Obesity Diabetes And Liver Disease
Psoriasis may affect the way your body metabolizes and stores energy. It puts you at greater risk for these conditions:
Obesity.People with psoriasis are more likely be obese. The connection goes both ways: Extra weight triggers inflammation, which can set off or worsen the disease. On the flipside, psoriasis may lead to weight gain. When youre in pain, youre less inclined to get moving. Research shows that people with psoriasis exercise less. Likewise, you may also soothe yourself with food and wind up overeating.
Type 2 diabetes.Chronic inflammation plays a role in diabetes. It increases the level of insulin-like growth factor , a hormone linked with insulin resistance , and diabetes. One study found that those with mild psoriasis are 11% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, while those with serious cases have a 46% greater risk.
NAFLD.Psoriasis makes you up to three times as likely to have nonalcoholic fatty liver disease . Thats when too much fat is stored in liver cells, which may lead to liver damage. Chronic inflammation may cause fat to build up in the liver.
Psoriasis raises your odds of diabetes by 28%
Psoriasis raises your odds of heart disease by 59%
Treatment Of Psoriasis Around The Eyes
This is a long and complicated process. The disease must be treated in a comprehensive manner in this case the process of recovery may take a few months. Prior to ordering a course of therapy, the specialist takes into account the degree of pathology and patients health condition.
Drug therapy. As a form of conservative treatment, a specialist can prescribe steroid ointments and preparations with vitamin D. There is no need to apply these remedies on conjunctiva only the affected skin needs to be treated. It is also important not to use these means excessively, as the remedies with hormones often become the reason of various side-effects and complications for example, glaucoma. Antihistamines and immunomodulating agents are prescribed optionally.
Physiotherapy. Physiotherapy increases the effect of medications. Psoriasis under eyes can be treated with the help of weak ultraviolet radiation, provided that a small surface of the skin is affected otherwise this method is fraught with vision impairment and disturbances in the process of skin regeneration.
It is possible to use laser. Laser beams selectively burn psoriasis lesions without affecting healthy tissues. But with extensive skin lesions, this method might leave visible scars.
Alternative treatment. Currently, there are some non-standard methods used to treat psoriasis. For example, hydrotherapy. This method of treatment is very popular at thermal resorts.
What Else Should I Ask My Healthcare Provider
If you have psoriasis, ask your healthcare provider:
- How can I prevent outbreaks and control symptoms?
- What medication will work best for me?
- What else should I do to improve symptoms?
- What are my options if creams dont work?
- Will psoriasis ever go away?
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Psoriasis, an itchy skin condition, can come and go throughout your life. Its related to an overactive immune response and is not contagious. If you have skin changes that arent going away, talk to your healthcare provider. There is no cure for psoriasis, but psoriasis treatments can improve symptoms. Your provider may prescribe a special cream or moisturizer or medications. Other therapies are available if creams or medicines dont work. Maintaining your overall health will also help improve symptoms.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 10/17/2020.
References
Also Check: How To Prevent Guttate Psoriasis
How Psoriasis Affects Everyday Life
Mild facial psoriasis can feel like a much bigger problem than any other type of psoriasis to the person suffering from it. Most other types of psoriasis, such as scalp psoriasis or psoriasis that appears on the knees or elbows, can often be concealed by hair or clothing items. Facial psoriasis, however, is one type that cant be easily concealed. This means it can often take a toll on a persons emotional stability.
Many psoriasis sufferers would resonate with experiencing peoples insensitive comments and questions about their condition. It can knock your confidence when it feels like all people are noticing about you is psoriasis on your face. In fact, according to, psoriasis is something that can lead to anxiety and depression .
One of the interesting things that psoriasis can do is affect the chemicals in your brain. Psoriasis causes your immune cells to produce cytokines, which can affect the chemicals in your brain in a negative manner. They can interact with chemicals like serotonin , and instead, lead to unhappiness and depression. Although there isnt a cure, thankfully there are several treatment options to be able to minimize and control a mild facial psoriasis flare-up, which can often help alleviate the feelings of anxiety around experiencing psoriasis on the face.
How Does Psoriasis Affect The Nails
Nail psoriasis is very common, affecting about half of people with plaque psoriasis5. There are many different symptoms that nail psoriasis can cause, such as pitting, thickening, discoloration, and crumbling. It can be difficult to treat nail psoriasis because it can take a long time to see a positive effect, but many people are able to improve their symptoms over time. Nail involvement is also an early warning sign that you may develop psoriatic arthritis.
Read more information on symptoms and treatments for psoriasis affecting your nails.
Also Check: What Is Biological Treatment For Psoriasis
What Causes Psoriasis Outbreaks
Psoriasis outbreaks differ from person to person. No one knows exactly what causes flare-ups. Common psoriasis triggers may include:
- Skin injury .
- Streptococcal or other infection that affects the immune system.
- Certain prescription medications .
- Cold weather, when people have less exposure to sunlight and humidity and more to hot, dry indoor air.
How Does Psoriasis Affect The Scalp
The scalp is one of the most common places affected by plaque psoriasis. About half of people with psoriasis have symptoms on their scalps1. The back of the head is a particularly common place for symptoms, but they can occur anywhere on the scalp, around the hairline, around the ears, or on the back of the neck. Most people with scalp psoriasis have a mild form of the condition that often responds well to treatment.
Read more information on symptoms and treatments for scalp psoriasis.
Don’t Miss: What Is The New Pill For Psoriasis
Why Does Psoriasis In Sensitive Areas Sometimes Require Specific Treatments
The absence of scales is most obvious in the skin flexures or folds because the continual friction between the two skin surfaces rubs them off. The enclosed area of a skin fold and the thinness of the skin in sensitive areas can affect the action of topically applied treatments . With both of these factors there is a tendency for an increase in the absorption of the treatment through the skin, thereby enhancing its effect and any adverse side effects, such as skin thinning. In addition, the potential for a cream or ointment to cause irritation is increased when it is applied in a flexure and comes into contact with two skin surfaces that are rubbing together.
For these reasons particular creams and ointments are better than others for use in sensitive areas of the skin. Some others are not recommended at all.
Does Aging Skin Affect Psoriasis
As the skin ages, collagen and elastic fibers weaken and the skin gets thinner. This makes it sensitive to trauma, leading to easier bruising and even open sores in severe cases.
This is a challenge for anyone, but it can be even more challenging if you have psoriasis. Psoriasis plaques that occur on weakened skin can lead to pain and bleeding.
If you have psoriasis, its important to protect yourself from the sun because UV exposure is known to cause skin damage. You also must be careful when using topical steroid creams to treat psoriasis. Overuse of steroids is associated with skin thinning and development of stretch marks, especially with long-term use over years.
Read Also: Can Psoriasis Be A Symptom Of Something Else
Treatments For Psoriasis Of The Face
Although theres no cure for facial psoriasis, it can be controlled with prescription and over-the-counter medications that are safe for thin, delicate skin. Consult with your dermatologist about treatment options that are right for you. They may include topical treatments, systemic treatments, phototherapy, and moisturizers.
Are There Alternative Therapies For Psoriasis
Conventional therapy is one that has been tested with clinical trials or has other evidence of clinical effectiveness. The FDA has approved several drugs for the treatment of psoriasis as described above. Some patients look to alternative therapy, diet changes, supplements, or stress-reducing techniques to help reduce symptoms. For the most part, alternative therapies have not been tested with clinical trials, and the FDA has not approved dietary supplements for the treatment of psoriasis. There are no specific foods to eat or to avoid for patients with psoriasis. However, some other therapies can be found on the National Psoriasis Foundation website. Individuals should check with their doctors before starting any therapy.
You May Like: Bentonite Clay For Scalp Psoriasis
How Does Psoriasis Affect The Hands And Feet
Some people have plaques that form on the palms of their hands and/or on the soles of their feet. This is also called palmoplantar psoriasis. It can be very painful, and can keep people from working and carrying out their normal day to day activities4. People who develop symptoms on their hands and feet should see a healthcare provider to start treatment as soon as possible and control their symptoms.
Read more information on symptoms and treatments for psoriasis on hands and feet.
What Are Other Types Of Psoriasis
Plaque psoriasis is the most common type. About 80% to 90% of people with psoriasis have plaque psoriasis.
Other, less common types of psoriasis include:
- Inverse psoriasis appears in skin folds. It may look like thin pink plaques without scale.
- Guttate psoriasis may appear after a sore throat caused by a streptococcal infection. It looks like small, red, drop-shaped scaly spots in children and young adults.
- Pustular psoriasis has small, pus-filled bumps on top of the red patches or plaques.
- Sebopsoriasis typically appears on the face and scalp as red bumps and plaques with greasy yellow scale. This type is a cross between psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis.
Recommended Reading: Small Patch Of Psoriasis On Leg
What Can I Do To Help My Feet
The most important action is to seek advice and help when you notice any changes in your foot, whatever they may be. You can talk to your GP or local pharmacist for advice. Some problems can be resolved simply. For issues that are more persistent you may be referred to a specialist, such as a dermatologist, rheumatologist, physiotherapist, surgeon or chiropodist/podiatrist.
For general foot care, personal hygiene is important, particularly in avoiding fungal and viral infections. Change shoes and socks regularly, avoid shoes which are ill-fitting or cause bad posture. If you are overweight, losing weight could relieve the pressure on your joints and improve your walking gait.
If you are diagnosed with psoriasis, develop a treatment regime that works for you often, applying treatment after a bath or shower, along with the use of an emollient, can make the process easier.
If you have nail involvement, keep nails trimmed and clean. If they are thick, try trimming them after soaking them in a bath or shower, as this makes them softer and easier to cut. Alternatively, seek an appointment with a chiropodist, which is often available via the NHS.
If you have psoriatic arthritis, it is important to rest inflamed joints. Sourcing footwear that supports the foot and helps to reduce the pressure on the inflamed areas can help, as can inner soles and orthotic supports. Once again, a chiropodist is best placed to advise you.
This article is adapted from The psoriatic foot leaflet.
Can Psoriasis Affect Only My Nails
In some cases, psoriasis may involve only the fingernails and toenails, although more commonly, nail symptoms will accompany psoriasis and arthritis symptoms. The appearance of the nails may be altered, and affected nails may have small pinpoint pits or large yellow-colored separations on the nail plate called “oil spots.” Nail psoriasis can be hard to treat but may respond to medications taken for psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. Treatments include topical steroids applied to the cuticle, steroid injections at the cuticle, or oral medications.
You May Like: What Type Of Disease Is Psoriasis
Does Having Psoriasis Raise The Risk Of Other Diseases As You Age
While psoriasis affects the skin, we now know that its actually a systemic disease. In psoriasis, inflammation exists throughout the body, but its only externally visible in the skin.
Especially in more severe cases, psoriasis is associated with metabolic syndrome, arthritis, and depression. Metabolic syndrome includes insulin resistance and diabetes, high cholesterol, and obesity. It increases your risk of heart disease and stroke.
The same type of inflammation that affects the skin may affect the joints, leading to psoriatic arthritis. It can even affect the brain, leading to symptoms of depression.
How Does Psoriasis Affect The Genitals
Many people have psoriasis symptoms on the genitals and in the genital area. These symptoms can be especially uncomfortable and hard to live with, but there are treatments that can help6. Symptoms can occur on and around the penis, vulva, buttocks, and breasts.
Read more information on symptoms and treatments of psoriasis on your genitals.
Don’t Miss: What Is A Psoriasis Plaque
Are There Popular Skincare Products Or Ingredients To Avoid Ones To Use
Its important to take special care of your skin if you have psoriasis. I generally tell my patients to steer clear of products with drying alcohols, fragrances, and sulfates. All of these can cause skin irritation and dryness.
Trauma to the skin can lead to a psoriasis breakout, known as the Koebner phenomenon. So its important to avoid activities or products that can cause irritation.
I tell my patients to use gentle, hydrating, non-soap cleansers that wont disrupt the skin barrier. Shower with lukewarm water for 10 minutes or less, and moisturize the skin after patting dry.
If you have thick scales on your scalp or other parts of your body, skincare products that contain salicylic acid may be helpful. Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin to help remove the scale on psoriasis plaques.
Home Remedies For Facial Psoriasis
At-home self-care is about the basics — trying not to scratch affected areas, avoiding the things that seem to trigger flare-ups, using cold compresses and moisturizer to soothe affected areas , and keeping up with your treatment.
No supplements or herbal remedies have been proven to treat psoriasis on the face or any other part of the body.
Read Also: Epsom Salt Bath For Psoriasis
Apply Topical Treatments With Care
If you use a topical treatment for facial psoriasis, make sure you follow the directions for use, and are aware of any side effects. Some treatments can result in temporary skin irritation, burning, or stinging, Apply the treatment carefully in small amounts, taking special care if applying it around the delicate eye area. Your doctor may prescribe just one treatment or a mixture, so make sure you follow instructions.
How Do You Treat Psoriasis On Your Face
Because the skin on your face is more sensitive than other parts of your body, the treatment will most likely start out conservative. Your treatment plan will also depend on how severe your symptoms are and if you are experiencing psoriasis sores or plaques on other areas of the body.
Your healthcare provider will recommend using a quality moisturizer on your face, as dryness is a trigger for psoriasis symptoms. Other possible treatments include steroid creams, vitamin ointment, light therapy, and immune therapies.
Don’t Miss: Best Skin Care For Psoriasis
Treatments For Psoriasis On The Face
Common treatments for psoriasis, in general, include systemic medications that directly affect the immune systems function, along with topical preparations applied to lesions on the skin.
Because the skin of the face is more sensitive and sometimes thinner than skin elsewhere on the body, you should ask your doctor if you can use the same medicated creams on your face that you use on other skin areas. Some medications are not safe to use on psoriasis around the eyes or in the ear canal. Your doctor may want to change the dosage of topical psoriasis medications used on the face, or you may need to switch medications entirely.
The most commonly prescribed treatments for psoriasis on the face include:
-
Corticosteroid creams, which reduce skin inflammation but can cause skin thinning if used for prolonged periods of time
-
Nonsteroidal topical creams and ointments, which generally reduce the excessive proliferation of skin cells that cause plaques
-
Scale-removing preparations that reduce flaking
- Ultraviolet radiation exposure , usually under the supervision of a dermatologist
Some of these treatments can be used safely around the eyes and ears, while others can cause damage to those delicate structures. Your dermatologist can advise you regarding which topical treatments to use for facial psoriasis.
What Treatments May Or May Not Be Used In Sensitive Areas
If you develop psoriasis in a sensitive area, you should discuss it with your doctor, who will be able to advise you on suitable treatments.
Emollients are an important part of the daily care of psoriasis on all parts of the body, including sensitive areas. They help to make the skin more comfortable. In addition, there is a range of topical treatments available creams and ointments that your doctor can prescribe.
Topical vitamin D creams and ointments are effective in treating psoriasis and some are less likely to cause irritation. However, others do have the potential to irritate sensitive areas. Some doctors recommend cautious use of vitamin D creams and ointments in such instances.
Topical steroid creams may be recommended for sensitive areas. However, care should be taken with their use as the potential for increased absorption may lead to skin fold side effects such as skin thinning. For this reason low-strength topical steroids are generally favoured for use in sensitive areas. It is also important that topical steroids are not used for long periods of time or without close supervision from your doctor. Treatment should never be stopped abruptly as this may trigger a rebound flare of your psoriasis.
Topical steroids may also be combined with antifungal and antibacterial agents because infections with yeasts and bacteria are more common in warm, moist skin flexures.
You May Like: Clobetasol Propionate Topical Solution For Psoriasis