When is that itch a fungus?

From health24.com

What do jock itch, ringworm, thrush and athlete’s foot have in common? They all cause itching, but there is another thing – they often get mistaken for eczema or psoriasis.
If the above-mentioned conditions all cause similar symptoms, why can’t we treat them the same? Surely a cream for eczema or skin dryness fights any sort of skin condition? The answer is it doesn't work that way.

What is a fungal infection?
Fungal infections are caused by fungi, a group of microscopic organisms that thrive on the dead keratin of the skin, hair or nails.
Fungal infections can spread from one person to another, or through public spaces such as shared showers or swimming pools.
Different fungi cause different fungal infections. One of the most common forms of fungal infections is athlete's foot (tinea pedis), which is caused by ringworm and causes redness, itching and peeling around the toes.

What is eczema?
Eczema is a disease caused by inflammation of the skin and the skin's inability to retain adequate moisture. The result is a dry, troublesome rash that itches, which may occur on almost any part of the body.
The redness, itchiness and rash caused by eczema isn't contagious. Eczema is not related to fungus, but it's possible to also have a fungal infection on top of eczema. In that case, your doctor will have to take a skin swab to determine whether a fungal infection is present or not.
Eczema tends to appear on the face and scalp of babies and in places where the skin creases or folds in adults, such as the back of the knees or elbows, between the fingers or on ankles and wrists.
Doctors aren't sure what exactly causes eczema, but there are many allergens and irritants that can trigger a flare-up. Eczema is also most likely to be inherited.

What is psoriasis?
Just like eczema, psoriasis is also a chronic skin disease that causes redness and flaking. Psoriasis can affect big patches of skin all over the body, but can also occur on fingernails, toenails and around joints.
Psoriasis usually starts as one or more small psoriatic plaques – dark-pink, raised patches of skin with overlying silvery flaky scales – usually on the scalp, knees, elbows, back and buttocks. It can also occur in the eyebrows, armpits, navel and groin. It’s more likely to flake, while itching is uncommon.
Recent research has shown that psoriasis is a disorder of the immune system. A type of white-blood cell, called a T cell, helps protect the body against infection and disease. Abnormalities in the so-called T helper cells and the way that they interact with skin cells are associated with psoriasis.

How to find the correct treatment

• Consult your doctor or dermatologist for the right treatment. A fungal infection sometimes requires an oral antibiotic.
• Consider the duration of the symptoms. Eczema and psoriasis are chronic, while a fungal infection, although it may reoccur, can be eliminated.
• If your symptoms don't respond to an over-the-counter treatment, see a doctor. 

http://www.health24.com/Medical/Skin/Fungal-skin/when-is-that-itch-a-fungus-20171016

How Your Diet Can Make Your Psoriasis Symptoms Worse—And What To Do About It

From prevention.com

Chronic inflammation is at the root of this disease, but you can find relief through what you eat

Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune skin disease that causes skin cells to build up rapidly, resulting in redness, scaling, itchiness, dry skin, and pain. These patches of inflamed skin are known as psoriasis lesions. They can appear anywhere on the surface of the body, though most often they show up on the scalp, knees, and elbows. Like the other autoimmune conditions, the causes of psoriasis aren’t entirely clear but experts believe a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental trigger is in play.

Psoriasis can have a profound negative impact on quality of life not only because of its physical symptoms but also because lesions can be disfiguring. In a review of over 500 psoriasis patients, 73% reported that they felt stigmatized in some way because of their appearance. Psoriasis patients also report higher levels of anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts than the general population, and the worse the severity of their psoriasis, the greater the burden on self-esteem, body image, psychological health, social life, and overall quality of life.

Sadly, the emotional toll of psoriasis is only one aspect of its challenges. Psoriasis patients are also at greater risk of additional autoimmune illnesses, including rheumatoid arthritis, another form of arthritis known as psoriatic arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. But on top of it all, the risk of yet another autoimmune condition, celiac disease, is especially severe. Research suggests that having psoriasis roughly doubles the odds of being diagnosed with celiac disease. (Another study found the converse to be true, too: Having celiac disease significantly raises the risk of developing psoriasis.)

On a happier note, one study found that 42% of psoriasis in patients with celiac disease could be attributed to the underlying celiac disease, suggesting that for psoriasis patients with a gluten sensitivity, adopting a gluten-free diet may improve psoriasis symptoms. This is yet another instance of the healing power of eating for your particular body and your particular health profile. Many foods have different effects on different people. Use this knowledge to heal, rather than harm.

Another way people with psoriasis may better control their symptoms is to lose any extra weight. That’s right—losing weight can improve your psoriasis and improve how you respond to medications. In one study, 60 obese patients with psoriasis were divided into either a weight loss group that ate 800 to 1,000 calories a day for 8 weeks, followed by 8 weeks of no more than 1,200 calories a day, or a control group. After 16 weeks, the weight loss group lost an average of nearly 34 pounds, compared to less than 1 pound in the control group. Those in the intervention group also experienced an average change of −2.3 points in their Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores, a standard assessment of psoriasis activity, as opposed to just −0.3 in the control group.

Researchers also noted that the greatest reduction in psoriasis severity occurred in the first half of the study, when the greatest weight loss occurred.

Researchers later conducted a follow-up study of this same group to observe the long-term effects of weight reduction, following the participants for an additional 48 weeks. Of the 32 people who completed the full course, average weight loss compared to original weight was just over 22 pounds and PASI scores were 2.9 points lower compared to the baseline. According to these results, long-term weight loss appears to keep psoriasis severity down for the long term.
Psoriasis is also associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes—conditions that help explain why psoriasis is strongly associated with a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. The association is so strong, in fact, that psoriasis is now classified as an independent risk factor for heart disease, as dangerous as smoking, excess weight, and diabetes.

What’s going on here? All of the coexisting conditions in psoriasis, from depression to celiac disease to cardiovascular illness, are linked by chronic inflammation. In study after study, researchers have observed that people with celiac disease and psoriasis also display signs of a leaky gut (intestinal permeability) brought about by inflammation. Obesity alone promotes a chronic inflammatory state and can lead to metabolic syndrome, as fat cells continually release a special type of cytokine known as adipokines and affect levels of leptin, the hormone that plays a role in controlling hunger.

https://www.prevention.com/health/plaque-psoriasis-treatment

Skin Care: Living With Psoriasis

By Shabir S Joosub

Psoriasis is a persistent skin disorder that affects many people. It is a disorder that multiplies skin cells ten times faster than the speed that they should be regenerated. Common places that a person could get psoriasis are the elbows, knees and scalp.
This skin disorder can be caused by multiple factors. These factors include genetics, stress and skin damage from the sun or wounds. You can identify it by the patchiness on the skin that flakes often.
When you contract or develop this disorder it is important to limit the amount of times the skin gets scratched because of the itchiness. This will be difficult in the beginning but scratching causes the skin to become agitated and makes the situation worse. Therefore hydrating the skin is important. Try to use aqueous based shampoos or lotions or selenium sulphide or tar-based products. The healing process could take a while because the body has to slow down the regeneration of the cells and heal the red patches on the surface of the skin.

Some treatments could cause the skin to burn when being applied whilst some shampoos could cause you to lose some hair. Consult with your doctor if you experience unusual or uncomfortable symptoms and only keep going with the treatment if so advised.
Flakiness is also associated with dryness and dead skin. This is where the aqueous products could help. It also cools the skin down and soothes the surface for your comfort. Any form of infection often feels hot so cooling it down helps with the healing process without overworking the body.
Certain physicians also recommend that you keep the shampoo in your hair for a few minutes longer. There are chemicals in shampoos that improve hair and scalp quality but by being washed out quickly, you won't experience the treatment and benefits.
If you are dealing with psoriasis you also need to check that there isn't something you apply to your skin that will trigger a breakout. Many online tutorials give the audience ways to grow hair faster or heal a wound quicker. Castor oil is a good example for faster hair growth. Although, it does work well as a natural method for hair growth it also speeds up the natural process of hair regrowth which will cause surrounding cells to do the same. Don't forget that hair is also a form of skin.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Skin-Care:-Living-With-Psoriasis&id=9799914

The Best Fabrics to Wear If You Have Psoriasis

From sheknows.com

Around 7.5 million Americans suffer from psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory disease of the immune system that causes the skin cells to grow at an accelerated rate. It usually occurs on the scalp, knees, elbows, hands and feet, but can appear anywhere on the body.

Far more than just a physical condition, psoriasis can cause feelings of self-consciousness, impact every aspect of a person's life and influence everyday decisions people who don't have psoriasis don't have to think twice about, such as the clothes they wear. Certain styles and fabrics may aggravate the affected skin, while others are much more comfortable.

Dr. Tien Nguyen, a dermatologist at Orange Coast Memorial Medical Centre in Fountain Valley, California, recommends soft, breathable fabrics for people with psoriasis and advises against wearing itchy clothing. "Anything that causes sweat or irritation of psoriatic plaques can worsen the condition," she warns.

As a general rule, natural is good and synthetic is bad when it comes to psoriasis. Common synthetic fabrics include polyester, nylon and elastane. Check the garment labels before you buy.

Here are three fabrics that should be staples in your wardrobe if you have psoriasis.

1. Cotton

The higher the cotton content in a fabric, the more comfortable it will be next to the skin — and comfort is key for people with psoriasis. As a soft, breathable fabric, cotton should be the top choice for someone with psoriasis (or very dry or sensitive skin).

Dr. Delphine Lee, a dermatologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Centre in Santa Monica, California, highlights an Italian clinical trial comparing the effect on plantar psoriasis of socks containing a synthetic fibre with standard cotton socks. The trial showed no difference between the two fabrics, yet patient global satisfaction was statistically lower for the socks containing synthetic fibre.

2. Modal

Modal, a type of rayon, is a manufactured fibre, but is not synthetic — it’s made from wood pulp, a naturally occurring raw material. Modal is an ideal fabric for people with psoriasis because it is lightweight, smooth, soft and extremely breathable. It is similar in texture to cotton, but less likely to shrink, fade or pill. Look for undergarments and workout clothes made of modal, as they wick moisture away from the skin and dry faster in heavy sweating conditions. Often, people with psoriasis, particularly inverse psoriasis — lesions under the armpits, on the groin, under the breasts and in other natural folds of the body — find sweating a trigger because it stimulates itching and scratching of the skin and worsens psoriasis symptoms.

3. Silk

Breathability is an important factor, but it's not the only consideration. For example, linen is a very breathable fabric, but it can be uncomfortable against patches of psoriasis because of the uneven, slightly raised surface. Silk, on the other hand, is cool and soothing, even during flare-ups, because it has great moisture-wicking properties, helps to regulate body temperature, is hypoallergenic and doesn't create static, so it won't cling to the skin.
As well as breathable fabrics, opt for loose, comfortable styles. "People with psoriasis may find physical friction from tight clothing irritating," says Lee. "It is also important to be aware of fabrics that are irritating on an individual basis, for example, some people find wool to be very itchy. It is best to avoid fabrics that cause any irritating symptoms, particularly during flare-ups."

http://www.sheknows.com/health-and-wellness/articles/1136094/best-fabrics-to-wear-for-psoriasis

Psoriasis: Why it Gets Worse in Winter and Fall

From iuhealth.org

Fall: It brings beautifully coloured leaves, cooler, crisper air, festive holidays and all too often, itchy skin. Why? Experts say the season’s drier air and lower levels of the sun’s ultraviolet rays can worsen inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis (since ultraviolet light hinder the rapid growth of skin cells--a characteristic of the condition). The dry heat blared in most buildings during colder months can also sap the body of its natural stores of moisture, leading to dry, itching, cracked skin.
Wondering what you can do? Here, William A. Wooden, MD, FACS a plastic surgeon at Indiana University Health offers some helpful insights on psoriasis.
“Normally our skin grows all the time and sheds effectively but with people who have psoriasis it doesn’t shed fast enough and therefore gets thicker and scalier,” says Dr. Wooden. This is also once again a systemic condition that tends to run in families…meaning it’s not contagious and if your mom, dad, or siblings have had it, your risk could be higher.

Symptoms:  Like eczema, this can be a lifelong condition where the immune system basically sends off faulty information to the skin’s cells that force them to grow too quickly, says Dr. Wooden. The result can be the formation of plaque-like growths that may appear scaly and are often quite itchy. Common places for plaque formations include knees, elbows, lower back, and scalp.
Treatment: It is very important to keep tabs on when a patient’s psoriasis flares up. Oftentimes things like stress, illness, or new medications may trigger symptoms. Sadly, there is no cure, but Dr. Wooden says there are a variety of treatments that may offer patients relief including laser options, steroids and anti-inflammatories. “Patients with psoriasis should work with a doctor to find the right treatment plan for them,” says Dr. Wooden, who reiterates that there isn’t one perfect solution so some trial and error may be involved.
Prevention: “Patients also need to be attuned to the balance of the body,” says Dr. Wooden, who says that psoriatic flare-ups are often an indication that something else is off internally.

http://iuhealth.org/news-hub/detail/psoriasis-why-it-gets-worse-in-winter-and-fall/#.WcVbdoWcFYc

Are Your Emotions the Key to Your Skin Problems?

From preen.inquirer.net

The way we have expressions like “laugh lines” or “frown lines” already indicate that emotions affect our skin’s behaviour. Psychodermatology is “therapy for you skin” and looks into the “different ways of dealing with the connection between the mind and the skin,” according to The Cut. In simpler terms, your breakouts might just be an indication of stress and not that you need some salicylic acid.

Before you revamp your skin routine or book a vacation in the ruse of “getting your skin back to its youthful state,” we’ve compiled a few facts of this growing science. Keep an eye on it, we say, it might just be the treatment you need.

#1 You can’t use it to replace your derma appointments just yet 

In the United States, there are only half a dozen clinics that practice pscychodermatology. For everyday skin problems, it’s still best to see your dermatologist first. Clinical therapist Matt Traube tells The Cut that psychodermatology steps in only if you didn’t get the results you were hoping for from your derma.

#2 It is first employed in severe skin conditions

Though the science is relatively young, it is still routed in old observations. The relationship between psychology and skin concerns manifests in habits such as hair-pulling, skin picking, and delusions involving insects crawling all over the skin. It is also linked as to why peeling a scar can be satisfying for some even if it’s painful. These are commonly called body-focused repetitive behaviours, the explanations of which are slowly being uncovered.

#3 Stress plays a big factor 

Pyschodermatology finds that stress is a main factor for skin conditions. Medical research on people with psoriasis confirms that stress is a contributing factor in making things worst. “A couple of recent studies have corroborated this, with one finding that most people with psoriasis named emotional stress—not diet, not the weather, not medications or infections—as the number one trigger for their symptoms.” How exactly? There are suspicions that it’s about how our hormones, which also regulate our skin’s condition, behave differently under stress.
Other than this, I bet you are familiar with how stress can make you form habits that are damaging to the skin. Late nights spent at your job cause under-eye bags, dry skin, and acne. So perhaps the next time you decide to revamp your skincare routine, all you might need to do is clock in a few hours of sleep or spend some time away from the stressful situation.

#4 Immune cells might be the culprit at times

Hormones are the first suspect when it comes to situations like these but psychodermatology is trying to find out how immune cells might be in on it as well. When stressed, our immune system compensates through cells. These cells then can make your skin do certain things. “Take something called Langerhans cells, for instance, which are in the upper layers of the skin, and act as a go-between for the nervous system and the immune system. In psoriasis patients, those scaly skin patches that are symptomatic of the condition tend to form when Langerhans cells leave the upper layer of the skin — and research has suggested that stress may be involved in causing this movement of those cells.”

#5 The cure might be in your brain already

Given these hints, there is a suggestion that your mind might just be your best cure next to your trusted serum. Think about this situation: You’re stressed because of a pimple on your cheek that you feel people are staring at or feel disgusted by (although that is usually not the case). The stress causes the imperfection to get worst, making you more stressed, then a cycle is born. Try to then think of the opposite. As Matt told The Cut, “If we can somehow get in the middle of that and work with those thoughts that are not necessarily always accurate, like this idea that everyone is somehow staring at them and their skin imperfection, we can reduce the stress, and we can reduce flare-ups.”

http://preen.inquirer.net/55308/are-your-emotions-the-key-to-your-skin-problems

Psoriasis Isn't Contagious and Other Myths Busted

From franciscanhealth.org

We just might have to thank Kim Kardashian for raising awareness of psoriasis - a common disease that affects 7.5 million Americans. The lifelong condition that she and other celebrities like LeAnn Rimes have, causes an unsightly, itchy rash.
Beyond vanity, one of the most frustrating aspects for psoriasis patients is facing outsiders' negative reactions to their flare-ups. If you don't understand the disease, you might fear getting close to someone who's afflicted. Or, you might even dismiss the condition as a cosmetic problem. Here, we break down common myths and share the facts about psoriasis:

Myth #1: Psoriasis is contagious.

It's easy to see why you might shy away from touching someone with psoriasis. The rash looks like it could be contagious. But it isn't something you can catch from someone else.
The exact cause of psoriasis isn't known, but doctors believe it's an autoimmune disorder (the result of an overactive immune response). In people with psoriasis, the body creates skin cells faster than normal. The cells build up and layer over one another causing irritation and a silvery white thickening of the affected area.

Myth #2: Those dry, scaly patches will go away if you use lotion. 

Unfortunately, psoriasis isn’t simply dry skin, so over-the-counter moisturizers won’t help eliminate the scaly patches. However, psoriasis treatments include prescription lotions and creams that can be used to slow skin-cell growth and reduce irritation.

Myth #3: Itching your skin will cause psoriasis to spread.

Psoriasis isn’t a skin infection and can’t be spread through touching or itching. But the following triggers may set off a new bout of rashes or worsen symptoms of existing psoriasis patches:

• Stress
• Alcohol
• Smoking
• Infection
• Cold weather
• Sunburn
• Certain medications (Consult your healthcare provider about which medications may be right for you). 

Myth #4: Symptoms of psoriasis are only skin deep.

Psoriasis rashes aren't just unattractive, they're also itchy and painful. About 30 percent of people with psoriasis develop a condition, called psoriatic arthritis that causes joint pain, stiffness and swelling.

Myth #5: Psoriasis can be cured with treatment.

There is no cure for psoriasis. However, the following treatments can help manage symptoms:

• Prescription lotions
• Light therapy
• Oral medications
• Medications by injection or through an intravenous (IV) infusion

A doctor who specializes in dermatology, or treating skin disorders, can assess the severity of psoriasis and recommend the best treatment.

Myth #6: Psoriasis is preventable.

Anyone can develop psoriasis, but you're more likely to have psoriasis if someone in your family has the disease. Having a severe infection like HIV, or reoccurring infections like strep throat may make you more likely to develop psoriasis, too. Other factors that may increase your risk include smoking, obesity and stress.
Now that you know the truth about psoriasis, please help spread the word. Share this information with others on Facebook and Twitter today!

https://www.franciscanhealth.org/news-and-events/news/psoriasis-isnt-contagious-and-other-myths-busted