Plaque 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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Different Types of Psoriasis

Friday, December 4th, 2009

Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune disease that manifests in several forms, primary affecting the skin. In many cases only one type of psoriasis will appear at a time. In other cases several types may occur at the same time or after another form clears.

The most common form is plaque psoriasis. Symptoms begin as small dry patches of skin, usually appearing on opposite sides of the body. These patches may or may not be noticeably inflamed. As the affect areas grow, the skin appears to grow in thicker, flaky layers. Some patches may be ring shaped. The edges are raised and the texture resembles snake scales. As more patches appear they often link together, forming larger areas.

While the symptoms caused by plaque psoriasis can be controlled, they may persist for long periods of time. They often become worse when the weather gets cold, or during times of stress. It most often occurs on the elbows, knees and lower back. Treatments include coal tar or steroid based ointments and light therapy.

Guttate psoriasis often starts in children and young adults. It appears as red spots on the torso, arms and legs. It usually begins suddenly and can incite a variety of symptoms that cause stress to the body and threaten overall health. It can be brought on by upper respiratory infections, strep throat and skin trauma. Certain types of beta-blocking medications can worsen this condition.

Inverse psoriasis is characterized by smooth, shiny patches of inflamed skin. It usually occurs in body folds, such as under the arms, behind the knees, around the groin or under the breasts. Because of its location, flare-ups occur frequently due to the irritation of rubbing and sweating. Steroid creams are most commonly used, but can cause other skin issues if overused.

Other types of psoriasis spread indiscriminately across the entire body. An example of this is erythrodermic psoriasis. It may occur alongside pustular psoriasis.

Erythrodermic psoriasis is one of the more uncommon types of psoriasis. It occurs in only one to two percent of the psoriatic population. Symptoms include severe itching, pain an a general imbalance of body chemistry. Skin affected by erythrodermic psoriasis consistently looks as if it has been burned and body temperature fluctuates significantly with extreme weather conditions. While plaque psoriasis flakes off in small, scale-like patches, erythrodermic psoriasis causes larger sheets of skin to fall off all at once. Those who suffer from this type of psoriasis are prone to different infections as well as pneumonia and congestive heart-failure, thus it is imperative to keep the condition under control.

Guttate Psoriasis:
guttate psoriasis picture
Plaque Psoriasis:

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What Is Salicylic Acid?

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009

Salicylic acid, which comes from the willow tree, is a beta hydroxy acid. It can be used in topical treatments to soothe joint and muscle pain. It is also used in ointments, creams and gels to improve a variety of skin conditions that include acne, psoriasis, calluses and warts.

Salicylic acid helps open pores, shed dead skin cells and neutralizes bacteria. As a result of this exfoliating effect, new skin cells are allowed to grow back unhindered.

Salicylic acid or coal tar are the main active ingredients of many over the counter topical psoriasis medications. Both ingredients are common in several shampoos developed to treat dandruff as well as scalp psoriasis.

Salicylic acid by itself is not a direct treatment for psoriasis, but it is used to help other medications reach the live, younger skin that is inflamed, below the surface by dissolving the dead skin or psoriasis plaque build up on the surface. Thus, salicylic acid can be used to complement other topical treatments designed to treat mild to moderate psoriasis symptoms.

Salicylic acid can also be applied as a preparation for UV light therapy for moderate to severe cases. If lesions associated with psoriasis become infected by various types of growths this ingredient is also used as an antiseptic and disinfectant. Concentration levels vary by use.

The percentage of concentration in over the counter products for psoriasis is usually about three percent. In excessive concentrations it can irritate the skin. The fact that wart removers may contain up to 17% salicylic acid gives you an idea of how potent salicylic acid can be.

In some cases salicylic acid can actually increase, rather than decreases skin inflammation (though nothing like this has ever happened to me).

Products that combine this ingredient with sulphur are not approved for the treatment of psoriasis. The FDA considers this an effective treatment for dandruff only. Moisturizers containing this ingredient should be applied immediately after bathing for best results.

Note: Using moisturizers throughout the day can control psoriasis symptoms between treatments. Though the FDA has deemed salicylic acid safe, there are some safety considerations to keep in mind. Use sparingly, for brief periods on young children as they are more likely to develop skin irritations. Read the instructions for use carefully. Do not exceed the recommended dosages when referring to concentration and length of treatment. This could result in adverse side effects that include severe skin irritation and poisoning. The treatments containing this ingredient are meant for topical use only. Using in or near the mouth, nose or eyes could result in over absorption by the skin.

Neutrogena’s T/Sal is a common over-the counter salicylic acid shampoo, which I use on a regular basis with very good results.

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Plaque Psoriasis

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