Psoriasis Treatment

The following article lists some simple, informative tips that will help you have a better experience with Psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a noncontagious, skin disease that has been diagnosed in 4.5 million adults in the United States. About 10 percent to 30 percent of people with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis, which causes pain, stiffness and swelling in and around the joints.

No one knows exactly what causes psoriasis, but it is believed to be an auto immune disorder that also has a genetic component. The majority of researchers agree that the immune system is somehow triggered, which speeds up the growth and life cycle of skin cells. Normally, a skin cell matures and falls off the body's surface in 28 to 30 days. However, a psoriatic skin cell takes only three to four days to mature and move to the surface. Instead of falling off (shedding), the cells pile up and form the lesions.

Psoriasis occurs when faulty signals in the immune system cause skin cells to grow too quickly. Usually every three to four days instead of the usual 30-day cycle. Extra skin cells build up on the skin's surface. They then form "plaques," which are red, flaky and scaly patches that are often itchy and uncomfortable. Psoriasis generally appears on the joints, limbs and scalp, but it can appear anywhere on the body.

Recently, 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.

For those people who have a suppressed immune system, the symptoms of psoriasis can be extremely severe.

Dietary change can help with psoriasis, avoid alcohol, gluten which is found in wheat, barley and rye, avoid foods that are high in saturated fats, avoid red meats, dairy products, eggs, cheese and sugar and if you are a smoker, then it is best to quit.

Topical applications to the affected areas with aloe vera gel, Dead Sea mineral salts or mud, Zambesia Botanica, mahonia ointment and gotu kola can all improve psoriasis. Good supplements to take are fish oil, flax seed oil and borage oil. These oils are very good in hydrating the skin cells.

This is a topical cream combining natural moisturizers, coal tar, aloe Vera, blended in a unique formula to make this product extremely effective. It has been tested in the medical field, nursing homes and in the retail market with exciting and immediate results.

One important bit of knowledge is to stay away from alcohol and products that contain alcohol as it will dry the skin out even more.

At this time there is no cure for psoriasis but many effective treatments do exist. Doctors are learning more about psoriasis by studying:

• Genes
• New treatments that help skin not react to the immune system
• Laser light treatment on thick patches.

People often need to try out different treatments before they find one that works for them.

The unpredictable nature of psoriasis makes treatment challenging for many people. A wide range of treatments are available. No single psoriasis treatment works for everyone, but something will work for most people. It is hard to predict what will work for a particular individual; however, it is important to be open-minded and willing to work with your doctor to find a treatment that will work for you.

Researchers are studying psoriasis more than ever before. They understand much more about its genetic causes and how it involves the immune system. The National Psoriasis Foundation and the federal government are promoting and funding research to find the cause and cure for psoriasis.

By Fred Duckworth

Labels: arthritis psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, psoriasis, psoriasis arthritis, psoriasis cure, psoriasis guttate, psoriasis natural, psoriasis treatment, psoriatic, scalp psoriasis, skin psoriasis

Any damage to the skin is good enough a reason for a person’s self-esteem to take a nosedive. This happens most especially when the lesions have spread all over the body which no amount of clothing can conceal. The way the affected person looks at himself may not differ much from how the world sees him. This first, and probably the most important, step is to choose a doctor that is not only intellectually fully-equipped but can provide psychological guidance as well.

The patient must learn how to communicate with his doctor in order to be able to make educated treatment decisions. This will help a great deal in controlling one’s psoriasis. Another step is to accept the situation at hand. While it could prove to be really difficult to accept the fact that ones physical makeup will not be that of the norm anymore due to the lesions in his body, it is very crucial to embrace the situation. When he starts to recognize what is and what is not, that is when he will be able to assess the situation at hand and start figuring solutions out.

Aside from communication with the doctor, the patient should also communicate well with family and friends. It is important for one to feel that he is not isolated from the rest of the world just because of the difference his lesions have created in his look. Also, loved ones are the best people to provide a support system for the patient. Family members and friends, on the other hand, should learn to act towards the patient and make sure that he does not lose his sense of self-worth.

Finally, the patient should learn how to ignore reactions from the less discreet people who might react to the lesions appearing on his skin.

By Jason Herbert

Labels: arthritis psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, psoriasis cure, psoriasis guttate, psoriasis natural, skin psoriasis

If you find you have small patches of red, itchy skin, you may have psoriasis. Watch the area closely and if it persists, schedule an appointment with your physician.

If you find white patches in the area of the folds of the arms, the breast area or legs, even if there is now irritation present, it could possibly be psoriasis. It is possible that heredity may play a part but most commonly it is found in people aged 15 to 35. The disease is slow to begin. It can be assumed that they certain signals may be sent to the body's white blood cells during any injury and the skin reacts by activating its defense system, with a supply of white blood cells there by making the skin red and irritable.

There are many reasons that psoriasis may be present. These include; a lack of vitamin D, drinking an excess amount of alcohol, the medications you may be taking, a viral or bacterial infection or allergies along with a variety of weather conditions. No one knows for sure what the exact trigger may be for the onset of this disease.

The disease may affect any, or even all, areas of the body. Most commonly the areas affected are the folds of the skin, around the armpits, the legs and breast areas. The five known types of psoriasis are:

• Erythrodermic- This type covers a large area of the body and is usually a dark reddish color.

• Guttate- consists of small pink or red spots on the skin.

• Inverse- this type is shown by red patches in or near the armpits, breasts and other folds of skin.

• Plaque- this one shows as red patches with silvery white scales.

• Pustular- is the type that shows white blisters that are covered by red, itchy skin.

Treatment of psoriasis depends on what situation the person is facing. The physician may prescribe a biopsy along with an X-ray. They will concentrate on the root of the problem. There are times when hospitalization may be necessary, such as when a large area of the body is affected. This is purely a safety measure taken in order to prevent other problems from arising.

Most of the time an antibiotic along with a cream or ointment may be prescribed by the physician. They will also recommend certain shampoos and moisturizers that could be beneficial in stopping the spread of the disease.

The best prevention against psoriasis is to clean your skin regularly. There is ongoing research into the best solutions and medications for the treatment of psoriasis.

The best advice is to consult your physician regularly for a checkup so any issues can be caught early on. Watch any area of the body that seems to be affected by redness and irritation. This could be a sign of psoriasis.

By Louise Forrest

Labels: arthritis psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, psoriasis, psoriasis causes, psoriasis cure, psoriasis guttate, psoriasis natural, psoriasis treatment, psoriatic, scalp psoriasis, skin psoriasis, treatment for psoriasis

Psoriasis is a condition of the skin that is little understood. The underlying cause appears to be an autoimmune disorder that causes the body to produce new skin cells at an accelerated rate that leads to the inflammation and itching that is characteristic with psoriasis. Normally skin cells take 28 to 30 days to grow to maturity, but in people who have an outbreak of psoriasis this process is shortened to 3 to 6 days. The scaling, itching and inflammation of the skin is caused by the over build-up of skin cells.

It is believed that the main cause of psoriasis is driven by a certain type of white blood cell known as a T-cell. T-cells are one of the body’s defenses against disease and infection, but in the case of psoriasis they leap into action unintentionally and begin to trigger other immune systems which accelerate the creation of new skin cells. Because the skin cells grow and mature quicker then normal they also die off much faster, creating a build up of dead skin cells on the surface. This build up of dead skin cells forms the characteristic plaques, or flaky patches, that sufferers of psoriasis are familiar with. The redness and inflammation of the underlying skin is a product of the increased blood supply needed to feed the new skin cells that are growing at an accelerated rate below the plaques.

While anyone at any age can suffer from psoriasis researchers have found that people in their thirties and sixties are more likely to develop this skin condition than people in other age groups. Why this is the case no one knows. It is also apparent that heredity can be a marker for an increased chance of contracting psoriasis. Children who have one parent who suffers from psoriasis have a ten percent chance of contracting the disease. That percentage goes up dramatically to fifty percent if both parents have this condition. Scientists, who have done studies on families afflicted with psoriasis, have been able to identify genes that are known links to the condition.

The exact causes of psoriasis remains something of a mystery but there are known triggers that are linked to outbreaks. Many people who suffer from this disease notice that there are times the condition is worse and times it seems to get better. Reactions to certain drugs, such as lithium and beta blockers, have been shown to trigger a psoriasis outbreak and in extreme instances make the condition worse.

Because psoriasis is caused by a faulty immune system anything that stimulates the body’s defenses can bring about an outbreak. An injury such as a cut or bruise or an infection, particularly strep, can all cause an outbreak.

Another factor that can cause an outbreak of psoriasis is stress. People who suffer from psoriasis have noticed that as their stress levels go up so does the potential for a severe outbreak of their skin inflammation. Psoriasis in and of itself also causes stress leading to a self perpetuating problem of continual outbreaks that increase in severity as a person’s stress level increases.

One way that psoriasis cannot be caught is through contact with someone who suffers from the disease. It is not a contagious skin condition, and although it is unsightly and can cause repulsive reactions from those who do not suffer its affects it is important to remember that those who suffer from it need the reassurance and support of friends and family along with proper treatment to help them live a normal life.

By Andrew Bicknell

Labels: arthritis psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, psoriasis causes, psoriasis cure, psoriasis guttate, psoriasis natural, psoriasis treatment, psoriatic, scalp psoriasis, skin psoriasis, treatment for psoriasis

Cleopatra, probably the most famous ancient beauty, had a dirty little secret – mud. Not just any mud, but mud from the Dead Sea. She was so taken with it she had Mark Antony conquer the area for her, and then she opened up cosmetic factories along the shore - not just another pretty face. Spas all over the world now offer ‘Cleopatra bathing’ - mud baths and wraps and cleansing with Dead Sea salts, but what is not well known is how effective this mud is for eczema and psoriasis treatment treatment.

For everyday use, a good shielding lotion protects eczema and psoriasis sufferers from exposure to environmental pollutants and helps the body retain moisture, but once a week or so, give yourself the full treatment with a Dead Sea mud bath, wrap, or poultice application.

What does Dead Sea mud have to offer? The Dead Sea contains 26 different essential minerals - more than any other body of water in the world - and some, including chlorine, magnesium, sodium, calcium, potassium and bromine are in concentrations ranging from 4 to 80 times that of regular ocean water.

The chlorine and sodium, unhealthy when used by themselves, form salt – an essential mineral which plays a vital role in hydration by balancing the water in and around the cells and tissues, and is a natural antibiotic/antifungal. In combination with calcium, magnesium and potassium, salt helps to regulate metabolism, balance pH, and enhance muscle function. Potassium also soothes the nerves. Together, these minerals thoroughly cleanse your skin, rid the pores of any environmental particles and toxins, bacteria and fungi, help balance the pH, tighten the skin, and restore its natural moisture levels. It all adds up to healthy, glowing skin.

For eczema and psoriasis sufferers, the results can be miraculous. Mud wraps, masks and baths in the Dead Sea water are soothing and relaxing, relieve the itch, and can actually heal the lesions and rashes.

There are many Dead Sea mud and salt products on the market. Find the most natural products – avoid those with chemicals that will further irritate the eczema and psoriasis – and see what they can do. And don’t forget to apply the shielding lotion in between your personal mud spas!

By Gloria MacTaggart

Labels: arthritis psoriasis, eczema psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, psoriasis, psoriasis cure, psoriasis guttate, psoriasis natural, psoriasis pictures, psoriasis treatment, psoriatic, scalp psoriasis, skin psoriasis

Psoriasis is a non-contagious skin condition that produces red scaly patches, which are most commonly found on the knees and elbows. In order to combat this illness, an aggressive psoriasis treatment is often prescribed by a dermatologist. Rarely resulting from a rare genetic gene, psoriasis is more commonly associated with a weakened immune system. In addition, emotional stress, physical injury or recent sickness are all believed to play a large role in the appearance of psoriasis. As a result, the condition is often worsened by either physical or emotional stress and may cause depression and loss of self-esteem.

There are several types of psoriasis, but all appear as red skin lesions that may cause great discomfort to the sufferer. Depending on the severity, extreme itching and pain may accompany the breakout. In order to prevent further suffering, a dermatologist may recommend a psoriasis treatment in accordance with the location, severity and size of the problem area(s). Often prescribed in steps used to gradually treat the illness, a psoriasis treatment may include medication directly applied to the skin, light therapy and/or the use of oral or injected medications to help treat the entire immune system.

Because everyone is unique, each psoriasis treatment will vary from one person to another. In addition, psoriasis may become resistant to recurring treatment forcing a dermatologist to periodically switch to another approach. When applied directly to the skin, physicians find that a psoriasis treatment consisting of an ointment or creme is likely to improve the skin’s condition.

Individuals who are searching for a psoriasis treatment that will soothe their skin may find that adding oil to their bath water and later applying moisturizer to their skin, may help to temporarily ease the discomfort. When applied on a regular basis and for an extended period of time, moisturizers may prove to be an effective, but temporary, psoriasis treatment. Sunlight may also serve as a natural psoriasis treatment as brief exposure to the sun may help to eliminate some of the itchy, red patches.

Psoriasis is a chronic illness that leaves the sufferer open to recurring symptoms throughout their life, which is why an effective psoriasis treatment is important to maintaining comfort. There is currently no cure for psoriasis but, with a good dermatologist and a lifestyle that calls for less stress and improved nutrition, psoriasis doesn’t have to control every day.

This article is intended to be used for informational purposes only. It is not to be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice or a dermatologist’s recommendation. Prior to beginning any Psoriasis treatment program, individuals should consult a physician for proper diagnosis and/or an appropriate treatment regimen.

By Angel Estrella

Labels: arthritis psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, psoriasis, psoriasis cure, psoriasis guttate, psoriasis natural, psoriasis pictures, psoriasis treatment, psoriatic, scalp psoriasis, skin psoriasis

The skin is the largest sense organ of our body. It is the body part that is visible to other people and the part which you ought to take care of. A healthy radiant skin is also an indication of an overall healthy body. However, even if you think that you are healthy, you cannot avoid having a skin disease especially if it is hereditary. Psoriasis is a type of skin disease that can be inherited and is characterized by an unpleasant appearance.

Psoriasis may also affect your fingernails and not just your skin. Your elbow and your fingertips both in your hands and feet could have a thick dry skin that would lead to cracking. The cracked thick dry skin would also bleed and will either take a very long time before they heal or will never heal at all. For a worse case, your cracked skin will likewise be subject to tearing that is really painful.

Treatments for psoriasis may differ from one person to another. You have to consult first your dermatologist before undergoing the necessary treatment. You may be required to apply some cream or take some medicines that may contain something that would induce your pituitary gland to produce hormones.

Human growth hormones are the ones responsible in some of your physiological functions which include making your skin as well as your nails healthy. That is why it is advisable to have an hgh for treatment of psoriasis. You will possibly be asked to take some treatment with hgh-inducing medication to allow your body to produce natural hormones.

The hgh for treatment of psoriasis that would be advised for you to take must contain the necessary ingredients that would strengthen your immune system, help you fight infection, improve your blood circulation, and prevent skin irritation. In that way, your body can have the firsthand treatment against your skin disease because of the hormones in your body.

Your pituitary gland may start producing limited amount of hormones starting at the age of 25. It is really recommended if you will have this hgh for treatment of psoriasis. Your hgh supplement or treatment may contain the following:

•Naringinine which works against inflammation, virus, and skin irritation. It has antioxidant that removes harmful substances in the body. It also has the ability to reduce your risk of having cancer and lessen your muscle or join pain.

•Arginine is said to improve your blood circulation. Your painful wounds due to psoriasis could be alleviated because this substance helps in the quick healing process of wounds.

•Glutamine is another substance that also contributes to the proper and fast healing process of wounds. It likewise contains antioxidant to get rid of the harmful materials in your body.

•Colostrum contains antibodies that strengthen the immune system and fight infection. Colostrum is what the newborn babies need to strengthen their defense against infection. They can get this from their mother’s milk few days after the delivery.

This hgh for treatment of psoriasis has been proven to be effective. The ingredients of the hgh supplements undoubtedly enhance your skin and reduces the symptoms of skin irritations or diseases.

By Sean Goudeloc

Labels: arthritis psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, psoriasis, psoriasis cure, psoriasis guttate, psoriasis natural, psoriasis pictures, psoriasis treatment, psoriatic, scalp psoriasis, skin psoriasis