AdSense

Tuesday, October 31, 2017

Everything You Need to Know About Psoriasis

What is psoriasis?

Plaque Psoriasis
psoriasis.org
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes the rapid build-up of skin cells. This build-up of cells causes scaling on the skin’s surface. Inflammation and redness around the scales is fairly common. Typical psoriatic scales are whitish-silver and develop in thick, red patches. Sometimes, these patches will crack and bleed.
Psoriasis is the result of a sped-up skin production process. Typically, skin cells grow deep in the skin and slowly rise to the surface. Eventually, they fall off. The typical life cycle of a skin cell is one month.
In people with psoriasis, this production process may occur in just a few days. Because of this, skin cells don’t have time to fall off. This rapid, overproduction leads to the build-up of skin cells.
Scales typically develop on joints, such elbows and knees. They may develop anywhere on the body, including the hands, feet, neck, scalp, and face. Less common types of psoriasis affect the nails, the mouth, and the area around genitals.
Psoriasis affects about 7.5 million Americans. It’s commonly associated with several other conditions, including type 2 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, cardiovascular disease, and psoriatic arthritis.

TYPESWhat are the different types of psoriasis?

The 5 types of psoriasis and most common symptoms include:
Plaque psoriasis: This is the most common type of psoriasis — about 80 percent of people with the condition have plaque psoriasis. It causes red, inflamed patches that cover areas of the skin. These patches are often covered with whitish-silver scales or plaques. These plaques are commonly found on the elbows, knees, and scalp.
Guttate psoriasis: Guttate psoriasis is common in childhood. This type of psoriasis causes small pink spots. The most common sites for guttate psoriasis include the torso, arms, and legs. These spots are rarely thick or raised like plaque psoriasis.
Pustular psoriasis: Pustular psoriasis is more common in adults. It causes white, pus-filled blisters and broad areas of red, inflamed skin. Pustular psoriasis is typically localized to smaller areas of the body, such as the hands or feet, but it can be widespread.
Inverse psoriasis: Inverse psoriasis causes bright areas of red, shiny, inflamed skin. Patches of inverse psoriasis develop under armpits or breasts, in the groin, or around skinfolds in the genitals.
Erythrodermic psoriasis: This type of psoriasis often covers large sections of the body at once and is very rare. The skin almost appears sunburned. Scales that develop often slough off in large sections or sheets. It’s not uncommon for a person with this type of psoriasis to run a fever or become very ill.

What are the symptoms?

Psoriasis symptoms differ from person to person and depend on the type of psoriasis. Areas of psoriasis can be as small as a few flakes on the scalp or elbow, or cover the majority of the body.
The most common symptoms of plaque psoriasis include:
  • red, raised, inflamed patches of skin
  • silver-white scales or plaques on the red patches
  • dry skin that may crack and bleed
  • soreness around patches
  • itching and burning sensations around patches
  • thick, pitted nails
  • painful, swollen joints
Not every person will experience all of these symptoms. Some people will experience entirely different symptoms if they have a less common type of psoriasis.
Most people with psoriasis go through “cycles” of symptoms. The condition may cause severe symptoms for a few days or weeks, and then the symptoms may clear up and be almost unnoticeable. Then, in a few weeks or if made worse by a common psoriasis trigger, the condition may flare up again. Sometimes, symptoms of psoriasis disappear completely.
When you have no active signs of the condition, you may be in “remission.” That doesn’t mean psoriasis won’t come back, but for now you are symptom free.
Is psoriasis contagious?
Psoriasis isn’t contagious. You can’t pass the skin condition from one person to another. Touching a psoriatic lesion on another person won’t cause you to develop the condition.

What causes psoriasis?

Scientists are unclear as to what causes psoriasis. However, thanks to decades of research, they have a general idea of two key factors: genetics and the immune system.

Immune system

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition. Autoimmune conditions are the result of the body attacking itself. In the case of psoriasis, white blood cells known as T cells attack the skin cells mistakenly.
In a typical body, white blood cells are deployed to attack and destroy invading bacteria and fight infections. The mistaken attack causes the skin cell production process to go into overdrive. The sped-up skin cell production causes new skin cells to develop too quickly. They are pushed to the skin’s surface, where they pile up.
This results in the plaques that are most commonly associated with psoriasis. The attacks on the skin cells also cause red, inflamed areas of skin to develop.

Genetics

Some people inherit genes that make them more likely to develop psoriasis. If you have an immediate family member with the skin condition, your risk for developing psoriasis is higher. However, the percentage of people who have psoriasis and a genetic predisposition is small. Approximately 2 to 3 percent of people with the gene develop the condition.

Diagnosing psoriasis

Two “tests” or examinations may be necessary to diagnose psoriasis.

Physical examination

Most doctors are able to make a diagnosis with a simple examination. Symptoms of psoriasis are typically evident and easy to distinguish from other conditions that may cause similar symptoms.
During this exam, be sure to show your doctor all areas of concern. In addition, let your doctor know if any family members have been diagnosed with psoriasis.

Biopsy

If the symptoms are unclear or if your doctor wants to confirm their suspected diagnosis, they may take a small sample of skin. This is known as a biopsy.
The skin will be sent to a lab, where it will be examined under a microscope. The examination can diagnose the type of psoriasis you have. It can also rule out other possible disorders or infections.
Most biopsies are done in your doctor’s office the day of your appointment. Your doctor will likely inject a local numbing medicine to make the biopsy less painful. When the results return, your doctor may request an appointment to discuss the findings and treatment options with you.
The most common triggers for psoriasis include:
Stress: Unusually high stress may trigger a flare. If you learn to reduce and manage your stress, you can reduce and possibly prevent flares.
Alcohol: Heavy drinking or alcohol consumption can trigger psoriasis flares. If you binge drink or drink heavily, psoriasis outbreaks may be more frequent. If you have a problem with alcohol, talk with your doctor about getting help to quit drinking. Reducing alcohol consumption is smart for more than just your skin.
Injury: If you have an accident, cut yourself, or scrape your skin, you may trigger a psoriasis outbreak. Shots, vaccines, and sunburns can also trigger a new bout with the skin condition.
Medications: Some medications are considered psoriasis triggers. These medications include lithium, antimalarial medicines, and high blood pressure medication.
Infection: Psoriasis is caused, at least in part, by the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy skin cells. If you’re sick or battling an infection, your immune system will go into overdrive to fight the infection. This might start another psoriasis bout. Strep throat is a common trigger.

PSORIASIS TREATMENTSTreatment options for psoriasis

Psoriasis has no cure. Treatments aim to reduce inflammation and scales, slow the growth of skin cells, and remove plaques. Psoriasis treatments fall into three categories: topical treatments, systemic medications, and light therapy.

Topical treatments

Creams and ointments applied directly to the skin can be helpful for reducing mild to moderate psoriasis.
Topical psoriasis treatments include:
  • topical corticosteroids
  • topical retinoids
  • anthralin
  • vitamin D analogues
  • salicylic acid
  • moisturizer

Systemic medications

People with moderate to severe psoriasis, and those who have not responded well to other treatment types, may need to use oral or injected medications. Many of these medicines have severe side effects, so doctors usually prescribe them for short periods of time.
The medications include:

Light therapy

This psoriasis treatment uses ultraviolet (UV) or natural light. Sunlight kills the overactive white blood cells that are attacking healthy skin cells and causing the rapid cell growth. Both UVA and UVB light may be helpful in reducing symptoms of mild to moderate psoriasis.
Most people with moderate to severe psoriasis will benefit from a combination of treatments. This type of therapy uses more than one of the treatment types to reduce symptoms. Some people may use the same treatment their entire lives. Others may need to change treatments occasionally if their skin stops responding to what they’re using.

PSORIASIS MEDICATIONSMedication for psoriasis

If you have moderate to severe psoriasis, or if psoriasis stops responding to other treatments, your doctor may consider an oral or injected medication.
The most common oral and injected medicines used to treat psoriasis include:
Biologics: This class of medications alters your immune system and prevents interactions between your immune system and inflammatory pathways. These medications are injected or given through intravenous (IV) infusion.
Retinoids: These medicines reduce skin cell production. Once you stop using them, symptoms of psoriasis will likely return. Side effects include hair loss and lip inflammation. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant within the next three years shouldn’t take retinoids because of the risk of possible birth defects.
Cyclosporine:This medicine prevents the immune system’s response, which can ease symptoms of psoriasis. It also means you have a weakened immune system, so you may become sick more easily. Side effects include kidney problems and high blood pressure.
Methotrexate: Like cyclosporine, this medicine suppresses the immune system. It may cause fewer side effects when used in low doses, but over the long-term it can cause serious side effects. These include liver damage and reduced production of red and white blood cells.
WHAT TO EAT
Diet recommendations for people with psoriasis
Food cannot cure or even treat psoriasis, but eating better might reduce symptoms. These five lifestyle changes may help ease symptoms of psoriasis and reduce flares:
Lose weight: Losing weight may reduce the disease’s severity. Losing weight may also make treatments more effective. It’s unclear how weight interacts with psoriasis, so even if your symptoms remain unchanged, losing weight is still good for your overall health.
Eat heart healthy: Reduce your intake of saturated fats, which are found in animal products like meats and dairy foods. Increase your intake of lean proteins that contain omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, sardines, and shrimp. Plant sources of omega-3s include walnuts, flaxseeds, and soybeans.
Avoid trigger foods: Psoriasis causes inflammation. Certain foods cause inflammation, too. Avoiding those foods might improve symptoms. These foods include red meat, refined sugar, processed foods, and dairy products.
Drink less alcohol: Alcohol consumption can increase your risks of a flare. Cut back or quit entirely. Talk with your doctor if you have a problem with alcohol.
Consider taking vitamins: Some doctors prefer a vitamin-rich diet to vitamins. However, even the healthiest eater may need help getting adequate nutrients. Ask your doctor if you should be taking any as a supplement to your diet.

LIVING WITH PSORIASISLiving with psoriasis

Life with psoriasis can be challenging, but with the right approach you can reduce flares and live a healthy, fulfilling life. These three areas will help you cope in the short-term and long-term:

Diet

Losing weight and maintaining a healthy diet can go a long way toward helping ease and reduce symptoms of psoriasis. This includes eating a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, whole grains, and plants. You should also limit foods that may increase your inflammation, such as refined sugars, dairy products, and processed foods.

Stress

Stress is a well-established trigger for psoriasis. Learning to manage and cope with stress may help you reduce flares and ease symptoms. Meditation, journaling, breathing, and yoga are just a few of the ways you may find success at reducing stress.

Emotional health

People with psoriasis are more likely to experience depression and self-esteem issues. You may feel less confident when new spots appear. Talking with family members about how psoriasis affects you may be difficult, and the constant cycle of the condition may be frustrating.
All of these emotional issues are valid, and it’s important you find a resource for handling them. This may include speaking with a professional mental health expert or joining a group for people with psoriasis.

PSORIASIS AND ARTHRITISPsoriasis and arthritis

About 15 percent of people with psoriasis will develop psoriatic arthritis. This type of arthritis causes swelling, pain, and inflammation in affected joints. It’s commonly mistaken for rheumatoid arthritis and gout. The presence of inflamed, red areas of skin with plaques usually distinguishes this type of arthritis from others.
Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic condition. Like psoriasis, the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis may come and go, alternating between flares and remission. Psoriatic arthritis can also be continuous, with constant symptoms and issues.
This condition typically affects large joints of the lower body, including your knees and ankles. It can also affect your fingers, toes, back, and pelvis.
Most people who develops psoriatic arthritis have psoriasis. However, it’s possible to develop the joint condition without having been diagnosed with psoriasis. Most people who are diagnosed with arthritis without the skin condition have a family member with psoriasis.
Treatments for psoriatic arthritis may successfully ease symptoms, relieve pain, and improve joint mobility. As with psoriasis, losing weight, maintaining a healthy diet, and avoiding triggers may also help reduce psoriatic arthritis flares. An early diagnosis and treatment plan can reduce the likelihood of severe complications, including joint damage.
More than 7.5 million Americans have been diagnosed with psoriasis. That’s about 2 percent of the U.S. population.
Psoriasis may begin at any age, but most diagnoses occur in adulthood. The average age of onset is 33 years old. About 75 percent of psoriasis cases are diagnosed before age 46. A second peak period of diagnosis occurs in the late 50s and early 60s.
Males and females are affected equally, but Caucasians are affected disproportionately. People of color make up a very small proportion of psoriasis diagnoses.
Having a family member with the condition increases your risk for developing psoriasis. However, many people with the condition have no family history at all, and some people with a family history won’t develop psoriasis.
About 15 percent of people with psoriasis will be diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. In addition, people with psoriasis are more likely to develop conditions such as type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and high blood pressure.
Though the data isn’t complete, research suggests cases of psoriasis are becoming more common. Whether that’s because people are developing the skin condition or doctors are just getting better at diagnosing it is unclear.
credit/source: https://www.healthline.com/health/psoriasis#psoriasis-medications
Note: All information and references are all credit to the original writer's sources.

Monday, October 30, 2017

Getting to Know more about Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated disease that causes raised, red, scaly patches to appear on the skin.

typically affects the outside of the elbows, knees or scalp, though it can appear on any location. Some people report that psoriasis is itchy, burns and stings. Psoriasis is associated with other serious health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and depression.
If you develop a rash that doesn't go away with an over-the-counter medication, you should consider contacting your doctor.

How do I get psoriasis?

While scientists do not know what exactly causes psoriasis, we do know that the immune system and genetics play major roles in its development. Usually, something triggers psoriasis to flare. The skin cells in people with psoriasis grow at an abnormally fast rate, which causes the buildup of psoriasis lesions.
Men and women develop psoriasis at equal rates. Psoriasis also occurs in all racial groups, but at varying rates. About 1.9 percent of African-Americans have psoriasis, compared to 3.6 percent of Caucasians.
Psoriasis often develops between the ages of 15 and 35, but it can develop at any age. About 10 to 15 percent of those with psoriasis get it before age 10. Some infants have psoriasis, although this is considered rare.
Psoriasis is not contagious. It is not something you can "catch" or that others can catch from you. Psoriasis lesions are not infectious.

How is psoriasis diagnosed?

There are no special blood tests or tools to diagnose psoriasis. A dermatologist (doctor who specializes in skin diseases) or other health care provider usually examines the affected skin and determines if it is psoriasis.
Your doctor may take a piece of the affected skin (a biopsy) and examine it under the microscope. When biopsied, psoriasis skin looks thicker and inflamed when compared to skin with eczema.
Your doctor also will want to learn about your family history. About one-third of people with psoriasis have a family member with the disease, according to dermatologist Dr. Paul Yamauchi with the Dermatology and Skin Care Institute in Santa Monica, Calif.

What type of psoriasis do I have?

There are five types of psoriasis. Learning more about your type of psoriasis will help you determine the best treatment for you.

Plaque Psoriasis

Plaque Psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of the disease and appears as raised, red patches covered with a silvery white buildup of dead skin cells. These patches or plaques most often show up on the scalp, knees, elbows and lower back. They are often itchy and painful, and they can crack and bleed.

Guttate

Guttate

Guttate [GUH-tate] psoriasis is a form of psoriasis that appears as small, dot-like lesions. Guttate psoriasis often starts in childhood or young adulthood, and can be triggered by a strep infection. This is the second-most common type of psoriasis, after plaque psoriasis. About 10 percent of people who get psoriasis develop guttate psoriasis.

Inverse

Inverse

Inverse psoriasis shows up as very red lesions in body folds, such as behind the knee, under the arm or in the groin. It may appear smooth and shiny. Many people have another type of psoriasis elsewhere on the body at the same time.


Pustular

Pustular

Pustular [PUHS-choo-lar] psoriasis in characterized by white pustules (blisters of noninfectious pus) surrounded by red skin. The pus consists of white blood cells. It is not an infection, nor is it contagious. Pustular psoriasis can occur on any part of the body, but occurs most often on the hands or feet.

Erythrodermic

Erythrodermic

Erythrodermic [eh-REETH-ro-der-mik] psoriasis is a particularly severe form of psoriasis that leads to widespread, fiery redness over most of the body. It can cause severe itching and pain, and make the skin come off in sheets. It is rare, occurring in 3 percent of people who have psoriasis during their life time. It generally appears on people who have unstable plaque psoriasis.
Individuals having an erythrodermic psoriasis flare should see a doctor immediately. This form of psoriasis can be life-threatening.

Where does psoriasis show up?

Psoriasis can show up anywhere—on the eyelids, ears, mouth and lips, skin folds, hands and feet, and nails. The skin at each of these sites is different and requires different treatments.
Light therapy or topical treatments are often used when psoriasis is limited to a specific part of the body. However, doctors may prescribe oral or injectable drugs if the psoriasis is widespread or greatly affects your quality of life. Effective treatments are available, no matter where your psoriasis is located.

Scalp

Scalp psoriasis can be very mild, with slight, fine scaling. It can also be very severe with thick, crusted plaques covering the entire scalp. Psoriasis can extend beyond the hairline onto the forehead, the back of the neck and around the ears.
Learn more »

Face

Facial psoriasis most often affects the eyebrows, the skin between the nose and upper lip, the upper forehead and the hairline. Psoriasis on and around the face should be treated carefully because the skin here is sensitive.
Learn more »

Hands, Feet and Nails

Treat sudden flares of psoriasis on the hands and feet promptly and carefully. In some cases, cracking, blisters and swelling accompany flares. Nail changes occur in up to 50 percent of people with psoriasis and at least 80 percent of people with psoriatic arthritis.
Learn more »

Genital Psoriasis

The most common type of psoriasis in the genital region is inverse psoriasis, but other forms of psoriasis can appear on the genitals, especially in men. Genital psoriasis requires careful treatment and care.
Learn more »

Skin Folds

Inverse psoriasis can occur in skin folds such as the armpits and under the breasts. This form of psoriasis is frequently irritated by rubbing and sweating.
Learn more »
Treatment
Topical treatments, such as moisturizers, over-the-counter and prescriptions creams and shampoos, typically are used for mild psoriasis.
Treating moderate to severe psoriasis usually involves a combination of treatment strategies. Besides topical treatments, your doctor your doctor may prescribe phototherapy (also known as light therapy). Your doctor may also prescribe systemic medications, including biologic drugs, especially if your psoriasis is significantly impacting your quality of life.

Will I develop psoriatic arthritis?

About 11 percent of those diagnosed with psoriasis have also been diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. However, approximately 30 percent of people with psoriasis will eventually develop psoriatic arthritis.
Psoriatic arthritis often may go undiagnosed, particularly in its milder forms. However, it's important to treat psoriatic arthritis early on to help avoid permanent joint damage. Learn more about psoriatic arthritis.

What about psoriasis in children?

Every year, roughly 20,000 children under 10 years of age are diagnosed with psoriasis. Sometimes it is misdiagnosed because it is confused with other skin diseases. Symptoms include pitting and discoloration of the nails, severe scalp scaling, diaper dermatitis or plaques similar to that of adult psoriasis on the trunk and extremities. Psoriasis in infants is uncommon, but it does occur. Only close observation can determine if an infant has the disease.
If one parent has the disease, there is about a 10 percent chance of a child contracting it. If both parents have psoriasis, the chance increases to 50 percent. No one can predict who will get psoriasis. Scientists now believe that at least 10 percent of the general population inherits one or more of the genes that create a predisposition to psoriasis. However, only 2 to 3 percent of the population develops the disease.
Some young people report the onset of psoriasis following an infection, particularly strep throat. One-third to one-half of all young people with psoriasis may experience a flare-up two to six weeks after an earache, strep throat, bronchitis, tonsillitis or a respiratory infection. Areas of skin that have been injured or traumatized are occasionally the sites of psoriasis, know as the “Koebner [keb-ner] phenomenon.” However, not everyone who has psoriasis develops it at the site of an injury.
How severe is my psoriasis?
Psoriasis can be mild, moderate or severe. Your treatment options may depend on how severe your psoriasis is. Severity is based on how much of your body is affected by psoriasis. The entire hand (the palm, fingers and thumb) is equal to about 1 percent of your body surface area. 
However, the severity of psoriasis is also measured by how psoriasis affects a person's quality of life. For example, psoriasis can have a serious impact on one's daily activities even if it involves a small area, such as the palms of the hands or soles of the feet.

Mild
MILD
Mild psoriasis covers less than 3 percent of the body.
Moderate
MODERATE
Moderate psoriasis covers between 3 and 10 percent of the body.

Severe
SEVERE
If psoriasis covers more than 10 percent of your body, it is severe.

credit/source: https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis

Note: All information and images are all credit to the original writer's sources and references.