Dr. Mark Goodfield, a consultant dermatologist, explains how psoriasis is recognised and treated. It's important to understand that psoriasis isn't catching, you can't give it to someone else. There are many treatment options nowadays. Here is the video:
Very useful and interesting video.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
Causes, Symptoms And Treatments Of Psoriasis
written by John Traven
Psoriasis, a chronic skin disorder, affects about 2 - 3% of the world's population. It's a condition that commonly causes red scaly patches on the skin, usually on the knees or elbows. It affects both sexes equally and can appear at any age, although it most commonly occurs in the 20s. Psoriasis is not contagious, it's not a rash and you can't catch it or give it to someone by touching them.
Multiple forms of psoriasis exist, there are actually five main different types. The most common type is plaque psoriasis, also known as psoriasis vulgaris. Other main types include guttate, pustular, inverse, and erythrodermic psoriasis.
What is the cause of psoriasis? No one knows for sure, but there are a number of different factors that can contribute to its development. Genetic predisposition, skin Injury, infections, abnormality in the immune system, environmental factors, and certain medications just to name a few.
One of the common symptoms of psoriasis is thickening, scaling and redness of the skin. These patches may itch or burn and are usually found on knees, elbows, hands, arms, trunk, or scalp. Abnormal fingernails can also appear.
How to treat psoriasis? Treatment depends on the type of disease, its location, extent, and severity. Numerous options are available, but the effectiveness of specific treatments vary greatly from individual to individual.
Psoriasis treatments can be sorted into 3 main types - Topical treatments that include ointments or creams, light treatments that include UVB, PUVA or lasers, and systemic treatments that include medications in a form of a pill or injection.
Besides those there are also many alternative options such as traditional chinese medicine, acupuncture, acupressure, ayurveda, water therapies, osteopathy, homeopathy, climatotherapy, herbology, epsom salt, and so on.
Working out regularly and a healthy and balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and grains can also be of great help. On the other hand, of course, smoking, heavy drinking, junk food and a general unhealthy lifestyle can only worsen the problem.
Psoriasis, a chronic skin disorder, affects about 2 - 3% of the world's population. It's a condition that commonly causes red scaly patches on the skin, usually on the knees or elbows. It affects both sexes equally and can appear at any age, although it most commonly occurs in the 20s. Psoriasis is not contagious, it's not a rash and you can't catch it or give it to someone by touching them.
Multiple forms of psoriasis exist, there are actually five main different types. The most common type is plaque psoriasis, also known as psoriasis vulgaris. Other main types include guttate, pustular, inverse, and erythrodermic psoriasis.
What is the cause of psoriasis? No one knows for sure, but there are a number of different factors that can contribute to its development. Genetic predisposition, skin Injury, infections, abnormality in the immune system, environmental factors, and certain medications just to name a few.
One of the common symptoms of psoriasis is thickening, scaling and redness of the skin. These patches may itch or burn and are usually found on knees, elbows, hands, arms, trunk, or scalp. Abnormal fingernails can also appear.
How to treat psoriasis? Treatment depends on the type of disease, its location, extent, and severity. Numerous options are available, but the effectiveness of specific treatments vary greatly from individual to individual.
Psoriasis treatments can be sorted into 3 main types - Topical treatments that include ointments or creams, light treatments that include UVB, PUVA or lasers, and systemic treatments that include medications in a form of a pill or injection.
Besides those there are also many alternative options such as traditional chinese medicine, acupuncture, acupressure, ayurveda, water therapies, osteopathy, homeopathy, climatotherapy, herbology, epsom salt, and so on.
Working out regularly and a healthy and balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and grains can also be of great help. On the other hand, of course, smoking, heavy drinking, junk food and a general unhealthy lifestyle can only worsen the problem.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Psoriasis, From Diagnosis to Treatment
A great article about psoriasis explaining everything from causes to treatment:
Written by Varsha Sharma
What Is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic, recurrent inflammatory skin disorder that occurs at any age in both men and women. The word psoriasis comes from a Greek word that means "to itch." However, psoriasis often does not itch. Psoriasis can be a enduring problem which tends to run in families. It is not an infection and nor is it contagious. People with psoriasis usually go through periods of embarrassment, frustration, and depression.
Pathology
Usually, skin cells mature and shed after about a month. While in psoriasis, the cell matures rapidly, taking only three to four days. As the lower layer of skin cells divide more rapidly than normal, dead cells collect in thicker patches on the skin's outermost layer.
Risk Factors
The risk factors that are involved in psoriasis are as follows:
Causes
Both genetic and environmental factors are considered as the causative factors for psoriasis. The causes can be:
Area of Affection
Commonly occurs on pressure points such as the elbows, knees, knuckles, scalp, trunk, arms, legs, external sex organs, fingernails and toenails.
Signs and Symptoms
The signs and symptoms may vary from person to person. The skin flaking that occurs in psoriasis is known as scaling. Initially, a few small, flaky patches known as plaques appear. Gradually, these plaques enlarge and increase in number.
There is an appearance of red patches of skin which are covered with silvery scales. The skin may be dry, cracked and may bleed. Nails may appear to be thickened, rough, pitted or ridged. Joints are swollen and stiff.
Types of Psoriasis
There are various different types of psoriasis which are classified based on the location of appearance of lesions, type of lesions, etc. They are:
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of psoriasis can be done by examining the skin and noting the specific characteristics of the lesions. Biopsy of the lesion can be done and the skin can be examined under a microscope.
Treatment
Occasionally, psoriasis goes into spontaneous remission without treatment. But usually topical therapy, phototherapy, internal medications can be used. The triggering factor if available should be eliminated. Take a well balanced diet including fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and grains.
Diet
Diet plays a vital role in psoriasis. A diet rich in antioxidants, zinc, folate, copper, beta-carotene and omega-3 fatty acids, can help in the management and prevention of psoriasis. Diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables and low in animal protein may be beneficial. Bitter gourd, curd, boiled vegetables pumpkin these are effective. Alcohol, prepared meats, sausages, pre-spiced meats, pickles, pickled spices and peppers, nut-based pastries, chocolate-based products, etc should be avoided.
Self Care
The skin should be kept lubricated. Oils, creams and petroleum jelly preparations are recommended. Expose only the areas of your body with active psoriasis to sun. Bathing in hot water may help decrease scaling. Use mild soaps or soap-free cleaners. Minimize stress. Protect against skin injuries and skin infections. Consume cod liver oil, lecithin, linseed oil, vitamin E, and zinc to hasten the healing process. Use Cabbage leaves or buttermilk compresses over the affected parts. Avoid harsh skin products and lotions that contain alcohol. They may dry the skin and make psoriasis worse. Keep the affected towel, clothes separate and clean.
About the Author:
Dr. Varsha Sharma, MD (Hom.) is a writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company. Find a psoriasis doctor or more health and medicine articles at Yodle Consumer Guide.
Written by Varsha Sharma
What Is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic, recurrent inflammatory skin disorder that occurs at any age in both men and women. The word psoriasis comes from a Greek word that means "to itch." However, psoriasis often does not itch. Psoriasis can be a enduring problem which tends to run in families. It is not an infection and nor is it contagious. People with psoriasis usually go through periods of embarrassment, frustration, and depression.
Pathology
Usually, skin cells mature and shed after about a month. While in psoriasis, the cell matures rapidly, taking only three to four days. As the lower layer of skin cells divide more rapidly than normal, dead cells collect in thicker patches on the skin's outermost layer.
Risk Factors
The risk factors that are involved in psoriasis are as follows:
- Family history
- Certain medical conditions
- Stress levels
- Excessive weight
- Heavy smoking
Causes
Both genetic and environmental factors are considered as the causative factors for psoriasis. The causes can be:
- Abnormality in the mechanism in which the skin grows and replaces itself
- Abnormality with the metabolism of amino acids
- Use of certain medicines such as lithium, beta-blockers such as propranolol, quinidine (a heart medication) or antimalarial medications
- Infections
- Skin injury
- Climatic change
- Heredity factors
- Physical and emotional stress
Area of Affection
Commonly occurs on pressure points such as the elbows, knees, knuckles, scalp, trunk, arms, legs, external sex organs, fingernails and toenails.
Signs and Symptoms
The signs and symptoms may vary from person to person. The skin flaking that occurs in psoriasis is known as scaling. Initially, a few small, flaky patches known as plaques appear. Gradually, these plaques enlarge and increase in number.
There is an appearance of red patches of skin which are covered with silvery scales. The skin may be dry, cracked and may bleed. Nails may appear to be thickened, rough, pitted or ridged. Joints are swollen and stiff.
Types of Psoriasis
There are various different types of psoriasis which are classified based on the location of appearance of lesions, type of lesions, etc. They are:
- Chronic stable plaque of psoriasis
- Guttate psoriasis
- Pustular psoriasis
- Flexure psoriasis
- Palmer and planter psoriasis
- Scalp and nails psoriasis
- Psoriatic arthritis
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of psoriasis can be done by examining the skin and noting the specific characteristics of the lesions. Biopsy of the lesion can be done and the skin can be examined under a microscope.
Treatment
Occasionally, psoriasis goes into spontaneous remission without treatment. But usually topical therapy, phototherapy, internal medications can be used. The triggering factor if available should be eliminated. Take a well balanced diet including fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and grains.
Diet
Diet plays a vital role in psoriasis. A diet rich in antioxidants, zinc, folate, copper, beta-carotene and omega-3 fatty acids, can help in the management and prevention of psoriasis. Diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables and low in animal protein may be beneficial. Bitter gourd, curd, boiled vegetables pumpkin these are effective. Alcohol, prepared meats, sausages, pre-spiced meats, pickles, pickled spices and peppers, nut-based pastries, chocolate-based products, etc should be avoided.
Self Care
The skin should be kept lubricated. Oils, creams and petroleum jelly preparations are recommended. Expose only the areas of your body with active psoriasis to sun. Bathing in hot water may help decrease scaling. Use mild soaps or soap-free cleaners. Minimize stress. Protect against skin injuries and skin infections. Consume cod liver oil, lecithin, linseed oil, vitamin E, and zinc to hasten the healing process. Use Cabbage leaves or buttermilk compresses over the affected parts. Avoid harsh skin products and lotions that contain alcohol. They may dry the skin and make psoriasis worse. Keep the affected towel, clothes separate and clean.
About the Author:
Dr. Varsha Sharma, MD (Hom.) is a writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company. Find a psoriasis doctor or more health and medicine articles at Yodle Consumer Guide.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Psoriasis Diet And Nutrition Tips - Video
A short video about what foods to eat, if you have psoriasis. Eliminating sugars and dairy products and increasing the omega 3 fatty acids in your diet can help treat psoriasis. For omega-3 fatty acids see DHA fish oil supplement.
Here is the video:
Here is the video:
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Dead Sea: Living with Psoriasis - Video
Lisa Cooney explains the challenges of having a child who is living with psoriasis:
Monday, January 7, 2008
Flexural Psoriasis Treatment Tips
by Juliet Cohen
Flexural psoriasis is one of the most common types of psoriasis. Psoriasis is a non-contagious chronic skin disorder. This form of psoriasis appears as smooth, dry areas of skin that are red and inflamed but do not have the scaling associated with plaque psoriasis (the most common type of psoriasis). Flexural psoriasis is more frequent and severe in people who are overweight. It is more common with overweight persons because it appears in the skin folds where most rubbing takes place. The illness is also associated with mental well being. Most patients experience depression, which in turn increases the symptoms of Psoriasis, and in return leads to more anxiety and stress. The plaques are sometimes infected with the fungi candida albicans. It sometimes appears at the site of injuries or scars.
The illness is also associated with mental well being. It tends not to have silvery scale, but is shiny and smooth. There may be a crack (fissure) in the depth of the skin crease. One cause of flexural psoriasis may be yeast overgrowth, as well as high sensitivity to friction and/or sweating. The skin lesions are further intensified by the sweat and skin rubbing together in the skin folds. Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition involving the T-lymphocyte, a type of white blood cell. Normally, the time between manufacturing and shedding skin cells is about 28 days. Topical steroid creams can cause a thinning of the skin when used for longer periods of time. The stimulation of nerve fibers just below the surface of the skin can lead to severe itching. Treatment typically works well for flexural psoriasis.
Phototherapy can also used to cure flexural psoriasis if no simple cure has been beneficial to patient. Weak topical steroids may clear flexural psoriasis but it will usually recur sometime after discontinuing treatment. Stronger topical steroids need to be used with care. Vitamin D compound creams are effective and can be applied to the skin folds daily. Use moisturizes instead of soap to prevent the skin from becoming too dry. Calcipotriol cream is an effective and safe treatment for psoriasis in the flexures and should be applied twice daily. If it irritates, it can be applied once daily and hydrocortisone cream 12 hours later. A diet of grains, nuts, seeds, vegetables and fruit should be followed. Avoid animal fats, which can be found in milk, butter, eggs and meat. Avoid refined white sugar, tea and coffee.
Flexural Psoriasis Treatment and Prevention Tips
1. Daily exposure to a bit of sunlight.
2. Topical steroids may clear flexural psoriasis.
3. Vitamin D compound creams are effective and can be applied to the skin folds daily.
4. Immune system suppressants such as Cyclosporin A is also treat flexural Psoriasis.
5. Use moisturizes instead of soap to prevent the skin from becoming too dry.
6. A diet of grains, nuts, seeds, vegetables and fruit should be followed.
7. Avoid animal fats, which can be found in milk, butter, eggs and meat.
8. Avoid refined white sugar, processed foods, tea and coffee.
9. Natural antidepressants such as 5HTP, Gingko Biloba.
10. Bath oils that contain tar can help to relieve itching.
About the Author
Juliet Cohen writes articles for Skin Care. She also writes articles for Hairstyles Advice and Hairstyles Photo.
Flexural psoriasis is one of the most common types of psoriasis. Psoriasis is a non-contagious chronic skin disorder. This form of psoriasis appears as smooth, dry areas of skin that are red and inflamed but do not have the scaling associated with plaque psoriasis (the most common type of psoriasis). Flexural psoriasis is more frequent and severe in people who are overweight. It is more common with overweight persons because it appears in the skin folds where most rubbing takes place. The illness is also associated with mental well being. Most patients experience depression, which in turn increases the symptoms of Psoriasis, and in return leads to more anxiety and stress. The plaques are sometimes infected with the fungi candida albicans. It sometimes appears at the site of injuries or scars.
The illness is also associated with mental well being. It tends not to have silvery scale, but is shiny and smooth. There may be a crack (fissure) in the depth of the skin crease. One cause of flexural psoriasis may be yeast overgrowth, as well as high sensitivity to friction and/or sweating. The skin lesions are further intensified by the sweat and skin rubbing together in the skin folds. Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition involving the T-lymphocyte, a type of white blood cell. Normally, the time between manufacturing and shedding skin cells is about 28 days. Topical steroid creams can cause a thinning of the skin when used for longer periods of time. The stimulation of nerve fibers just below the surface of the skin can lead to severe itching. Treatment typically works well for flexural psoriasis.
Phototherapy can also used to cure flexural psoriasis if no simple cure has been beneficial to patient. Weak topical steroids may clear flexural psoriasis but it will usually recur sometime after discontinuing treatment. Stronger topical steroids need to be used with care. Vitamin D compound creams are effective and can be applied to the skin folds daily. Use moisturizes instead of soap to prevent the skin from becoming too dry. Calcipotriol cream is an effective and safe treatment for psoriasis in the flexures and should be applied twice daily. If it irritates, it can be applied once daily and hydrocortisone cream 12 hours later. A diet of grains, nuts, seeds, vegetables and fruit should be followed. Avoid animal fats, which can be found in milk, butter, eggs and meat. Avoid refined white sugar, tea and coffee.
Flexural Psoriasis Treatment and Prevention Tips
1. Daily exposure to a bit of sunlight.
2. Topical steroids may clear flexural psoriasis.
3. Vitamin D compound creams are effective and can be applied to the skin folds daily.
4. Immune system suppressants such as Cyclosporin A is also treat flexural Psoriasis.
5. Use moisturizes instead of soap to prevent the skin from becoming too dry.
6. A diet of grains, nuts, seeds, vegetables and fruit should be followed.
7. Avoid animal fats, which can be found in milk, butter, eggs and meat.
8. Avoid refined white sugar, processed foods, tea and coffee.
9. Natural antidepressants such as 5HTP, Gingko Biloba.
10. Bath oils that contain tar can help to relieve itching.
About the Author
Juliet Cohen writes articles for Skin Care. She also writes articles for Hairstyles Advice and Hairstyles Photo.
Friday, January 4, 2008
Psoriasis: Keep it Moist
by Jim Moore
Psoriasis is a condition of the skin. It flares up in the form of scaly red dry patches causing unsightly patches and much discomfort. Some with psoriasis become very self conscious about their appearance.
Those that suffer from it equate their flare ups with having an unwanted guest. They suddenly show up, irritate you and know one knows what to do with them. There are several treatments for this skin condition that can range from itchy to down right painful. For any psoriasis sufferer, the first port of call should be your doctor. However, never be afraid to ask your doctor about home remedies that can help your condition. One such home remedy is keeping the skin moist.
You can keep the skin moist in a variety of ways. A very effective way is to soak the skin. By taking warm baths, soaking and swimming, you're helping to re-hydrate the skin. This can also help to remove some of the dry, hard scaly skin that can develop. Soaking helps the skin stay moist as well as reduces the itching. The scaly skin, which can act as a barrier to many creams and medications can be removed more easily. If your don't wish to soak or don't have the time, applying cool wet compressed to the areas can also help.
It is important to remember that if you soak frequently, you should apply some moisturizer straight after. Too much soaking can remove some of the skins natural oils. Doing this too often without re-moisturizing the skin can actually make the problem worse. Make sure, at least within 3 minutes of your soak, you apply a moisturizer with heavy emollient. This will replace what was lost by the soak and help your skin stay moisturized.
Creams can also help you overcome your psoriasis condition. There are several moisturizers that you can by but these can be quite expensive. The costs can add up quite quickly as well if your condition is wide spread and serious. If you have cooking oils, petroleum jelly or lard around your house, you have some of the best treatments. Most of these items help moisturize the skin and lock the essential oils in. they also offer symptom relief from psoriasis itself. Most of us have one or even all of these items in our homes. They are just as good if not better than many of the hand creams you can buy and cost much less.
Keeping you skin clean is important for anyone. It is especially important for the psoriasis sufferer. Dirty skin can lead to infections. These can make the skin condition worse as well as create illness. One problem with keeping the skin clean is that many soaps can dry the skin out. Psoriasis sufferers must be careful with cleansers. At very least, choose a mild soap. If your psoriasis is quite severe then you may have to opt for a soap free option. You doctor or pharmacist will be able to advise you on which products will be best.
If one suffers from psoriasis, keeping the skin moist is essential. Dry skin can be irritating, itchy and even cause injury. Extremely dry skin can reduce flexibility and limit movements. It can also lead to skin breakage which can cause bleeding. Moisturizers are available but can be expensive. If you don't want to spend loads at the pharmacy use cooking oils and petroleum jelly. These are just as good and will save a fortune. Use caution in choosing soaps. Cleanliness is important but certain soaps can worsen you condition. By keeping you skin moist, you can improve your skins condition and feel much better.
If you are a psoriasis sufferer, you may want to invest in a humidifier. Keeping moisture in the air may help reduce your psoriasis symptoms. We all hear of the benefits of dry heat but in the case of a psoriasis sufferer, the opposite is true. Dry heat and dry air equals dry skin. This can inflame the skin and make the condition worse.
Psoriasis can be an irritating and painful disease. It can create unsightly patches of skin and leave the sufferer self conscious of their appearance. You may need medical attention to treat psoriasis; however you can try several home treatments that are available. Keeping the skin moist, with regular soaks and moisturizers can help minimize the symptoms and improve skin quality.
About the Author
Jim Moore has spent the last 20 years as a professional writer working for some of the world's largest companies. Jim's personal goal is to pass on what knowledge he has gained throughout his career to help as many people as possible. http://www.psoriasisprevention.com
Psoriasis is a condition of the skin. It flares up in the form of scaly red dry patches causing unsightly patches and much discomfort. Some with psoriasis become very self conscious about their appearance.
Those that suffer from it equate their flare ups with having an unwanted guest. They suddenly show up, irritate you and know one knows what to do with them. There are several treatments for this skin condition that can range from itchy to down right painful. For any psoriasis sufferer, the first port of call should be your doctor. However, never be afraid to ask your doctor about home remedies that can help your condition. One such home remedy is keeping the skin moist.
You can keep the skin moist in a variety of ways. A very effective way is to soak the skin. By taking warm baths, soaking and swimming, you're helping to re-hydrate the skin. This can also help to remove some of the dry, hard scaly skin that can develop. Soaking helps the skin stay moist as well as reduces the itching. The scaly skin, which can act as a barrier to many creams and medications can be removed more easily. If your don't wish to soak or don't have the time, applying cool wet compressed to the areas can also help.
It is important to remember that if you soak frequently, you should apply some moisturizer straight after. Too much soaking can remove some of the skins natural oils. Doing this too often without re-moisturizing the skin can actually make the problem worse. Make sure, at least within 3 minutes of your soak, you apply a moisturizer with heavy emollient. This will replace what was lost by the soak and help your skin stay moisturized.
Creams can also help you overcome your psoriasis condition. There are several moisturizers that you can by but these can be quite expensive. The costs can add up quite quickly as well if your condition is wide spread and serious. If you have cooking oils, petroleum jelly or lard around your house, you have some of the best treatments. Most of these items help moisturize the skin and lock the essential oils in. they also offer symptom relief from psoriasis itself. Most of us have one or even all of these items in our homes. They are just as good if not better than many of the hand creams you can buy and cost much less.
Keeping you skin clean is important for anyone. It is especially important for the psoriasis sufferer. Dirty skin can lead to infections. These can make the skin condition worse as well as create illness. One problem with keeping the skin clean is that many soaps can dry the skin out. Psoriasis sufferers must be careful with cleansers. At very least, choose a mild soap. If your psoriasis is quite severe then you may have to opt for a soap free option. You doctor or pharmacist will be able to advise you on which products will be best.
If one suffers from psoriasis, keeping the skin moist is essential. Dry skin can be irritating, itchy and even cause injury. Extremely dry skin can reduce flexibility and limit movements. It can also lead to skin breakage which can cause bleeding. Moisturizers are available but can be expensive. If you don't want to spend loads at the pharmacy use cooking oils and petroleum jelly. These are just as good and will save a fortune. Use caution in choosing soaps. Cleanliness is important but certain soaps can worsen you condition. By keeping you skin moist, you can improve your skins condition and feel much better.
If you are a psoriasis sufferer, you may want to invest in a humidifier. Keeping moisture in the air may help reduce your psoriasis symptoms. We all hear of the benefits of dry heat but in the case of a psoriasis sufferer, the opposite is true. Dry heat and dry air equals dry skin. This can inflame the skin and make the condition worse.
Psoriasis can be an irritating and painful disease. It can create unsightly patches of skin and leave the sufferer self conscious of their appearance. You may need medical attention to treat psoriasis; however you can try several home treatments that are available. Keeping the skin moist, with regular soaks and moisturizers can help minimize the symptoms and improve skin quality.
About the Author
Jim Moore has spent the last 20 years as a professional writer working for some of the world's largest companies. Jim's personal goal is to pass on what knowledge he has gained throughout his career to help as many people as possible. http://www.psoriasisprevention.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
