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

Fish Oil Thought To Be Helpful Among Psoriasis Sufferers

From newswire.net

Orlando, FL -- Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes the development of silvery white and thick scales with a red and inflamed lining. There are topical creams and pharmaceutical drugs available for the condition. However, there are also natural remedies believed to be effective for the condition.
Fish oil is thought to be helpful among psoriasis sufferers. It contains healing fats called omega-3 fatty acids which can act as anti-inflammatory agents. Omega-3s can be found in fish such as halibut, herring, tuna, salmon, and sardines.
“Consumers may also obtain omega-3s through fish oil supplementation,” said VitaBreeze Supplements spokesperson, Michelle O’Sullivan.
The condition often comes with high arachidonic acid concentrations in the plaques. It is also associated with major changes in eicosanoids metabolism, which leads to the increase in pro-inflammatory agents.
The omega-3 fats called eicosapentaenoic acids (EPA) are believed to counteract the formation of these pro-inflammatory agents. There are even studies that showed fish oil supplementation has offered some significant benefits on individuals with psoriasis.
A report from a team of researchers suggests that the intravenous infusions of the emulsion of fish oil are effective in the amelioration of chronic plaque-type psoriasis symptoms. The team came from various areas namely Slovakia, Czech Republic, Poland, and Germany.
In the randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multicentre trial, 29 women and 54 women within the age bracket of 18 to 80 were made as participants. They suffered from severe psoriasis and had been hospitalized.
In group 1 containing 43 participants, the dose involved was 100 ml of a 10 percent emulsion, which was infused for more than 90 minutes. In group 2, the 40 subjects received twice daily infusions of a placebo emulsion, which was based on linoleic acid.
It was found that 43 participants who received fish oil exhibited 50 percent improvement in their condition. On the other hand, there were 9 out of 40 individuals who experienced such an improvement in the placebo group.
Fish oil supplements are widely available nowadays. There are many reasons behind the popularity of this natural alternative. The omega-3 fatty acids are believed to abundantly offer a range of health benefits.
Omega-3 fats are thought to be extremely beneficial in various aspects of health, especially in the cardiovascular system. While omega-3s can be obtained from eating fish, more and more people are obtaining them through supplementation.
There are highly reputable fish oil manufacturers who use a molecular distillation process, which eliminates or reduces the environmental pollutants in fish oil. Pollutants such as toxins and heavy metals are thought to be abundant in certain types of fish, which are widely available in the market.

https://newswire.net/newsroom/pr/00095623-fish-oil-thought-to-be-helpful-among-psoriasis-sufferers.html

Fruits That Fight Symptoms of Psoriasis

From kdrv.com

Psoriasis is a condition that causes inflammation of skin cells which form flaky and itchy, dry patches.
It affects two to three percent of the population, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation.
Unfortunately there is no cure, but medical experts say there are some fruits that have properties which ease psoriasis symptoms.
Mangos contain a type of pigment called carotenoid that can fight inflammation.
Figs have molecules called psoralens, which are used to fight psoriasis.
And finally, strawberries contain a compound called anthocyanin. This compound has anti-inflammatory agents to help with psoriasis symptoms.
You can talk to your doctor to find what will work best.

http://www.kdrv.com/story/34848521/fruits-that-fight-symptoms-of-psoriasis

Home remedies to soothe your psoriasis

From belmarrahealth.com

Psoriasis is a skin disorder that causes the epidermis to become covered in raised, red, itchy plaques that are spotted with white scales. It most commonly occurs on the knees, elbows, and scalp, but may also affect your torso, palms, and the soles of your feet. These plaques are sometimes itchy and painful, and may even crack and bleed, making the condition both uncomfortable and unsightly. While there are medications available to help soothe the symptoms of psoriasis, some may prefer a simpler home remedy. Continue reading to discover some of the most common and effective home remedies for treating psoriasis.
Heavy cream. Use a thick moisturizer or petroleum jelly to lock in moisture to the affected areas. Hydrating your skin with a heavy-duty salve can help relieve the itchiness associated with dry, scaly patches.
Apple cider vinegar. If your scalp is affected by psoriasis, you may be wary of slathering a cream over it for fear of making your hair limp and greasy. So long as the skin of your scalp is not bleeding or cracked, you can rub apple cider vinegar over it to soothe the itch. This is best done before a shower, as once the vinegar dries, you should rinse it out to avoid any further irritation.
Sun. The sun’s rays can actually help fight psoriasis, so head out into the sunshine for a few minutes daily and get your fill. Be sure to use sunscreen on the areas of your body not affected by the skin disorder to prevent sun damage that may lead to skin cancer.
Epsom salts. Sprinkle some Epsom salts into a warm bath and soak for about 15 minutes. The salts will help rid your body of the silvery scales and soothe any itching. Pat yourself dry after stepping out of the tub and be sure to moisturize in order to lock in all that moisture and keep your skin hydrated.
Oats. An oat bath is also a great way to soothe dry, itchy skin. Mix some ground-up oats into your warm bath water, then relax in the tub and let this natural remedy work its magic. Just as you would after an Epsom salt bath, ensure you moisturize afterward to seal in the hydration.
Meditation and yoga. Stress can exacerbate your condition, so partaking in activities like yoga and meditation to help manage it may also reduce your symptoms. This is especially true for those with psoriatic arthritis, as yoga can help alleviate your joint pain and reduce itchy flare ups.
Wrap it up. For a particularly dry and itchy patch, you may want to lock in moisture overnight while you sleep. To do so, apply a generous amount of moisturizer to the affected area, then wrap it with plastic wrap. Finally, put a tight piece of clothing over top like a glove or sock and go to bed. The moisture will be sealed in overnight and leave your skin feeling softer and less irritated in the morning.

Aloe Vera. Aloe Vera gel is a go-to to soothe sunburns, but its cooling and anti-inflammatory properties have also been found to ease the symptoms of psoriasis. The gel can help reduce redness and get rid of the irritating itch.
Psoriasis is an irritating condition that leaves your skin sore and itchy, and while there are some medications on the market to help treat it, there are also a few tried and true home remedies to ease your symptoms. Next time you experience a flare-up, try reaching for the apple cider vinegar or Epsom salts to rid yourself of the discomfort, and be sure to moisturize your skin daily.

http://www.belmarrahealth.com/home-remedies-soothe-psoriasis/

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