Healthy Eating And Exercise
People with psoriasis have a slightly higher risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease than the general population, although it’s not known why.
Regular exercise and a healthy diet are recommended for everyone, not just people with psoriasis, because they can help to prevent many health problems. Eating a healthy, balanced diet and exercising regularly can also relieve stress, which may improve your psoriasis.
Does Psoriasis Shorten Life
WHAT IS PSORIASIS DISEASE ?
Psoriasis is a long-lasting, noncontagious autoimmune disease characterized by raised areas of abnormal skin. These areas are red, or purple on some people with darker skin,dry, itchy, and scaly.
Psoriasis varies in severity from small, localized patches to complete body coverage. Injury to the skin can trigger psoriatic skin changes at that spot, which is known as the Koebner phenomenon.
No : Current Tobacco Use
Participants who currently smoke or use other tobacco products added two points to their assessments. But the good news is it’s never too late to quit smoking for your health particularly if you’re in the just-above-50 age bracket. In fact, just eight hours after your last cigarette the levels of carbon monoxide and oxygen in your bloodstream return to normal. After just a few days, your chance of a heart attack has already decreased. And after 15 years, your risk of coronary heart disease becomes comparable to that of someone who has never smoked a cigarette.
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What Is The Newest Treatment For Psoriasis
What are the new drugs for the treatment of plaque psoriasis?
- The newest drugs for the treatment of plaque psoriasis are the interleukin-23 antagonists, which are FDA approved under the brand names Skyrizi, Ilumya and Tremfya.
- Interleukin-23 antagonists are part of a wider group of drugs called biologics.
Is It Scalp Psoriasis Or Dandruff
More than half of all psoriasis patients have scalp psoriasis, according to the NPF. Itchy plaques can extend beyond the hairline onto the forehead, neck, and around the ears.
“Most people with scalp psoriasis have it on other parts of their body as well,” says Dina D. Strachan, MD, a dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City.
Scalp psoriasis is sometimes confused with seborrheic dermatitis, or dandruff. According to Dr. Strachan, dandruff which causes a flaky, itchy scalp without signs of inflammation tends to itch more than scalp psoriasis. It has a greasy-appearing yellow scale, Strachan says. In contrast, psoriasis whether it’s on your scalp or any other body part tends to have a thick, silvery scale.”
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Can I Get Tattoos If I Have Psoriasis
A person with psoriasis can get tattoos, but the best bet is to stick to places where they dont usually get flare-ups. Plaque psoriasis can occur almost anywhere on the body, so it may be challenging to choose a location. It isnt possible to get a tattoo in areas where there are scale-like patches or plaques.
How Is Psoriasis Treated
There is no cure for psoriasis but there are many treatments that can help to keep it under control.
Mild psoriasis is usually treated with products applied to the skin. These include:
- moisturisers
- corticosteroid creams or ointments
- vitamin D preparations
You may also receive ultraviolet light therapy. This can slow down the production of skin cells.
If your psoriasis needs stronger treatment, you may be prescribed oral medicines or injected medicines to reduce the immune response. Two new medicines for severe psoriasis are now subsidised for people with psoriasis in Australia, Tremfya and Ilumya.
The best thing you can do to improve the psoriasis is quite smoking and limit how much alcohol you consume.
You can help manage your psoriasis by:
- taking your prescribed treatment regularly to help prevent flare-ups
- reducing stress
- having a healthy lifestyle and eating a healthy diet
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Physicians’ Role: What We Need To Know
Counseling patients with psoriasis may improve their mental and psychological condition. Such treatment should be aimed at increasing personal control, encouraging active coping strategies, restructuring negative thoughts about the disease, and encouraging patients to express emotions, seek social support and distract themselves . Inducing remission and achieving reduction in severity of psoriasis may not be enough. Pharmacologic interventions should be accompanied by patient education and reassurance by family and social interventions .
As in treatment of other medical conditions, establishing a strong physician-patient relationship is the foundation of effective psoriasis treatment. Due to the recurring nature of the disease, patients are not only frustrated with the disease, but also with the care they receive or have received in the past. Physicians have to be empathetic and work with the patient to effectively manage their disease. Establishing this bond and trust between patient and physician will encourage patients to be more complaint to their physician’s recommendations concerning treatment and will potentially improve treatment compliance and outcomes .
Obesity Metabolic Syndrome And Diabetes
Obesity is the most common comorbid condition in people with both psoriasis and PsA, says Dr. Ogdie. It sets the stage for insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
Insulin resistance means the body is less able to move glucose, a type of sugar your body uses for energy, from the blood into cells. Glucose builds up in the blood and begins the processes that cause type 2 diabetes, another risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
âIn addition, in people with psoriatic disease, obesity is linked to not responding well to treatment and to worse quality of life and function,â Dr. Ogdie says. âIn people with psoriasis, itâs the single greatest risk factor for development of psoriatic arthritis. For those with psoriatic arthritis, obesity creates an extra burden for joints already affected by disease.â
The relationship among inflammation, obesity and related comorbid conditions is complicated, says Dr. Mehta.
âWe think inflammation from the overactive immune system is getting into the adipose, or fat, tissue,â he says. âOur bodies have insulin receptors on adipose tissue, and when you have more fat, youâre more likely to become insulin resistant â and thatâs prediabetes.â
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Life Expectancy Of Osteoarthritis Patients
Osteoarthritis is becoming the major cause of physical disability in elderly people throughout the world. However, it does not decrease the life expectancy considerably, but it impairs quality of life. Therefore it cuts down the healthy years of life.
Many people think that osteoarthritis worsens slowly and patients with osteoarthritis are not able to do even their routine activities. However, recent studies believe that the condition of not all patients with osteoarthritis worsens with time. In the majority of people, the disease stabilizes after some time. Right diagnosis and treatment can minimize the disability and help the person to live a healthy and active life.
Self-care can greatly help people with osteoarthritis. It is crucial even for the general well-being of a person. It involves staying fit, eating healthy, maintaining good mental health, preventing disease and accidents. For osteoarthritis patient, it involves taking simple self-care measures such as eating healthy, maintaining a healthy weight, following the dosing regimen recommended by the doctor and doing joint friendly exercise.
Good diet and routine exercise help to improve the symptoms of this condition. Regular exercise helps to improve muscle strength, joint flexibility, and posture. Also, it is important to follow the dosing regimen recommended by your doctor even on days when you are feeling well.
How Can I Boost My Immune System To Fight Psoriasis
Salad greens, such as spinach, Swiss chard, and kale, as well as broccoli and cabbage, are full of rich vitamins and minerals. Studies have shown that they contain special immune-boosting compounds too. Filling your plate with these nutritious foods may help protect you from unwanted viruses and more.
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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.
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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Progression Of Psoriasis And Psa
Most people who develop PSA will already have had psoriasis for around 10 years, but this is not always the case.
In 2016, researchers noted that among people who have both PsA and psoriasis, 70% experience skin changes before the symptoms of PsA appear, while 15% develop skin changes after having symptoms of PsA for about 2 years. The other 15% develop both at the same time.
Early diagnosis and treatment can help a person manage symptoms of psoriasis and PsA and reduce the risk of flares and future complications.
How PsA affects a person can vary depending on how severe the symptoms are and which part of the body they affect.
Here are some types of PsA a person might experience:
- Oligoarticular PsA affects up to four joints.
- Polyarticular PsA affects more than four joints and is more severe.
- Psoriatic spondylitis refers to inflammation of the spine. It affects 732% of people with PsA and can affect movement in the neck, the lower back, and where the pelvis meets the spine.
- Enthesitis is inflammation that affects the place where the tendons or ligaments meet the bone. Around half of those with PsA will experience enthesitis.
- Dactylitis causes swelling of a finger or toe due to inflammation in and around the small joints. Around 40% of people with PsA will experience it.
- Arthritis mutilans is a severe and uncommon type of PsA that develops in around 5% of those with the condition. Severe inflammation can cause joint damage and bone loss.
Lifestyle Changes Can Help Too
Eating a healthy diet that includes limiting alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, getting regular exercise, maintaining or reaching a normal weight, and managing stress with yoga, meditation or other mindbody practices may also help reduce inflammation and your risk of psoriatic disease comorbidities.
âMany of these comorbid conditions can be reversed by treating psoriasis and making the right lifestyle changes,â says Dr. Mehta, who emphasizes that taking small steps each day can lead to better heath.
âI tell my patients, âEach day, please do one thing for your psoriasis, one thing for your mind and one thing for your body,ââ he says.
References:
1. Elmets CA, Leonardi CL, Davis DMR, Wu JJ, Hariharan V, Menter A, et al. Joint AAD-NPF Guidelines of Care for the Management and Treatment of Psoriasis with Awareness and Attention to Comorbidities. Published February 13, 2019. J Am Acad Dermatol. Doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2018.11.058
2. Takeshita J, Grewal S, Langan SM, Mehta NN, Ogdie A, Van Voorhees A, Gelfand JM. Psoriasis and Comorbid Disease Part I. Epidemiology. March 2017. J Am Acad Dermatol. Doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2016.07.064
3. Mathew AJ, Chandran V. Depression in Psoriatic Arthritis: Dimensional Aspects and Link with Systemic Inflammation. Published April 22, 2020. Rheumatology and Therapy. Doi.org/10.1007/s40744-020-00207-6
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Pharmacological Treatments And Their Impact On Qol
Topical corticosteroids remain the mainstay of psoriasis therapy in the US. Steroid potencies range from class 7 steroids, such as 1% hydrocortisone, which is available in drug- without prescription, to superpotent class 1 corticosteroids such as clobestasol propionate, halobetasol propionate, betamethasone dipropionate . The side effects of topical potent corticosteroids limit their use to an extent, and they are prescribed less frequently outside the US.
Different pharmacological treatments available for psoriasis are found to have varying effects on patients’ QoL. Table illustrates outcomes reported in various randomized controlled trials examining the effect of pharmacological intervention on patients QoL. Few studies have reported head to head comparisons of effect of different psoriasis treatments in improving QoL. More recently, studies are focused on understanding the effect of biologic agents on patients QoL, however none of them reported direct comparison of these agents. Clinical trials most often used DLQI or PDI to measure QoL. While very few trials utilized single QoL instrument, others used multiple instruments for QoL measurement. Although the exact reason for utilizing more than one measure for QOL was not mentioned in these studies, this may potentially be done to either compare measures or because no single measure was considered to be superior over the other with each offering a different aspect to the measure of QoL.
Impact Of Psoriasis On Patients’ Quality Of Life
Psoriasis has a significant negative impact on patients’ health related quality of life . In a survey by the National Psoriasis Foundation almost 75% of patients believed that psoriasis had moderate to large negative impact on their quality of life , with alterations in their daily activities . Another study reported that at least 20% of psoriasis patients had contemplated suicide . Furthermore, physical and emotional effects of psoriasis were found to have a significant negative impact at patients’ workplace as measured by the validated scales including Work Productivity Assessment Index , SF-8, Hospital Anxiety and Depression and past medical/psoriasis history . Absenteeism is a greater concern for people suffering from psoriasis than their co-workers without psoriasis with nearly 60% patients reporting missing an average of 26 days a year directly related to their psoriasis . Patients with psoriasis have a higher financial burden due to absenteeism in addition to the cost of caring for their disease .
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How Can Psoriatic Arthritis Patients Manage Their Psoriasis
Psoriasis can affect your ability to carry out daily activities due to joint pain, swelling and other symptoms. While it cannot be cured, certain things help control the condition, which includes:
Do not stop your treatment unless advised
- As advised by your doctor, continue taking your medication despite a dramatic relief in symptoms. A disease-free period does not mean that your psoriatic arthritis is cured. Failing to keep up with your treatment could lead to a recurrence of the previous signs and symptoms within a few months.
Maintain healthy body weight
- Weight gain can put stress on your knee joints, while excess fat accumulation can aggravate inflammation in the body. Maintaining an ideal body weight can prevent psoriasis from worsening and decrease your risk of other conditions, such as heart disease and fatty liver.
Manage your pain
- Massages, occupational therapy and physiotherapy can help relieve pain and stiffness, as well as restore joint mobility.
- Orthotic devices, such as braces and splints, can help you manage your daily activities with comfort and ease.
Manage your stress
Know your triggers
- Maintain a diary by writing which activities or foods trigger your psoriasis flares or worsen your joint pain and swelling. Check if avoiding those foods or activities helps improve your condition. You should also inform your doctor about them.
Educate yourself
Are Cosmetic Procedures Safe To Get
Noninvasive cosmetic procedures are more popular now than ever. Injectables like Botox can improve the appearance of wrinkles, while fillers restore lost volume. Lasers can be used to even skin tone and texture, and even eliminate unwanted blood vessels or hair. These procedures are safe for people with psoriasis.
If youre interested in a cosmetic procedure, speak to your doctor about whether its right for you. In some cases, your doctor may want to hold or adjust your medications. Its important that theyre aware of your full medical history and current medications.
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Skin: Condition: Infomation Phototherapy:
Two types of light are used: narrowband ultraviolet B light and ultraviolet A light . The latter requires a sensitiser, known as a psoralen that can be taken as a tablet or added to a bath prior to treatment.
Further information on phototherapy is available in the following information leaflets: Treatments for moderate and severe psoriasis and ).
How Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment Prevents Disease Progression
The primary way to slow the progression of PsA is through medications that modify the immune system. It may take trial and error to find the treatment that works best for a given patient, notes Dr. Haberman. While we have a lot of medication options for PsA, we dont know which ones a patient will respond to, so sometimes we need to try more than one medication to find the one thats right for that patient, she says.
In addition, medications that have been effective for you can stop working over time. If this happens, your doctor may recommend a medication that works differently say, targets a different part of the immune system to control disease activity.
There are many drugs used to treat PsA. The ones that you will use will depend on the type and severity of symptoms as well as the most problematic areas .
Medications use to treat PsA include:
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