Causes Of Psoriasis Skin Disease

Research And Statistics: Who Has Psoriasis

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, about 7.5 million people in the United States have psoriasis. Most are white, but the skin disease also affects Black, Latino, and Asian Americans as well as Native Americans and Pacific Islanders.

The disease occurs about equally among men and women. According to the National Institutes of Health , it is more common in adults, and you are at a greater risk if someone in your family has it. A study published in September 2016 in the journal PLoS One concluded that interactions between particular genes as well as genetic and environmental factors play an important role in the diseases development.

People with psoriasis generally see their first symptoms between ages 15 and 30, although developing the disease between 50 and 60 years of age is also common.

The biggest factor for determining prognosis is the amount of disease someone has, says Michael P. Heffernan, MD, a dermatologist at the San Luis Dermatology and Laser Clinic in San Luis Obispo, California.

What Can Trigger Psoriasis

Plenty of everyday things can act as a trigger, causing psoriasis to appear for the first time. Common psoriasis triggers include:

• Stress

• Skin injury, such as a cut or bad sunburn

• Infection, such as strep throat

• Some medications, including lithium, prednisone, and hydroxychloroquine

• Weather, especially cold, dry weather

• Tobacco

• Alcohol

These triggers can also cause psoriasis flare-ups. Different people have different triggers. For example, periods of intense stress may trigger your psoriasis but cold weather may not.

Thats why its so important for people who have psoriasis to know what triggers their psoriasis. Avoiding triggers can reduce psoriasis flares.

Youll find common triggers and what you can do to avoid them at: Are triggers causing your psoriasis flare-ups?

If you think you have psoriasis, its important to find out. Treatment can help relieve your discomfort and lead to clearer skin. You can find out how board-certified dermatologists diagnose and treat psoriasis at: Psoriasis: Treatment.

Related AAD resources

1 Gottlieb A, Korman NJ, et al. J Am Acad Dermatol 2008 58:851-64.2 Alexis AF, Blackcloud P. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2014 7:16-24.

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References Alexis AF, Blackcloud P. Psoriasis in skin of color: epidemiology, genetics, clinical presentation, and treatment nuances. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2014 7:16-24.

All content solely developed by the American Academy of Dermatology

How Does Psoriasis Affect Quality Of Life

Lifelong diseases, especially those that are visible to others, can be overwhelming physically, emotionally and financially.

In one large U.S. study, 38% of patients reported an impact on physical functioning. The physical burden of psoriasis itself is aggravated by these other serious conditions:

• Another autoimmune diseasepeople who have psoriasis are nearly twice as likely as the general population to have another autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Sjogrens syndrome, celiac disease, or inflammatory bowel disease.

• Cardiovascular problemsthe rate of heart attack in psoriasis patients may be up to twice that of the general population.

• Obesitythe rate of obesity is higher in people who have psoriasis and it is also a risk factor for psoriasis. Metabolic syndrome is also more common in people with psoriasis.

• Psoriatic arthritispatients with both psoriasis and arthritis report a greater impact on quality of life than those with either condition alone.

• Sleep disordermore than 50% of psoriasis patients complain of sleep disturbances.

In the same U.S. study, 98% of psoriasis patients reported an emotional impact, and 94%, an impact on relationships and activities. The social-emotional burdens of psoriasis include:

• Anxiety and stressnot only do people with psoriasis have greater rates of anxiety and stress, but the physiological effect of these conditions can make psoriasis worse.

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Topical Treatments For Psoriasis

These are drugs you rub directly on your skin. Along with a good moisturizer, theyâre usually the first thing your doctor will suggest, especially for mild to moderate psoriasis. There are over-the-counter and prescription options.

Topical treatments for psoriasis come as ointments, creams, or foam and include:

Steroid creams. These slow down immune cells in your skin. They can ease swelling and redness. Mild steroid creams are available over the counter. Youâll need a prescription from your doctor for something stronger. Steroids come with side effects and shouldnât be used on sensitive areas like your face or genitals. They can burn or thin the skin. Use them exactly the way your doctor tells you.

Salicylic acid. This can soften and thin scaly skin. But it can also irritate your skin if you leave it on too long. It might weaken your hair follicles and cause temporary hair loss, too. The body can absorb salicylic acid if you put it on large patches of skin.

Calcipotriol . This is a strong form of synthetic vitamin D. Itâs known to control overactive skin cells. Your doctor might pair it with a steroid cream.

Tazorac is available gel or cream and applied one and twice daily. it is ot recommended for those who are pregnant or breast-feeding or intending to become pregnant.

Questions To Ask Your Doctor

• How long does treatment last?
• Will I have to be on medicine for the rest of my life?
• Should I make any changes to my skin care routine?
• Are there any skin products or foods that I should avoid?
• If symptoms get worse, when should I call the doctor?
• If I have psoriasis, will my children get it?
• Is there a support group that you recommend?

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How Is Psoriasis Diagnosed And Treated

Psoriasis often has a typical appearance that a primary care doctor can recognize, but it can be confused with other skin diseases , so a dermatologist is often the best doctor to diagnose it. The treatment of psoriasis usually depends on how much skin is affected, how bad the disease is , or the location . Treatments range from creams and ointments applied to the affected areas to ultraviolet light therapy to drugs . Many people who have psoriasis also have serious health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and depression. Some people with psoriasis also have an inflammatory condition which affects their joints, called psoriatic arthritis.

Psoriatic arthritis has many of the same symptoms as other types of arthritis, so a rheumatologist is often the best doctor to diagnose it. The treatment of psoriatic arthritis usually involves the use of drugs .

Psoriatic disease may be treated with drugs or a combination of drugs and creams or ointments.

Symptoms Of Inverse Psoriasis

If you have inverse psoriasis, youâll notice red, shiny patches in certain places, like:

• Your armpits
• The skin folds around your genitals and between your buttocks
• Under your breasts
• Your groin

The skin in these areas is more sensitive, so the condition is often a challenge to manage and treat. Lesions can cause cracks in the creases of your skin, which may be painful and bleed. Because of its location, the disease may also cause:

• Irritation from rubbing and sweating
• Yeast, fungal, and bacterial infections
• Sexual problems because of discomfort

Get tips on how to treat deep cracks and protect your skin.

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Abnormal Nociceptive Neurons Function In Psoriasis

Nociceptive neurons play a role in generating pain and pruritus sensations. Abnormal function of these neurons can cause unpleasant skin symptoms in patients. It was found that nearly 90% of patients with psoriasis suffered skin symptoms, including pruritus, discomfort, and hyperalgesia . Pruritus is the most common symptom of psoriasis with about 64 to 84% of patients complaining of itching . Nearly half of patients experience pain in the lesion area, accompanied by a decreased pressure pain threshold, especially in the scalp and palm areas . Similarly, they had lower cold pain thresholds . Furthermore, patients with psoriasis who regularly experienced a decreased cold sensation threshold but an increased thermal threshold also had an increased sensitivity to temperature change . Moreover, there was a tendency for the pressure and pain thresholds to be decreased in the non-lesion areas of patients with psoriasis . The results of these studies show that, in psoriasis, nociceptive neurons fail to consistently transmit sensory signals in lesion as well as non-lesion areas.

Treatment for psoriatic arthritis aims to:

• relieve symptoms
• slow the conditions progression
• improve quality of life

This usually involves trying a number of different medicines, some of which can also treat the psoriasis. If possible, you should take 1 medicine to treat both your psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

The main medicines used to treat psoriatic arthritis are:

Psoriasis: More Than Skin Deep

The first accurate medical discussion of psoriasis dates back to 1801, but the disease itself is much older. In fact, its very name is borrowed from an ancient Greek word meaning an itchy or scaly condition. About 7 million Americans are plagued by this itching and scaling, and many of them have serious complications involving other organs. Although psoriasis is classified as a dermatologic disease, it doesn’t start in the skin, and its damage may be more than skin deep.

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Home Remedies For Nerve Pain

Several self-care strategies can help you cope and live better with unexplained nerve pain.

• Get moving. Regular exercise may expand blood vessels in the feet over time, nourishing damaged nerves back to health. Start with a daily walk and gradually build up pace and distance.
• Step up foot care. If you have nerve pain in the feet, examine them daily, wear comfortable shoes, and see a podiatrist regularly.
• Get some sleep. Getting a good nights sleep can be tricky if you have nerve pain. Increase the odds by limiting caffeine intake in the afternoon, keeping a consistent bedtime, and reserving the bedroom for sleep.
• Explore the mind-body connection. Ask your doctor or a trusted friend for a referral to a reputable professional who provides guided imagery, meditation, biofeedback, or hypnosis.

If your nerve pain isnt responding to medications and self-care, it may be time to talk to a neuropathic pain specialist. Your primary care doctor will provide a referral, most likely to a neurologist. A neuropathic pain specialist may be familiar with the multiple off-label uses of drugs for nerve pain and be able to provide you with additional help.

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The Psoriatic Arthritis And Heart Health Connection

According to a meta-analysis published in April 2016 in the journal Arthritis Care and Research, people with psoriatic arthritis were 43 percent more likely to have or develop heart disease compared with the general population. They also had a 31 percent higher risk of heart failure.

The reason patients are at risk is not entirely known, says Dr. Ritchlin. People with psoriatic arthritis more commonly develop metabolic syndrome a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease and other health problems. But there are patients with psoriatic arthritis who do not have metabolic syndrome and are still at an increased risk for heart events, he says.

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When To Seek Medical Care

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First, if the symptoms do not improve after applying creams or remedies seek a health professionals care and attention.

Second, you will have an opportunity to get more information and discuss in detail on certain treatments for special cases and helpful therapies for young babies, for instance.

Above all, you should aim at making regular visits to your healthcare provider. This could be beneficial to help address the possible complications and possible life challenges that may come with psoriasis.

Are There Complications Of Psoriasis

In some people, psoriasis causes more than itchiness and red skin. It can lead to swollen joints and arthritis. If you have psoriasis, you may be at higher risk of:

• Use medicated shampoo for scales on your scalp.

Other steps you should take to stay as healthy as possible:

• Talk to your healthcare provider about lowering your risk for related conditions, such as heart disease, depression and diabetes.
• Lower your stress with meditation, exercise or seeing a mental health professional.

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The Real Cause Of Psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis is the most common form and appears as elevated plaques of red skin covered with silvery scale that may itch or burn. The involved areas for.

Diagnosis is typically based on the signs and symptoms. There is no known cure for psoriasis, but various treatments can help control the symptoms.

May 1, 2013.

More severe psoriasis may be treated with phototherapy,

This may be genuine tolerance to treatment or the result of low adherence.16.

Psoriasis is a serious, chronic inflammatory disease that causes raised, red, scaly patches to appear on the skin, typically affecting the outside of the elbows, knees or scalp, though it can.

With the FDA commencing a review of our NDA filing, we move one step closer to potentially providing a new topical treatment to the millions of Americans living with plaque psoriasis who have.

May 20, 2020 · Certain sleep conditions cause hallucinations. Theyre typically visual hallucinations that happen as youre falling asleep or waking up. Theyre a lot like dreams, but they seem more real.

Inflammation in the body causes a buildup of skin cells, resulting in raised, red, scaly, and sometimes itchy patches on the skin. These plaques.

The report highlights that much of the suffering caused by this common and complex disease can be avoided. Improving access to early diagnosis and appropriate.

The immune system is your bodyâs defence against disease and infection, but for people with psoriasis, it attacks healthy skin cells by.

What Psoriasis Creams And Topical Agents Can I Use

Medications applied directly to the skin are the first line of treatment options for psoriasis.

The main topical treatments are:

• corticosteroids,
• anthralin, or
• retinoids.

For more detailed information on each medication, see Understanding Psoriasis Medications. Generic drug names are listed below with examples of brands in parentheses.

Topical Medications

• Corticosteroids: Topical corticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment in mild or limited psoriasis and come in a variety of forms. Foams and solutions are best for scalp psoriasis and other thickly hair-bearing areas, such as a hairy chest or hairy back. Creams are usually preferred by patients, but ointments are more potent than any other vehicles, even at the same percentage concentration.
• Super potent topical corticosteroids such as clobetasol propionate and betamethasone dipropionate augmented are commonly prescribed corticosteroids for use on non-facial, non-intertriginous areas .
• As the condition improves, one may be able to use potent steroids such as:
• mometasone furoate or
• halcinonide or
• mid-potency steroids such as triamcinolone acetonide or betamethasone valerate . These creams or ointments are usually applied once or twice a day, but the dose depends on the severity of psoriasis as well as the location and thickness of the plaque.

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Inverse Psoriasis Vs Jock Itch

They can affect the same area, but there are differences between inverse psoriasis and jock itch.

• Jock itch shows up as reddened skin in the crease between your thigh and groin. It gradually spreads to your upper thigh in a half-moon shape. There could be blisters at the edges. You might also see a ring-shaped rash on your thighs and buttocks. Your skin might itch or burn, and it could get flaky or scaly. Jock itch is a fungus, and you can treat it with an antifungal medicine and by keeping the area clean and dry.
• Inverse psoriasis also can show up in the crease between your thigh and groin, but itâll just be red and white, and not scaly. You might also have cracks in your skin. And you could have scaly round patches on your upper thighs. If youâre overweight, you might also get intertrigo, a painful rash that results from skin rubbing together. Unlike jock itch, which tends to affect the crease between your thighs and groin and your buttocks and upper thighs, you can get psoriasis anywhere in your genital area. Learn what you can do about psoriasis in unexpected places on your body.

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Points To Remember About Psoriasis

• Psoriasis is a chronic disease in which patches of skin become scaly and inflamed.
• There are many ways to treat psoriasis, and your treatment plan will depend on the type of disease and how severe it is.
• Most forms of psoriasis are mild or moderate and can be treated with creams or ointments.
• Managing common triggers, such as stress, cold weather, and skin injuries, can also help keep the symptoms under control.

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Emotional Impact Of Psoriasis

Because of the effect that psoriasis can have on physical appearance, low self-esteem and anxiety are common among people with the condition. This can lead to depression, especially if the psoriasis gets worse.

Your GP or dermatologist will understand the psychological and emotional impact of psoriasis, so talk to them about your concerns or anxieties.

How Can Psoriasis Flare

While you cant change your genes, you can prevent psoriasis flare-ups by controlling your symptoms through regular treatments. These include applying topical medications, taking oral medications, or receiving injections to reduce uncomfortable psoriasis symptoms.

or light treatment can also reduce the incidence of psoriasis. This type of treatment involves using natural or artificial ultraviolet light to slow skin growth and inflammation.

Aside from medical treatments, making certain lifestyle adjustments can also reduce your risk for a psoriasis flare-up. These include:

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How Is Psoriasis Treated

While there is currently no cure for psoriasis, there are treatments that keep symptoms under control so that you can perform daily activities and sleep better. Your treatment may include:

• Medications you put on your skinsuch as creams, ointments, lotions, foams, or solutionsor others that are injected or taken by mouth.
• where your doctor shines an ultraviolet light on your skin in their office.

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