Today, treatment of psoriasis can be divided into three basic categories:
-- Topical treatment (treatments applied to the skin)
-- Phototherapy or a combination of phototherapy and medications
-- Systemic treatment (medications taken by tablet or injection)
A number of factors will determine which treatment will best suit a person with psoriasis.
These include:
-- The type of psoriasis
-- Its location on the body
-- Its severity
-- The person's age and medical history
-- The person's response to previous therapy
Thursday, December 23, 2004
Wednesday, December 08, 2004
Five Types of Psoriasis
There are five different types of psoriasis.
The most common form of psoriasis is called "plaque psoriasis," which is characterized by well-defined patches of red, raised skin. About 80 percent of people with psoriasis have this type. Plaque psoriasis can appear on any skin surface, although the knees, elbows, scalp, trunk and nails are the most common locations.
The other types of psoriasis are: Guttate described as small, red, individual drops on the skin.
Inverse psoriasis is smooth, dry areas of skin, often in folds or creases, that are red and inflamed but do not have scaling.
Erythrodermic psoriasis is characterized as periodic, widespread, fiery redness of the skin.
Pustular psoriasis which involves either generalized, widespread areas of reddened skin, or localized areas, particularly the hands and feet (palmo-plantar pustular psoriasis).
Typically, people have only one form of psoriasis at a time. Sometimes two different types can occur together, one type may change to another type, or one type may become more severe. For example, a trigger may convert plaque psoriasis to pustular.
The most common form of psoriasis is called "plaque psoriasis," which is characterized by well-defined patches of red, raised skin. About 80 percent of people with psoriasis have this type. Plaque psoriasis can appear on any skin surface, although the knees, elbows, scalp, trunk and nails are the most common locations.
The other types of psoriasis are: Guttate described as small, red, individual drops on the skin.
Inverse psoriasis is smooth, dry areas of skin, often in folds or creases, that are red and inflamed but do not have scaling.
Erythrodermic psoriasis is characterized as periodic, widespread, fiery redness of the skin.
Pustular psoriasis which involves either generalized, widespread areas of reddened skin, or localized areas, particularly the hands and feet (palmo-plantar pustular psoriasis).
Typically, people have only one form of psoriasis at a time. Sometimes two different types can occur together, one type may change to another type, or one type may become more severe. For example, a trigger may convert plaque psoriasis to pustular.
Tuesday, November 23, 2004
More Psoriasis Facts
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition affecting approximately 4.5 million people in the United States.
New skin cells grow too rapidly, resulting in inflamed, swollen, scaly patches of skin in areas where the old skin has not shed quickly enough.
Psoriasis can be limited to a few spots or can involve more extensive areas of the body, appearing most commonly on the scalp, knees, elbows and trunk.
Psoriasis is not a contagious disease.
The cause of psoriasis is unknown, and there currently is no cure.
Psoriasis can strike people at any age, but the average age of onset is approximately 28 years. Likewise, it affects both men and women, with a slightly higher prevalence in women than in men.
Approximately 30 percent of people with psoriasis are estimated to have moderate-to-severe forms of the disease.
Psoriasis can be a physically and emotionally painful condition. It often results in physical limitations, disfiguration and a significant burden in managing the daily care of the disease.
Psoriasis sufferers may feel embarrassed, angry, frustrated, fearful, depressed and, in some cases, even suicidal.
New skin cells grow too rapidly, resulting in inflamed, swollen, scaly patches of skin in areas where the old skin has not shed quickly enough.
Psoriasis can be limited to a few spots or can involve more extensive areas of the body, appearing most commonly on the scalp, knees, elbows and trunk.
Psoriasis is not a contagious disease.
The cause of psoriasis is unknown, and there currently is no cure.
Psoriasis can strike people at any age, but the average age of onset is approximately 28 years. Likewise, it affects both men and women, with a slightly higher prevalence in women than in men.
Approximately 30 percent of people with psoriasis are estimated to have moderate-to-severe forms of the disease.
Psoriasis can be a physically and emotionally painful condition. It often results in physical limitations, disfiguration and a significant burden in managing the daily care of the disease.
Psoriasis sufferers may feel embarrassed, angry, frustrated, fearful, depressed and, in some cases, even suicidal.
Friday, November 19, 2004
Determining The Best Psoriasis Treatment
Treatment of psoriasis is determined by the location, severity and history of psoriasis in each individual. There is no one method of treatment, for each person with psoriasis may respond differently.
One main objective of treatment is to slow down the more rapid than usual growth rate of the skin cells. The rapid growth rate of skin cells causes the red, scaly psoriasis patches. The underlying cause of this increased skin growth is not yet known.
For patients with minimal psoriasis, therapy is limited to topical medications that are drugs applied to the skin.
For patients with moderate to widespread psoriasis, topical treatments are often combined with ultraviolet light therapy. Either sunlight or artificial ultraviolet light therapy can be used. If topical and ultraviolet light therapy are not effective, or are not practical, systemic or oral medications can be used. These may be combined with ultraviolet light therapy, the so-called photo-chemotherapy or PUVA therapy.
In severe cases and unresponsive cases of psoriasis, there are oral medications that slow down the growth rate of skin which are helpful. These drugs can have significant side effects and have to be used with the proper safeguard and caution. Even these strong drugs do not cure psoriasis but only help to control the disease.
One main objective of treatment is to slow down the more rapid than usual growth rate of the skin cells. The rapid growth rate of skin cells causes the red, scaly psoriasis patches. The underlying cause of this increased skin growth is not yet known.
For patients with minimal psoriasis, therapy is limited to topical medications that are drugs applied to the skin.
For patients with moderate to widespread psoriasis, topical treatments are often combined with ultraviolet light therapy. Either sunlight or artificial ultraviolet light therapy can be used. If topical and ultraviolet light therapy are not effective, or are not practical, systemic or oral medications can be used. These may be combined with ultraviolet light therapy, the so-called photo-chemotherapy or PUVA therapy.
In severe cases and unresponsive cases of psoriasis, there are oral medications that slow down the growth rate of skin which are helpful. These drugs can have significant side effects and have to be used with the proper safeguard and caution. Even these strong drugs do not cure psoriasis but only help to control the disease.
Friday, November 12, 2004
Treating Psoriasis with Moisture
Preventative psoriasis treatment puts a major emphasis on keeping the skin well moisturized.
Drinking plenty of water will aid in keeping the body and the skin well hydrated. When water isn't enough, moisturize!
Moisturizers or emollients including bath oils, soap substitutes can be applied to the areas of psoriasis as frequently as required to relieve itching, scaling and dryness.
Emollients should also be used on the unaffected skin to reduce dryness. Emollient therapy helps to restore one of the skin's most important functions, which is to form a barrier to prevent bacteria and viruses getting into the body and therefore help to prevent a rash becoming infected.
Emollients are safe and rarely cause an allergic reaction.
Occasionally, products with lanolin may cause a reaction. Ideally, moisturizers should be applied three to four times a day. Apply in a gentle downward motion in the direction of hair growth to prevent accumulation of cream around the hair follicle (this can cause infection of the follicle).
Drinking plenty of water will aid in keeping the body and the skin well hydrated. When water isn't enough, moisturize!
Moisturizers or emollients including bath oils, soap substitutes can be applied to the areas of psoriasis as frequently as required to relieve itching, scaling and dryness.
Emollients should also be used on the unaffected skin to reduce dryness. Emollient therapy helps to restore one of the skin's most important functions, which is to form a barrier to prevent bacteria and viruses getting into the body and therefore help to prevent a rash becoming infected.
Emollients are safe and rarely cause an allergic reaction.
Occasionally, products with lanolin may cause a reaction. Ideally, moisturizers should be applied three to four times a day. Apply in a gentle downward motion in the direction of hair growth to prevent accumulation of cream around the hair follicle (this can cause infection of the follicle).
Thursday, November 04, 2004
Facts And Causes Surrounding Psoriasis
There are many beliefs as to the cause of psoriasis.
Although no one knows for sure, many scientists believe that a biochemical stimulus triggers the abnormally high skin growth which will in turn cause the skin lesions (National Psoriasis Foundation).
Heredity also plays a role in the development of psoriasis. Individuals who have a family member with a severe case of psoriasis tend to experience early onset of the disease (Camisa 55).
Recent research studies indicate that psoriasis may be a disorder of the immune system. The T cell, a white blood cell, normally works to fight off infection and disease. Scientists believe that having an abnormal immune system may cause abnormal activity by T cells in the skin. These abnormally active T cells cause skin inflammation and increased cell production.
Diet and vitamin influences are thought to play a role in psoriasis development and progression of psoriasis. (Kligman 729).
Because psoriasis is a lifelong condition, the levels of its severity and improvement can fluctuate over time.
Psoriasis is not a contagious skin condition.
An individual instead, has a genetic predisposition for psoriasis, which can be activated by certain environmental factors or emotional stress.
Individuals with psoriasis may find that their condition tends to flare up due to stress, certain medications, winter weather, and infections (ICN Pharmaceuticals, Inc.).
Most often psoriasis affects the scalp, knees, elbows, hands, and feet (National Psoriasis Foundation).
Although no one knows for sure, many scientists believe that a biochemical stimulus triggers the abnormally high skin growth which will in turn cause the skin lesions (National Psoriasis Foundation).
Heredity also plays a role in the development of psoriasis. Individuals who have a family member with a severe case of psoriasis tend to experience early onset of the disease (Camisa 55).
Recent research studies indicate that psoriasis may be a disorder of the immune system. The T cell, a white blood cell, normally works to fight off infection and disease. Scientists believe that having an abnormal immune system may cause abnormal activity by T cells in the skin. These abnormally active T cells cause skin inflammation and increased cell production.
Diet and vitamin influences are thought to play a role in psoriasis development and progression of psoriasis. (Kligman 729).
Because psoriasis is a lifelong condition, the levels of its severity and improvement can fluctuate over time.
Psoriasis is not a contagious skin condition.
An individual instead, has a genetic predisposition for psoriasis, which can be activated by certain environmental factors or emotional stress.
Individuals with psoriasis may find that their condition tends to flare up due to stress, certain medications, winter weather, and infections (ICN Pharmaceuticals, Inc.).
Most often psoriasis affects the scalp, knees, elbows, hands, and feet (National Psoriasis Foundation).
Tuesday, October 26, 2004
Living With Nail Psoriasis
It seems all of us has a nail that's yellow or discolored. Or maybe you have a nail that's pitted or thick. Surprise this may be psoriasis!
Psoriasis can affect both the toenails and fingernails. Commonly it appears as pits in the nails of various size, shape, and depth.
Sometimes the nails develop a yellowish color and become thick. The nails may crumble easily and be surrounded by inflammation. Another possible symptom is detachment of the nail from the nail bed.
Psoriasis can affect the connective tissue that forms the nails. Pitting of the nails may be an early sign of nail psoriasis, although pitting can also occur in other diseases.
Other signs of nail psoriasis include the appearance of dark spots resembling oil droplets on the nails, the build-up of flaky skin cells under the nails, and separation or loosening of the nails from their beds (onycholysis).
One or more nails may be affected.Psoriasis of the fingernails and toenails is common but can be very difficult to treat.
The nails may start to separate from the nail bed. During this process, the nail becomes whitish in appearance. Sometimes it becomes so badly damaged that it starts to crumble.
About 50 percent of persons with active psoriasis have psoriatic changes in fingernails and/or toenails. In some instances psoriasis may occur only in the nails and nowhere else on the body.
Psoriatic changes in nails range from mild to severe, generally reflecting the extent of psoriatic involvement of the nail plate, nail matrix (tissue from which the nail grows), nail bed (tissue under the nail), and skin at the base of the nail. Damage to the nail bed by the pustular type of psoriasis can result in loss of the nail.
Nail changes in psoriasis fall into general categories that may occur singly or all together:
The nail plate is deeply pitted, probably due to defects in nail growth caused by psoriasis.
The nail has a yellow to yellow-pink discoloration, probably due to psoriatic involvement of the nail bed.
White areas appear under the nail plate. These are air bubbles marking spots where the nail plate is becoming detached from the nail bed (onycholysis). There may be reddened skin around the nail.
The nail plate crumbles in yellowish patches (onychodystrophy), probably due to psoriatic involvement in the nail matrix.
The nail is entirely lost due to psoriatic involvement of the nail matrix and nail bed.
Psoriasis of the nails can resemble other conditions such as chronic infection or inflammation of the nail bed or nail fold.
Psoriasis of the toenails can resemble chronic fungal infection of the nails. A person with psoriatic nails should avoid any injury—bumps, scrapes, etc.—that may trigger a worsening of psoriasis (Koebner’s phenomenon).
Nail psoriasis is treated by the dermatologist as part of the overall treatment of the disease. About one-third of people with nail psoriasis may have a fungal infection, which, if treated, could help their nails to improve. Some treatments used for skin psoriasis also may improve the condition of the nails. Consult with your physician to learn which treatment may be best for you.
If your nails are affected by psoriasis, try the following:
Trim your nails to reduce the risk of injuring them; trauma can worsen nail psoriasis.
Try soaking affected nails and follow up with moisturizer. Carefully file thickened toenails with an emery board after soaking.
Reduce toenail pressure and friction – which can cause toenails to thicken -- by wearing well-fitted, roomy shoes.
Consider using nail hardeners or artificial nails that can help to improve the appearance of intact nails.
Talk to your physician if deformed nails are a problem for you. They may be surgically removed and replaced with artificial nails.
Nail pitting looks as if a biro tip has pushed a dip into the nail and there may be up to 10 on each affected nail. Having pits in the nails does not mean that the psoriasis is going to behave any differently than if there are no nail pits present. No treatment is available for nail pitting and it is not usually necessary to treat this anyway. Nail pitting does NOT mean that other types of nail problems will arise.
Nail psoriasis is frequently associated with psoriatic arthritis.
Onycholysis is when the nail bed develops a build up of keratin causing the nail to appear white when it is viewed from above. It usually starts from the end of the nail and works back. This may be the only sign of psoriasis and may affect only one finger or toenail alone and there may be no other skin rash of psoriasis. Onycholysis may affect only one fingernail and never become more extensive, but in some people it can affect more than one nail. There is no way of predicting this. The nail can lift off from the nail bed and the nail can sometimes be lost. It may or may not grow back normally. Occasionally the build up of keratin beneath the nails in psoriasis can be very marked and lead to the affected nail becoming thickened and raised. When this happens it is called Onychodystrophy. This can be sore and painful and some sufferers may also find the appearance embarrassing due to comments made by others.
The other diagnosis could be a fungal infection of the nail in which case clippings of the crumbly keratin beneath the nail should be sent for culture. Sometimes it can be difficult to tell between the two.
Triggering factors are events or conditions that cause psoriasis to flare up or worsen:
Skin injury. Injury or trauma can make psoriasis worse. This feature of the disease is called the Koebner phenomenon. Patches of thick, flaky skin may appear following a burn, graze, or rash.
If someone is prone to outbreaks of psoriasis, it is important to promptly treat rashes such as those caused by allergies to medication. Otherwise, the rash could lead to a flare-up of psoriasis.
The Koebner phenomenon occurs in about 1 in every 4 people with psoriasis. Why it happens is not known. It occurs most frequently in people who develop psoriasis early in life (before age 15).
Certain medications may make psoriasis worse. These include lithium (prescribed to treat bipolar disorder, beta blockers (prescribed for heart problems), anti-malarial drugs, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (available by prescription or over the counter for pain relief).
NSAIDs are often used to treat psoriatic arthritis. In such cases, the benefits and risks of treatment need to be carefully assessed. Flare-ups of psoriasis caused by NSAIDs usually respond to treatment. Abuse of alcohol, on the other hand, can make psoriasis treatment ineffective.
Lengthy exposure to a dry climate with low relative humidity can make psoriasis worse. For many people, sun exposure during the summer helps to clear psoriasis. However, people who are sun-sensitive find that psoriasis flares up when skin is exposed to the sun.
Severe emotional stress may play a role in the appearance of psoriasis or in flare-ups of the disease. However, the impact of stress can be difficult to assess. Techniques to reduce stress can be helpful if flare-ups of psoriasis follow a pattern and stress factors can be recognized as part of that pattern.
Strep throat can lead to guttate psoriasis in children and young adults. Anyone with psoriasis who gets strep throat should be treated promptly with antibiotics to prevent a flare-up of psoriasis.
HIV infection can cause psoriasis to flare up or to appear for the first time. Severe forms of psoriasis, such as inverse psoriasis, become more common as HIV infection progresses and the immune system becomes weaker.
Psoriasis can affect both the toenails and fingernails. Commonly it appears as pits in the nails of various size, shape, and depth.
Sometimes the nails develop a yellowish color and become thick. The nails may crumble easily and be surrounded by inflammation. Another possible symptom is detachment of the nail from the nail bed.
Psoriasis can affect the connective tissue that forms the nails. Pitting of the nails may be an early sign of nail psoriasis, although pitting can also occur in other diseases.
Other signs of nail psoriasis include the appearance of dark spots resembling oil droplets on the nails, the build-up of flaky skin cells under the nails, and separation or loosening of the nails from their beds (onycholysis).
One or more nails may be affected.Psoriasis of the fingernails and toenails is common but can be very difficult to treat.
The nails may start to separate from the nail bed. During this process, the nail becomes whitish in appearance. Sometimes it becomes so badly damaged that it starts to crumble.
About 50 percent of persons with active psoriasis have psoriatic changes in fingernails and/or toenails. In some instances psoriasis may occur only in the nails and nowhere else on the body.
Psoriatic changes in nails range from mild to severe, generally reflecting the extent of psoriatic involvement of the nail plate, nail matrix (tissue from which the nail grows), nail bed (tissue under the nail), and skin at the base of the nail. Damage to the nail bed by the pustular type of psoriasis can result in loss of the nail.
Nail changes in psoriasis fall into general categories that may occur singly or all together:
The nail plate is deeply pitted, probably due to defects in nail growth caused by psoriasis.
The nail has a yellow to yellow-pink discoloration, probably due to psoriatic involvement of the nail bed.
White areas appear under the nail plate. These are air bubbles marking spots where the nail plate is becoming detached from the nail bed (onycholysis). There may be reddened skin around the nail.
The nail plate crumbles in yellowish patches (onychodystrophy), probably due to psoriatic involvement in the nail matrix.
The nail is entirely lost due to psoriatic involvement of the nail matrix and nail bed.
Psoriasis of the nails can resemble other conditions such as chronic infection or inflammation of the nail bed or nail fold.
Psoriasis of the toenails can resemble chronic fungal infection of the nails. A person with psoriatic nails should avoid any injury—bumps, scrapes, etc.—that may trigger a worsening of psoriasis (Koebner’s phenomenon).
Nail psoriasis is treated by the dermatologist as part of the overall treatment of the disease. About one-third of people with nail psoriasis may have a fungal infection, which, if treated, could help their nails to improve. Some treatments used for skin psoriasis also may improve the condition of the nails. Consult with your physician to learn which treatment may be best for you.
If your nails are affected by psoriasis, try the following:
Trim your nails to reduce the risk of injuring them; trauma can worsen nail psoriasis.
Try soaking affected nails and follow up with moisturizer. Carefully file thickened toenails with an emery board after soaking.
Reduce toenail pressure and friction – which can cause toenails to thicken -- by wearing well-fitted, roomy shoes.
Consider using nail hardeners or artificial nails that can help to improve the appearance of intact nails.
Talk to your physician if deformed nails are a problem for you. They may be surgically removed and replaced with artificial nails.
Nail pitting looks as if a biro tip has pushed a dip into the nail and there may be up to 10 on each affected nail. Having pits in the nails does not mean that the psoriasis is going to behave any differently than if there are no nail pits present. No treatment is available for nail pitting and it is not usually necessary to treat this anyway. Nail pitting does NOT mean that other types of nail problems will arise.
Nail psoriasis is frequently associated with psoriatic arthritis.
Onycholysis is when the nail bed develops a build up of keratin causing the nail to appear white when it is viewed from above. It usually starts from the end of the nail and works back. This may be the only sign of psoriasis and may affect only one finger or toenail alone and there may be no other skin rash of psoriasis. Onycholysis may affect only one fingernail and never become more extensive, but in some people it can affect more than one nail. There is no way of predicting this. The nail can lift off from the nail bed and the nail can sometimes be lost. It may or may not grow back normally. Occasionally the build up of keratin beneath the nails in psoriasis can be very marked and lead to the affected nail becoming thickened and raised. When this happens it is called Onychodystrophy. This can be sore and painful and some sufferers may also find the appearance embarrassing due to comments made by others.
The other diagnosis could be a fungal infection of the nail in which case clippings of the crumbly keratin beneath the nail should be sent for culture. Sometimes it can be difficult to tell between the two.
Triggering factors are events or conditions that cause psoriasis to flare up or worsen:
Skin injury. Injury or trauma can make psoriasis worse. This feature of the disease is called the Koebner phenomenon. Patches of thick, flaky skin may appear following a burn, graze, or rash.
If someone is prone to outbreaks of psoriasis, it is important to promptly treat rashes such as those caused by allergies to medication. Otherwise, the rash could lead to a flare-up of psoriasis.
The Koebner phenomenon occurs in about 1 in every 4 people with psoriasis. Why it happens is not known. It occurs most frequently in people who develop psoriasis early in life (before age 15).
Certain medications may make psoriasis worse. These include lithium (prescribed to treat bipolar disorder, beta blockers (prescribed for heart problems), anti-malarial drugs, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (available by prescription or over the counter for pain relief).
NSAIDs are often used to treat psoriatic arthritis. In such cases, the benefits and risks of treatment need to be carefully assessed. Flare-ups of psoriasis caused by NSAIDs usually respond to treatment. Abuse of alcohol, on the other hand, can make psoriasis treatment ineffective.
Lengthy exposure to a dry climate with low relative humidity can make psoriasis worse. For many people, sun exposure during the summer helps to clear psoriasis. However, people who are sun-sensitive find that psoriasis flares up when skin is exposed to the sun.
Severe emotional stress may play a role in the appearance of psoriasis or in flare-ups of the disease. However, the impact of stress can be difficult to assess. Techniques to reduce stress can be helpful if flare-ups of psoriasis follow a pattern and stress factors can be recognized as part of that pattern.
Strep throat can lead to guttate psoriasis in children and young adults. Anyone with psoriasis who gets strep throat should be treated promptly with antibiotics to prevent a flare-up of psoriasis.
HIV infection can cause psoriasis to flare up or to appear for the first time. Severe forms of psoriasis, such as inverse psoriasis, become more common as HIV infection progresses and the immune system becomes weaker.
TREATMENT TIPS FOR PSORIASIS
Treating psoriasis can vary depending on the type of psoriasis you suffere from. Below are some basic tips to assist you in living with psoriasis.
1. Keep the body well hydrated with water. The smallest person should consume at least 8 eight-ounce glasses of water a day. The average person should consume 10 to 12 glasses daily. A person with an above-average exercise program, or who lives in a cold climate, should have 12 to 16 glasses.
2. Be sure to moisturize your body with creams or lotions such as Jojoba oil (found in most health stores), Keri lotion, 10% urea cream, or Eucerin. Vaseline and ointments can block sweat glands and cause rashes to worsen, therefore they should be avoided. Jojoba Oil is the preferred psoriasis treatment to moisturize the skin.
3. Antihistamines, such as Benadryl by Parke-Davis (25 mg.), can be taken after 7:00 PM to control itching, which tends to be worse at night.
4. Keep nails clean and short to prevent scratching, which can cause infection or irritation.
5. Avoid skin irritants such as animal dander (dogs and cats), feathers, harsh fabrics (denim and corduroy), tight clothing, and sometimes even wool and silk. Cotton clothing is recommended as much as possible.
6. Launder clothing with mild soap or detergent (Dreft, Ivory Snow, certain sans-additive detergents such as Tide Free). Use no additives such as enzymes or fabric softeners. Wash new clothing prior to wearing.
7. Avoid temperature and humidity extremes, don't overdress or overheat. When humidity is low as during the winter in heated homes, a humidifier may be helpful.
8. Avoid swimming in chlorinated pools. Lake and ocean swimming is fine. Apply moisturizers afterwards.
9. Reduce or eliminate coffee and other stimulants, including alcohol. Stimulants are acidic, which works against psoriasis treatment.
10. Use soap substitutes such as Cetaphil 'gentle cleansing bar for dry sensitive skin' (not the aggressive antibacterial for acne, the oily skin, or the Cetaphil pump liquid with two alcohols), Emulave, or Neutrogena. Cetaphil cleansing bars can be purchased at your local drug store or pharmacy. Bubble bath should never be used as it may cause dryness and irritation of the psoriasis.
11. Try to find ways to reduce stress.
1. Keep the body well hydrated with water. The smallest person should consume at least 8 eight-ounce glasses of water a day. The average person should consume 10 to 12 glasses daily. A person with an above-average exercise program, or who lives in a cold climate, should have 12 to 16 glasses.
2. Be sure to moisturize your body with creams or lotions such as Jojoba oil (found in most health stores), Keri lotion, 10% urea cream, or Eucerin. Vaseline and ointments can block sweat glands and cause rashes to worsen, therefore they should be avoided. Jojoba Oil is the preferred psoriasis treatment to moisturize the skin.
3. Antihistamines, such as Benadryl by Parke-Davis (25 mg.), can be taken after 7:00 PM to control itching, which tends to be worse at night.
4. Keep nails clean and short to prevent scratching, which can cause infection or irritation.
5. Avoid skin irritants such as animal dander (dogs and cats), feathers, harsh fabrics (denim and corduroy), tight clothing, and sometimes even wool and silk. Cotton clothing is recommended as much as possible.
6. Launder clothing with mild soap or detergent (Dreft, Ivory Snow, certain sans-additive detergents such as Tide Free). Use no additives such as enzymes or fabric softeners. Wash new clothing prior to wearing.
7. Avoid temperature and humidity extremes, don't overdress or overheat. When humidity is low as during the winter in heated homes, a humidifier may be helpful.
8. Avoid swimming in chlorinated pools. Lake and ocean swimming is fine. Apply moisturizers afterwards.
9. Reduce or eliminate coffee and other stimulants, including alcohol. Stimulants are acidic, which works against psoriasis treatment.
10. Use soap substitutes such as Cetaphil 'gentle cleansing bar for dry sensitive skin' (not the aggressive antibacterial for acne, the oily skin, or the Cetaphil pump liquid with two alcohols), Emulave, or Neutrogena. Cetaphil cleansing bars can be purchased at your local drug store or pharmacy. Bubble bath should never be used as it may cause dryness and irritation of the psoriasis.
11. Try to find ways to reduce stress.
Tuesday, October 19, 2004
Common Forms Of Psoriasis
The more common types of psoriasis include:
Palmoplantar Psoriasis is psoriasis of the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet
Plaque Psoriasis appears as red lesions covered with white scales
Guttate Psoriasis appears as small, drop-shaped red patches of psoriasis
Inverse Psoriasis appears as smooth inflamed lesions in skin folds
Erythrodermic Psoriasis appears as scaly red skin over all the body
Pustular Psoriasis appears as a large red area containing pustules
Psoriatic Arthritis is psoriasis accompanied by arthritis
Scalp & Ear Psoriasis is psoriasis appearing on the scalp or ears
Nail Psoriasis is psoriasis which affects the fingernails or toenails
Palmoplantar Psoriasis is psoriasis of the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet
Plaque Psoriasis appears as red lesions covered with white scales
Guttate Psoriasis appears as small, drop-shaped red patches of psoriasis
Inverse Psoriasis appears as smooth inflamed lesions in skin folds
Erythrodermic Psoriasis appears as scaly red skin over all the body
Pustular Psoriasis appears as a large red area containing pustules
Psoriatic Arthritis is psoriasis accompanied by arthritis
Scalp & Ear Psoriasis is psoriasis appearing on the scalp or ears
Nail Psoriasis is psoriasis which affects the fingernails or toenails
Thursday, October 14, 2004
Psoriasis
Psoriasis appears most frequently between the ages of 15 and 35, but it can occur very early or very late in life (National Psoriasis Foundation). A general picture of psoriasis can encompass different stages.
Some people may experience limited psoriasis while others may experience more widespread psoriasis (National Psoriasis Foundation). Psoriasis is characterized by silvery-white scaly patches of various size seen most commonly on the knees, elbows, and scalp (Hall 127). Psoriasis occurs when skin cells mature at an accelerated rate (Nicksin).
On a normal basis, skin cells grow, mature, and shed about once a month. Skin cells of a person with psoriasis grow nearly seven times faster and build up at the skin's surface resulting in red, raised, scaly patches and lesions (Nicksin).
Although some individuals complain of itching, it is not a very common complaint. Only 30% of people with psoriasis complain of itching (Hall 132). Individuals who scratch their psoriasis can cause cracking and bleeding, making the condition worse.
Development of psoriasis is caused by genetic factors and approximately one-third of individuals with psoriasis can trace the cause to a positive family history (Mackie 36). While there is currently no cure for psoriasis, in isolating the cause, you can effect a treatment control of your psoriasis. Lifestyle changes are part of the the whole treatment picture. Controlling the cause can be its own cure!
Some people may experience limited psoriasis while others may experience more widespread psoriasis (National Psoriasis Foundation). Psoriasis is characterized by silvery-white scaly patches of various size seen most commonly on the knees, elbows, and scalp (Hall 127). Psoriasis occurs when skin cells mature at an accelerated rate (Nicksin).
On a normal basis, skin cells grow, mature, and shed about once a month. Skin cells of a person with psoriasis grow nearly seven times faster and build up at the skin's surface resulting in red, raised, scaly patches and lesions (Nicksin).
Although some individuals complain of itching, it is not a very common complaint. Only 30% of people with psoriasis complain of itching (Hall 132). Individuals who scratch their psoriasis can cause cracking and bleeding, making the condition worse.
Development of psoriasis is caused by genetic factors and approximately one-third of individuals with psoriasis can trace the cause to a positive family history (Mackie 36). While there is currently no cure for psoriasis, in isolating the cause, you can effect a treatment control of your psoriasis. Lifestyle changes are part of the the whole treatment picture. Controlling the cause can be its own cure!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)