching.
  2. Patches on the skin (either light-coloured, red, brown or even blackish) that appear on the upper torso and face where the sebaceous glands exist in profusion. This infection is called pityriasis versicolor and is often mistaken for leprosy or leucoderma. It usually affects young adults.
  3. Whitish or reddish soggy skin around the finger and toe-nails, in between the toes and/or fingers, in body folds like the underarms and groin, and below pendulous breasts in older and obese women. The nails become lack-lustre, brownish or blackish, rough and wavy. This infection is called candidiasis.
  In infants, the symptom may appear as a curdy coat on the tongue; as nappy area rash (that often follows persistent, loose motions); or in the neck folds.
  It is always accompanied by pain, itching and burning.
  In pregnant women, the vagina is a likely site for the rash and, in women taking the oral pill; it's the vulvo-vaginal area that is prone to this infection.
• Among diabetics, the groin, penis and feet are susceptible areas.
  
  
• Is the incidence of fungal infection higher in certain seasons?
  The ringworm type, which usually infects the finger-nails and toe-nails (the incidence is 25 per cent and 75 per cent respectively) is more common in summer, because the high temperature promotes sweating, providing a congenial environment for this fungus to breed.
  Candidiasis, which infects nails, finger and toe spaces, and body folds, and in infants the tongue and groin, is more common in the monsoon because this fungus thrives in a moist environment.
  How easily does fungal infection spread?
  Fungal infection are highly contagious; they may spread directly, (by touching an infected person) or indirectly (by using an infected person's clothes, comb, towel, shoes etc.). Once fungus finds a base, it spreads easily, say, from one toe to the next and then to the other foot and to the fingers. From there, it may well spread to the scalp when the head is scratched, or to other susceptible body parts. Often, an entire family living under one roof can get infected if rigorous hygiene and precautions are not maintained.
  How is a fungal infection different from psoriasis?
  The main distinguishing feature is the absence of itching in psoriasis. Psoriasis is a genetic disorder which is non-infective, and non-contagious. The nails get pitted (thimble nail) or form ridges and separate from their bed. The surrounding areas are red, dry and scaly. This condition commonly appears on the scalp, elbows, knees, palms and soles.
  In a fungal infection, on the other hand, white spots appear on the nail or they get discoloured or dark, a powdery (chalky) substance may be visible on the underside of the nail and the portion below the free nail may thicken, thus lifting the nail. The nail may become brittle and crumble and the surrounding skin may scale or form blisters and scabs. This may spread to the groin area, underarms or other susceptible parts.
  Is a fungal infection just a cosmetic nuisance, or can other health problems result?
  In a person who has a genetically weak immune system (or is on immunosuppressants), frenetic scratching can cause wounds through which the fungus could enter internal organs like the brain (bringing on symptoms like fever, » headache, vomiting, convulsions and even coma); the respiratory system (breathlessness, chest pain); and the food pipe (difficulty in swallowing). This is why early diagnosis is particularly important in the case of diabetics and other susceptible groups.
  If the fungus affects the fingernails, social embarrassment is major fallout. Besides, an infected finger leaves itself wide open to bacterial infections and abscesses like whitlow. If it is localized in the groin area, the person suffers great discomfort in public because he cannot obtain relief from scratching. In the case of symptoms like hypo-pigmentation or light-coloured patches, the patient often wrongly associates them with leucoderma or leprosy, causing himself undue anxiety and tension which may affect his health in other ways.
  Do fungal infections need to be treated by a dermatologist or will a chiropodist do?
  A chiropodist will only trim, cut the nail and provide local treatment which is far from sufficient.
  A dermatologist is better equipped to identify the associated susceptible areas, and to prescribe adequate treatment in the form of local applications and tablets.
  After a physical examination with a Wood's lamp which emanates ultra-violet light and makes some types of fungus glow, he will scrape out a small sample of the finger-nail, mount it on a microscope and look for the chain formation characteristic of fungus and its spores, to confirm the diagnosis. Or the dermatologist may do a culture, where the scraped sample is allowed to grow in an artificial medium.
  What is the usual line of treatment?
  As far as ringworm nail infections are concerned, oral and local medications and, in some cases, surgery may be advised. Commonly prescribed tablets contain griseofulvin or ketoconazole, both taken with milk because fats enhance absorption.
  But the hitch with oral medications is that they have to be taken until the new nail grows out, which may take from a year to a year and a half in the case of a toe-nail infection and about six months in the case of the finger-nail.
  
  Taking these drugs over such a long period of time is dangerous because of their side-effects. Ketoconazole is associated with nausea, vomiting, liver damage (jaundice), and increase in the level of fats in the blood (triglycerides and cholesterol) and, rarely, even damage to the kidneys and bone marrow. Griseofulvin may bring on nausea, vomiting, photosensitivity (when the skin becomes oversensitive to light and light exposed areas become sore) general skin rash, and pigmentation, liver and bone marrow damage.
  Because these drugs are so strong, they are contra-indicated in the case of pregnant women sufferers.
  For other sites like the scalp and body folds, the oral treatment is limited to only one and a half to two months.
  For candidial infections, once the susceptible factor is identified and then steered clear of, this opportunist plant dies natural death. But the recovery will be hastened by the administration of oral ketoconazole and local antifungal lotions, creams, powders. (Only in a few stubborn and recurrent cases of ringworm of the nail, the sufferer may have to endure it for the rest of his life).
  Antifungal lotions or cream containing clotrimazole, miconazole and ketoconazole have limited benefits when used alone as the nails are solid dead cells and medication cannot penetrate. Except in the case of candidiasis of the nail, where nail changes are only a secondary effect, surgery where the infected portion of the nail is removed under local anesthesia, enabling a new nail to grow out is by far the best treatment. It is a quick way to eliminate a large quantum of infection and thus effectively stem its spread.
  
  
  
• Tips for keeping nails dry:
  The nails are the most common sites for fungal infections. The best way to stay fungus proof is to keep them cool and desert dry. Try some of these techniques:
  
  

  1. After a bath or wash, dry your feet thoroughly by fanning out your toes under a fan. Follow this by liberally sprinkling talcum powder in the spaces between the toes.
  2. Change your socks (preferably choose cotton ones) at least once a day.
  3. Wear shoes that are well ventilated. Walking shoes with mesh sections and perforated leather are good choices.
  4. Make sure your shoes dry out completely overnight. Air out removable inner soles, Stuff soaked shoes with newspaper and put then near (not on) a heat source or have more than one pair of shoes and wear a different on alternate days.
  5. After a run or jog, change out of your sweat dampened shoes and socks and wash and dry your feet thoroughly. And if you walk to work, or your feet are wet or damp by the time you arrive, change into fresh footwear.
  6. Use rubber gloves, preferably cotton lined, for dish washing and other soggy chores.
  7. Wear dry gloves while gardening or doing similar outdoor jobs; remember fungus thrives in soil as well.
  8. Wear open sandals while walking around wet public places such as gym and swimming pool showers. And make sure you keep a can of powder in your gym/poolside lockers.

  
  
  
  
  I firmly believe that the whole universe is inter-connected. Our body, mind and spirit are deeply rooted with each other. If body is sick, the mind cannot relax or feel good. And if mind is not relaxed, it will give birth to stress and that will lead to chronic health problems.
  So, it is clear that in order to posses a sound body we must have a calm and peaceful mind. Without a sound mind we cannot expect our potential growth or development.
  
  http://ezinearticles.com/?How-To-Fight-Fungus-And-Win&id=9702126

5 troubling skin condition myths busted

From raconteur.net

The skin is our largest organ, which protects us from a multitude of intruders, and is also a good mirror of our general health. But there are a number of troubling conditions, some of which carry persistent myths.

ACNE

Although acne is one of the most common skin conditions, it’s also one of the most sorely misunderstood.
More than 80 per cent of cases of adult acne occur in women, probably linked to changes in hormone levels during menstruation, pregnancy and with things like polycystic ovary syndrome.
While we might have been told as teenagers that our acne was due to poor hygiene, in fact most of the biological triggers occur beneath the skin.
Acne is caused when the sebaceous glands produce too much sebum, which mixes with dead skin cells and block follicles. So washing your skin too often or too vigorously could actually be making it worse.
Though eating a healthy diet is always a good idea, those Easter eggs or takeaways probably aren’t having too much of a negative effect on your skin as research links no particular foods to acne outbreaks. The best treatments are gentle anti-bacterial products.

ECZEMA

Eczema tends to be talked about in the singular and advised about by kindly family members. But it’s a myth that eczema is all the same. There are a few different types, all with different causes, some allergy-related and some attributed to genetic protein deficiency.
While food and eczema are often discussed in the same sentence, the effects of diet have proved inconclusive, with diet being a trigger for some people, but not others and often only relevant for young children.
Atopic eczema manifests itself in dry skin unable to retain moisture, and is thought to be hereditary, related to asthma and hay fever. It can also become red and itchy with certain triggers such as some soaps and detergents, changes in the weather and food allergies.
Dermatitis is often used to describe a type of eczema which results from contact with some chemicals and detergents as well as some plants.
The best treatment for eczema is usually an emollient cream, which moisturises the skin and prevents it from drying out.

ROSACEA

Rosacea, characterised by redness of cheeks, chin, nose and forehead, is a vascular and inflammatory condition that affects one in ten people. More obvious in people with fairer skin, it can look a lot like sunburn or flushing. It can also cause sore or bloodshot eyes.
This condition is often lumped in with acne but, while they may look alike, they have very different characteristics.
Research has suggested that rosacea is actually linked to a dysfunction in the body’s natural immune system or an abnormality in blood vessels, so treatments should err away from the antibacterial and towards things that address blood vessel issues, such as antibiotics or light therapy.
Rosacea has nothing whatsoever to do with hygiene. In fact, scrubbing the skin can make symptoms worse. However, there are a few common triggers, such as alcohol, spicy food and sun, though these might seem desirable.

PSORIASIS

Psoriasis affects around 2 per cent of people in the UK and mostly those over 35, though it can start at any age. It’s recognisable by sometimes itchy and sore patches, usually on elbows, knees, scalp and the lower back, but can appear anywhere.
People with psoriasis produce more skin cells than average and this is related to problems with the immune system, though injury, infection or certain medicines can trigger a bout. As with other conditions, stress and lack of sleep can make things worse. It can also be hereditary.
Again, it’s a myth that there’s only one type of psoriasis. In fact there are several, including pustular, inverse, guttate and plaque, which is the most common. It’s also a myth that it’s contagious. It’s not.
Psoriasis is usually treated with emollients, phototherapy (exposure to ultraviolet light) or systemic (oral and injected) medicines. Often vitamin-D creams can be used in mild cases to slow the production of skin cells and offer relief from inflammation.

SEBORRHOEIC DERMATITIS

Seborrhoeic dermatitis is notable by red, inflamed skin patches, occasionally with white or yellow greasy or itchy scales, and usually appearing on the scalp, face – around the eyes and forehead – ears and skin folds. It can also appear on the eyelids and lead to a common condition known as blepharitis.
It is believed that the commonly occurring yeast malassezia plays a role in the development of seborrhoeic dermatitis, which affects up to five in every hundred people in the UK. Those with the condition are more sensitive to malassezia and this leads to an inflammatory reaction. Symptoms usually get worse with tiredness or stressful situations. It’s not contagious.
Treatments include medicated shampoo for the scalp, usually with ingredients such as coal tar, ketoconazole, pyrithione zinc, selenium sulfide or salicylic acid, which help reduce the yeast or soften the skin and minimise the itching. Antifungal creams containing ketoconazole can help to reduce malassezia yeast on the body and corticosteroid creams reduce inflammation.

https://www.raconteur.net/healthcare/5-troubling-skin-condition-myths-busted

That’s not just any rash!

From mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com

The persistent nature of psoriasis makes it challenging to manage. Here’s how to cope.
Last year while promoting the film Suicide Squad, English model-turnedactor Cara Delevingne was seen with painful-looking sores on her back and arms. Delevingne has frequently spoken about suffering from psoriasis, and this was a flare-up. According to a new survey conducted by global research firm GFK (Gesellschaft für Konsumforschung) across UP, Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Punjab and Delhi, 66 per cent of sufferers have experienced discrimination or humiliation because of the condition that typically manifests as a rash, but is not a skin disease. Here’s what causes the condition and how to manage it.

What is psoriasis?

Clinical dermatologist Dr Sushil Tahiliani, who is also a member of the special investigation group on psoriasis formed by the Indian Association of Dermatologists, says, “Psoriasis is an immunologically mediated condition largely seen in genetically pre-disposed individuals. It’s not an autoimmune disease where the immune system targets the entire body. Here, the immune system is responsible for attacking some parts of the skin because in those areas, the skin gives out wrong signals. It’s important to understand that this is not a skin disease. It is perceived to be so as its manifestations are mainly on the skin. It also has manifestations on the tendons and joints.”
According to him, approximately 2 per cent of the world’s population has psoriasis. “In certain communities like Eskimos, it’s very rare as they don’t cross breed and their community doesn’t have genes that causes psoriasis. But 4-9 per cent of the population in Scandinavian countries suffers from this condition. In India, it affects approximately 2-3 per cent of the population.”

Skin specialist Soma Sarkar says, “In psoriasis, pathogenic T cells are activated, thereby releasing chemicals that causes the inflammation and leads to an abnormal growth of skin and the swelling of the blood vessels underneath. When these T cells are activated, they behave like they are fighting a wound and in turn release a lot of chemical signals which causes the skin to have abnormal growth. So, the skin builds up more than it can shed, thus causing a plaque of psoriasis.”

It can occur at any age but is more prevalent in people with metabolic disorders like diabetes and those who suffer from increased triglycerides and cardiovascular diseases. Dermatologist Dr Apratim Goel says, “Factors like stress, high blood pressure; extreme cold temperature and trauma (Koebner phenomenon attributed to German dermatologist Heinrich Köbner, which refers to skin lesions caused due to trauma) also trigger this condition. People suffering from metabolic syndrome (obesity; hypertension; dyslipidemia; insulin resistance) are at a higher risk of this disease because of the presence of similar pro-inflammatory mediators.”

Types of psoriasis
‘Plaque psoriasis,’ the most common form of this condition, manifests as red patches covered with a silvery-white build-up of dead skin cells or scales. This is typically seen on the scalp, knees, elbows and lower back. Itchy and painful, these scales may even crack and bleed. Dr Sarkar explains: “‘Guttate psoriasis’, which manifests as as small, red lesions on the skin, is mostly seen in children and it is caused due to a respiratory or throat infection. It can appear all over the body. ‘Pustula psoriasis’, comprising white pustules surrounded by red skin, is mostly seen on the palms and soles.

‘Inverse psoriasis’, manifests as red lesions mainly in skin folds (like the groin and in armpits) where there is a lot of friction. In ‘nail psoriasis’, the hard surface on top of the nails starts losing keratin cells. As a result, pits form over the nails. In some cases, it can also destroy the nail bed.”

According to Dr Tahiliani, up to 20 per cent of people who have psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis. “It can either affect the fingers and toes or it can appear on the heels. It can also affect one or two major joints like the shoulder, knees or the spine. Depending on the joints which are affected, the patient might first experience morning stiffness which can last up to half an hour. If the joints become swollen, red and tender and are not treated adequately, it can lead to permanent immobility.”

It takes a toll psychologically

Psoriasis is a long-standing condition and can affect the patient psychologically. As it affects a person’s physical appearance, in some cases it may affect the sufferer’s sense of self-esteem severely. Dr Goel says, “As the lesions heal, the skin starts to darken. Moreover, the disease can spread to joints which can affect the body’s movement because of the swelling and pain over the lesions. If scaling is in excess, it can lead to protein loss and also temperature dysregulation (where a patient may feel hot or cold despite no change in the actual temperature of the environment).

Psoriatic arthritis is a painful condition. Even simple things like sleeping, standing or walking become difficult for patients, making them dependent on others. This too takes a toll on one’s self-confidence.”

Dr Tahiliani adds, “People with untreated psoriasis become reclusive. It is not contagious but a lack of knowledge can make others wary. It’s not uncommon for sufferers to stop attending social events and lose self confidence. This can cause social isolation.”
Treatment
Treatment is available in various forms — oral therapy, steroids, topical applications, emollients and injectables (these act on the chemicals released by the T cells), are all available depending upon the severity of the disease. Dr Goel says, “For mild cases, topical steroids complemented with moisturisers and antihistamines are effective. For moderate cases, topical steroids, moisturisers, phototherapy with UVB radiation or UVA radiation are recommended. In severe cases, topical treatment with phototherapy and oral medications are recommended. In case of psoriatic arthritis, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and physiotherapy are advised.”

Counselling also forms an integral part of treatments. Dr Tahiliani says, “The patient has to understand the disease and learn to be patient. He or she must also be regular about follow-ups.”

http://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/others/health-lifestyle/thats-not-just-any-rash/articleshow/58040450.cms

Men More Prone to Severe Psoriasis: Study

From health.usnews.com

THURSDAY, April 6, 2017 (HealthDay News) -- Severe psoriasis is much more common in men than women, a new study from Sweden reports.

Researchers reviewed data from more than 5,400 people in Sweden with the common skin disease. The study found that women had a significantly lower rate of severe psoriasis than men.

This was true for all age groups and for all parts of the body except the head, where severity scores were about the same for both sexes.

The discovery that men's psoriasis is often more serious helps explain a gender gap, with more men than women seeking psoriasis treatment, said study senior author Marcus Schmitt-Egenolf. He is a researcher at Umea University's Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine.
"These findings should motivate a gender perspective in the management of severe psoriasis and its comorbidities, such as cardiovascular and metabolic disease," Schmitt-Egenolf said in a university news release.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin disease. Unlike severe psoriasis, most autoimmune diseases such as lupus and multiple sclerosis are more common in women than in men.

The study was published recently in the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology.

http://health.usnews.com/health-care/articles/2017-04-06/men-more-prone-to-severe-psoriasis-study