Get Some Sun But Not Too Much
The ultraviolet rays in sunlight slow the growth of skin cells, so getting moderate doses of sun is good. But make it brief — about 20 minutes or so at a time. And use sunscreen. Sunburn can trigger psoriasis, and it raises your risk of skin cancer. Some medications can make your skin more sensitive to ultraviolet rays, so talk to your doctor first. Read more on the risks and benefits of sunlight for psoriasis.
What Can Psoriasis Patients Do
Patients whose psoriasis worsens over a short period of time are encouraged to talk to their physician about their history of use of medications, prescribed or otherwise. It may be that a pharmacologic effect is able to be found that can allow for symptom improvement with a change in medication or therapeutic approach.
Natural psoriasis remedies may be helpful to soothe symptoms whilst finding a non-medicated remedy to high cholesterol, such as improvements in diet and lifestyle. As many patients do not report flare-ups of psoriasis to their physician, and many physicians remain unaware of the potential for statins to exacerbate psoriasis, the available information on the number of people experiencing this adverse effect of statins is scarce.
References
Kim, T.G., Byamba, D., Wu, W.H., Lee, M.G., Statins inhibit chemotactic interaction between CCL20 and CCR6 in vitro: possible relevance to psoriasis treatment. Exp Dermatol. 2011 Oct 20:855-7.
Abel, E.A., DiCicco, L.M., Orenberg, E.K., Fraki, J.E., Farber, E.M. Drugs in exacerbation of psoriasis, J Am Acad Dermatol. 1986 15:1007â1022.
Noël, B., Lupus erythematosus and other autoimmune diseases related to statin therapy: a systematic review. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2007 21:17â24.
Pay Attention To Your Medications
As we discussed, some medications are beneficial and maybe even necessary in your fight against psoriasis. However, there are others that can actually cause psoriasis or make it worse.
The most common culprits are certain high blood pressure, mental health, anti-inflammatory, and anti-infection medications. Thankfully, this is not common, but if you start a new medication and your psoriasis flares, then there is possibly an association.
Tell us about any new medications, medication changes, or new over the counter drugs that you are taking, as they may be the culprit in your flare-ups.
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Identifying Triggers Is The First Step In Preventing Symptoms
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by the spontaneous appearance or worsening of symptoms, known as flares, followed by periods of remission. The cause of flares is poorly understood but triggers such as skin trauma, cold weather, stress, and smoking are known to set the stage. It’s believed that the sudden rise in inflammation that these psoriasis triggers prompt reactivates the autoimmune response.
When this happens, the immune system releases compounds called cytokines as if the body has encountered an actual threat. The ensuing inflammation is what causes the outbreak of symptoms, primarily skin lesions known as plaques.
Epidemiology Of Guttate Psoriasis
The guttate form of psoriasis is relatively uncommon in the United States, occurring in less than 2% of the psoriatic population. International surveys on the guttate form of psoriasis among patients with psoriasis have found a wide range of prevalences, from 1.6-44%. A 2009 study has shown that the prevalence of psoriasis correlates with the distribution and mortality of streptococcal epidemics.
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How Is Psoriasis Diagnosed
There arent any special tests to help doctors diagnose psoriasis. Typically, a dermatologist will examine your skin and ask about your family history.
Youll likely be given a diagnosis based on this physical exam.
In some situations, doctors will remove a small sample of the skin and examine it under a microscope. This might allow them to get a better look at the affected area and make a more accurate diagnosis.
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.
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Evidence Statins Improve Psoriasis Symptoms
Despite these connections between psoriasis severity and a number of medications, there have been a couple of recent journal articles suggesting that patients taking statins actually see improvements in symptoms of the skin condition. One such study was an analysis of 232 patients with psoriasis .
Their medical records showed symptom severity at the time a new psoriasis medication was started and symptom severity at their most recent physician visit. A statin was given to 66 of the patients, with the remaining 166 patients acting as a control. The psoriasis therapies used included topical corticosteroids, topical vitamin D, and some ischemic treatments.
Patients in both the statin and the non-statin groups saw a decrease in symptoms during the study, with initial BSA scores of 13.26% and 12.25%, respectively, going down to 5.21% and 7.43% after medication.
The statin group had an overall reduction in psoriasis severity of 64%, and the non-statin group had a 45% reduction. There are a number of issues with this study, however, including the lack of double blind conditions, no proper control group where no changes in medication were made, and the small number of patients taking the statin medications.
The range of psoriasis therapies used also clouds the data as disease reduction scores could have been significantly higher or lower with just one of the listed protocols.
Signs And Symptoms Of Psoriasis
Psoriasis plaques can range from a few spots of dandruff-like scaling to major eruptions that cover large areas. The diseases symptoms and appearance vary according to the type and severity of psoriasis.
Some common signs and symptoms include:
- Discolored patches or raised plaques of skin that are covered with scales
- Burning, itching, or soreness near the affected areas
- Pitted or thickened fingernails or toenails
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Psoriasis Can Cause Arthritis
For an unknown reason, psoriasis can cause a form of arthritis known as psoriatic arthritis. Symptoms include:
- discomfort, throbbing or swelling in one or many joints
- tenderness in any joint
- pain caused by inflammation in the joints, which stimulates nerve endings.
- The joints most likely to be affected are the last joint in the fingers or toes, the sacrum , wrists, knees or ankles.
Whats The Difference Between Guttate And Plaque Psoriasis
Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of psoriasis. It is said to affect up to 90% of people who suffer from psoriasis. Although both plaque psoriasis and guttate psoriasis have the same scale-like appearance, plaque psoriasis appears as red lesions with the scale look, while guttate psoriasis appears as tiny red spots with the scale look. Guttate psoriasis spots dont tend to be as thick as the lesions that appear when suffering from plaque psoriasis.
Plaque psoriasis tends to start by appearing on the elbows, knees and scalp, while guttate psoriasis usually starts appearing on your torso, arms and legs. Plaque psoriasis lesions tend to be from 110cm in size, while guttate psoriasis spots tend to be around 1cm in size.
Also, unlike plaque psoriasis, guttate psoriasis generally doesnt come back. However, plaque psoriasis tends to come back when youre run down in the form of a flare-up.
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No Significant Benefit Over Placebo For Atorvastatin In Psoriasis
In another small study which was placebo-controlled researchers found no significant difference in the benefits of statins for psoriasis than placebo . A 40mg/d atorvastatin was used in the study, with patients in both the placebo and treatment group continuing to use topical treatments for the 12 weeks of the study period.
All patients had baseline BSA scores over 10% and 40 of the 42 patients enrolled completed the study. Patients were aged 16-60 years old and there was significant improvement in the 20 patients on placebo as well as the 20 patients on the statin 8 of the statin patients and 7 of the placebo patients had a reported 75% improvement in symptoms. The researchers suggest that a higher dose of the statin may yield more significant benefits for psoriasis patients and that more studies were warranted.
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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What Causes Psoriasis To Flare Up And Worsen
Sometimes, psoriasis flare-ups can be completely random. But they can also occur in response to specific triggers.
The severity of a flare-up varies from person to person. Thats why its helpful to find out whether youre doing anything that may cause your psoriasis to worsen. Here are nine triggers that have been linked to flares:
- Stress. An increase in stress levels or living with ongoing, chronic stress can cause your psoriasis to flare up. Psoriasis itself can also be a source of stress.
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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Get Psoriasis Advice Today
Everyone’s experience with psoriasis is different, so if you’ve got any tips to share or questions to ask us, please leave a comment below. We always love to hear from you.
And if you’re looking for professional medical advice on dealing with psoriasis this summer, hit the button below to connect with a UK-based GP at a time and place to suit you.
You’re Getting Over An Infection
Particularly an infection with strep bacteria. Some people have a psoriasis flare after a bout with strep throat, earache, bronchitis, tonsillitis, or a respiratory infection. This makes sense because infections go to the heart of what causes psoriasis: the immune system. Some people have a flare even without obvious symptoms of an infection, but a strep test may reveal an infection with the bug.
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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.
What Are The Symptoms
There are several types of psoriasis. Symptoms for each may vary. But major symptoms are itchy and tender skin and raised, bright red patches of skin , topped with loose, silvery scales. In some people, psoriasis causes joints to become swollen, tender, and painful. Symptoms may disappear, even without treatment, and then return.
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Explore Psoriasis Treatment Options At Kessel Dermatology
If you are living with psoriasis and it is affecting your quality of life, the skin disease specialists at Kessel Dermatology can help you find the best course of treatment for you. We offer all the safest and most advanced treatment options for psoriasis, including:
- Biologic medications such as Otezla.
- Topical medications such as corticosteroids and retinoids
- such as laser therapy and Psoralen with Ultraviolet A light
Our dermatologists will consider the severity of your psoriasis and other individual factors in order to guide you to the most appropriate treatment for you. We can also provide information on what causes psoriasis to flare up and help you determine what may be contributing to your flare-ups.
If youd like to schedule an appointment, call the Kessel Dermatology office today at 609-890-2600. We look forward to helping you keep your skin condition under control so that it does not interfere with your life.
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Avoid Trauma To Your Skin
One interesting and unique feature of psoriasis is a response called the Koebner phenomenon. This is the skins tendency in psoriasis to cause new areas or worsen existing areas with trauma or damage to the skin.
Common causes of this reaction are cuts and scrapes, but anything that damages the skin can cause it, especially picking and scratching at your lesions. Chronic rubbing or friction such as caused by a tight hat brim, waistband, or chin strap are some other examples, as well as thermal burns or chemical damage to the skin.
Also keep in mind that while a bit of sun exposure can be beneficial, too much sun exposure, especially a sunburn is another trauma and possible trigger for a flare.
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How Is Psoriasis Treated
Treatment usually depends on the severity of the disease, size of the areas involved, and the type of psoriasis.
- Topical medicine: These medicines are ointments, creams, and pastes that are applied on the skin.
- Moisturizers: These soothe your skin by keeping it moist and preventing dryness.
- Steroids: This medicine may be given to decrease inflammation.
- Vitamin D and retinoids: These are vitamin-based creams that are used to clear plaques.
- Anthralin: This medicine decreases swelling and excess skin cells that form scales.
- Salicylic acid: This peeling agent helps decrease scaling of the skin and scalp.
- Tar preparations: These medicines decrease itching, scaling, and inflammation. They may be shampoos, creams, or bath oils.
Can Exercise Cause Psoriasis To Flare Up
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease where the immune system causes the skin to grow too fast. The rapid skin growth can cause raised.
and helping prevent flare-ups. A person should always.
6. Avoid Scrapes, Cuts, Bumps, and Infections. Its extra important for people with psoriasis to avoid bumps and cuts. Trauma to the skin can cause a flare, a condition called Koebners phenomenon.
Researchers arent entirely sure what causes psoriatic arthritis.
all during a particularly painful flare-up. If you can, doing some range of motion exercises first to warm up can help.
My 15-Year Path to an Inverse Psoriasis Diagnosis Years later, I woke up one morning.
block proteins that cause inflammation), which are recommended for more severe cases. But biologics can be used to treat inverse psoriasis as well, along.
5 skin care tips for psoriasis Psoriasis causes patches of skin to become inflamed and itchy. Treatments can help prevent flare-ups and reduce symptoms, and a person can often take additional steps to reduce symptom severity.
Knowing what triggers your flare-ups and making some simple changes can help you: Reduce flares. Get better results from treatment. Prevent rosacea from worsening. This is why dermatologists often ask patients to find their triggers before beginning treatment. Even when treating rosacea, triggers can cause rosacea flare-ups. You can find your.
It affects some people with psoriasis, a condition that causes red, scaly patches to form.
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What Causes Scalp Psoriasis
Regardless of where psoriasis forms, the cause is the same. Psoriasis develops when a persons immune system has faulty signals that tell skin cells to grow too quickly. New skin cells form in days rather than weeks. The body does not shed these excess skin cells. The skin cells pile up on the surface of the skin, causing patches of psoriasis to appear.
Tips For Preventing A Psoriasis Flare
Knowing that psoriasis is a common skin condition that affects more than 8 million Americans and about 125 million people around the world isn’t much comfort when youre dealing with constant symptoms or a flare-up.
The classic signs of red patches, flaking and silvery scales, burning, tenderness, thickening, and cracking are not only uncomfortable, they can be embarrassing as well.
While theres no cure for psoriasis, there are ways to help manage your symptoms and try to keep flare-ups to a minimum. Dr. Matthew Mittelbronn at Lakeview Dermatology in Lake Worth, Texas, treats a wide range of skin conditions, including psoriasis, and can help you find the right treatment for yours.
One of the most important aspects of any psoriasis treatment involves your participation. The better you are consistent with using recommended treatments and avoiding those things that can worsen or trigger your psoriasis, the better youll be able to keep your psoriasis under control and help prevent flare-ups.
Here are some tips:
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