Eczema: Red Itchy Irritated Skin
Like psoriasis, eczema is a chronic skin condition that often causes intense itching. Scratching causes redness and inflammation of the skin, leading to a worsening of the eczema. Scratching can also cause a secondary bacterial infection. The most common type of eczema is caused by a reaction to irritants like detergents, soaps, or household cleansers. So if you have eczema, you should be careful to use mild soap and regularly moisturize your sensitive skin. Your doctor may prescribe a steroid cream or other medications if eczema is severe.
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Herbal And Natural Remedies
The National Psoriasis Foundation suggest that the following alternative preparations may help reduce the symptoms of psoriasis:
Apple cider vinegar: Applying organic apple cider vinegar directly to the scalp may help reduce itching. However, it can also cause irritation. To avoid this, dilute it in equal parts with water or rinse the scalp after the vinegar dries. Do not use it on open wounds.
Aloe vera: Applying gel or creams containing 0.5 percent aloe vera may help reduce redness and scaling.
Oatmeal: Adding oatmeal to a bath or applying an oatmeal paste to areas with psoriasis helps reduce symptoms in some people, although there is no research evidence to support this.
Tea tree oil shampoo: This may help relieve symptoms, although there is no scientific evidence to prove it. Try a little first, because some people have an allergic reaction to tea tree oil.
Turmeric: Consuming as a spice in food, as a supplement, or in a topical gel may help reduce symptoms or psoriatic activity.
The Office of Dietary Supplements note that turmeric is generally considered safe when taken by mouth or applied to the skin. However, people should check with a doctor before using any complementary therapies or supplements.
Capsaicin ointment: This may help reduce itching by numbing the nerve endings, but it may also cause a burning sensation. More research is needed to guarantee its safety and effectiveness.
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Generalised Pustular Psoriasis Or Von Zumbusch Psoriasis
This causes pustules that develop very quickly on a wide area of skin. The pus consists of white blood cells and is not a sign of infection.
The pustules may reappear every few days or weeks in cycles. During the start of these cycles, von Zumbusch psoriasis can cause fever, chills, weight loss and fatigue.
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Scalp Psoriasis Natural Treatment/ Home Remedies/ Natural Remedies
As we read that Psoriasis is an immunity issue that recurs in most cases, many wellness experts recommend natural and home remedies to treat Psoriasis. Curing Psoriasis at home is possible if treated the right way.
Here is some insight on the natural remedies for Psoriasis on the scalp:
- Ayurvedic home remedies for Psoriasis such as using turmeric, neem, and guggul.
- Taking dietary supplements such as fish oil, aloe vera, Oregon grape, and milk thistle can help ease symptoms of scalp psoriasis hair loss. Also, including Vitamin D in the diet will make a significant difference.
- Preventing Dry Skin/Scalp at all costs. Using a moisturizer, the likes of Betnovate cream, can be beneficial in keeping away the possibility of dry skin. You can also use a ketoconazole shampoo to keep dry flakes in your scalp away.
- Taking regular baths and keeping your body clean and moisturized.
- Eating healthy food with omega-3 fatty acids is the best way to deal with this such foods help in reducing inflammation.
- Cutting down on stress, alcohol intake, and smoking will also go a long way in treating Psoriasis.
More Than Skin Troubles
A 2017 study from the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that people with psoriasis that covers 10% of their body or more are 64% more likely than those without psoriasis to develop type 2 diabetes. “About 30% of people with psoriasis also might develop psoriatic arthritis, which causes destructive inflammation in your joints,” says dermatologist Dr. Gideon Smith. Psoriasis also may signal a higher risk for fatty liver disease and heart attacks.
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Measles: A Facial Rash That Can Cover The Body
Like guttate psoriasis, measles also follow symptoms of an upper respiratory infection in children and cause a skin rash of small, red spots. However, the measles skin rash usually starts on the face and spreads down to cover the body and is accompanied by fever, cough, and a runny nose. Measles rash is also flat, while the rash of psoriasis is typically raised. Measles is caused by a virus and is contagious, though the measles vaccination has made this a rare disease in the United States.
Shingles: A Rash And Severe Pain That Lingers
Shingles is another viral infection that shares some symptoms with psoriasis. Like psoriasis, shingles can make your skin burn and itch and produces a red, blistered skin rash. Shingles is caused by the same virus that first brings on chickenpox. The virus stays in your body and can come back years later to cause shingles, especially during times of stress or infection. The skin rash of shingles follows the course of a single nerve, usually on the trunk. In some cases, severe pain lasts long after the burning, itchy rash disappears. Shingles is more common in people over age 50.
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Treatment Of Psoriasis: An Algorithm
ASHA G. PARDASANI, M.D., STEVEN R. FELDMAN, M.D., PH.D., and ADELE R. CLARK, P.A.-C., Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Am Fam Physician. 2000 Feb 1 61:725-733.
See related patient information handout on psoriasis, written by the authors of this article.
Psoriasis is characterized by red, thickened plaques with a silvery scale. The lesions vary in size and degree of inflammation. Psoriasis is categorized as localized or generalized, based on the severity of the disease and its overall impact on the patient’s quality of life and well-being. Patient education about the disease and the treatment options is important. Medical treatment for localized psoriasis begins with a combination of topical corticosteroids and coal tar or calcipotriene. For lesions that are difficult to control with initial therapy, anthralin or tazarotene may be tried. The primary goal of therapy is to maintain control of the lesions. Cure is seldom achieved. If control becomes difficult or if psoriasis is generalized, the patient may benefit from phototherapy, systemic therapy and referral to a physician who specializes in the treatment of psoriasis.
Treatments Designed With Hair In Mind
In recent years, pharmaceutical companies have worked not just on making scalp psoriasis treatments more effective, but on making them easier and more pleasant to apply.
This gives health care providers and patients options that now include shampoos, lotions, creams, sprays, gels, foams/mousses, and ointments. For more severe scalp psoriasis or when it also appears elsewhere on the body, there are also daily pills, occasional injections, and periodic infusions available that are effective on the scalp. UV light therapy is also appropriate in select cases .
A brief introduction to the many options follows, so you can make the most of your doctor visits and get on track to improve the condition of your scalp and give you a sense of peace that scalp psoriasis so often disrupts.
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Scalp Psoriasis Can Look A Lot Like Dandruff
While dandruff is accompanied by flaking and dryness, scalp psoriasis looks silvery and has well-defined red, raised plaques, not just flaking and dryness. The scales from psoriasis can flake off much like dandruff, says Richard Torbeck, MD, a dermatologist at Advanced Dermatology in New York City. Additionally, itching from psoriasis is quite similar to itching from dandruff. However, each condition needs to be treated very differently, he adds.
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Systemic Treatments And Uv Light
If you have moderate to severe psoriasis elsewhere on your body, one of these medications may help:
- Methotrexateslows an enzyme involved in the rapid growth of skin cells.
- Oral retinoids help control the growth of cells.
- Cyclosporinelowers the immune system function, and therefore helps to reduce the inflammation of psoriasis.
- Biologics target specific parts of the immune system that are overactive in psoriasis.
Talk with your doctor about the potential side effects of these treatments.
Ultraviolet light is another treatment option. Hair can block the light from reaching your scalp, so if you have thick hair, it may help to part it in rows. Hand-held devices can directly deliver light to your scalp.
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When To See A Doctor
Anyone who has a new rash on the scalp or the body should seek medical help.
A doctor will carry out a physical exam and ask the person about their symptoms.
A dermatologist may be able to diagnose scalp psoriasis by examining the rash. Sometimes, they may recommend a skin biopsy to rule out other conditions.
Scalp psoriasis may flare up periodically, but it is not usually a serious medical condition. Appropriate treatment can usually control symptoms.
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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.
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Ringworm: Fungal Infections Of The Skin And Nails
Tinea is a type of fungal infection that resembles some symptoms of psoriasis. Psoriasis can cause the thick fingernails symptomatic of fungal nail infections, and both can cause red, itchy skin rashes. When tinea grows on your skin, it can cause a scaly, red skin rash that clears in the middle, called ringworm . Fungal infections of the skin and nails can be hard to treat. Antifungal medications work, but you may need to take them for a long time.
Signs And Symptoms Of Scalp Psoriasis
The symptoms of Psoriasis are direr than that of dandruff. Here, red patches begin to formulate on the scalp. Thats not all. The red patches can even spread towards a womans neck, knees, and elbows!
It begins with dry skin that then cracks. As a result of the cracking, it begins to bleed and scale, which leads to further itching, soreness, and burning.
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Coping And Finding Support
Who said living with a chronic disorder was fun or easy? No one, ever. Psoriasis can have real psychological side effects, such as stress, anxiety, depression, social difficulties, and self-esteem issues.
Fortunately, you never have to deal with this alone! There are loads of ways to get the TLC and mental wellness help you deserve, including trained counselors, peer support groups, and your compassionate family and friends.
Theres bound to be an approach that fits your needs.
Also, consider asking your doctor for a referral to a therapist who specializes in helping people with psoriasis.
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.
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How To Use Coal Tar Topical
Follow all directions on the product package. Check the label to see if you need to shake the product before using. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
This medication is for use on the skin only. To avoid irritation, do not let this medication come into contact with your eyes, nose, mouth, groin, or rectum. If you do get the medication in those areas, flush the area with cool water for 15 minutes. Wash hands after use.
Apply a small amount to the affected area. Massage in gently. Apply usually 1 to 4 times a day or as directed by your doctor. Allow to air dry before touching clothing. Do not apply to broken or infected skin unless directed by your doctor.
To treat the scalp, apply the solution according to the package directions. Coal tar products may also be used in the bath or as a hand/foot soak. Follow package directions carefully. Rinse off well. Coal tar products can make the shower/bath very slippery. Be careful not to fall.
Dosage is based on your medical condition, product type/brand, and response to treatment. Do not use large amounts of this medication, use it more often, or use it for a longer period than directed. Your condition will not clear faster, but the chance for side effects may be increased.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day.
How Is Psoriasis Treated
Psoriasis is usually treated by a dermatologist . A rheumatologist may also help with treatment. Treatments can include:
- ultraviolet light from the sun or from home or office treatments. But in some children, sunlight can make psoriasis worse.
- creams, lotions, ointments, and shampoos such as moisturizers, corticosteroids, vitamin D creams, and shampoos made with salicylic acid or coal tar
- medicines taken by mouth or injected medicines
A doctor might try one therapy and then switch to another, or recommend combining treatments. It’s not always easy to find a therapy that works, and sometimes what works for a time stops helping after a while.
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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:
What Is Scalp Psoriasis
Psoriasis can affect your scalp, and the red, scaly patches it causes can flake off like dandruff does. There are a few differences, though:
- Itâs chronic: Psoriasis is long-lasting while dandruff may come and go.
- Itâs more scaly than flaky. If itâs mild, scalp psoriasis looks like scaly, silvery, or powdery patches that may come off in tiny pieces. More serious outbreaks can be red and painful.
- It may spread. Psoriasis patches can creep past your hairline to your forehead, the back of your neck, or the skin around your ears. You may have psoriasis patches on other parts of your body, too, like your elbows, legs, feet, palms, or back.
- Itâs an autoimmune disease. Psoriasis is caused by your bodyâs immune system: White blood cells that should fight off diseases attack your skin cells instead.
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The Reasons For The Development Of The Disease
The main cause of this condition is genetic.
If a person’s next of kin has the disease, that person’s genetic chance is at least 70%.
Secondary causes of psoriasis include:
- Hormonal imbalance.
But these are not all the reasons why this disease may occur.
Some reasons are too rare, so they try not to mention them.
Usually, this disease is noted in people aged 40-42 years and older. If people under the age of 20 have it, it’s usually related to a weakened immune system or a hormonal disorder. Therefore, after prescribing a course of vitamins and restructuring a person to focus on an active healthy lifestyle, irritability disappears.
It can be seen that after any well-designed course of treatment, the skin is gradually clear of acne, free of scars, and inflammatory papules do not recur.
Seborrheic Dermatitis: Itchy Scaly Patches
A psoriasis skin rash tends to itch, burn, and feel sore. Patches of psoriasis commonly occur on your knees and elbows. Many people also have scalp psoriasis. The common skin rash seborrheic dermatitis also causes scaly, itchy skin patches. It can occur on your scalp, where it may be called dandruff, or on your face and chest. While doctors dont know the exact cause of seborrhea, it occurs across the age spectrum, in babies as well as in adults, and is usually treated with creams and lotions.
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Treatment: Where To Start
The most common treatments for mild cases are medications that you put directly on your scalp. If you have a more severe case or have psoriasis elsewhere on your body, you may need a medication that treats your whole body. You can take these medications by mouth or injection.
If your psoriasis doesn’t respond well after repeated use of one medication, your doctor may replace or combine it with another type of treatment.
One of the first steps is to soften and remove scales. This makes it easier for medications to do their job.
- Apply over-the-counter products to your scalp to help soften scales and make them easier to peel off. Look for products with the active ingredients salicylic acid, lactic acid, urea, zinc pyrithione, or selenium sulfide.
- Gently loosen the scales with a brush or fine-toothed comb.
- Shampoo your scalp to remove the scales, using a salicylic acid shampoo or soap.
- Apply thick creams to your scalp while it’s still damp to hold in the moisture.
To apply medication: