Psoriasis
Overview:
- An estimated 7.5 million Americans (2.2% of the population) have psoriasis.- There are several types of psoriasis. The most common type is plaque psoriasis. Other types are guttate, inverse, erythrodermic, and pustular.
Causes
- Doctors believe that psoriasis is caused by abnormalities in the immune system, enzymes, and other factors that regulate skin cell division.
- Part of the process involves an abnormal immune response, which causes inflammation and rapid production of immature skin cells.
- About 35% of patients with psoriasis have one or more family members with the disorder.
- Genes play a role in the development of psoriasis. Researchers have discovered that a variation in a group of genes known as LCE can protect against the condition. One of these genes codes for proteins that help maintain the skin's barrier.
- Eight key psoriasis susceptibility genes (designated PSORS 1 - 8) seem to be involved with psoriasis.
Treatment
- Treatment options for moderate to severe psoriasis include topical and systemic medications, phototherapy, and excimer laser, Combination therapies are often more effective than one treatment alone.
- Medications that reduce the activity of an immune factor called TNF can help patients with severe psoriasis. However, these medications can be complicated by unusual and serious infections.
- Ustekinumab is the most recent monoclonal antibody (biologic) approved in the U.S. for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis. Its long term safety profile continues to be studied, but results so far are positive.
- Several new agents to treat psoriasis are under study, including oral medications and injectable agents. Very early results show improvement in plaque psoriasis symptoms for many of these new therapies, but none of them are approved for use yet.
Outlook
- Psoriasis has been linked to an increased risk of heart attack and cardiovascular disease. Patients with psoriasis have a higher than normal risk of hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) and other blood vessel conditions that are also related to inflammation. They should work with their doctors to prevent or manage these problems.
Treatment
Many creams, ointments, lotions, and pills are available to treat psoriasis. Some patients require only over-the-counter treatment, or even no treatment.
Many patients with psoriasis, however, do not respond to over-the-counter remedies and lifestyle changes, and require aggressive treatments. In some cases, such treatments need to be lifelong.
In general, there are three treatment options for patients with psoriasis:
* Topical medications, such as lotions, ointments, creams, and shampoos
* Body-wide (systemic) medications, which are pills or injections that affect the whole body, not just the skin
* Phototherapy, which uses light to treat psoriasis lesions
Individual needs vary widely, and treatment selection must be carefully discussed with the doctor.
Remedies for Itching and Irritation
Capsaicin (Zostrix) is an ointment prepared from the active ingredient in hot chili peppers. It is used to relieve arthritic pain and may help psoriatic itching. Capsaicin should be handled using a glove and applied to affected areas three or four times daily. The patient will usually have a burning sensation when the drug is first applied, but this sensation lessens with use.
Dietary Factors
Folic Acid. Patients should be sure they get enough of the B vitamin folate (folic acid). Folate-rich foods include liver, asparagus, fruits, green leafy vegetables, dried beans and peas, orange juice, and yeast. Many types of bread and other commercial grain products now have added folic acid.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly those found in some fish oils, have anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit some patients with psoriasis and other autoimmune conditions.
Alternative Remedies
Patients with persistent psoriasis may be tempted to try alternative or untested treatments, including herbs and other nontraditional therapies. Green tea slowed the growth of skin cells in animal studies, and may one day prove useful in treating psoriasis, but more research is needed.
Various other herbal supplements have been used for psoriasis, but to date no clinical studies have been reported on these substances. Do not use any unproven therapy without first consulting a doctor to be sure such treatment is not harmful, and does not interfere with any medications you are taking.
Herbs and Supplements
Herbal remedies and dietary supplements are not regulated by the FDA. This means that manufacturers and distributors do not need FDA approval to sell their products. In addition, any substance that affects the body's chemistry can, like any drug, produce side effects that may be harmful. There have been many reported cases of serious and even deadly side effects from herbal products.
The following are special concerns for people taking natural remedies for psoriasis:
* Zinc pyrithione is sometimes used, but its effectiveness is doubtful. A number of so- called natural psoriasis products (Skin-Cap, Blue Cap, Miralex) that contain this compound also contain prescription-strength corticosteroids. Such steroids have the same side effects as those in standard psoriasis drugs. These products have been banned in the U.S. and Canada, but similar untested medications are available over the Internet.
* Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) is sometimes applied in a cream for psoriasis. The oral form of the herb has serious side effects, however, including increasing the risk for miscarriage in pregnant wome
foods that can help prevent and reduce psoriasis build up
Aloe Vera Gel: Break aloe vera leaves and apply the gel directly onto affected areas thrice a day. The Vitamin E helps soothe and heal skin
Banana Peel: This is a cheap and effective way to reduce the symptoms of psoriasis. Just rub the inside of the banana skin on itchy regions for relief.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Mix equal parts of luke warm water and apple cider vinegar and apply the mix on lesions using a cotton ball.
Chamomile Essential Oil: Several essential oils can reduce the symptoms of psoriasis, this one being the best. It reduces inflammation and any irritation on the skin.
Cayenne Pepper: Consuming foods that contain cayenne pepper can reduce inflammation from within. Mix cayenne pepper powder with water to make a paste and apply this on lesions. Avoid using it on broken or dry skin.
Olive and Coconut Oil: Simply applying olive oil on lesions will reduce inflammation and also moisturize the skin. If olive oil is too expensive then go for coconut oil instead, it has the same effect.
Fish Oil: Include fish oil into your daily diet or consume it in the form of capsules.
Baking Soda: Combine 1 teaspoon with 4 teaspoons of water and apply this mix on places that are itching with a cotton ball. Allow it to dry and wash off with lukewarm water.
Oatmeal and Epsom Salt: Dissolve a cup of raw oatmeal or Epsom salt in your bathtub of lukewarm water and soak in it for a while.
sources :
* Psoriasis | University of Maryland Medical Center https://umm.edu/health/medical/reports/articles/psoriasis
* http://www.curejoy.com/content/home-remedies-psoriasis/
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