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Psoriasis and Alcohol – What’s the Connection?

Tuesday, December 15th, 2009

Although psoriasis has been known for some time to be a hereditary illness, there has also been a great deal of research about finding the most common triggers of psoriasis outbreaks. Such efforts have led researchers to find a not-so-surprising connection between psoriasis outbreaks and consuming alcohol. Besides the commonly known health issues associated with alcohol, the fact that it has been linked to psoriasis would be added incentive to cut back or stop consuming it entirely.

While thus far the psoriasis alcohol connection has been mainly anecdotal, there are new research studies that help back up their findings. Some speculate that this connection is hereditary, much like the condition itself. Alcoholism has also been found to be a hereditary illness, so the same genetic predisposition towards one could make you more likely to contract or aggravate the other. This exact link however has not yet been proven, if it can indeed be boiled down to genetic chance.

The psoriasis-alcohol connection has been demonstrated in a variety of settings (including in my own life), particularly when consuming large amounts of alcohol at once. If someone is predisposed to psoriatic outbreaks, binge drinking can make them more severe and frequent as well. Many who have suffered from psoriasis find that when they quit drinking their outbreaks decrease in frequency and intensity.

In addition to the psoriasis-alcohol connection, there also seems to be a link between smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco. The harm that smoking does to the immune system exacerbates psoriatic outbreaks and smoke can also irritate already sensitive skin. Putting an end to smoking and/or drinking is, of course, easier said than done but, for encouragement’s sake, many have already done so and there are a variety of helpful resources available in case you need a nudge in that direction. Even cutting back can greatly increase your overall health and, by extension, the state of your psoriasis.

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Plaque Psoriasis – Common Causes

Monday, December 14th, 2009

The most commonly experienced type of psoriasis is plaque psoriasis, which is what most people think of when conjuring up images of this unfortunate condition. This is a strain that commonly affects men and women equally, as well as people of all ages, from children to adults. Most will experience it for the first time in their early adulthood, between the ages of 16 and 22. They then can expect it to flare up again throughout their lifetime, as unfortunately there is no cure at this time. As anyone who has dealt with this disorder knows, however, there are certainly treatments available to lessen the impact of the symptoms and make life more comfortable.

Some of the causes or triggers of plaque psoriasis can include common lifestyle choices including sun exposure, alcoholism, or cigarette smoking. This is a hereditary disease, not one that is contagious. By avoiding these known triggers, it’s possible to reduce the incidence of outbreaks. These are only a few of the causes, however, and there are other reasons why a person may be afflicted with this form of psoriasis. Up to 55 million people are currently infected, with the reasons being many, but for most, the main cause is heredity.

Plaque psoriasis affects the immune system, and though it can remain dormant throughout a person’s lifetime, it never really goes away. Researchers have learned that in those people who have this type of psoriasis, the T cells that are a normal part of the immune system misfire and can trigger inflammation of the skin, which is a common symptom. While this isn’t a constant occurrence, it does lead to the types of symptoms including a silver scaly rash that are associated with this disorder.

The best way to avoid flare-ups if you have been diagnosed with plaque psoriasis is to avoid the common triggers that have been outlined above. These include alcohol and cigarettes, but can also encompass more emotional triggers such as stress or anxiety. There are a number of factors that go into the treatment of psoriasis, though the best overall method of reducing outbreaks is to practice a healthy and balanced lifestyle. This includes avoiding cigarettes and alcohol, as well as taking time out of the day to practice stress reduction techniques, which might include yoga or meditation. Even longtime psoriasis sufferers may find relief by following these basic methods of lifestyle changes.

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Pediatric Psoriasis – Special Concerns and Treatments

Sunday, December 13th, 2009

Psoriasis is an unfortunate condition that affects an estimated 5.5-7.5 million people in the United States. This is an indiscriminate condition that attacks all ages, sexes, and races. Pediatric psoriasis is quite common in children, and carries with it its own set of concerns for developing and delicate immune systems. Infants can even be affected by these uncomfortable symptoms, which can be painful for a parent to deal with. If the parents have been infected themselves, there is a good chance that their children will also have to contend with psoriasis, because it is a hereditary disease. If both parents and one sibling are afflicted, for example, studies show there is an 83% chance that the child will also have it.

Pediatric psoriasis is unfortunate, however there are ways for both children and their parents (who very well may be experiencing the same symptoms) to effectively cope. Most children who develop psoriasis will have chronic plaque psoriasis. Approximately 70% of all cases are of this type, which will be ongoing throughout their lifetimes, and is the most common strain of the disease to affect adults as well, even those who don’t develop symptoms until later on in life.

There are some triggers to try and avoid in the case of pediatric psoriasis. To minimize outbreaks, it’s important to make sure the child eats a balanced diet and stays properly hydrated. Stress levels can exacerbate symptoms, and common childhood infections play a large role in the development of outbreaks. For instant, strep throat can instigate outbreaks, especially on the scalp. Psoriasis, infections, and fevers can all go hand in hand which means that extra vigilance should be paid to the child during any times of rash, for fear of more serious diseases arriving as well.

The same treatment techniques that adults use can also be put to work on those suffering from pediatric psoriasis, including cortisone creams and a proper plan of moisturizing skin. While younger skin tends to be more hydrated, strong, and less prone to damage, it’s still best to make sure that the skin is as moisturized as possible. When the children go out into the sun, make sure they are wearing a high level of sunscreen, since sunburn can lead to a prevalence of outbreaks or a worsening of symptoms. These are all simple steps that can be taken to minimize discomfort.

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Is There a Cure for Psoriasis? – A Fundamental Question

Saturday, December 12th, 2009

There are several different varieties of psoriasis, all of which tend to be troublesome (at the very least) for those who are afflicted. Psoriatics represent a large portion of the U.S. population – estimates place the number at around 2% of the entire population. These people, as well as their loved ones, can’t help wondering, “Is there a cure for psoriasis?” The answer is: Not officially. In any case there are certainly a number of ways to treat the symptoms of this bothersome condition, even to the point of keeping it entirely in check.

Psoriasis does not have to run or ruin your life. In fact, if you are wondering if there is a cure for psoriasis, then you have already taken the first step in learning how to control it. Treatments come in all shapes, sizes, and flavors, from over the counter drugs, to natural remedies to tightly controlled prescriptions. Itching and burning are symptoms that are fairly easy to find relief from with topical steroid creams or soothing botanicals. Because there has been a link between psoriasis and alcohol, simply cutting back on cigarettes and drinking can have a significant impact on how you feel overall, including your skin.

Researchers are acutely aware of the public’s desire for a “silver bullet,” or a straightforward cure for psoriasis. Medicinal experts are working tirelessly, with the help of such organizations as the National Psoriasis Foundation, to fund studies that help not only find relief for right now, but a long-term cure for the future. Because this is an immune disease, current research efforts are focused on stop the disease on a cellular level. This involves keeping unruly skin cells from regenerating by blocking the processes with which they replicate. This is, as you might imagine, easier said than done… but new advancements are being made on a daily basis.

To learn more about the answer to this question, “Is there a cure for psoriasis?” you might consider visiting a doctor or medical care facility or do research on your own to learn all the available methods that have been concocted to treat this disease.

After you become convinced that psoriasis should not (and need not) control your life, you can then develop a day-to-day pace by which you keep learning about all the latest advancements in psoriasis treatments. A cure could be right around the corner with all the promising studies being published these days! There are newsletters sent out by health care organizations that can also help keep you up to date on the latest news in addition to all the discussion opportunities available via online forums and/or support groups.

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