Lisa Cooney explains the challenges of having a child who is living with psoriasis:
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
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
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Smoking And Psoriasis
by Louise Forrest
Smoking and psoriasis have direct relationship. It has been found that smokers have a higher possibility of acquiring the skin condition than those who have not been into the bad habit. A research effort manned by about 79,000 American nurses highlight the potential effect smoking may pose to help aggravate the possibility of psoriasis. The study, published in the American Journal of Medicine, clearly highlights how smoking can be adversely affecting the health. Aside from lung problems, the activity is now proven to lead to a variety of skin problems, including psoriasis.
The study had women as respondents and covered a 14-year period from 1992 to 2006. Overall, there were about 887 reported cases of psoriasis observed among them. From that figure, the frequency of psoriasis has been determined. It was found that 78% of those affected by the ailment are currently active smokers. About 37% of the respondents who had the skin disease are past smokers, or women who used to smoke but has decided to stop. From the trend, researchers figured out that the longer people has been exposed to smoking, the higher the risk of forming psoriasis is. Smoking quitters are expected to wait for several decades before their risk for psoriasis drops to the low level of non-smokers or people who have never smoked in their lives.
Non-smokers, however, are not entirely spared from acquiring the skin condition. According to the study, and supported by several other medical researches, exposure to second-hand smoke or passive smoking is as risky as smoking itself. Same goes with people who have been exposed to family members' smoke during their childhood years and those whose mothers had been smoking while pregnant. This supports the old-age notion that passive smoking is as dangerous, or at times more risky, than actual smoking.
Psoriasis occurs when the person's skin is replacing itself very quickly. The condition usually appears as patches of red and scaly skin that would reveal or form fine silvery scales when scratched or scraped. There have already been studies linking smoking and psoriasis, but none of them were as clear as to determine whether the condition occurred before and after exposure to the habit. Now that this study has come out, there are several valid and scientific explanations on how smoking does lead to psoriasis. Scientists explain that cigarettes contain toxins that when inhaled and absorbed by the body would weaken the immune system and eventually lead to the ailment.
It is logical that quitting smoking would lower the possibility of psoriasis occurrence. The smoke induced inflammation would be lowered as affected immune cells decrease in volume. The result, the manifestation of the skin problem would be lessened. That is why doctors and experts constantly and strongly advise the public not to get into the habit or at least quickly drop it. If you would avoid smoking or stop it, not only would you be able to prevent the onset of psoriasis. You would also be able to avoid a host of many other related diseases.
About the Author:
Learn more about how to correctly use herbs when treating psoriasis You can now get the very latest information on psoriasis by subscribing with RSS.
Smoking and psoriasis have direct relationship. It has been found that smokers have a higher possibility of acquiring the skin condition than those who have not been into the bad habit. A research effort manned by about 79,000 American nurses highlight the potential effect smoking may pose to help aggravate the possibility of psoriasis. The study, published in the American Journal of Medicine, clearly highlights how smoking can be adversely affecting the health. Aside from lung problems, the activity is now proven to lead to a variety of skin problems, including psoriasis.
The study had women as respondents and covered a 14-year period from 1992 to 2006. Overall, there were about 887 reported cases of psoriasis observed among them. From that figure, the frequency of psoriasis has been determined. It was found that 78% of those affected by the ailment are currently active smokers. About 37% of the respondents who had the skin disease are past smokers, or women who used to smoke but has decided to stop. From the trend, researchers figured out that the longer people has been exposed to smoking, the higher the risk of forming psoriasis is. Smoking quitters are expected to wait for several decades before their risk for psoriasis drops to the low level of non-smokers or people who have never smoked in their lives.
Non-smokers, however, are not entirely spared from acquiring the skin condition. According to the study, and supported by several other medical researches, exposure to second-hand smoke or passive smoking is as risky as smoking itself. Same goes with people who have been exposed to family members' smoke during their childhood years and those whose mothers had been smoking while pregnant. This supports the old-age notion that passive smoking is as dangerous, or at times more risky, than actual smoking.
Psoriasis occurs when the person's skin is replacing itself very quickly. The condition usually appears as patches of red and scaly skin that would reveal or form fine silvery scales when scratched or scraped. There have already been studies linking smoking and psoriasis, but none of them were as clear as to determine whether the condition occurred before and after exposure to the habit. Now that this study has come out, there are several valid and scientific explanations on how smoking does lead to psoriasis. Scientists explain that cigarettes contain toxins that when inhaled and absorbed by the body would weaken the immune system and eventually lead to the ailment.
It is logical that quitting smoking would lower the possibility of psoriasis occurrence. The smoke induced inflammation would be lowered as affected immune cells decrease in volume. The result, the manifestation of the skin problem would be lessened. That is why doctors and experts constantly and strongly advise the public not to get into the habit or at least quickly drop it. If you would avoid smoking or stop it, not only would you be able to prevent the onset of psoriasis. You would also be able to avoid a host of many other related diseases.
About the Author:
Learn more about how to correctly use herbs when treating psoriasis You can now get the very latest information on psoriasis by subscribing with RSS.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Top Model CariDee English Talks About Her Experience With Psoriasis
America's Next Top Model CariDee English talks about her experience with psoriasis. CariDee is a spokesperson for the National Psoriasis Foundation. She developed psoriasis when she was 5 years old and wants to spread awareness about this condition and encourage people to live their dreams.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Scalp Psoriasis Treatment
What is Scalp Psoriasis?
Scalp psoriasis can range from mild, with only light scaling to severe, with thick, crusted scales covering the whole scalp. The large flaky scales can be very uncomfortable and can itch quite painfully. Severe cases of scalp psoriasis can also lead to temporary hair loss which can be very distressing, but the good news is that the hair will grow back once the flare up calms down. The scalp is one of the most common affected sites in psoriatic patients as 79% of them have scalp involvement.
Scalp Psoriasis Treatment
Many treatment options can help control scalp psoriasis and its symptoms. Sometimes this type of psoriasis will clear on its own, other times it can remain on the scalp for long periods of time. Although it is not dangerous and life threatening, it can be persistent and difficult to treat.
The treatment of scalp psoriasis requires a different approach because it is more difficult to treat. Not that the disease is more stubborn, but the hair gets in the way of treatment. It can be challenging to apply topical creams to the scalp. Phototherapy treatment that involves exposing the skin to ultraviolet light also doesn't work very well because the hair blocks the rays.
While shaving the head would make it easier, many people feel uncomfortable doing so. Cutting hair short would also help, making the treatments easier to apply, but is again not appealing to everyone.
Treatment for mild scalp psoriasis consists of special medicated shampoos that were designed to clear the symptoms. Some of the more popular shampoo options include coal tar or salicylic acid, both of which are known for their exfoliating properties.
The shampoos work best if rubbed into the scalp well, and left in for 5 or 10 minutes and then reapplied. They are safe for daily use but may irritate if applied more than twice weekly. Soaking the scalp in warm (not hot) water can help loosen scales. Soaking with water makes scales easier to remove. The key of shampoo treatments is to loosen and remove scales, while providing as much moisture as possible.
A few things to keep in mind when using shampoo to treat scalp psoriasis:
More severe cases of scalp psoriasis may require a stronger treatment, which can be achieved through topical applications that are left on the scalp or from administration of UVB light therapy.
Scalp psoriasis can range from mild, with only light scaling to severe, with thick, crusted scales covering the whole scalp. The large flaky scales can be very uncomfortable and can itch quite painfully. Severe cases of scalp psoriasis can also lead to temporary hair loss which can be very distressing, but the good news is that the hair will grow back once the flare up calms down. The scalp is one of the most common affected sites in psoriatic patients as 79% of them have scalp involvement.
Scalp Psoriasis Treatment
Many treatment options can help control scalp psoriasis and its symptoms. Sometimes this type of psoriasis will clear on its own, other times it can remain on the scalp for long periods of time. Although it is not dangerous and life threatening, it can be persistent and difficult to treat.
The treatment of scalp psoriasis requires a different approach because it is more difficult to treat. Not that the disease is more stubborn, but the hair gets in the way of treatment. It can be challenging to apply topical creams to the scalp. Phototherapy treatment that involves exposing the skin to ultraviolet light also doesn't work very well because the hair blocks the rays.
While shaving the head would make it easier, many people feel uncomfortable doing so. Cutting hair short would also help, making the treatments easier to apply, but is again not appealing to everyone.
Treatment for mild scalp psoriasis consists of special medicated shampoos that were designed to clear the symptoms. Some of the more popular shampoo options include coal tar or salicylic acid, both of which are known for their exfoliating properties.
The shampoos work best if rubbed into the scalp well, and left in for 5 or 10 minutes and then reapplied. They are safe for daily use but may irritate if applied more than twice weekly. Soaking the scalp in warm (not hot) water can help loosen scales. Soaking with water makes scales easier to remove. The key of shampoo treatments is to loosen and remove scales, while providing as much moisture as possible.
A few things to keep in mind when using shampoo to treat scalp psoriasis:
- Be gentle when treating the scalp
- Scratching the affected areas should be avoided, because breaking of the skin can make psoriasis worse
- Be sure to use special medicated shampoos as directed. It is important to rub the shampoo into the scalp and not just the hair.
More severe cases of scalp psoriasis may require a stronger treatment, which can be achieved through topical applications that are left on the scalp or from administration of UVB light therapy.
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