Causes And Risk Factors Of Psoriasis
Psoriasis, in general, is a genetic condition passed down through families. Its likely that multiple genes need to be affected to allow psoriasis to occur and that its frequently triggered by an external event, such as an infection, says James W. Swan, MD, professor of dermatology at the Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine in Maywood, Illinois.
Certain risk factors, such as a family history or being obese, may increase your odds of developing psoriasis.
According to the National Psoriasis Foundation , at least 10 percent of people inherit genes that could lead to psoriasis, but only 3 percent or less actually develop the disease. For this reason, it is believed that the disease is caused by a combination of genetics and external factors or triggers.
A psoriasis outbreak may be provoked by:
Diet And Psoriasis: What’s The Connection
Can your diet help keep psoriasis under control? Maybe. An observational study published online July 25, 2018, by JAMA Dermatology found that people with psoriasis who followed a Mediterranean diet an eating pattern rich in fruits and vegetables, legumes, whole grains, fish, fruit, nuts, and extra-virgin olive oil experienced fewer severe flare-ups. This was only an association and more research is needed, but experts believe the Mediterranean diet contains many foods that have an anti-inflammatory effect in the body and may offer extra protection against psoriasis triggers.
Going Gluten Free: Psoriasis Disappears In One Month
No scales after just one month of going gluten free!
Heres where we get to the juicy part: does going on a gluten free diet actually help psoriasis? The answer is, if youre sensitive to it, then it appears to be yes!
In one case study, which came out in 2003 in Digestion, a 53 year-old man with coeliac disease and severe psoriasis was put on a gluten free diet. He had suffered with psoriasis since 1980 but had never managed to stick to a diet, despite repeated attempts in the past. This time round he finally got sick enough and cut it out, and the result?
After just one month his scales completely disappeared.
The study goes on to state that his vitamin D levels also returned to normal .
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How Effective Are Oral Steroids In Helping With Psoriasis
Experts generally dont recommend using oral steroids for psoriasis. Make no mistake, doctors are not questioning the efficacy of oral steroids. They are effective in their stated aim of controlling inflammation that is typical of psoriasis. The problems arise when patients discontinue the oral steroids once they notice improvements. Sudden withdrawal of oral steroids increases the chances of developing a very rare and life-threatening disease called pustular or erythrodermic psoriasis. The entire skin surface breaks out in reddish rashes the discomfort is severe and so is the pain.
The general consensus is that oral steroids are safe to use in a limited way. For example, theres a patient suffering from severe psoriatic arthritis who needs to switch from corticosteroids to Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs . An oral steroid can control inflammation during the period when the body switches to the new drug.
Using oral steroids over a longer term can trigger many serious ailments like the weakening of the bones leading to fractures. Theres a higher risk of acquiring lifestyle diseases such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Eye problems like cataract and slower wound healing are other potential side effects of prolonged oral steroid treatment.
How To Be Intimate When You Have Genital Psoriasis
If you have genital psoriasis, you can still be intimate. Following this advice can help reduce irritation:
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When the skin on or around your genitals is raw, postpone sex.
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Before sex, gently cleanse the area. Be sure to use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser. Cleansing will also help prevent psoriasis medication from rubbing onto your partner.
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Men: Use a lubricated condom. Whether a man or woman has genital psoriasis, this lessens the risk of irritating the inflamed area.
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After sex, gently wash the area. This helps reduce irritation. If you are using medicine, apply it.
Psoriasis is not contagious
If you have sex with someone who has psoriasis, you will not get psoriasis. Psoriasis is not contagious. Its not a sexually transmitted disease.
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ReferencesBergstrom, KG, Kimball AB. 100 questions & answers about psoriasis. Sudbury, Mass: Jones and Bartlett.
Meeuwis KA, de Hullu JA, et al. Genital psoriasis awareness program: Physical and psychological care for patients with genital psoriasis. Acta Derm Venereol. 2015 Feb 95:211-6.
Ryan C, Sadlier M, et al. Genital psoriasis is associated with significant impairment in quality of life and sexual functioning. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2015 Jun 72:978-83.
Turner J. Inverse psoriasis. National Psoriasis Foundation webinar, presented September 16, 2015.
All content solely developed by the American Academy of Dermatology
The American Academy of Dermatology gratefully acknowledges the support from Amgen and .
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What If Those Psoriasis Treatments Dont Work
If psoriasis doesnt improve, your healthcare provider may recommend these treatments:
- Light therapy: UV light at specific wavelengths can decrease skin inflammation and help slow skin cell production.
- PUVA: This treatment combines a medication called psoralen with exposure to a special form of UV light.
- Methotrexate: Providers sometimes recommend this medication for severe cases. It may cause liver disease. If you take it, your provider will monitor you with blood tests. You may need periodic liver biopsies to check your liver health.
- Retinoids: These vitamin A-related drugs can cause side effects, including birth defects.
- Cyclosporine: This medicine can help severe psoriasis. But it may cause high blood pressure and kidney damage.
- Immune therapies: Newer immune therapy medications work by blocking the bodys immune system so it cant jumpstart an autoimmune disease such as 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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What Can You Expect During Psoriasis Remission
For some people, psoriasis remission means your skin will clear almost entirely. You wont show any physical symptoms of psoriasis. More severe cases of psoriasis can cause scarring. Even during a remission, those scars may remain. Symptoms wont be triggered by the presence of these scars.
Symptoms may not disappear for everyone. For some people, symptoms may subside enough to no longer be bothersome. This may still be classified as remission depending on your experience and history with psoriasis.
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Take Care Of Your Skin And Scalp
Be careful with your skin. Never pick at patches or scales, as you may make your psoriasis worse. Use caution when trimming your nails. If you cut yourself, it might make symptoms flare. If you have psoriasis on your scalp, rub your topical treatments — such as tar shampoos — into your scalp. Regular bathing with soothing products, such as tar solutions, may bring relief, too. Get tips on how to choose a medicated shampoo for scalp psoriasis.
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Does Methotrexate Help Psoriasis Under I Nails
Methotrexate can effectively treat severe psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and nail psoriasis. Most patients see less psoriasis in four to six weeks. It may take six months to get complete clearing. While it can be very effective, no treatment works for everyone. For some people, adding another treatment can deliver the best possible results.
Lifestyle Changes And Home Remedies
The most important lifestyle change that people with psoriasis can make is to avoid triggers, which might include cold weather, stress, or smoking.
People may also wish to try the following home remedies. While they will not cure psoriasis, they may reduce itching, dryness, and other types of discomfort:
- applying aloe vera gel to reduce redness and itching
- avoiding alcohol and tobacco
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How Long Does It Take To See Results
Everyone wants to eat salad for a few days and POOF the psoriasis disappears, but in reality it takes up to 3 months to see the benefits, as the studies above demonstrated.
It takes time to regenerate new cells. Red blood cells live up to four months, skin can take up to 30 days to be renewed , and intestinal tract cells can take up to 15 years!
So, dont diet for one week and give up. Its fine to fall of the bandwagon and indulge in a gloriously greasy burger on Friday night, but start again on Saturday.
In my experience, and from speaking to other people, what generally happens is this:
- In the first four weeks the number of scales begins to freefall.
- Next, the plaques become flatter and come together, forming larger blobs.
- They then smoothen out and become even more flush with the skin.
- Now the fiery-red colour comes down into hues of salmon-coloured/light pinkish skin.
Thats what happened to me my palms cleared completely as did my armpits. The total improvement was probably in the high 70% to low 80%, although it hovers according to how well I stick to the diet.
How Long Does It Take For Lichen Planus To Clear Up
Lichen planus skin disease is triggered by the weak immune system. The exact cause of lichen planus is not known but factors such as viral infections, allergens, stress and genetics are said to trigger this skin condition. People suffering from lichen planus present with purplish colored lesions or bumps with flat tops on the skin. The main sites are hands, legs, ankles, and face. When the inner lining of mouth is involved it is termed Oral Lichen Planus. It is difficult to tell the duration in which Lichen Planus will clear up. It is definitely a long term treatment as the weak immune system needs to come back to normal and the aim of treatment is to increase the disease free period.
Lichen Planus Homeopathic Treatment Benefits
- As this disorder is caused due to defect in the immune system, homeopathy helps treating it by correcting the deviated immune system and restoring it back to normalcy.
- In any skin affection there is often an underlying psychosomatic factor. Homeopathy can help treat this factor very effectively without causing dependence or addiction.
- Stress which is the commonest triggering factor of Lichen Planus is very effectively treated with homeopathy.
- Homeopathic medicines help to increase a disease free period.
- Lichen Planus homeopathic treatment helps to improve health related quality of life.
Self care tips to help better treatment results
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Your Nails Look Better
For some people, changes to their nails are the first sign a flare-up is occurring. You may notice your finger and toenails are pitted, discolored, or growing abnormally. Psoriasis can also cause your nails to become loose and break. If your psoriasis is going into remission, you may notice your nails returning to a normal color and becoming stronger, with less pits present.
How Long Does Guttate Psoriasis Take To Clear Up
4.9/5longpsoriasis
Similarly one may ask, what is the fastest way to get rid of guttate psoriasis?
Treatment for Guttate Psoriasis
Additionally, how do you know if Guttate psoriasis is healing? What You Should Know About Psoriasis Remission
Consequently, can guttate psoriasis go away?
Guttate psoriasis may go away on its own in a few weeks or months. If it doesn’t, it can be treated with topical medications, although applying creams and ointments to the hundreds of tiny drops on your skin can be tedious. Phototherapy is often an effective treatment for guttate psoriasis.
How do you get rid of guttate psoriasis naturally?
Some natural remedies may be beneficial: Short monitored periods of sunlight can help minimize the severity of guttate psoriasis. Adding Epsom or Dead Sea salts to bathwater and soaking in it can help. These salts help reduce inflammation, remove built-up dead skin cells, provide hydration, and soothe the skin.
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Your Skin Is Less Red And Flaky
The thick, scaly patches of skin so common with psoriasis are usually very red in color, and they may be covered with silvery, . One sign you may be headed for remission is an improvement in both the color and the flakiness of your skin. You might notice your skin is less dry, and that its less flaky than before.
Ultraviolet B Light Therapy
Phototherapy, or light therapy, involves exposing the skin to ultraviolet light on a regular basis. Treatments can be done at a doctors office or at home with a special light unit. Present in natural sunlight, ultraviolet B is an effective treatment for psoriasis according to the National Psoriasis Foundation. During UVB treatment, your psoriasis may worsen temporarily before improving. It can take several weeks to see overall improvement.
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Myths Busting Some Facts Of Using Sunbeds
- Tanning by use of sunbeds is NOT safer than sunbathing in the sun
- You can damage your skin long before you actually get burnt or your skin starts to go red even on a sunbed
- You cannot protect yourself by gradually building up the periods you use a sunbed
- Short intense periods on a sunbed can damage your skin
- Using a sunbed before your holiday will not protect you when you go on holiday from the suns risks. Using a sunbed gives the equivalent protection of a sunscreen with SPF of 2-4.
More information about cancers and the risks of sunbeds can be found at www.cancerresearchuk.org.
Travelling abroadWhen travelling abroad, please bear in mind that you may need extra protection due to extra hours of daylight, stronger UVA and UVB rays and other climatic conditions. It is essential to bear this in mind when choosing sunscreens, clothing, headwear etc.
Be aware that antimalarial medication can make you photosensitive and has been reported to be a trigger for psoriasis.
Remember to check your medications and any vaccinations you may need with your doctor before booking your holiday or travelling.
This article is adapted from the Psoriasis and the sun leaflet.
Exercise Eat Right And Maintain A Healthy Weight
Although no studies have shown a link between diet and psoriasis, experts recommend that people with the condition eat a well-balanced diet that’s high in fruits and vegetables. Some people say their symptoms improve when they remove dairy or gluten. Exercise may also help. Some studies show excess weight can trigger flares, so stay at a healthy weight.
Show Sources
Bruce E. Strober, MD, PhD, associate director of dermatopharmacology, Department of Dermatology, New York University School of Medicine co-director of the Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Center consultant for Amgen, Biogen, Genentech, Fujisawa, and 3-M.
Jeffrey M. Weinberg, MD, director of the Clinical Research Center, St. Luke’s and Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York City associate clinical professor of dermatology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons consultant for Amgen and Genentech.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: “What Is Psoriasis?”
American Academy of Dermatology: “Psoriasis.”
National Psoriasis Foundation: “Psoriasis,” “How Cigarettes and Alcohol Affect Psoriasis” and “Weight loss greatly improved psoriasis.”
Abel, E. “Dermatology III: Psoriaisis ACP Medicine, April, 2005.
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What Should Treatment Do
The goal of psoriasis treatment is to have plaques on no more than 1% of your body. If you have symptoms in other areas of your body, such as pitted nails or inflamed joints, treatment should decrease those, too.
âIt can take up to 12 weeks for a medication to work completely,â says Dendy Engelman, MD, a dermatologist at the Shafer Clinic in New York City. âIf your symptoms arenât in that time, let your dermatologist know.â
Most doctors start treatment with topical medications, like corticosteroids, that you put directly onto your skin. âThey have fewer side effects and can be effective, especially if you have mild to moderate psoriasis,â Jenkins says.
But if you have a lot of scaling on your skin, joint pain, or donât get relief from topicals, your doctor may recommend another treatment. That could include light therapy or âsystemic treatments.â These are oral or injected medications that treat inflammation throughout your body. You can pair systemic medications with topical treatments or use them on their own. They should start working within several weeks.
No matter what your treatment, your doctor will examine your skin to determine whether itâs working, says Joshua Zeichner, MD, a dermatologist and director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
If you have psoriatic arthritis, âyour doctor may also recommend tests like X-rays to see if you have joint damage,â Zeichner says.
Module: video
Avoid Medications That Cause Flare
Let your doctor know about all the medications you take, even over-the-counter ones. Ask if they could affect your psoriasis. Drugs that are known to make things worse include:
- Lithium, used to treat psychiatric disorders
- Propranololand possibly other beta-blockers, which are prescribed for heart conditions
- Quinidine, medication for irregular heart beat
If you’re using any of these medications, ask your doctor about substitutes. Know about these and other drugs that can trigger psoriasis flares.
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