Beware, smoking can affect your skin and worsen psoriasis

From hindustantimes.com

While quitting smoking doesn’t cure psoriasis, smoking aggravates the symptoms and may make the disease significantly worse, say experts.

There is growing evidence that people living with psoriasis ought to be extra careful before lighting up a cigarette. While quitting smoking doesn’t cure psoriasis, smoking aggravates the symptoms and may make the disease significantly worse.
According to Dr Abir Saraswat, National Coordinator, Special Interest Group — Psoriasis, Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists (IADVL), “Smoking, in general, is a huge risk factor for developing psoriasis, affecting the onset of psoriasis and its clinical appearance. Moreover, many psoriasis patients tend to smoke to cope with the emotional and mental implications of the disease — such as stress or anxiety — which negatively affect psoriasis. This vicious circle of stress and smoking triggers the disease even further.”
According to a study, smoking doubles a person’s risk of developing psoriasis which eventually increases with the number of cigarettes smoked per day. This number is higher in women than men. The risk for psoriasis in women who smoke more than 20 cigarettes per day is about 2.5 times greater than that in non-smokers. For men, the risk is about 1.7 times greater than non-smokers.

Things to know
• Apart from nicotine, nickel (another ingredient in cigarette smoke) can also contribute towards psoriasis worsening as a result of heavy metal toxicity in your body.
• While dealing with psoriasis, a person goes through emotional stress and habits like smoking can stretch the stress period and worsen the situation.
• Smoking can reduce the level of moisture in your skin, making it dry and itchy.

The bottom line
• If you don’t smoke, don’t start, especially if you are a woman. You have a higher risk of developing psoriasis than men.
• If you do smoke, consider quitting — you may have a higher likelihood of remission.
• Focus on positive, healthy ways to cope with stress and anxiety. Try meditation, counselling, sleep adequately, eat healthy and exercise. It’s never too late to stop.

It is not easy to quit smoking or tobacco, but it’s definitely worth trying to improve your health. The study that found smoking increases risk of psoriasis also showed that giving up significantly reduced the risk of psoriasis — after 20 years it was at the same level as people who had never lighted a cigarette in their life. In fact, one may see an improvement in the skin in a matter of weeks as blood flow improves, and levels of nutrients are restored.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/fitness/beware-smoking-can-affect-your-skin-and-worsen-psoriasis/story-wNR6Zz44sJjzwgVXfQkHEM.html

The Newest Psoriasis Treatments Will Have You Wearing Short Sleeves Again

From rd.com

While there is still no cure for psoriasis, new treatments now allow millions of people who live with this inflammatory skin condition to sport short sleeves once again. One expert even called it "the most incredible time in the treatment of psoriasis." We've got the scoop on all of the latest psoriasis treatments and how they can get you clear.

"For the first time ever, the newest biologics can take someone from having psoriasis to no psoriasis. They are completely clear," says Mark Kauffman, MD, an associate clinical professor of dermatology at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. Given by shot or intravenous (IV) infusion, biologics are reserved for people with moderate to severe psoriasis. In the past, biologic drugs tended to aim their bow and arrow at tumour necrosis factor-alpha, which plays a role in the inflammatory cascade known to cause psoriasis. The newest crop of biologics, however, gets even more specific in their aim, making them that much more effective and safe. They are even effective if someone has tried and failed or stopped responding to older biologics.

Bruce Strober, MD, chair of dermatology at UConn Health and professor of dermatology at UConn School of Medicine, with offices in Farmington and Canton, Conn. agrees. "The most exciting new treatments for psoriasis lately are Tremfya, Cosentyx, Siliq, and Taltz as they clear most patients who receive them and have very few side effects, and no need for blood test monitoring (except for a pre-treatment test for tuberculosis)," he says. Biologics do confer their share of risks namely infections because they work by suppressing your immune system. This new crop is thought to be more "skin-specific" which means there is less broad immunosuppression and thus a lower risk for infections.

Combo dream creams (or foams)

There is no cure for psoriasis, that said, there are some new combinations of topical steroids and vitamin D that pack a one-two punch against the inflammation and scaling of psoriasis and are helping people with moderate psoriasis get and stay clear. Taclonex ointment is a once-daily medication for psoriasis that is used for up to eight weeks to treat (and delete) scalp and body plaque psoriasis. (This is also the only FDA-approved treatment for teens with scalp psoriasis, and the once-a-day regimen means teens are more likely to use the ointment as directed.) It also comes as a foam and goes by the name of Enstilar®. The foam formulation may allow people to use it on larger body areas.

Weight loss

Is this a newfangled psoriasis treatment? Not exactly, but a growing body of evidence suggesting that psoriasis is more than skin deep has made weight loss a key part of therapy. Psoriasis can increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes so doing everything to lower these risks is essential, Dr. Farber says. "Losing weight is key as is regular exercise, which can be difficult if people also have psoriatic arthritis," he says. And weight loss works wonders. Danish researchers found that obese people with psoriasis who lost 10 to 15 percent of their excess weight saw lasting improvements in their symptoms, as reported in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology.

Phototherapy advances

Phototherapy has been a mainstay in psoriasis treatment for years, but today's therapies are more effective and safer, says Dr. Farber. In particular, narrowband ultraviolet B (UVB) devices and excimer lasers can help clear psoriasis and allow you to wear short sleeves again, he says. Both treatments use UVB light, which reduces inflammation, slows the abnormal skin cell growth that drives psoriasis, and minimizes the plaques. The excimer laser zaps psoriasis plaques with a wand-like device that emits high-intensity beam of UVB light, and it works really well, he says. These treatments can be combined with other therapies to boost results. The downside? Both involve multiple trips to the dermatologist's office for treatments.

Coming soon

There are even more treatments for psoriasis on the horizon: IDP-118 (halobetasol propionate and tazarotene) lotion is an investigational topical treatment for plaque psoriasis. Halobetasol propionate is a steroid that cools inflammation, and tazarotene is a topical retinoid that slows the rate at which skin cells develop. Both ingredients are approved to treat plaque psoriasis, but due to side effects, their use is limited to shorter durations. The new formulation may cut back on those side effects allowing people to use the cream for longer periods of time. Stay tuned.There are also new biologics being investigated that may be even more targeted, Dr. Kauffman predicts. Most available biologics are given weekly, biweekly or monthly. "It's plausible in next five years, we will have biologics that are given once a year and then you will have no psoriasis for rest of the year. It's the most incredible time in the treatment of psoriasis."

https://www.rd.com/health/conditions/new-psoriasis-treatments/

How I cured my Psoriasis and you can too

From bodyandsoul.com.au

Irene Prantalos discovered how a relaxed mind, healthy diet and Chinese medicine can help heal the skin condition. 

While many of us come back from holidays relaxed, de-stressed and with the greatest memories, Irene Prantalos’ trip to Greece with her mum when she was 11, was the complete opposite.
Feeling homesick, constantly crying and desperately wanting to go home, her mum noticed a few spots on her scalp appear, which then spread onto her arms when they arrived home. She was diagnosed with psoriasis.
Although her local GP simply gave her a cortisone cream and advised her that it would all disappear, Irene’s condition only began to worsen. And come Year 11 and 12, Irene’s stress level peaked and her psoriasis spread over her entire body.
“The shame of having the disease meant I often slouched and held my head down low. Outside of school I would wear hats to hide my face from people noticing - this was to avoid seeing their reaction to me as well, as this was very confronting when people either looked in horror or disgust,” she tells mybodyandsoul.com.au.
After been hospitalised twice and seeing no results from trying every ointment and treatment available, she eventually decided to give Chinese medicine a go, and within two months her skin cleared up.
But while things began to look positive, her psoriasis journey didn’t end there.
“During my time in University, I had many flare ups as I was always stressed about doing well in exams and other assessments. It never covered my entire body again but definitely was there and annoying me. It did make me question whether I could in fact complete this double degree I had set my sights on achieving.”
“My mum helped me with cooking meals that wouldn’t irritate my skin, changing my sheets daily so that it would reduce the itch in my skin, helping me through many rough times.

“I had friends come and visit to take my mind off things and many others who knew I was struggling but happily ignored the rash on my face and made me feel ‘normal’ even if I felt like a freak.”
But once she graduated from uni and had the time to invest in researching ways to alleviate psoriasis, Irene’s condition eased dramatically simply by making a few changes in her life and learning how to handle her condition.
“For me, most of the change was noticed with the Chinese medicine treatment, but with that I had changed my diet, and really reducing my stress helped my skin as well.”
Making sure I chose a partner who was supportive and didn't care if a flare up happened was very beneficial although I never thought that would have been possible. Making friendships that fed my soul was something I focused on later after I finished my studies. This was because the other elements where essential to be laid as the foundation and then other factors such as friendships came later.”
Now a Chinese Medicine Doctor, Irene is sharing her personal story and knowledge in hope to help others suffering from psoriasis.
“I would go to doctors with the hope they knew what to do and I wouldn't hear things like, 'your body is just not responding', 'you just need to accept this is your life and there isn't much you can do about it'. It was always negative and extremely scary that this actually was going to be my life,” she explains.
“Now, knowing that the body is in constant state of rejuvenation and in fact the immune system wasn't over reacting but in fact screaming at me about an issue I needed to address, gave me a completely positive respect for my body instead of a distain for it.
“Although I must say I often am reminded that I tell people to take herbs that perhaps don't taste great, forgetting the taste can be a little intense. The truth is it works and I think a few seconds of drinking herbs really isn't that bad if you feel great within your body.”
So her top tips for clearing psoriasis?
First up, reducing stress.
“I don't care if you can't - your body needs you to. If this means re-assessing your life, incorporating relaxation techniques, changing your perspective on your situation - do what needs to be done to reduce stress. If you’re studying, then it is only for a small moment so hang in there and then relax afterwards.”
She also advises to focus on eating a diet rich in nutrients and vitamins, and avoid inflammatory foods such as sugar, gluten alcohol, dairy and red met.
And her last tip involves a relaxing trip to the beach.
“Get into the salt water - the beach is amazing.
“If you are doing the above two recommendations, then the effect of sitting in beach water for 30 to 60 minutes as often as you can will be a super-fast way to eliminate inflammation from the skin.”

http://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/beauty/news-reviews/how-i-cured-my-psoriasis-and-you-can-too/news-story/5ade1fc1258bba241cfaea19dadd749b

Save your scalp from dryness by avoiding chemical treatments

From webindia123.com

Due to the cold winter season, the scalp starts getting dry which can lead to eczema, psoriasis or superimposed fungal infection. Avoid using chemical treatments and apply coconut oil to save scalp from dryness, suggest experts.

Vandana Punjabi, Dermatologist at Nanavati Super Specialist and Farah Arfeen, Nutritionist at AktivHealth, suggested few ideas to avoid the problems:
* Apply coconut oil on scalp for half an hour before hair wash, then shampoo with mild, sulfate-free shampoo. Avoid over cleansing the scalp as this will worsen the dryness.
* Avoid chemical treatments such as smoothening or colouring as these may worsen scalp dryness. If there is itching and excessive scaling, anti dandruff shampoo will help. This will also prevent hair fall.
* Diet is an important part in managing dry scalp and hair fall. Have a diet rich in omega 3 such as almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, sunflower seeds, protein-rich food such as eggs, lean meat, fish, cottage cheese, tofu, pulses, iron-rich foods like green leafy vegetables, fruits, lentils and more.
Dairy products can make hair shiny and bouncy which can boost up your confidence. Milk is the powerhouse of good nutrients like protein, calcium and vitamins, which is essential to nourish the medulla the innermost layer of hair which provides light.
A well balanced diet which has rich source of selenium and zinc nuts like almonds, macadamia and argon seeds and selenium boosts hair growth and reduces dandruff and can also destroy fungus from the scalp.
* Water is the most essential component of nutrition. It is required for proper blood circulation, which enables the nutrients to reach from the scalp to the hair follicles and make them healthy. Without adequate water scalp become dry, itchy which lead to brittle hair.

https://news.webindia123.com/news/Articles/Entertainment/20180107/3246530.html

Type 2 Diabetes - Psoriasis Is a Risk Factor for the Metabolic Syndrome

By Beverleigh H Piepers

According to dermatologists - skin specialists, and endocrinologists - gland specialists at the University of Verona in Verona, Italy, the skin condition psoriasis raises the risk of developing the metabolic syndrome. Their report was published in the January and February 2018 copy of the Journal of Clinical Dermatology.
Psoriasis is a non-contagious skin disorder in which skin cells divide too fast and slough off in white or transparent scales. The metabolic syndrome is similar to Type 2 diabetes.

Signs and symptoms of psoriasis include...

• raised, red inflamed patches of skin,
• white scales,
• itchiness,
• pain, and
• dry, cracked skin that can bleed.

Signs and symptoms of the metabolic syndrome include...

• Type 2 diabetes,
• mild insulin resistance,
• belly fat,
• high blood pressure,
• abnormal blood fats, and
• nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

People diagnosed with psoriasis are at least twice as likely to develop the metabolic syndrome as non-psoriatic individuals. The former has a 20 to 50 percent risk.

Cortisone is one conventional method of treating psoriasis, but it can raise blood sugar levels. According to the Verona specialists, the biological medications are safer. Treating psoriasis patients with low-calorie diets and exercise is recommended to achieve and/or maintain a healthy lean weight.
Another type of medication recommended by the Verona dermatologists is the biologicals. Psoriasis is caused by autoimmunity, in which the immune system attacks the body. The biologicals work to calm down the immune system...

• patients must stop the medication if they acquire an infection, such as a cold.
• a yearly flu shot is a good idea for people with psoriasis taking one of the biologicals - and a good idea for everyone else as well.

The biologicals are given by injection just under the skin of the arms, abdomen, or thighs. A list of these medications include...

• adalimumab (Humira),
• brodalumab (Siliq),
• etanercept (Enbrel),
• golimumab (Simponi),
• infliximab (Remicade),
• ixekizumab (Taltz),
• secukinumab (Cosentyx), and
• ustekinumab (Stelara).

The biologic medical products work by interfering with pro-inflammatory molecules released by the immune system...

• Enbrel, Simponi, Remicade, and Humira interfere with TNF alpha or tumor necrosis factor alpha. TNF alpha is a proinflammatory cytokine, a protein involved in causing inflammation. It is secreted mainly by monocytes and macrophages, white blood cells that produce inflammatory reactions. It is also built to some extent by a white blood cell called the lymphocyte, blood vessel cells, and fibroblasts, cells that cause blood clotting.
• Siliq, Cosentyx, and Taltz work by blocking human interleukin 17, another inflammatory molecule.
• Stelara blocks inflammatory molecules interleukin 22 and interleukin 23.

Although managing your disease can be very challenging, Type 2 diabetes is not a condition you must just live with. You can make simple changes to your daily routine and lower both your weight and your blood sugar levels. Hang in there, the longer you do it, the easier it gets.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Type-2-Diabetes---Psoriasis-Is-a-Risk-Factor-for-the-Metabolic-Syndrome&id=9851950

Should those with rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, cold sores use skin scrubs?

From the healthsite.com

While it is no secret that wrong types of exfoliation scrubs can harm your skin, the importance of scrubbing your skin cannot be underestimated. But should you scrub your skin vigorously for getting that soft, baby like skin? Should people with specific skin conditions do this? Amarjeet Bhatia, Chief Medical Officer at Doctor Insta insists on only using scrubs made with natural ingredients such as sugar, salt, carrier oils, and honey as they are great for the skin.

Harsh skin scrubs are bad for psoriasis: Psoriasis is a common condition, affecting 125 million people worldwide, or a full 2-3% of the world’s population. Psoriasis causes red, itchy patches on the body that may appear scaly. Skin scrubs are bad for psoriasis, which can irritate the skin and bleed the scales. However, a homemade gentle exfoliator made of either honey or coal tar or sweet almond oil and Vitamin E oil works well.

Skin scrubs can be used by people who have impetigo: Skin scrubs can be used for impetigo along with antibacterial soaps as they will prevent the spread of infection.
Eczema patients can use skin scrubs: Sugar scrubs can be used for Eczema as scrubs will help facilitate the removal of dead skin to prevent the skin from flaking or cracking. Skin will soften and smoothen the skin while still retaining the natural moisture.

Which scrubs are better for you- salt or sugar? Sugar scrubs are gentler than salt scrubs because the granule is round and therefore doesn’t have any ability to “cut” the skin. It’s a far better choice for sensitive skin types and the only choice for the face.
Things to look for when buying skin scrub:

• Scrubbing twice a week is sufficient.
• If you have oily skin, use a gel based scrub.
• If you have dry skin, use a cream based scrub.
• If you have sensitive skin, go for a scrub with super soft granules.

http://www.thehealthsite.com/beauty/should-those-with-rosacea-eczema-psoriasis-cold-sores-use-skin-scrubs-f1217/

How omega-3 can soothe psoriasis

From hollandbarrett.com

The skin condition, psoriasis, can have a damaging effect on the quality of life for those who have it. Find out how omega-3 can help relieve the symptoms of psoriasis.
Psoriasis may not be life-threatening but, for the 2-3% of the UK who have the skin condition, it can still be disabling. Almost three-quarters of those with psoriasis say it can have a significant impact on their quality of life.

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease which causes skin-cell production to be increased four- to seven-fold, resulting in patches of built-up skin cells called plaques. Plaques appear red, flaky and crusty and may be covered in silvery scales. They may also be sore and itchy.
Psoriatic plaques can appear anywhere on the body, but are commonly found on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back. Psoriasis may also affect the joints, causing inflammation known as psoriatic arthritis.

How can omega-3 help?

Omega-3 fatty acids are known to boost our immune function and dampen down the body’s inflammatory response. Research suggests that consuming sufficient levels of omega-3 during the first year of life may help protect against a variety of autoimmune disorders.
Taking omega-3 supplements when autoimmune skin or joint conditions do develop can help relieve the symptoms. Studies show that high-dose omega-3 supplements can improve the symptoms of redness, thickness, scaling and itching in psoriasis.

Omega-3 and psoriatic arthritis

Although little research has looked at the impact of omega-3 fatty acids on psoriatic arthritis, there is good evidence to suggest that omega-3 supplements can improve the symptoms.
There is also evidence to show omega-3s can improve joint function in other forms of arthritis, offering hope to those who are affected by the condition.

Advice is for information only and should not replace medical care. Please consult a doctor or healthcare professional before trying any remedies.

http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/the-health-hub/omega-3-can-soothe-psoriasis/