Psoriasis Guru

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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.

How is Psoriasis Diagnosed?

Tuesday, October 6th, 2009

Most of the time a dermatologist can determine whether a person has psoriasis by asking questions and making basic observations.  A skin biopsy can be requested if there is any doubt.

Psoriasis might be confused with seborrheic dermatitis and other forms of dermatitis or eczema (general name for skin irritations), which are similar both in appearance and cause.

Psoriasis indicators:

  • Well defined skin lesions.
  • Affected areas showing primarily on the elbows, scalp, knees and torso.
  • A family history of psoriasis.
  • Pitted finger and toenails.
  • Swelled, arthritic joints (this would be psoriatic arthritis).
  • Silver colored, small scales.
  • Dryness.
  • Itchiness.
  • Swollen, irritated skin.

What is Plaque Psoriasis?

Friday, September 25th, 2009

Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis.  It can also be called psoriasis vulgaris (the regular English word “vulgar” means “common”).

The symptoms of plaque psoriasis are what make psoriasis notorious in the world of skin disorders:  Flaky, scaly, itchy skin that appears on the scalp, elbow, knees and torso.   Affected areas of the body also tend to become swollen, irritable and sore.

How Plaque Psoriasis Works:

An overabundance of dead skin causes an uncomfortable build up of scaliness and lesions (plaques).  The dead skin starts from the layer of skin lying underneath the surface (the dermis), eventually making it’s way out into the open to the outer layer of skin (the epidermis).  I’m betting “dermis” is where we get the word “Dermatology.”

Scraping or scratching off these plaques will most likely worsen one’s skin condition, as the plaques will grow back quickly only in a potentially more infected environment.

Be Prepared for Your Dermatologist Visit

Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009

If you suspect that you might have Psoriasis then you should visit a dermatologist to find out for sure.  One you make your dermatologist appointment, I would recommend making preparations, especially by writing everything you need to remember on a piece of paper.  Your goal should be to get all your concerns and questions addressed.  If you don’t come with specific questions and concerns in hand, then there is a fair chance that the doctor will rush you out of the room in an attempt to get to his next appointment.

The last time I visited a dermatologist, I got about 3 minutes of face time, which ended up being completely useless to me.  This was partially my fault because I expected him to ask probing questions or do something proactive to see if my concerns were valid (this was expecting too much I guess).  The appointment ended as abruptly as it started, with him looking at me crossly the whole time as if I was interrupting him while he was doing something else that was much more important.  He listened for a minute, took a glance at my scalp, said it didn’t look too bad, then gave me a prescription for the equivalent of T-Sal, which, ironically, did not work as well as over-the-counter T-Sal (plus the copay was more than T-Sal would have cost by itself).

All this to say, be prepared for your visit.  Don’t be defensive, mind you, but if you are prepared you won’t have to be defensive.  Know what your concerns are, have a list of specific symptoms and don’t let yourself be rushed.  Keep in mind that there are bound to be at least a handful of dermatologists within a 10-15 minute drive of your house (if you live in a city), so if one is unhelpful, you can always make an appointment elsewhere.