Historical References To Psoriasis

Psoriasis has been around since the days of Greek mythology, more than 2,500 years ago. It was considered a curse from the gods.The Bible refers to psoriasis but mistakenly calls it leprosy. For hundreds of years, people with the disease were ostracized and forced to wander as homeless beggars. Some had to wear warning bells so others could avoid their paths. Some suffered the same fate as lepers, who were burned at the stake in the 14th century."Amazingly, psoriasis was a disease that had been misunderstood for more than 2,000 years before it was clearly defined (in the early 1800s) and named what we know it as today."

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.

More Research On the Cause Of Psoriasis

Psoriasis partially results from an overly acidic body and skin. The pH (potential of hydrogen) as you remember from your high school general science or chemistry class, ranges from 0 to 14 with 7 being neutral. As you rethink your past history, you will see that ‘all’ the psoriasis triggers come from ‘acidic items’ regardless of whether they are foods, drinks, stress, or merely out of breath. We all know that if we hold our breath for 30 seconds or 60 seconds, we will all notice that our face turns pink or red. We all know, but hardly think that the cause is a build up of carbon dioxide which is an ‘acidic’ gas and we have a shortage of oxygen. Very similarly, when we exercise for a short period, we have a build up of ‘lactic acid’, which is a body waste, which is obviously acidic. Likewise, those with psoriasis need to be very concerned about the build up of acids in our blood stream due to the foods and beverages that we consume. We all know of our triggers such as alcohol, coffee, various medications, etc. which all have a pH below 7.0 or are termed acidic. Our objective therefore should be to balance, buffer or neutralize the acids with alkaline.

Acidity is measured as a pH of 1 to 7. Alkalinity is 7 to 14.The numbers refer to how many hydrogen atoms are present compared to an ideal or standard solution. Normally, blood is slightly alkaline, at 7.35 to 7.45; urine pH is the best and easiest way to check on the proper foods and drinks being eaten. Try to keep the pH in the 6.8 to 7.00 range for optimal functioning of the body and brain. If we are excessively alkaline, we don't have the mental and physical 'go' so we need our 'energy' brain and muscle foods and drinks during the day and very alkaline foods at night to calm the body and brain (parasympathetic system).

This scale is logarithmic; meaning that each number is ten times stronger than the preceding number. For example, a pH of 2 is ten times more acidic than a pH of 3 and one hundred times more acidic than a pH of 4.

Water is alkaline with a pH of about 7.3, and likewise more alkaline foods such as more “fresh vegetables and fruits are needed which are alkaline (higher pH than 7.0). Acidic foods and drinks are the problem with a pH of below 7.0 such as coffee at 2.2. To improve your total body and skin condition, eat and drink 90% of the alkaline foods with 10% meats while avoiding breads, pastas, sugars, desserts, etc.

The body has several different ways to ensure that the pH balance stays in the normal range of 7.35 to 7.45. These are referred to as buffer systems. Through normal day-to-day activity in the body, acids are formed as waste products that need to be neutralized, alkalized, or buffered and eliminated. Some of the acids are released with CO2 from exhaling; others are excreted via the kidneys. With acidic foods and drinks, there is always more carbon dioxide (acidic) while alkaline foods produce much more oxygen (think of your high school classes of the tree, grass, and plants giving off oxygen). These systems work together in the healthy human body to keep the pH level within normal ranges. Sometimes with extreme intake of acidic foods and drinks, the normal system cannot compensate and the body becomes even more stressed resulting in more stress hormones, which are also acidic in nature. Likewise, simple illnesses such as influenza, minor surgery, or emotional and mental stress continue to lower the pH of the body and with more resulting skin blushing and flushing. Likewise, almost all medications are acidic except anti-acid medications such as Zantac, Milk of Magnesium, etc.

The adrenal cortex secretes cortisol, a natural body hormone of about 10 mg of cortisol daily, with peak cortisol levels occurring early in the morning and therefore the flushing and papules will look best in early mornings after this natural anti-inflammatory drug. The hormone that will report back to the original brain centers together with other body organs to tell it to stop the whole cycle. But since cortisol is a potent hormone, the prolonged secretion of it will lead to health problems such as the break down of cardiovascular system, digestive system, musculoskeletal system with resulting osteoporosis and arthritis - rheumatism, and the immune system. Also when the organism does not have a chance for recovery, it will lead to both catecholamine and cortisol depletion. The whole idea is "not to keep" the body in a 'fight or flight' system with any stress, stimulation or food/drinks.

Researching Possible Causes Of Psoriasis

Researchers believe the immune system sends faulty signals that speed up the growth cycle in skin cells. Certain people carry genes that make them more likely to develop psoriasis, but not everyone with these genes develops psoriasis. Instead, a "trigger" makes the psoriasis appear in those who have these genes. Also, some triggers may work together to cause an outbreak of psoriasis; this makes it difficult to identify individual factors.
Possible psoriasis triggers include: emotional stress; injury to the skin; some types of infection; reaction to certain drugs. Once the disease is triggered, the skin cells pile up on the surface of the body faster than normal. In people without psoriasis, skin cells mature and are shed about every 28 days. In psoriatic skin, the skin cells move rapidly up to the surface of the skin over three to six days. The body can't shed the skin cells fast enough and this process results in patches also called "lesions" forming on the skin's surface.

The Treatment of Psoriasis

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.

Looking For The Cause Of Psoriasis

There are many beliefs as to what causes psoriasis. Although no one knows for sure, many scientists believe that a biochemical stimulus triggers the abnormally high skin growth which in turn causes 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 causes abnormal activity by T cells in the skin. These abnormally active T cells cause skin inflammation and increased cell production. Diet and vitamin influences have also been thought to play a role in psoriasis development and progression (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).

Clinical Trials For Psoriasis and Psoriatic Disorders

This study will evaluate the use of Enbrel (etanercept) to treat psoriasis for a period of up to one year. Candidates 18 or older with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis who are able to start Enbrel therapy as prescribed may be eligible. People with skin conditions other than psoriasis that would interfere with study evaluations, or people taking Remicade (infliximab), Humira (adalimumab) or Amevive (alefacept) will not qualify. Research sites are located throughout Canada.

Natural Treatment For Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a difficult disorder to treat. But researchers report in the American Journal of Therapeutics that they have identified a natural preparation from a plant that effectively treats mild to moderate psoriasis. The plant, Mahonia aquifolium, grows wild in North America and was used in folk medicine to treat skin diseases.
But according to an article in the American Journal of Therapeutics (March/April 2006, Volume 13, No. 2, p. 121-126), a natural preparation from a plant holds promise for psoriasis sufferers.
Steve Bernstein and other researchers from the Dermatology and Cosmetic Center in Rochester, New York conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study using a proprietary topical cream prepared with Mahonia aquifolium.
This plant, also known as the barberry, Oregon grape, or berberis, grows wild in North and South American and Europe. It was initially used in American folk medicine as an oral medication for inflammatory skin diesases including psoriasis and syphilis.
Of the 200 psoriasis patients enrolled in the trial, 97 completed the 12-week course and 74 completed the same regimen using a placebo cream.
Bernstein and his colleagues traced a statistically significant improvement of the signs and symptoms of moderate plaque psoriasis compared with patients receiving placebo. The medication was well tolerated when applied to the affected area twice a day for twelve weeks. No significant side effects were reported by either the active or control group.
The researchers concluded that the cream containing Mahonia aquifolium extract is a safe and effective treatment for mild to moderate psoriasis.

The Psychological Impact Of Plaque-Type Psoriasis

Plaque-type psoriasis is usually on elbows, knees and the lower back. The scalp is frequently involved, but psoriasis can occur on any surface of the skin including nails. Some patients develop blisters on their skin in the affected areas, and this can be very painful.
The rash of psoriasis can itch, but often it does not have symptoms. Most patients with psoriasis are embarrassed by its appearance, and they dress to hide it from others. There is a significant psychological impact of the disease as it sometimes prevents people from being hired for jobs, and it can limit social activities because other people think psoriasis patients are contagious.

Psoriasis - Know Your Triggers

(HealthDay News) -- Psoriasis, a chronic skin condition that affects some 4.5 million American adults, is characterized by red, scaly skin patches. Psoriasis can appear on any part of the body, including the scalp, face, hands and feet.
Stress can be a major trigger for psoriasis, the National Psoriasis Foundation says. Taking time to relax and manage stress can help alleviate flare-ups. Any damage to the skin, including scratches or sunburn, can also trigger an outbreak.
The foundation also notes that certain medications can contribute to psoriasis symptoms, including lithium, antimalarial drugs, and certain drugs used to treat high blood pressure and arthritis. Allergies, weather and diet can also impact psoriasis.
Discuss with your doctor how to best control your symptoms.
-- Diana Kohnle

Treating Psoriasis

Remember that treating psoriasis is a mixture of both science and art, and fine-tuning may improve the outcome, even with relatively small changes. It's best to make these in close partnership with a trusted physican. A small proportion of persons with psoriasis will learn that their disease is primarily based on an allergic reaction to something. Indeed, the hope of every person with psoriasis is for a real cure, but at this writing there isn't one in sight. The clinical management of this disease remains quite complex, with much trial and error required. It's always a good idea to look into any rumored new therapy, whether you actually try it or not. And if you do try it, don't be too put off by apparent failures, or too ecstatic at what appear to be promising results. Although psoriasis is stubborn, it is also manageable. This information sets forth current opinions from recognized authorities, but it does not dictate an exclusive treatment course. Persons with questions about a medical condition should consult a physician who is knowledgeable about that condition.

Dietary Changes May Help Control Psoriasis

Two dietary elements that have proven results are flax seed and sea cucumber.

Flax seed is one of the most nutritionally complete foods available, but the components most relevant to psoriasis treatment are Omega 3 and mucilage. The Omega 3 helps correct the Omega 3 deficiency frequently found in those with skin diseases, and the mucilage prevents toxic buildup in the bowel – thereby addressing another common factor in skin disease, the excretion of excess toxins.

Sea cucumber is a marine animal related to starfish and sea urchins, but shaped liked a cucumber. Like flax seed, it also contains a broad range of nutrients, and has been used by the Chinese since ancient times in the prevention of disease and as a longevity tonic. Two of its most important nutrients – glucosamine and chrondroitin sulfate – are now used in the West for treatment of arthritis, a condition developed by 30 percent of those who suffer from psoriasis. Sea cucumber may prevent psoriatic arthritis, and will also reduce the pain and inflammation associated with psoriasis on the skin.

Consult with your doctor before taking these nutrients as they can interact or counteract with some drugs you may be taking for other conditions.

Adding flax seed and sea cucumber may help provide the nutrients needed to reduce psoriasis symptoms, possibly forever.

Living with Psoriasis

Psoriasis, a chronic skin condition that affects some 4.5 million American adults, is characterized by red, scaly skin patches. Psoriasis can appear on any part of the body, including the scalp, face, hands and feet.
Stress can be a major trigger for psoriasis, the National Psoriasis Foundation says. Taking time to relax and manage stress can help alleviate flare-ups. Any damage to the skin, including scratches or sunburn, can also trigger an outbreak.
The foundation also notes that certain medications can contribute to psoriasis symptoms, including lithium, antimalarial drugs, and certain drugs used to treat high blood pressure and arthritis. Allergies, weather and diet can also impact psoriasis.
Discuss with your doctor how to best control your symptoms.

Scalp Psoriasis Or Seborrhea?

Scalp psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp can be hard to differentiate. Both are common skin disorders that often affect the scalp. They share some similar symptoms — such as itchy, red, scaly skin. Fortunately, they also share some similar treatments, including daily use of an over-the-counter medicated shampoo, containing:
Ketoconazole
Tar
Pyrithione zinc
Selenium sulfide
Salicylic acid
There is no single test to confirm a diagnosis of psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis. These skin disorders typically are diagnosed with a visual exam of the affected skin. Sometimes, however, a skin biopsy may be used to help differentiate between the two disorders.

Psoriasis Grants Awarded

The National Psoriasis Foundation has awarded four different university researchers $30,000 each in grant money to further their work into the disease and to provide data to the National Institutes of Health.
The Psoriasis Foundation's seed grant program emphasizes innovative psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis research projects in genetics, immunology or clinical research focused on understanding the mechanism of the disease. The program is designed to provide researchers with funding to generate preliminary data that can be used in grant applications to the National Institutes of Health.
"Funding these types of research projects is an integral part of our research and advocacy strategies," said Gail Zimmerman, president and CEO of the Psoriasis Foundation. "These grants will help promising researchers further understand the underlying causes of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, and help us come closer to a cure."
The grant recipients are Dr Andrew Blauvelt, a professor at Oregon Health & Science University; Dr Kristina Callis, an instructor at the University of Utah Health Sciences Center; Dr Shane Curran, a post-doctoral fellow at Columbia University; and Dr Carl Edwards, an associate professor at the University of Colorado at Denver Health Sciences Center.
The research projects undertaken by these academics include work on discovering how the molecule Il-23 is involved in the development and maintenance of psoriasis; study into the disease genetics; research into understanding the environment of joints in psoriatic arthritis; and investigations on how specific molecules and cells work together to produce inflammation in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Common Psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of psoriasis. It is characterized by raised, inflamed (red) lesions covered with a silvery white scale. The scale is actually a buildup of dead skin cells. The technical name for plaque psoriasis is psoriasis vulgaris (vulgaris means common). Plaque psoriasis may appear on any skin surface, though the knees, elbows, scalp, and trunk are the most common locations. Sometimes the patches of infected skin are large, extending over much of the body. The patches, known as plaques or lesions, can wax and wane but tend to be chronic. These can be very itchy and if scratched or scraped they may bleed easily. The plaques usually have a well-defined edge and, while they can appear anywhere on the body, the most commonly affected areas are the scalp, knees and elbows. However, if the scalp is involved, you may develop psoriasis on the hairline and forehead. The actual appearance of the plaques can depend on where they are found on the body. Plaques found on the palms and soles can be scaly, however they may not be very red in color. This is due to the thickness of the skin at these sites. If the plaques are in moist areas, such as in the creases of the armpits or between the buttocks, there is usually little or no scaling. The patches are red and have a well-defined border. Chronic (or common) plaque psoriasis affects over 90% of sufferers. It appears usually on the scalp, lower back, elbows, arms, legs, knees and shoulders. It is very much an adult condition.

A variant of a single immune system gene boosts the risk for psoriasis, researchers report.
A team from the University of Michigan looked for the gene -- called PSORS1 -- in more than 2,700 people from 678 families in which at least one family member had psoriasis.
According to the researchers, PSORS1 is the first genetic determinant of psoriasis to be definitively identified in a large clinical trial. The finding may help in the development of new, more effective treatments for the disfiguring inflammatory skin disease.
To develop psoriasis, people must inherit several disease-related genes and also be exposed to one or more environmental triggers, such as a strep infection, the researchers noted.
"For every individual with psoriasis who carries the PSORS1 gene, there are 10 other people with the gene who don't get psoriasis," study director Dr. James T. Elder, a professor of dermatology and of radiation oncology, said in a prepared statement.
The PSORS1 gene is actually one of more than 20 different varieties of a gene called HLA-C, one of several genes that regulate how the immune system fights off infection.
While Elder and his colleagues have identified the PSORS1 gene -- which they believe is the major gene involved in psoriasis susceptibility -- they said that much more research is needed to identify other genes involved in the development of psoriasis.
The findings appear in the May issue of the American Journal of Human Genetics.

FDA Approves Taclonex For Use In Treating Psoriasis Vulgaris

Warner Chilcott and LEO Pharma announced today that Taclonex® (calcipotriene 0.005% and betamethasone dipropionate 0.064%), a once-daily topical ointment for the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris in adults, is now available for prescription in the United States. Available outside the U.S. as Dovobet® or Daivobet®, Taclonex® was cleared for marketing by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in January. Psoriasis is a lifelong skin disease affecting more than five million adults in the United States.
"The availability of Taclonex® is significant because it makes the treatment of psoriasis easy for patients," said Dr. Mark Lebwohl, Chair, Department of Dermatology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York. "It only needs to be applied once a day and is rapidly effective. In clinical studies, most patients saw improvement within the first week of use. Additionally, the two-compound ointment is more effective than either of its components alone, and also appears to be more tolerable than the components alone based on a lower percentage of total adverse events reported in clinical studies."
"At Warner Chilcott, we are continually striving to improve treatment and quality of life for people suffering from diseases of the skin," said Roger Boissonneault, CEO of Warner Chilcott. "We recognize that psoriasis can be a disabling condition that alters a person's life, both physically and emotionally, and we are pleased to provide Taclonex® as a new tool in managing its symptoms. Based on the efficacy and rapid action it has demonstrated in clinical studies, we are confident that Taclonex® will be an important new therapy for the topical treatment of psoriasis."
Taclonex® Clinical Trials
The efficacy and safety of Taclonex® have been demonstrated in seven large, multicenter clinical trials, which enrolled approximately 7,000 psoriasis patients (more than 3,000 of whom were treated with Taclonex®) amenable to topical therapy, with lesions affecting at least 10% of one or more body regions. Patients treated with Taclonex® had significantly greater and more rapid improvement in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) than patients treated with either calcipotriene or betamethasone dipropionate alone. In addition, Taclonex® was safe and well tolerated.
In one randomized, multicenter, double-blind trial, investigators enrolled 1,603 patients to compare the mean change in PASI from baseline to four weeks. They compared Taclonex® with calcipotriene, betamethasone dipropionate, or vehicle (placebo), all used once daily. The study demonstrated that the mean percentage change in PASI from baseline was significantly greater for patients treated with Taclonex® than for those receiving once-daily betamethasone, calcipotriene, or placebo at week 1 (-39.2% vs. -33.3% vs. -23.4% vs. -18.1%, p<0.001)

Cream With Ingredients From Fish Can Relieve Psoriasis Symptoms

A new skin cream has shown promising results in the treatment of psoriasis and eczema. The cream contains fish enzymes and gelatine and is under development by researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim and the University of Bergen, Norway. Enzymes from roeAn important ingredient in the product is the enzyme zonase, which is found in fish eggs. The enzyme can break down dead skin cells without harming living cells. Used in the treatment of psoriasis, this cream helps to dead skin to flake off, while stimulating the growth of new cells. But enzymes need water to function as they should. With typical creams, the moisture evapourates a short time after application to the skin. The challenge for manufacturers is to find a new and better method to bind water to the cream. Dr. Ingvild Haug is a specialist in fish collagen (gelatine) Collagen from fish is built up completely different from collagen from other animals. Dr. Haug has studied how these special properties can be exploited. For example, fish collagen has the unrivalled ability to bind water within a mixture of water and oil. Before, such mixtures needed to include a stabiliser to keep them from separating. Dr. Haug found a method to use fish collagen to do the job. With the support of a skin care company, she has used this quality to improve skin cream. The method is patented, and the product is now undergoing clinical testing at the University Hospital in Linköping, Sweden, to ensure the product will perform as expected. Dr. Haug is working with other application for fish gelatine. This includes finding out if fish gelatine can be used to improve capsules of medicine and food supplements. -This rethinking can provide products that are easier to swallow and that can also hinder regurgitation. Everyone who has taken fish-oil capsules knows what I'm talking about, points out Dr. Haug. Workers with soft handsResearchers at the University of Bergen, Norway, were the first to note the properties of zonase early in the 1980s. Investigation has continued since then with Professor Bernt Walther in the lead. The enzyme is found in fish roe and serves to help the fry escape the egg. As has happened many time before: an accidental discovery in everyday life leads to a new product. The starting point was at a hatchery at a salmon fish farm. All day, workers had their hands in the cold sea water, handling the salmon fry. Usually, such activities would lead to red and chapped skin. But those who worked with the salmon fry had surprisingly soft and supple skin. The Bergen researchers looked into the case and found the enzyme zonase to be the reason.

Benjamin Franklin Suffered From Psoriasis

In his memoirs, Benjamin Franklin wrote of his psoriasis and his problems treating it late in life. He stopped taking pills a doctor had given him because his teeth were loosening and falling out. He found baths and sunlight helpful in controlling it, but never found a cure.
Now, 300 years after Franklin's birth, there's still no cure. Many treatments have harmful side effects. New protein-based injectable medicines can cost up to $25,000 annually, beyond the reach of many patients.