Psoriasis Guru

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The National Psoriasis Foundation – A Vital Support Network

Written by Psoriasis Guru on December 11th, 2009

The National Psoriasis Foundation has been providing up to date information and a valuable community setting for people with all types of psoriasis since it was founded in 1966 (Portland, Oregon).  The NPF offers a variety of useful services including a newsletter with the latest studies and treatment options as well as an established system of message boards that people with psoriasis to talk about their experiences together.  This represents a huge network of resources, all spurred on by the efforts of this non-profit organization. The general goal of the National Psoriasis Foundation from the beginning until now has been to raise money for psoriasis research and, through a grass-roots effort, organize as many people as possible to into a world-wide support network.

Now serving over one million people afflicted with psoriasis, the National Psoriasis Foundation is currently dedicated to helping fund research for a cure for psoriasis. Their funding has been the driving force behind a great deal of the major advancements towards a cure in the past few decades. With an estimated 2% of the population in the USA alone suffering from psoriasis, this is truly an issue that requires attention. It is no wonder that the NPF’s research efforts have been widely applauded.

Directed by a Board of Trustees, the National Psoriasis Foundation is made up of a community of volunteers. Each trustee has an equal say in how the foundation is run and where the funding should go. In any case, benefitting all sufferers of psoriasis is their primary goal.  One of the requirements to be on the Board of Trustees is to experience the effects of psoriasis, either personally or through a loved one, so that compassion can be one of the driving forces behind their actions.  Any new developments are posted to their newsletter, which is sent out to members on a regular basis.

For those interested in learning more about the National Psoriasis Foundation and the goals they aspire to, their website (Psoriasis.org) is a good place to start. There is a host of helpful data both about the disease itself as well as where to go for additional information, including potential treatment options. There are also message boards on the site, which are a good resource for those with psoriasis or for those with loved ones who are afflicted.  This is an ideal place to learn more about others’ experiences and have valuable discussions about coping mechanisms and different treatments that have been helpful according to different people’s real world experience.

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Humira – A Prescription for Relief from Severe Cases of Psoriasis

Written by Psoriasis Guru on December 11th, 2009

There is no need to suffer from the red, flaking, burning skin that is associated with plaque psoriasis, or at least so claim the makers of a new medication known as Humira. This product has been placed on the market to help the millions who suffer from this condition find relief in a quick and efficient manner. This medication is designed more for individuals with moderate to severe psoriasis, rather than mild cases that are better treated with moisturizers or other topical cream options. Clinical trials thus far have been promising, with 7 out of 10 in one trial experiencing a significant reduction in affected parts of the body.

Humira works within the body by blocking a certain protein known as tumor necrosis factor (TNF), the proliferation of which can lead to the excess cells being created in the skin and the corresponding symptoms that we classify as psoriasis. By blocking this process, it promises to stop the excess production of flaky skin scales. Carefully formulated by scientists, Humira has long since been causing a “buzz” in the psoriasis world, especially as it gains endorsements from respected medical professionals and other researchers.

One deterrent for some patients is the fact that Humira psoriasis medication needs to be injected under the skin. This can be done in the comfort of one’s home, but still the thought of using needles and administering injections to oneself can seem like an extremely daunting task to some, and may prevent those who would prefer oral or topical medication options instead.

Another factor is the risk of side effects, some of which can be very severe. The use of Humira has been linked to tuberculosis, a potentially fatal disease in some people. While this is far from common, it is worth taking into consideration.

As with all prescription medications or other injected materials, it is best to follow all guidance given by your doctor (Humira is available by prescription only in any case).  A dermatologist will be able to tell you whether Humira would be a good option for your particular case of psoriasis.

Again, for more mild cases, it may be better to avoid the risk of the sometimes serious side effects and use a simple steroid cream instead, or soothing botanicals such as aloe vera. Many times, the combination of all of these possibilities, in conjunction with an improved diet and moisturizing regimen, can work wonders.

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Eczema vs. Psoriasis – How to Tell the Difference

Written by Psoriasis Guru on December 11th, 2009

For the casual observer, the difference between eczema and psoriasis can be something that’s difficult or impossible to determine. Both are skin disorders that lead to a red, scaly rash, oftentimes on the body’s extremities. The best way to determine eczema vs. psoriasis is to visit a qualified health care professional, but there are a few pointers to keep in mind that can help a person make some sort of educated guess as to which disease is afflicting him or her. Both psoriasis and eczema tend to affect the neck, hands, or feet. They create red lesions but psoriasis tends to be larger and drier.

Eczema, on the other hand, can create a moister, oozing environment as part of the rash. This is one way to tell eczema vs. psoriasis in most cases. If there is any sort of pus or oozing occurring, chances are it’s eczema. Another thing to look for is the placement of the sores. While this won’t always be the case, in general psoriasis has a tendency to afflict more external parts of the body, such as the outside of the elbows and front of the knees. Eczema, by contrast, likes the warmer inner areas, including the inside of the elbows and back of the legs.

Unfortunately for those trying to determine whether their break-out is eczema vs. psoriasis, if the rash is on the hands and feet, it can be almost impossible to tell them apart. Many times there is a fungal infection that accompanies with these two diseases, and in fact, a person could be experiencing all three of them at the same time, making diagnosis extremely difficult. Even qualified doctors can sometimes have a difficult time at first glance, which is why a biopsy is usually needed to make any sort of definitive diagnosis.

Why care about the differences between Psoriasis and Eczema?

It’s important to make this distinction between eczema vs. psoriasis for treatment purposes. It’s best to find out what is causing the rash, in order to treat it and give some sort of relief to the itching or burning that occurs as a result of either one of these afflictions. However, in a pinch, there are some treatments that do work for both, including topical steroid creams. If you really cannot tell the difference and need relief as quickly as possible, this is a safe bet that will reduce the symptoms of both psoriasis and eczema.

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Vitamin Supplements – Natural Psoriasis Alternatives

Written by Psoriasis Guru on December 8th, 2009

Positive lifestyle changes have been proven to reduce the severity of psoriasis flare-ups and prevent the condition from worsening over the long haul.  Using vitamins and minerals as supplements as well as ingredients in creams and ointments is part of this change. Instead of a petroleum based cream or ointment, for example, you might try using zinc oxide.

Making sure your body maintains a healthy balance of vitamins and minerals is an inexpensive alternative to prescription drugs and often works as well as if not better.  Zinc, for example, is also available in supplement form (a long-term deficiency of this mineral may trigger psoriasis). Vitamin supplements such as Vitamin D are recommended by physicians to keep skin healthy (though only in specific, prescribed amounts).

The skin derives vitamin D naturally from exposure to sunlight.  Thus, depending on the treatment regimen for psoriasis, exposing inflamed skin to the sun is prescribed by doctors in small doses. Vitamin B folate, also known as folic acid and Omega-3 fatty acids are also recommended. A variety of vitamin supplements could be added to enhance any average person’s diet.

Vitamin B is found in asparagus, leafy green vegetables, fruits, orange juice and yeast.  Most people do not consume as much of these foods as they should thus, taking supplements helps reduce any nutritional deficit.

Omega-3 fatty acids that are found in some fish oils have anti-inflammatory properties. If fish is not a common part of your diet, fish oil can be added as a supplement (be careful to choose brands that specifically avoid excessive mercury content).

Vitamin A is essential for healthy eyes and vision, a strong immune system and growth for bones and cells. Liver, butter, whole milk, egg yolks, and dark green fruits and vegetables are high in Vitamin A.

In addition to protecting the immune system, vitamin supplements help improve the texture and color of the skin. This is particularly essential for people with psoriasis. Selenium and vitamin E can be used to boost the immune system. Studies have shown visible improvement of psoriasis lesions after six to eight weeks of use.

One thing that is common to many if not all psoriasis sufferers is the deficiency of certain vitamins and minerals. Ongoing deficiencies in combination with stress and severe weather can increase the frequency and severity of flare-ups.  But a healthy, well-balanced diet will help reduce the impact psoriasis might have on a person’s quality of life.

Psoriasis is considered an incurable, non-infectious disease but there are different methods available for treating associated symptoms. Ointments and creams that contain coal tar, vitamin supplements and retinoids are routinely used. Pills and injections are also commonly prescribed to alleviate the symptoms associated with moderate to severe psoriasis.  Using natural supplements, however, tends to be the least invasive and most sustainable option for curing psoriasis long-term.

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