Psoriasis Guru

...Itching for a Cure

Alcohol

...now browsing by tag

 
Alcohol Aloe Vera Biologics Carcinogens Coal Tar Dead Sea Dermatology Diet Eczema Enbrel Health Humira Immunosuppressants Itchiness Menthol Methotrexate Moisturizers Natural Remedies Neutrogena Observations Plaque Psoriasis Product Reviews Psoriasis News Psoriatic Arthritis Psychology PUVA Salicylic Acid Seborrheic Dermatitis Selenium Selsun Blue Shampoo Steroids Stress Sunlight Symptoms T-Gel T-Sal Tips n' Tricks Treatments Types of Psoriasis UV Light Videos Vitamin A Vitamin D Zinc
 

Psoriasis – A Major Issue within the World of Dermatology

Thursday, December 17th, 2009

Many turn to dermatologists to help get them through particularly troublesome psoriasis outbreaks, which can include any combination of itching and burning skin. Psoriasis treatments can include a heavy emphasis on moisturizers, which help replenish lost fluids and elasticity within the skin, leaving a person feeling refreshed and with a sense of relief.  Following up on home treatments with a proper dermatologist is extremely important for those who have chronic psoriasis in particular, to make sure that the outbreak is really taken care of and that life can go on as normal.

There are over the counter psoriasis treatments, including topical steroid creams and other more natural alternatives, that can be very beneficial and are often recommended by dermatologists to treat psoriasis. These offer wide range of potency, which in turn have varying results for the purposes of treating psoriasis. For steroid based medication, a patient just beginning treatment should most likely start off on the lighter side, though a dermatologist can certainly prescribe something stronger for more severe cases.  On the other hand, soothing botanicals and other natural remedies will oftentimes improve patients’ psoriasis symptoms as much if not more than steroid based medications. Some examples of natural supplements include vitamin C, grape seed oil and any other emollients that can rejuvenate tired and irritated skin.

If topical treatments fail to ameliorate a severe case of psoriasis, there are stronger options that are available at a prescription level. These that can be obtained as per your dermatologist’s guidance and can include oral medications as well as injections that go directly to the source underneath the skin. Because this is a genetic, immune system related disease, the most direct route seems to address the immune problem. Some of these newer, more experimental medications do just that, helping put a stop to the constant regeneration of skin cells that lead to the scaling effect we associate with this disease.

Anyone interested in curing their psoriasis would do well to avoid common outbreak triggers, which tend to include smoking to alcohol consumption. Certain foods or allergies can also lead to outbreaks, and stress is usually a big factor as well. Ultimately, all of these factors will depend on each individual. When experiencing a particularly nasty outbreak, it’s helpful to make a note of what transpired right before it. Was there a stressful incident? Or was it something unusual that you ate? Keeping a diary of sorts will go a long way in helping pinpoint these triggers, in order to avoid them in the future.

Posted in Psoriasis | No Responses »

Psoriasis and Social Pressures

Wednesday, December 16th, 2009

As anyone who has psoriasis knows, unsightly flare-ups tend to appear at the worst times. On a first date, for example, it can be awkward to explain away a patch of scaly skin that developed recently.  Psoriasis and social pressures are issues that come up for a lot of people, and the social stigma of having a skin disorder can at times be even worse to contend with than the actual physical symptoms themselves (though they are certainly no picnic). This can lead to a loss of confidence and feelings of inadequacy, as rash-looking skin can be difficult to cover up with makeup alone.

For those who are dealing with psoriasis and social pressures that stem from trying to hide outbreaks of this disease (which can, incidentally, mimic other skin disorders or severe acne when it’s on the face), there are fortunately some ways to avoid triggers. If you have noticed that psoriasis flares up after eating certain foods, for example, then avoid them. Alcohol and cigarettes can be two big triggers for many people, as is overexposure to the sun. Wearing sun screen and following a healthy lifestyle is a good way to look your best anyhow, beyond simply combating psoriasis.

While most people won’t develop psoriasis until they are in their late teens or early 20’s, psoriasis and social pressures can be a very real problem for some schoolchildren who may be subject to teasing or bullying by their peers during those awkward adolescent years. If your children are suffering from outbreaks be sure to pay close attention to what they are eating as well as applying topical creams to minimize discomfort. This is not a fun disease for anyone to have, but for children or adolescents the social stigma can be worse than the symptoms themselves.

It’s important for people of any age who are going through this to realize that they are not alone. This is a very common autoimmune illness. Most people at least have a friend or relative who suffers from psoriasis. This means that psoriasis and social pressures are all relative. Even if you feel like your disorder is obvious to everyone, chances are it’s not as bad as you think. For serious cases of isolation or anxiety related to this issue, it can be helpful to join a support group or seek out the company of others who are going through the same problems to see how they have coped.

Posted in Psoriasis | No Responses »

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.

Posted in Psoriasis | No Responses »

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.

Posted in Psoriasis | No Responses »

« Older Entries