How to cope with Psoriasis

From jamaicaobserver.com

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes the rapid build-up of skin cells. This build-up of cells causes scaling on the skin’s surface.
Inflammation and redness around the scales is fairly common. Typical psoriatic scales are whitish-silver and develop in thick patches. Sometimes, these patches will crack and bleed.
People with psoriasis may find living with the condition challenging.
Here are four tips on how to cope with psoriasis:

1. UPDATING MAKE-UP
Daily cosmetic products could be worsening skin irritation and redness. Clients should look for fragrance-free, hypoallergenic and non-clogging moisturisers to support skin with an extra layer of protection.
Primers will give users a smoother skin surface to work with, and liquid foundation can be easily controlled with any skin type.
As for removing make-up, petroleum-based make-up removers loosen make-up prior to taking it off and can help avoid aggravating sensitive spots.
2. EATING HEALTHY
Controlling diet can be beneficial for individuals with psoriasis as some foods can cause redness and swelling of the skin. An anti-inflammatory diet has proven to help individuals manage plaque psoriasis.
Psoriasis sufferers should eat: Fish, nuts, oils, and colourful fruits and vegetables. Foods to avoid include: Nightshade vegetables, dairy, refined sugar, and red meat.
3. TAKING VITAMINS
Many people with psoriasis find that including vitamins and supplements in their diet help their skin clear.
Omega 3 helps decrease inflammation and powers the immune system through fish oil, vegetable oil, soy, nuts, and seeds.
Vitamin D can be found in salmon, Swiss cheese and sunshine, which helps slow the growth of skin cells.
4. LOWERING STRESS LEVELS
Psychodermatology is a term doctors created, linking emotional stress to skin. Bodies reacting to a mental state can trigger certain hormones to be released, which can cause skin to have negative side effects.
The brain and skin are connected because they are derived from the same cells. When people experience stress in life, quite frequently their skin becomes a reflection of the stresses.
The following can help reduce stress levels: Acupuncture, massage therapy, behavioural therapy, talk therapy, and relaxation training.

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/How-to-cope-with-Psoriasis_90687

Maintain a healthy diet to restrict psoriasis flare-ups

From newsok.com

Dear Doctor: I've had psoriasis for close to seven years, and lately it has been flaring up more often. Is there anything I can do with my diet to control this, or even prevent it from happening?
Dear Reader: That's a good question. Thanks to the growing body of research detailing the link between inflammation and chronic disease, there are some equally intriguing answers.

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To explore it further, let's start with what psoriasis is.
When you have psoriasis, your immune system has gone a bit haywire. It's sending faulty danger signals that cause skin cells to grow at 10 times their normal rate. That's much faster than your body can process and shed them, and the result is raised and itchy patches of red skin, often covered with silvery scales. Typically, these appear on the knees, elbows and scalp, but may also be present on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet and along the torso.
Although there is a complex genetic component to psoriasis, environmental factors are also at play. Stress, infection, certain medications, smoking and alcohol use have all been shown to be potential triggers for flare-ups. The results of that research we mentioned make it increasingly clear that inflammation is a factor in many chronic and degenerative diseases, including heart disease, diabetes and many cancers. Since inflammation plays a significant role in psoriasis, a lot of attention is now being paid to your question of whether diet may affect the disease.
Because of the way psoriasis behaves, drawing conclusions can be difficult. Flare-ups are followed by periods of dormancy, which give way again to subsequent flare-ups. Since the nature of the disease is to fluctuate, connecting the dots between a specific dietary or behavioural change, and the absence or presence of flare-ups, is a challenge.
Still, scientists are beginning to find answers. In studies of psoriasis patients whose diets included fish oil supplements to add omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, a measurable number of participants reported fewer and less severe flare-ups. When they stopped following the diet, the benefits also waned.

Gluten sensitivity may also play a role. In a study of individuals with antibodies to gliadin, one of the proteins that are present in wheat, following a gluten-free diet lessened psoriasis symptoms. When gluten was reintroduced to the diet, flare-ups became more frequent.
If you're interested in modifying your own diet, the National Psoriasis Foundation offers some guidelines. Foods to add to your diet include leafy green vegetables and colourful fruits such as spinach, kale, broccoli, squash and blueberries. Foods that are a natural source of omega-3 fatty oils are also on the list. They include cold-water fish, olive oil, walnuts and pumpkin seeds.
The foundation recommends that people with psoriasis avoid processed foods, refined sugar and fatty red meat. Research shows that maintaining a healthy weight is important, as well.
The idea is that when you have an inflammatory disease, steering clear of foods with inflammatory effects can help. Whatever the outcome, the result is a more healthful diet.

http://newsok.com/article/5537605

The difference between psoriasis and eczema

From privatehealth.co.uk

Both psoriasis and eczema are skin conditions that are linked to your immune system and can cause red, itchy patches of dry skin. However, there are some key differences between psoriasis and eczema that your doctor at the Harley Street skin clinic will be able to explain in more detail.

Psoriasis v eczema symptoms

It is usually possible for a doctor to tell the difference between eczema and psoriasis just from looking, but sometimes additional testing may be needed at the Harley Street skin clinic to confirm the diagnosis. The effects of these skin conditions can vary, so sometimes they are difficult to tell apart.

• Eczema is usually very itchy. Psoriasis can itch a little, but you could also feel a stinging or burning sensation instead.
• Eczema usually look like rough, red patches, which can become crusty and infected. Psoriasis can cause similar red patches too, but it can also cause silvery, scaly patches and areas of thickened and severely inflamed skin.
• Eczema tends to appear in creases of skin around your joints. Psoriasis is more likely to affect your scalp, face, back, palms, and the soles of your feet. It can also appear in other places, including in your mouth or on your nails.

The symptoms of eczema often appear earlier than those of psoriasis. Most people develop eczema as babies or children, and sometimes grow out of it later in life. Psoriasis usually appears between the ages of about 15 and 35, and it is a lifelong condition.

Psoriasis v Eczema Triggers

The symptoms of both psoriasis and eczema can flare up sometimes in response to specific triggers. Eczema can be triggered by:

• Toiletries, laundry detergents or other things that come in contact with and irritate your skin
• Allergens such as certain foods, pet hair, pollen or other allergens.
• Extremes of temperature or humidity
• Stress
• Having an infection

Psoriasis can also be triggered by stress or an infection. It can also get worse if your skin is injured, even if it is just by sunburn or a small scratch. It’s important to work with your dermatologist at the Harley Street skin clinic to identify what your triggers are so that you can avoid them, whether you have psoriasis or eczema.

http://www.privatehealth.co.uk/articles/difference-between-psoriasis-and-eczema-1145487/

Overcome Psoriasis with these natural ingredients!

From kashmirmonitor.in

Psoriasis is the most stubborn and complicated form of skin disease that affects skin, hair, nails, and joints.
Many health experts believe that psoriasis in nail is the hardest to treat as the thick nail bed makes topical meditation difficult to penetrate. This chronic skin disease is not age-related and mainly caused by the problem with immune system.
Red, scaly skin and severe itching are some of its common symptoms. The condition also gives rise to other diseases like diabetes, heart problems, obesity, and depression, which is why proper treatment is very important.
Till date, no medical treatment is available for psoriasis but, there are some medication and natural treatments that can soothe the itchiness and slow down its progression. That is why, self-care and natural treatment is the best solution to get rid of this disease.
Here are some natural ingredients that can cure psoriasis
Tea tree oil:
These trees are native to Australia and is used as an anti-inflammatory agent that treats psoriasis. It is a powerful natural antifungal and antimicrobial that can also cures athlete’s foot, nail fungus, and acne.
Olive oil:
Ozonated olive oil is a powerful natural remedy for psoriasis. This oil acts as a moisturizing conditioner that reduces itchiness and redness. The ozone content of the oil helps in creating enzymes that regulates skin growth and healing.
Pine bark extract:
Using Pine bark extract is the most effect way to keep the progression of psoriasis under control. It improves blood circulation, cleanses arterial plaque and enhances health of blood vessels. It's antioxidant properties treats acne and reduces signs of aging.
Oatmeal:
Oatmeal bath therapy is a wonderful way to soothe psoriasis flare-ups. For this therapy, all you need is some oatmeal and Epsom salts and mix them in lukewarm water. This treatment moisturizes and soothes irritated skin.
Apple Cidar Vinegar:
Apple Cidar Vinegar is one of the traditional method to cure this skin disease. It eliminates itch and as well as flakes produced by psoriasis. Make a solution by mixing water and apple cidar vinegar in 2:1 ratio and then apply it on affected area. Avoid using it directly on cracked or bleeding skin.

http://www.kashmirmonitor.in/Details/116221/overcome-psoriasis-with-these-natural-ingredients

Living With Psoriasis: Causes, Treatments and Prevention For the Skin Disorder

By Sarah Cownley

Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease that may affect any area of skin. A staggering 7.5 million people suffer from the skin disease in the United States alone, and it affects more than 3% of the world’s population.
Psoriasis is a skin condition where the skin cells grow about five times faster than normal skin cells. The body cannot keep up with the new cells, piling up the old ones and creating thick, flaky, itchy patches. Researchers don’t know an exact psoriasis cause but have linked a combination of genetics and certain triggers to the skin ailment.
Not every person with psoriasis experiences the same symptoms, and in fact, symptoms can vary based on the severity and type of psoriasis. However, some of the common symptoms may include:
      Small, red, individual spots

Raised, red, inflamed lesions

Burning, soreness, or itching of the skin

Silvery scaly plaques

Dry skin that cracks or bleeds

Pitted nails or separation from the nail bed

The most common area for psoriasis include the knees, elbows, and torso. Psoriasis less frequently appears anywhere else on the body, including the face, hands, genitals, feet, nails, and in skin folds. If there is a pain, stiffness, or swelling of the joints, combined with skin irritation, can show a related condition called psoriatic arthritis.

Psoriasis Treatment

Psoriasis treatments can vary depending on the type of psoriasis, the severity, and the location. Some people find the itch more difficult to tolerate than visible redness and scales on their skin and seek treatment for that reason. Whatever the reason, there is no one treatment option for psoriasis. A doctor might prescribe a steroid cream or antihistamine to help calm symptoms.
Despite the fact that psoriasis is incurable, it does respond well to topical creams and prescription drugs. Even people with severe psoriasis can get relief during a breakout in about 85% to 90% of cases.
Topical treatments are creams or lotions that are rubbed directly onto the affected skin to provide relief without the amount of side effects of oral medication. Some of the most commonly prescribed ones for psoriasis include:
Salicylic acid – This treatment smooths the skin by promoting the shedding of psoriatic scales. When used in high dosages, however, the body could absorb too much of the medication, leading to side effects.

Steroid-based creams – The number one prescribed cream for psoriasis, it decreases inflammation, relieves itching, and blocks the production of cell that are Some of the stronger prescriptions can cause side effects such as burning, dryness, and thinning of the skin.

Calcipotriene – A topical ointment related to vitamin D that has been proven to be effective for treating psoriasis when combined with a topical corticosteroid cream.

Coal-tar – These ointments can help slow the rapid growth of skin cells and alleviate symptoms. The shampoo is especially helpful to those who suffer from the skin condition on the scalp.

Prescription retinoids – These topical prescriptions contain a synthetic form of vitamin A and can help improve a psoriasis outbreak.

Light therapy for psoriasis is one of the most effective treatments, however, it is used far less today because it has been shown to increase the risk of developing skin cancer. Some doctors will prescribe ultraviolet B light (UVB) treatment using a light box, which doesn’t carry as much risk of skin cancer.
For severe psoriasis, doctors may prescribe oral drugs to treat the skin disease. Many of these medications are mainly used for other ailments such as methotrexate, which is also used as a chemotherapy drug for cancer and rheumatoid arthritis. These medications have many side effects and should only be prescribed as a last effort to get psoriasis under control.

Psoriasis Prevention

Psoriasis prevention is the key to keeping the disease under control. Most people with psoriasis go through cycles where their symptoms may seem to almost disappear for a period of time, only to flare back up again. It may not be possible to completely control or prevent a flare-up of psoriasis, but staying away from certain behaviours that may worsen existing symptoms or cause flare-ups helps in the prevention. Making lifestyle changes that can help with prevention of outbreaks, including eating healthy, not smoking, avoiding cold weather, and limiting alcohol consumption.
Scientists have found that in people with psoriasis, there are approximately 25 genes that are different to those without the skin disease. With psoriasis, the genes that control the immune system signals get mixed, and instead of protecting the body from invaders, it promotes inflammation and turns cells onto overdrive.
Research in the genetics of psoriasis didn’t begin until the early 1970’s, but recently have seen an influx in scope thanks to improvements in genetic and medical technology, as well as increased funding.
Even with research being able to identify some triggers of psoriasis, not all are universal. What may cause one persons symptoms may not affect another. Some triggers may include;

• Stress – Being under stress can cause psoriasis to begin to flare up for the first time, or aggravate existing patches. Stress reduction techniques like meditation may help prevent stress from impacting psoriasis.
• Injury to Skin – Areas of the skin that have been injured or traumatized can develop psoriasis, called a Koebner phenomenon. This type of psoriasis can be treated if it is caught early.
• Medications – Certain medications are associated with triggering psoriasis including Lithium, Anti-malarial, Inderal, Quinidine, and Indomethacin.
• Infection – Any type of infection that affects the immune system can affect psoriasis. In particular, streptococcus infection (strep throat) is associated with psoriasis, but other infections including bronchitis, tonsillitis, or a respiratory infection can also lead to a psoriasis flare up.

Other possible triggers, although scientifically unproven for psoriasis, include allergies, diet, and weather.

Psoriasis on the Face

Those with psoriasis on the face often suffer from psychosocial problems due to the highly visible presence of the skin disease. It is extremely rare to have psoriasis occurring solely on the face. Most patients also have scalp psoriasis and may also have moderate to severe psoriasis on other parts of the body. When present on the face, the skin disease prevents a therapeutic challenge because facial skin is thin, sensitive, and more complicated to treat. This is the area where people turn to natural remedies such as aloe vera and fish oil.
Nail psoriasis can appear when there is a presence of the skin disease elsewhere on the body. It can cause nails to become discoloured, get thick, and can even become tender and hurt. Good nail care is the best way to treat and prevent psoriasis on this part of the body. Keep nails trimmed and short and wear gloves to clean or do other work with the hands, moisturize every day, and wear comfortable and properly fitting shoes.
It is important that people who have psoriasis learn as much as possible about their condition and understand that it is a medical problem and seek medical advice. Severe psoriasis has been associated with risks for developing comorbid conditions, such as hypertension, the metabolic syndrome, and liver disease to name a few. It is, therefore, important to both monitor and treat psoriasis closely and efficiently.

https://www.agein.com/living-with-psoriasis-causes-treatments-and-prevention-for-the-skin-disorder-14941

In search of a natural method to treat psoriasis

From seattletimes.com

Q: Has anyone come up with a natural method for treating psoriasis? I started with a little patch on my leg, and it has spread to many parts of my body. The scales itch and are ugly. They really bother me.
I was prescribed betamethasone ointment that doesn’t help that much. I hope there is some natural cure.

A: Psoriasis is a chronic condition in which the immune system attacks the skin and leads to rapid skin-cell turnover. This is what creates the red patches and silvery scales of psoriasis, and it also explains why “cures” are elusive. Most treatments must be maintained to be helpful.

Dermatologists often prescribe topical cortisonelike drugs to dampen the immune response and ease inflammation. That’s what betamethasone is. Many readers have found natural approaches that help their condition. Some report that sunlight and saltwater are beneficial. Light therapy is often used to treat psoriasis in the clinic (Dermatologic Clinics, January 2015).

Inexpensive topical glycerin has helped some patients, perhaps because it has moisturizing properties (Acta Derma-Veneraologica online, June 28, 2016). Research shows that glycerol improves skin-cell maturation, so that also may help explain its benefit (Journal of Investigative Dermatology, December 2003).
Other readers have found that ingesting the active ingredient curcumin from the yellow spice turmeric can ease the redness and itching from psoriasis.

http://www.seattletimes.com/life/wellness/in-search-of-a-natural-method-to-treat-psoriasis/

Top psoriasis news of 2016

From healio.com

Research finding that psoriasis had a strong association with type 2 diabetes and obesity in a nationwide study of Danish twins, indicating a common genetic etiology between psoriasis and obesity was among the most-read articles of 2016 on Healio.com/Dermatology.

Other widely read articles included study findings that patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis who were treated with Taltz reported improvement in work productivity between 12 and 60 weeks compared with patients treated with placebo and, in some incidences, those treated with Enbrel:

Psoriasis associated with type 2 diabetes, obesity in twin study

Psoriasis had a strong association with type 2 diabetes and obesity in a nationwide study of Danish twins, indicating a common genetic etiology between psoriasis and obesity, according to study results recently published in JAMA Dermatology.

Researchers in Denmark conducted a cross-sectional, population-based twin study that included 34,781 Danish twins born between 1931 and 1982, and aged 20 to 71 years.

New guidelines for psoriasis treatment goals established

Members of the National Psoriasis Foundation medical board established defined treatment targets for patients with psoriasis in a recent paper published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

“This is a pivotal, groundbreaking effort that defines treatment targets for psoriasis patients in the U.S.,” April W. Armstrong, MD, MPH, National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) member and dermatologist at of the Keck School of Medicine at University of Southern California, Los Angeles, stated in a press release.

Patients with psoriasis treated with Taltz reported improvements in work productivity

Patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis who were treated with Taltz reported improvement in work productivity between 12 and 60 weeks compared with patients treated with placebo and, in some incidences, those treated with Enbrel, according to study results.

Patients were randomly assigned subcutaneous placebo, or 80 mg Taltz (ixekizumab, Eli Lilly and Company) every 2 weeks or every 4 weeks in the UNCOVER-1 trial. Patients in the UNCOVER-2 and UNCOVER-3 trials had the same three treatment groups, plus a treatment arm of Enbrel (etanercept, Amgen) 50 mg twice weekly.

Psoriasis patients treated by lasers show no indication of koebnerization

Patients with plaque psoriasis who underwent laser treatment did not show evidence of subsequent koebnerization, according to recent research.

“Koebnerization did not occur on the face, neck, or scalp in patients with plaque psoriasis who underwent laser treatment, irrespective of the severity of their psoriasis and medication they were receiving at the time of their procedure,” Suzanne M. Sachsman, MD, from the division of dermatology at the University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine, and colleagues wrote.

Patients with psoriasis effectively switch from Remicade to infliximab biosimilar

Patients with psoriasis being treated with Remicade had no significant change in clinical response and experienced minor adverse events when switching to an infliximab biosimilar, according to recently published study results.

Researchers studied two cohorts of patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis who were treated between July 1, 2015, and Jan. 20, 2016 at the University of Turin in Italy.

http://www.healio.com/dermatology/psoriasis/news/online/%7B6d0e03f0-8ca4-4395-aeda-0291215917ca%7D/top-psoriasis-news-of-2016