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Psoriatic Pruritus – Finding Relief

Thursday, December 24th, 2009

The technical name for itchiness, which is a common symptom of psoriasis, is pruritus. If you have pruritus, you don’t need a formal diagnosis to give it a label. You’ll be well aware of this fact, and find that scratching the itch at times only makes it worse. There are a number of sources for pruritus, a couple being the dry skin and the scaly rash that’s developed by people with psoriasis. It any case, it tends to be maddening… leading to a loss of sleep or ability to concentrate during the day.

How can you find relief from this troublesome symptom?

One of the most effect ways to beat the pruritus that results from psoriasis is to moisturize. Specialists recommend using a non-petroleum based moisturizer at least twice per day. Before bed, you can use a heavier moisturizer such as shea butter or natural oils, which will have a chance to seep into the skin overnight, repairing any damage done by dehydration. In the morning, a lighter lotion or moisturizer is recommended so as not to leave a greasy film on the skin.

Using cortisone creams or botanicals such as aloe vera can help have a soothing effect on the ravaging itch of psoriasis-inspired pruritus. These can be applied along with a  moisturizer, or many topical creams will include all of the above ingredients for maximum relief. These are best applied after a shower or bath.

Bathing in warm water rather than hot is also a good way to help lock in moisture, as hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils and leave you feeling dry and itchy afterward. If you bath once a day or more, it’s particularly important to retain as much of this moisture as possible, especially in colder months.

Drinking an adequate amount of water and avoiding alcohol and cigarettes can also help in the battle against psoriatic pruritus – these help you fight the problem from the inside out. For anyone who habitually does not drink enough water, the difference in skin tone and overall health will be noticeable right away.  Many times skin problems, including infections or pruritus of all types, can be traced to dehydration. Consuming fresh fruits and vegetables will also help with this problem.

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Psoriasis Home Treatments – Steroids, Moisturizers and Botanicals

Saturday, December 19th, 2009

Psoriasis is a life-consuming concern for a significant percentage of the population.  Fortunately, there are a number of home-based treatments available for those who are willing to change their daily routine to find a cure.

Home-based psoriasis treatment options seem to be expanding rapidly, on a daily basis, with new tips and tricks being exchanged on the internet and in a variety of publications. While there is no official cure for psoriasis at the moment, there are any number of treatments that can eventually put an end to the disease and its bothersome symptoms. Some of the most common treatments are available over the counter, including creams or lotions that contain either steroids or other more natural remedies.

Steroid creams are one of the most frequently recommended psoriasis home treatment options by doctors. These are extremely effective in stopping the itching that is associated with this condition, as well as helping to slow down the growth of psoriatic skin cells, allowing healthy skin to develop unhindered. There are a number of side effects that can be associated with these steroid treatments, however, which means they should be used under controlled circumstances – limited concentrations over limited periods of time.

More natural creams are also a viable alternative when it comes to psoriasis home treatments. Remedies containing aloe vera extracts, for example, have been effective for many.  Aloe contains naturally soothing properties and keeps the skin feeling refreshed and smooth, with a cooling sensation. Green tea extract, vitamin C, and grape seed oil are all also common herbal ingredients that can be used alone as a topical treatment, added to the diet, or combined in a number of skin care formulas.

A simple, non-petroleum-based moisturizer goes a long way as a good option for psoriasis home treatment. It’s essential to keep the skin well-moisturized, so that it retains its elasticity and strength. One of the side effects associated with psoriasis is weakened skin, or skin that is easily damaged and thus prone to further break-outs. Many experts recommend moisturizing at least twice per day, once in the evening and once in the morning. Heavier lotions and creams, even oils, are better at night before bed to lock in moisture and repair damaged skin while you sleep. In the daytime, a lighter, less greasy lotion can keep the skin feeling itch-free and refreshed.

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Treating Psoriasis with Aloe Vera – Soothing Relief

Tuesday, December 15th, 2009

Psoriasis affects a significant percentage of the population, so it’s not surprising that so much time and effort is being poured into finding effective treatments. There are a number of soothing, botanical treatments, for example, which medical professionals recommend. Aloe vera, which is already familiar to many can be particularly effective for soothing irritated skin.  Aloe is natural, thus posing minimal side effects, all the while offering effective relief for irritated, psoriatic skin.

Aloe vera is commonly used to soothe different kinds of skin irritations including sunburns or poison ivy. It  has also been shown to reduce the effects of insect bites or stings, making it an essential product to have at home or when going out into the woods.

At present Aloe is being used as a main ingredient for ointments and creams designed specifically to treat psoriasis. Aloe vera can be used to make therapeutic gels, for example, which can be applied directly to psoriatic outbreaks.

While the exact mechanism by which psoriasis and aloe vera interact is not entirely understood, both anecdotal and experimental evidence supports the claim that aloe is an effective treatment. A 1995 study undertaken in Belgium showed that approximately 88% of those patients who used a topical aloe vera cream on portions of their skin affected by psoriasis found relief, compared to only 6% of those who took the placebo. A variety of different studies have supported the conclusion that aloe vera is an effective balm for irritated skin – now psoriasis can be added to the list of conditions it combats.

It’s recommended that any patients using this treatment apply psoriasis aloe vera gel or moisturizer to the affected area about three times per day for a minimum of four weeks. While results can take some time, most users report a reduction in itching and burning, and improved cosmetic appearance of the skin. There are also no known side effects to this plant; medical specialists agree that Aloe is generally safe for children as well, who can be some of the most negatively impacted by psoriasis. The most effective way to apply aloe can be via the leaves directly, which can also be cost effective and refreshing. There is no need to go out shopping for special ointments if you already have aloe vera growing at your house (here in Arizona that might be more common than elsewhere).

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Humira – A Prescription for Relief from Severe Cases of Psoriasis

Friday, 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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