What Do You Do For Psoriasis

Hydrocortisone Creams And Ointments

You can buy a mild corticosteroid like hydrocortisone without a prescription. For a few small patches of psoriasis, a mild hydrocortisone works well. If you have more than a few small patches, youll likely need a prescription corticosteroid to see results.

Whether OTC or prescription, this medicine works quickly to:

• Reduce the itch

If you have cracked or bleeding skin, an ointment will likely feel better than a cream. Ointments tend to be more soothing and less irritating than creams.

MoisturizerThis may help anyone who has psoriasis because psoriasis makes the skin dry and scaly. Moisturizer helps to seal water in the skin, which can:

• Relieve dryness

• Help your skin heal

Dermatologists recommend applying moisturizer once a day, and more often when your skin is really dry. When shopping for a moisturizer, you want to select a:

• Heavy cream, ointment, or oil rather than a lotion

• Fragrance-free product

• Product that you like and will use

Oil can be especially healing, but its also messy. To reap the benefits of oil, try applying it before bedtime.

Moisturize before washing

For best results, you want to apply your moisturizer within 3 minutes of bathing and after washing your hands.

Scale softenersYoull find OTC products and prescription medicines that contain salicylic acid. This active ingredient helps to:

• Remove and soften scale

• Reduce swelling

Removing the scale helps other medicine that you apply to your skin to work better.

• Lactic acid

• Urea

Scale softeners

How Will Psoriatic Arthritis Affect Me

Starting the right treatment as soon as possible will give you the best chance of keeping your arthritis under control and minimise damage to your body.

Psoriatic arthritis can vary a great deal between different people. This makes it difficult to offer advice on what you should expect.

It will usually have some effect on your ability to get around and your quality of life, but treatment will reduce the effect it has.

Psoriatic arthritis can cause long-term damage to joints, bones and other tissues in the body, especially if it isnt treated.

What Is Psoriasis And How Do We Treat It

Affecting over 8 million people in the United States, psoriasis is a skin condition due to an abnormal autoimmune response that is characterized by inflammation and patches of scaly, itchy skin.

Psoriasis is sometimes difficult to treat and there are still many misconceptions about the disease. While many common skin irritations have cures, psoriasis is one skin condition that, unfortunately, remains incurable. So, what is psoriasis and if we cant cure it, how can we treat it?

We sat down with Dr. Anjali Vekaria, board-certified Dermatologist at The Dermatology Specialists to learn more about psoriasis and get the inside scoop on how we treat this common medical condition.

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What Do You Know About Psoriasis

by GoJo Home Health | Aug 6, 2020 | Psoriasis

, so I feel this is a good time to shed some light on a disease that affects so many. An estimated 7.5 million Americans have psoriasis, which is the most common autoimmune disease in the country. Therefore, this is the perfect opportunity to educate the public about the disease and its impact.

How Many People Have Psoriasis

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Psoriasis is a fairly common skin condition and is estimated to affect approximately 1%-3% of the U.S. population. It currently affects roughly 7.5 million to 8.5 million people in the U.S. It is seen worldwide in about 125 million people. Interestingly, African Americans have about half the rate of psoriasis as Caucasians.

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What Is Psoriasis Anyway

Theres a reason the P is silent in psoriasis. This condition, which impacts 8 million Americans, is mighty sneaky. Psoriasis is an immune-related disorder that affects the bodys largest organthe skincausing lesions that can range from small red bumps to thick, raised lesions to lobster-like redness from head to toe. Some people with psoriasis say that the lesions burn, sting, or itch.

To understand those lesions, you need to go below the surface. Psoriasis stems from an overactive, uber-sensitive immune system. Even though there is nothing to see or feel here , the immune system rings the false alarm, causing your skin cells to grow far more quickly than they should.

No blood test or urine sample can diagnose psoriasis. Your dermatologist or M.D. will spot it on looks alone. And while psoriasis doesnt discriminate by sex or age, its much less common in the playground set. The peak period for occurrence between the ages of 15 to 35 years old.

What Is Cdc Doing About Psoriasis

In 2010, CDC worked with experts in psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and public health to develop a public health perspective that considers how these conditions affect the entire population. The resulting report is Developing and Addressing the Public Health Agenda for Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis pdf icon. You can read a short article about the agendaexternal icon in The American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

CDCs National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey , an intermittent source of national psoriasis data, has included questions about psoriasis as late as the 2013-2014 cycle. A recent analysis of NHANES data estimates that 7.4 million adults had psoriasis in 2013external icon.

• Psoriasis causes patches of thick red skin and silvery scales. Patches are typically found on the elbows, knees, scalp, lower back, face, palms, and soles of feet, but can affect other places . The most common type of psoriasis is called plaque psoriasis.
• Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory type of arthritis that eventually occurs in 10% to 20% of people with psoriasis. It is different from more common types of arthritis and is thought to be related to the underlying problem of psoriasis.
• Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are sometimes considered together as psoriatic disease.

Who is at risk for psoriasis?

Anyone can get psoriasis. It occurs mostly in adults, but children can also get it. Men and women seem to have equal risk.

Can I get psoriasis from someone who has it?

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Who Will Be Responsible For My Healthcare

Youre likely to see a team of healthcare professionals.

Your doctor, usually a rheumatologist, will be responsible for your overall care. And a specialist nurse may help monitor your condition and treatments. A skin specialist called a dermatologist may be responsible for the treatment of your psoriasis.

You may also see:

• a physiotherapist, who can advise on exercises to help maintain your mobility
• an occupational therapist, who can help you protect your joints, for example, by using splints for the wrist or knee braces. You may be advised to change the way you do some tasks to reduce the strain on your joints.
• a podiatrist, who can assess your footcare needs and offer advice on special insoles and good supportive footwear.

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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Psoriasis Support Groups And Counseling

Education of psoriasis patients is one of the foundations for managing this chronic and typically relapsing disorder. Patients should be familiar with the treatment options in order to make proper informed decisions about therapy. The National Psoriasis Foundation is an excellent organization that provides support to patients with psoriasis.

What Does Psoriasis Look Like On Your Face

Psoriasis on your face usually starts out as small, red bumps that grow into reddish-pinkish sores. The sores are then covered in silvery-white scales that may flake off.

Psoriasis signs can appear differently on various parts of the face. Sebo-psoriasis on the scalp usually presents as skin plaques with greasy, yellow scales.

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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.

Can A Diet Cure Psoriasis Naturally

• Avoiding environmental factors that trigger psoriasis, such as smoking, and stress, may help prevent or minimize flare-ups of psoriasis. Sun exposure may help in many cases of psoriasis and aggravate it in others.
• Alcohol is considered a risk factor for psoriasis, even moderate amounts of beer. People should minimize alcohol use if they have psoriasis. This is especially important if they are taking medications such as methotrexate or acitretin.
• Specific dietary restrictions or supplements other than a well-balanced and adequate diet are not important in the management of plaque psoriasis.
• Recently, some data has supported that an “anti-inflammatory” diet that is high in fruits and vegetables and low in saturated and trans fats may help manage psoriasis, although the value in preventing its onset is less certain.

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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 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 web site. Individuals should check with their doctors before starting any therapy.

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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Tablets Capsules And Injections

If your psoriasis is severe or other treatments have not worked, you may be prescribed systemic treatments by a specialist. Systemic treatments work throughout the entire body.

These medications can be very effective in treating psoriasis, but they all have potentially serious side effects. All the systemic treatments for psoriasis have benefits and risks. Before starting treatment, talk to your doctor about your treatment options and any risks associated with them.

If you’re planning for a baby, become pregnant or are thinking of breastfeeding, you should also speak to your doctor first before taking any new medicine to check it’s suitable for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

There are 2 main types of systemic treatment, called non-biological and biological .

How Is Psoriasis Diagnosed And Treated

Psoriasis often has a typical appearance that a primary care doctor can recognize, but it can be confused with other skin diseases , so a dermatologist is often the best doctor to diagnose it. The treatment of psoriasis usually depends on how much skin is affected, how bad the disease is , or the location . Treatments range from creams and ointments applied to the affected areas to ultraviolet light therapy to drugs . Many people who have psoriasis also have serious health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and depression. Some people with psoriasis also have an inflammatory condition which affects their joints, called psoriatic arthritis.

Psoriatic arthritis has many of the same symptoms as other types of arthritis, so a rheumatologist is often the best doctor to diagnose it. The treatment of psoriatic arthritis usually involves the use of drugs .

Psoriatic disease may be treated with drugs or a combination of drugs and creams or ointments.

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What Is The Best Treatment For Psoriasis

Sorry, but we need to answer that Q with a few more Qs: How is your overall health? Are you pregnant or do you have cardiovascular disease? Is the psoriasis on a small or large area? Where does it appear on your body?

This is our way of saying that there is no single best psoriasis treatment for everyone. But a variety of options can help minimize both the impact of this chronic disease, its progression, and its side effects. Here are some treatment choices for psoriasis:

If one treatment doesnt work, it doesnt necessarily mean its time to try another. Instead, your doctor may adjust your dosage and the frequency of your treatment. Trial and error and patience are important. But only for so long. Thats why the National Psoriasis Foundation says that the psoriasis should cover 1% or less of your body within three months. If that benchmark isnt reached, you and your MD can reevaluate your plan.

What Is Guttate Psoriasis

Guttate psoriasis is a subtype of psoriasisan autoimmune skin disorder. It affects about 8 to 10% of the more than 8 million Americans with psoriasis. This makes it the second most common form of the disease after plaque psoriasis.

Gutta is the Latin word for a drop of fluid. Guttate psoriasis causes small, drop-like papulesor spots. They are typically raised and red with a silvery, scaly appearance. The spots most commonly show up suddenly on the arms, legs and torso. While the exact cause is not well understood, there are known triggers. The most common one is a strep infection, such as strep throat. However, guttate psoriasis is not contagious and wont spread to others. Other infections, skin injuries, and other triggers can also provoke an episode.

Children, teens, and even young adults are most likely to get guttate psoriasis. There does not seem to be any race or sex differences in its occurrence. Doctors believe genes and other immune system factors may make some people more likely than others to get the disease.

Doctors treat guttate psoriasis with topical ointments, oral medicines, and light therapy. When an active infection is present, may be necessary. Mild cases may go away without treatment. Severe or persistent cases of guttate psoriasis may require medicines to suppress the immune system. Once the symptoms clear, guttate psoriasis may never come back. However, some people have the condition for life or go on to develop plaque psoriasis.

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Treatments For Psoriatic Disease

Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis treatments arenât one-size-fits-all, and thatâs a good thing. It means that you can work with your health care provider to find the right psoriasis treatment â or combination of psoriasis treatments â for you that reduces or eliminates your symptoms. Staying up-to-date with whatâs new and what your options are when it comes to treatment can help. ÂÂÂÂÂ

PsA can affect one in three patients with psoriasis. But treatments for it are available and can help relieve pain, reduce swelling, help keep joints working properly, and possibly prevent further joint damage. Your health care provider will recommend treatments based on the type of PsA, its severity, and your reaction to treatment.

How A Dermatologist Can Help

With so many products, it can be difficult to know what to use. If you dont see the results you like with OTC treatment for psoriasis, you may want to see dermatologist. Dermatologists are the skin disease experts. They know how to tailor psoriasis treatment to the type of psoriasis you have. Sometimes, this requires combining treatments. You may also need one treatment plan to gain control over your psoriasis and another to maintain the results.

ImagesGetty Images

ReferencesMenter A, Korman NJ, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Section 3: Guidelines of care for the management and treatment of psoriasis with topical therapies. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2009 60:64359.

Paghdal KV, Schwartz RA. Coal tar: Back to the future. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2009 Aug 61:294-302.

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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Guidelines For Getting Acupuncture

To get psoriasis flares under control, some acupuncturists recommend getting treatment once per week for a total of four to eight sessions, depending on your progress.

When you go for your acupuncture appointment, wear loose clothing. Some of it may need to be adjusted or removed during your treatment.

Its advised that you shouldnt to wear perfume or strong-smelling deodorant so you wont affect anyone else who may have chemical sensitivities.

You should also try to avoid scheduling your appointment before or after something stressful.

Its important to eat an hour or so before you go, as acupuncture can otherwise leave you feeling low on energy and a little light-headed. Avoid caffeine and alcohol before the appointment.

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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