Tag 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

Wheat Grass – A Miracle Medicine

WHEAT grass therapy can thus be effectively used for skin diseases and ulcerated wounds. By retarding bacterial action, it promotes cell activity and normal regrowth. The chlorophyll content present in wheat grass enhances heart and lung functions. Capillary activity also increases, while toxemia is reduced. By increasing iron content in the blood and thereby haemoglobin, lungs function better. Oxygenation improves and the effect of carbon-dioxide is minimised.

Wheat Grass Juice Therapy
Wheat grass juice furnishes the body with vital nourishment, providing extra energy to the body. This juice contains nearly 70 per cent of chlorophyll. It is a rich source of vitamins A, B, C and contains minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, sulphur, cobalt, and zinc. The chlorophyll contained in wheat grass juice is very beneficial for the body. It purifies the blood due to its high vitamin and mineral contents. This property is used by the body to cleanse and rebuild itself. By drinking this juice regularly, toxins can be neutralised. It thus helps to maintain good health.

Constituent of Wheat Grass
tHe chief constituent of wheat grass is chlorophyll which nature utilises as a body cleanser, builder and neutraliser of toxins. Dr. Fisher, a Noble Prize winner, used chlorophyll to treat anaemia. As early as July, 1940, the American Journal of Surgery, reported 1,2000 cases of peritonitis, brain ulcer, pyorrhoea and skin disorders cured by chlorophyll.

The chlorophyll molecule bears close resemblance to haemoglobin, the red pigmentation in human blood, and differs only in the central element which in blood is iron and in chlorophyll, magnesium. Owing to their close molecular resemblance.

Skin Diseases
If has been scientifically proved that chlorophyll arrests growth and development of harmful bacteria. Wheat grass therapy can thus be effectively used for skin diseases and ulcerated wounds. By retarding bacterial action, it promotes cell activity and normal regrowth. Regular drinking of wheat grass juice creates an unfavourable environment for bacterial growth.

Digestive System Disorders
Wheat grass juice used as an enema helps detoxify the walls of the colon. The general procedure is to give an enema with lukewarm water. After waiting for 20 minutes, 100 to 125 m.litre of wheat grass juice enema is given. This should be retained for 15 minutes.

Circulatory Disorders
The chlorophyll content present in wheat grass enhances heart and lung functions. Capillary activity also increases, while toxemia is reduced. By increasing iron content in the blood and thereby haemoglobin, lungs function better. Oxygenation improves and the effect of carbon-dioxide is minimised.The chlorophyll content present in wheat grass enhances heart and lung functions. Capillary activity also increases, while toxemia is reduced. By increasing iron content in the blood and thereby haemoglobin, lungs function better. Oxygenation improves and the effect of carbon-dioxide is minimised.

Several diseases can be treated successfully by regular drinking of wheat grass juice. These include: arthritis, psoriasis, premature greying and falling of hair, general weakness and debility, kidney stones, weak eyesight, abdominal pain, asthma, constipation and insomnia.
Many physicians at Hippocrates Health institute at Boston have tested the miraculous effectiveness of the wheat grass therapy. They have proved satisfactorily that wheat grass chlorophyll is a New Age food — medicine capable of alleviating the problems of sick humanity.
An exclusive diet of wheat grass can be used beneficially in treating diseases. In adopting this mode of treatment, the patient should undertake fast on wheat grass for seven days. Such a fast can pleasantly cleanse and nourish at the same time. One can be confident of complete safety and real health

How to Grow and Use Wheat grass
Wheat grass can be grown in any sheltered place where the direct rays of the sun do not reach from about 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and where the temperature is mild. The direct rays of the sun have a tendency to sap the strength from the grass. The round stalks flatten out and become limp.

For growing wheat grass a good variety of wheat should be soaked for eight to 10 hours. The water should then be drained and those grains allowed to sprout for 15 hours. Earthen pots or wooden trays can be used to grow the wheat grass. They should be filled with compost manure and the wheat sprouts should be spared. They should be covered with a dark cloth or kept away from the sunlight in a room. They should be sprinkled with water once or twice a day and allowed to stay as such for six to seven days the grass grows five to seven inches high.
The grass can be cut with a scissor. It should be immediately washed and group. Thereafter, the juice of the ground pulp should be extracted through a fine piece of cloth. To derive maximum advantage, the pulp should be ground and the juice extracted for two or three times. The juice so extracted should be taken immediately, as its efficacy reduces every minute and the medicinal value is completely lost after three hours.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Wheat-Grass---A-Miracle-Medicine&id=483810] Wheat Grass – A Miracle Medicine

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

Dry skin in diabetes

Diabetes patients usually experience dry skin. Other skin problems like eczema, psoriasis, fungal infections etc exaggerate when diabetes sets in. Dry skin is common in diabetic people due to following reasons

  1. Poor blood circulation to skin
  2. High glucose level in blood.
  3. Renewal of body tissues get stunted or delayed due to high glucose level.
  4. Activity of sweat glands becomes slow due to poor blood circulation.

The dry skin is more prominent on legs, feet and elbows. This results in cracking, fungal or bacterial infections. These conditions are very difficult to treat. Hence diabetes patients have to take utmost care of their skin.

Precautions to be taken to prevent dry skin in diabetes

  1. Keep blood glucose level under control.
  2. Avoid repeated bathing as it washes of natural oils of skin.
  3. Consume foods which are rich in Vitamin A and B.
  4. Avoid repeated usage of medicines like antihistamines, antispasmodics, diuretics.
  5. Regularly apply a good moisturizing lotion which does not contain alcohol.
  6. Bathe in luke warm water.
  7. Use mild soaps which contain hydrating agents.
  8. Use humidifier at home.

Uses of Coconut Oil

Ayurveda recommends Coconut oil or naarikela taila (in ayurveda) in conditions like dry skin and skin diseases. It has been found that application of coconut oil is beneficial in psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis.

Massaging coconut oil on body has myriad benefits. It prevents formation of wrinkles, ageing of skin and pigmentation. It is known as varnya in ayurveda. Varnya means restoring the complexion and glow of skin

It relieves stress when massaged on scalp and rejuvenates scalp and hair. It is classified as keshya. Keshya signifies its action as a hair friendly herb.

Application of coconut oil helps to prevent hair loss, dandruff and increase hair growth. It also acts as a natural hair conditioner.

Massaging foot with coconut oil helps to soften cracked heels and increases the beauty of foot.

Application of coconut oil accelerates the process of wound healing. It is very safe to apply on cuts and wounds