Category Archives: Psoriasis

Robust link between psoriasis and diabetes

PATIENTS with psoriasis are 60% more likely to have diabetes compared to controls, according to a meta-analysis.

The review of 27 observational studies found the prevalence of diabetes was even higher – about twice the rate – among patients with severe psoriasis. Read More …

Extremely Obese Children Have Higher Prevalence of Psoriasis, Higher Heart Disease Risk

Children who are overweight or obese have a significantly higher prevalence of psoriasis, and teens with psoriasis, regardless of their body weight, have higher cholesterol levels, according to a Kaiser Permanente study published online in the Journal of Pediatrics. The study findings suggest that higher heart disease risk for patients with psoriasis starts in childhood in the form of higher cholesterol levels.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin that often starts early in life and, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation, affects more than 7 million Americans.

“This study suggests a link between obesity and psoriasis in children,” said study lead author Corinna Koebnick, PhD, a research scientist at the Kaiser Permanente Southern California’s Department of Research & Evaluation in Pasadena, Calif. “But our study findings also suggest that the higher heart disease risk for patients with psoriasis starts in childhood in the form of higher cholesterol levels. We may need to monitor youth with psoriasis more closely for cardiovascular risk factors, especially if they are obese.”

“Very little is known about psoriasis in children where the disease is mostly viewed and treated as a burdensome skin condition and less considered a metabolic disease,” adds Dr. Koebnick.

Psoriasis may also put children at risk for metabolic disease, as seen in adults, so studies such as these are extremely important in helping primary care providers learn the best way to care for these children,” notes co-author Amy Porter, MD, Southern California Permanente Medical Group’s regional physician lead for weight management, and pediatrician at Kaiser Permanente’s Baldwin Park Medical Center.

Epidemiologic studies in adults have shown that patients with psoriasis are at a higher risk of developing metabolic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, heart attack and stroke. In adults, obesity has also been linked to a higher risk of developing psoriasis, and obesity, like psoriasis, is also associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome and diabetes.

“Both conditions are characterized by a chronic low-level inflammation,” notes Dr. Koebnick. “Yet, we know little to nothing about the metabolic risk of psoriasis, especially when combined with obesity in children.” Psoriasis in children may increase blood cholesterol levels, and this may additionally be triggered by the presence of obesity. While the present study has limitations due to its cross-sectional design where both body weight and information on psoriasis were assessed at the same time, future studies based on this cohort will address these issues.

Read more at http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110518131433.htm

Natural Remedies for Psoriasis Treatment

Psoriasis flare ups can damage your skin, wearing it out over time. This can lower the ability of your skin to protect your body and internal organs. Also the scaly, rough and red patches caused by a Psoriasis attack can make your skin become unattractive. This can make you lose confidence, which will lead to other physiological and emotional problems. You may be on the look outs on ways to repair your damage skin. I know that there are countless over the counter skincare products that make bold claim to help you, there are also natural Psoriasis remedies that can easily produce better results.

If you are suffering from Psoriasis, check if you consuming sufficient vitamins. You can get necessary vitamins by either taking vitamin supplement or through the consumption of vitamin rich foods. Vitamins are important component in your quest for a natural remedy for your Psoriasis. Even if you are experiencing peeling skin or any of type of Psoriasis by taking Proteins, Vitamins A, Vitamins B and Vitamins C, you can get relief.? Proteins and Vitamins help your skin by replenishing it with needed nutrients. Food like fish, eggs, carrots, milk, cheese, vegetables and citrus should be consumed every day.

Psoriasis affects about 4 million Americans. Some type of Psoriasis are dangerous because it can become debilitating. All forms of Psoriasis can produce an uncontrollable urge to itch. This will lead to rashes which open your skin to other form of infections. You can prevent Psoriasis by limiting exposure to trigger factors. Diary product can trigger off Psoriasis in some people; others are fragrance and laundry detergents. You can consume tomato juice to get relief.

You should not expose yourself to the sun to avoid sunburn. It can cause complications for you as a Psoriasis sufferer. If you experience Sunburn, you can use Aloe Vera to get relief. Milk, when apply on a towel and gently apply to the skin can reduce inflammation. Milk can produce a calming effect on an inflamed skin. You can also apply slices of raw cucumbers for same result.

As a Psoriasis sufferer, dry skin is your enemy. Dry skin can result in itching and thus increase your likelihood of having a Psoriasis outbreak. You can get natural relief for you dry skin. You can mash a ripe banana and use it for dry skin o your neck and face.? Another way to relieve dry skin on the whole body includes taking a milk bath once or twice a month. Adding five drops of oat extract to warm water can also give you same result.

There are a number of natural remedies that you can use to treat Psoriasis. Try and keep any open wound covered. No matter the complication, you are sure to get relief nature’s way.

Author :Ed Blanchard ; recoveryourhealthnow.info

Can Psoriasis Cause Hair Loss?

Psoriasis Is An Autoimmune Condition:  Many people mistakenly think that psoriasis is very similar to dandruff or other conditions that involve excess sebum or androgens.  In fact, this is an autoimmune condition in which excess skin production causes scaly patches that sometimes take on a silvery white appearance. You’ll often see areas like the elbows and knees affected, but the scalp is not at all off limits.

It’s pretty well known that there are many autoimmune conditions that cause hair loss including alopecia areata, lupus, and Hashimoto thyroiditis.  Many doctors are reluctant to place psoriasis in this category, but  I personally think that you can make this argument as the timing between the two will often suggest a connection. The treatment for these conditions vary.  But in terms of hair loss, there is a European study that has shown promise using and rotating specific essential oils rubbed into the scalp.

Other Theories On Hair Loss, Hair Thinning, Or Shedding Along With Psoriasis:  Many doctors will tell you that when this condition occurs on the scalp, the plaque and scales can choke out the hair follicles and keep healthy hair from growing (only while there is a flare in place.)  Often, this doesn’t not occur over the entire scalp.  There will more often be patches that you can clearly see being affected and that is where you’ll see the hair being compromised or thinning.  (This process is pretty hard to miss and is pretty obvious upon close inspection.) However, typically when the area heals, the hair will become normal again.

The other possibility is that a flare has placed stress upon the body.  The body in turn will often shut down some functions to conserve.  One of these function is the hair growth cycle and what you will get as the result is a condition called TE (or telogen effluvium.)  This happens when a large number of hairs move from the growth cycle to the rest cycle. This is followed by a shedding of the hair.  What you’ll see is a lot of hair falling out at one time all of a sudden.  This is the same thing that happens to women after they give birth.  Typically, the shedding will stop in a few weeks or months and as long as their are not scales or patches on the scalp, regrowth should be fine.

Stopping Hair Loss Related To This Condition: Obviously the best course of action to stop the loss is to effectively treat the condition.  Often this happens with trial and error with your doctor.  Some doctors use medications and some use a laser or alternative therapies.  However, some folks find that treating the symptoms isn’t doing anything for the hair.  In these cases, you may want to look at lessening the inflammation on and in stimulating your scalp to produce healthy regrowth.  Sometimes, you will have diffuse thinning that doesn’t really present like TE shedding and / or doesn’t occur in the effected areas.  In these cases, you may want to look at other possibilities. It’s not inconceivable that the hair situation does not relate to the psoriasis in some cases.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?Can-Psoriasis-Cause-Hair-Loss?&id=2312496

Severe Psoriasis Linked to Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events

Psoriasis is a common inflammatory skin disease, and if severe, has been demonstrated to be a risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) disease. However, the degree to which psoriasis is associated with major adverse cardiac events (MACE), such as heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death has not been defined. Now, new research from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine has revealed an increased incidence of MACE in patients with severe psoriasis.

In a cohort study analyzing data from a general practice research database, Penn researchers reviewed the case histories of over 3,600 patients with severe psoriasis and 14,300 controls. Lead author Nehal N. Mehta, MD, MSCE, Director of Inflammatory Risk in Penn’s Preventive Cardiology program, and colleagues found that patients with severe psoriasis have a 53 percent increased incidence of MACE compared to the general population. They also found that having a diagnosed case of severe psoriasis confers an additional ten-year risk of 6 percent on MACE. The study results were reported at the 2011 American College of Cardiology meeting in New Orleans

Previous work from Dr. Mehta and senior author Joel M. Gelfand, MD, MSCE, from the Department of Dermatology at Penn found that the risk of death from cardiovascular disease increased by 57 percent in patients with severe psoriasis. In addition, the relative risk of death from cardiovascular disease was even higher in younger patients, who were as young as age 40.

Dr. Mehta and colleagues conclude that this new estimate of increased ten-year MACE may warrant more aggressive strategies for treatment of cardiovascular risk factors in patients with psoriasis.

Article source :http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110404105911.htm