What's Psoriasis, and How Do I Treat It?

Here's how to cope if you're one of the 7.5 million Americans with this skin disease.

More than a cosmetic issue, psoriasis can have significant physical and emotional effects.

By Guido R. ZanniMay 29, 2014Leave a Comment SHARE

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes scaling and inflammation (pain, swelling, heat and redness). Skin cells grow deep in the skin and slowly rise to the surface. This process normally takes 23 to 30 days. For individuals with psoriasis, the process happens in just a few days. Fast-rising cells then pile up on the skin’s surface. This causes patches of thick red skin with silvery scales to form. Patches may be itchy or painful. They generally occur around the elbows, knees, legs, scalp, lower back, face, palms and the soles of the feet.

Psoriasis was originally viewed as strictly a skin condition, but we now know that it is an immune system disorder. Our immune system contains white blood cells called T cells. T cells help protect against infection and disease. With psoriasis, T cells are activated by accident. This results in rapid skin cell growth.

Several types of psoriasis exist, but 80 percent of cases are plaque psoriasis. The symptoms include raised and thickened patches of red skin covered by silvery white scales. Another form of psoriasis is guttate psoriasis, which accounts for 10 percent of cases. Symptoms include small red dots, generally on the torso, arms and legs. These dots do not become scaly.

The National Psoriasis Foundation defines psoriasis severity by the percentage of skin affected. Mild psoriasis affects less than 3 percent of the skin. Moderate psoriasis affects 3 percent to 10 percent of the skin. Severe psoriasis involves more than 10 percent of the skin. For easy reference, a person’s hand represents approximately 1 percent of the skin surface. Up to 90 percent of all psoriasis cases are considered mild. The physical and emotional effects of psoriasis are significant – similar to the effects of cancer, heart disease, diabetes or depression. Psoriasis can have a negative psychological impact, especially if it involves the hands, feet, genitals or face. While psoriasis affects men and women equally, women experience a greater negative impact on quality of life.

[Read: Living With Rosacea: Signs and Symptoms.]

More facts about psoriasis:

• Approximately 7.5 million Americans have psoriasis.
• Psoriasis often appears in individuals between 15 and 25 years of age.
• Psoriasis can lead to a painful arthritic condition called psoriatic arthritis. Up to 30 percent of patients with psoriasis develop this form of arthritis. It generally appears approximately 12 years after diagnosis.
• Symptoms may improve in the summer and worsen in the winter.
• Psoriasis affects racial groups differently: 1.3 percent of African-Americans are affected compared with 2.5 percent of Caucasians.
• If one parent has psoriasis, there is a 10 percent chance that his or her child will have psoriasis. If both parents have psoriasis, there is a 50 percent chance that their child will have psoriasis.
• Men with severe psoriasis have a life span that is 3.5 years shorter than the average. Women with severe psoriasis have a life span that is 4.4 years shorter than average.

How do I know if I have psoriasis?

The symptoms of psoriasis are similar to those of other skin conditions. Symptoms of an allergy, for example, may include small red dots and itching. A dermatologist is the best doctor to diagnose and treat psoriasis.

[See: U.S. News' Top Dermatologists.]

Treatment

There is no cure for psoriasis. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms, and the goal of treatment is to minimize or eliminate symptoms. While symptoms may go away, they often reappear at a later time. The type of treatment depends on the severity of psoriasis, the type of psoriasis, other medical conditions that the patient has and how the patient reacted to previous psoriasis medications. For mild cases, one medication is often sufficient for treatment. A combination of medications is frequently needed for patients with moderate to severe psoriasis. Common psoriasis treatments are listed below:

• Topical agents are applied directly to the skin in the form of creams or ointments. These agents reduce inflammation, slow down the immune system, help skin peel and unclog pores.
• Systemic treatments suppress the immune system and are used for moderate to severe psoriasis.
• Biologics are used for moderate to severe psoriasis. Biologics target specific parts of the immune system instead of affecting the entire immune system as systemic treatments do.
• Natural or artificial ultraviolet light can be used to slow the growth of skin cells. Light therapy is often combined with medication.
• Combination therapy means more than one agent is prescribed, which leads to better results.
• Psychological support can help patients cope, given that people with psoriasis often become depressed, self-conscious and fearful of social rejection.

Living with Psoriasis
Approximately 60 percent of people report psoriasis as a problem in everyday life. Many worry about symptoms getting worse or reappearing. Recommendations for living with psoriasis are listed below:

• Do not delay treatment because your symptoms are mild. Current symptoms do not predict future symptoms.
• Learn as much as possible about psoriasis. This improves your understanding of the disease, triggers and treatment options. The National Psoriasis Foundation website (www.psoriasis.org) has easy-to-understand information. It also offers online support groups, which can help you learn how others cope with psoriasis.
• Psoriasis outbreaks are often triggered by external factors. Keeping a diary can help identify triggers.
• Make an appointment with your dermatologist if you develop stiff or sore joints.
• Inform your physician if you are pregnant or intend to get pregnant. Up to 25 percent of pregnant women experience worsening of symptoms. Your doctor may discontinue your medication during your pregnancy.
• Take medication as directed to ensure maximum benefit. Never stop taking your medication without your dermatologist’s approval.
• If you receive light therapy, your symptoms may worsen before improving. Do not experiment with light therapy (for example, do not go to tanning salons for self-treatment).
• As psoriasis begins to heal, skin tends to flake and peel and may feel itchy. When itching is a problem,skin moisturizers may help.
• Losing excess body weight may help. Being overweight increases the severity of psoriasis and reduces the effectiveness of treatment.
• Avoid tobacco products. Smoking plays a role in the onset of psoriasis and future flare-ups. Approximately 77 percent of nonsmokers experience one or more periods without symptoms compared with only 8.7 percent of smokers.
• Limit alcohol. It increases flare-ups and may decrease the effectiveness of treatment.
• Follow a healthy lifestyle. Hypertension, a high cholesterol level and a lack of exercise increase the risk for psoriasis

[See: U.S. News Best Diets.]

Final Thought

Psoriasis is more than a cosmetic issue. Left untreated, it can lead to serious medical complications.

http://health.usnews.com/health-news/patient-advice/articles/2014/05/29/psoriasis-treatment-symptoms-and-facts?int=a57b09

Asthma - What You Need To Know

Even today, asthma remains an issue that is poorly understood Often thought to be a childhood problem, the truth is that it can be triggered at any age. Statistically, the majority of people who suffer from asthma are adults. 

Some think it's no worse than a cold or the flu. For those who have experienced asthma, though, it can be a frightening and very uncomfortable occurrence. 

Simply put, asthma is a condition that affects the airways and breathing of the person who has it. It is triggered when the airway comes into contact with something that irritates the lining, causing it to become inflamed and begin to swell. The airways narrow even more due to the eventual build up of mucus. 

This narrowing has a constrictive effect on the airways causing the difficulty in breathing that we know as asthma. The wheezing, shortness of breath and feelings of tightness in the chest so common in asthma can easily fill the person with a sense of real fear, making them feel as if they are being asphyxiated. 

The triggers for asthma vary from person to person, depending on individual sensitivity. What might irritate one asthmatic sufferer may be completely harmless to another. An important element in asthma control is learning about your individual triggers and then avoiding them as much as possible.

Sometimes the asthma trigger may be obvious - pet dander, cat or dog hair, for example - After exposure to such things, the asthma symptoms will soon follow. But often the trigger may not be at all obvious, only producing symptoms much later, in what is know as a delayed reaction. 

The very first thing to do when experiencing any kind of difficulty with breathing is to consult a medical doctor. Nowadays, advanced treatments can offer the asthmatic person the opportunity to live a normal and full life. Following a diagnosis of asthma, an inhaler or nebulizer is often prescribed which can be used in order to calm inflammation and lessen the severity of the reaction to the trigger. Sometimes preventer medication and or steroids are advised in order to deal with acute symptoms.

Studies have shown that physical activity plays and important part in asthma prevention, but it is believed that fully 80% of asthma sufferers do not get sufficient exercise. Maintaining a healthy weight, combined with physical exercise helps to improve lung function, easing breathing. 

Eating a well-balanced, healthy diet, including a variety of different fresh fruit and vegetables can help enormously in controlling asthma. In addition, specific foods have been proven to protect against asthma and to help with lung function. 

Research has shown that eating foods rich in vitamin C such as strawberries, kiwis and citrus fruit may have a significant, protective effect on asthma's respiratory symptoms. 

An Italian study that followed 18,000 children discovered that those consuming the greatest amount of vitamin C-containing fruit had an enormous 44% fewer experiences of respiratory difficulty than children eating less of this kind of fruit. Further, breath shortness was lessened by 32%, and chronic cough by 25%. 

The study found that children who had already been diagnosed with asthma when the study began benefitted the most. Even amongst those children who ate fruit only once or twice a week fruit's protective effects were evident. 

Dutch research has confirmed these findings, demonstrating that people who ate the most fruit and vegetables had the healthiest lung function. 

Foods rich in vitamin E and C are believed to help reduce the inflammatory response in the lungs of those who suffer from asthma. 

Stress management can also be vital in asthma attacks prevention. Learning relaxation techniques and knowing how to de-stress can be of enormous help. A really effective way of letting go of stress is by listening to therapeutic self-hypnosis recordings specifically designed for the purpose. 

If you have been diagnosed with asthma, then follow your doctor's instructions, learn your particular triggers, combine this understanding with exercise, healthy eating and stress management and you can lead a fully active, normal and healthy life. 

DISCLAIMER: This article is provided for general information purposes only and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Asthma---What-You-Need-To-Know&id=7536550

Gut Flora and How It Contributes to Allergies

The sources of your allergies can be hard to identify, and what is hard to identify can be impossible to treat. Allergies normally come from abnormalities in your immune system, and beneficial bacteria in the intestines play a major role in keeping your immune system working up to par. About 85% of your immune system is located in the intestinal area, so keeping a digestive tract that is healthy is vital. A healthy diet will help to heal the intestines from any leakage that may come from toxins and nutritional problems through poor diet. 

Gut flora is a term we use for the complex of microorganisms that live in our intestinal tract, or gut. Many health experts think that gut flora is an overlooked component of health, as these tiny organisms play a significant role in if we stay healthy. But when we use the term we have to understand that there is both good and bad gut flora. Having a greater understanding of how to produce more good bacteria to defend our system against the bad is what we will talk about on our site. 

The bacteria in our intestines will protect the lining in our intestines from breaking down, as gut flora plays a major role in protecting it. Without that protection the gut lining can deteriorate, causing small lesions that allow undigested food to leak through the gaps in the intestinal walls. This undigested or partially digested food is unrecognized by the immune system and attacks them. This results in all sorts of immune responses in the form of allergic reactions. 

The objective with our diet is to make sure the intestinal walls are healthy and sealed tight, not allowing the allergy-causing triggers to escape until they are absorbed at the right time into the bloodstream. Let us suggest four categories of foods. 

1. The Mediterranean diet. Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fat that is believed to reduce belly fat in many people. Olive oil is a staple in the Mediterranean diet. Too much extra weight in the stomach area puts additional pressure on the entire stomach area, causing stress that can result in damage to the walls of the intestines. Other foods that help in this area, if taken in moderation, include avocados, nuts and seeds (particularly flaxseeds, walnuts and sunflower seeds), dark chocolate and olives. 

2. Foods that soothe the stomach. Oatmeal perhaps tops the list, as it is known as a demulcent because it becomes slippery when wet and soothes and coats the stomach. Other foods that relax and soothe the digestive track are cinnamon, cumin, ginger, mint, caraway and fennel. 

3. Feed your gut good bacteria. The key word here is probiotics, which are different types of healthy bacteria. Fermented foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut and miso do the trick, as well as fermented vegetables, which are increasingly becoming a large part of a healthy diet for many people. Also, look for foods that are natural probiotics and also contain soluble fiber like garlic, honey, onions and bananas. 

4. Fiber rich foods. Fiber is important for overall digestive health, and eating a variety of fiber is vital for optimum digestion. All types of vegetables, many fruits but particularly citrus, whole grains and wheat bran are especially good sources. Just be sure to drink plenty of water for the fiber can work its magic the best.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Gut-Flora-and-How-It-Contributes-to-Allergies&id=7923007

Toxic chemicals in personal care products causing 'epidemic' of skin allergies

(NaturalNews) Be careful which facial creams, shampoos, moisturizing soaps and other personal care products you buy and use, as many of them apparently contain a chemical linked to causing what some experts have now dubbed an "epidemic" of skin allergies and other dermal issues. A new report compiled by dermatologists reveals how the preservative chemical methylisothiazolinone, or MI for short, has led to a massive increase in eczema and other skin allergies in recent years, and calls on regulators to ban the chemical.

Long used in many conventional care products as a deterrent for bacteria and other harmful pathogens, and as an alternative to toxic parabens, MI is generally recognized by regulatory authorities in both the U.S. and Europe as safe and non-toxic. But its practical use in the real world tells a much different story, with many people reporting severe allergic and other negative reactions when exposed to it. The situation has gotten so out of control, according to reports, that some dermatologists are now calling for an immediate moratorium.

"We are in the midst of an outbreak of allergy to a preservative which we have not seen before in terms of scale in our lifetime," says Dr. John McFadden, a consultant dermatologist at St. John's Institute of Dermatology in London, as quoted by the Telegraph. "Many of our patients have suffered acute dermatitis with redness and swelling of the face. I would ask the cosmetics industry not to wait for legislation but to get on and address the problem before the situation gets worse."

Levels of MI in personal care products have increased over the years

In years past, MI was mixed with other preservatives, so its concentration was relatively low. But as these other chemicals were phased out due to their own tendencies to cause skin allergies, MI stuck around as an isolated chemical. According to the Telegraph, concentrations of MI in personal care products today are as high as 100 parts per million (ppm), up 2,500 percent from around 4 ppm in previous formulations.

"This new epidemic of allergic contact dermatitis from isothiazolinones is causing harm to European citizens," wrote Margarida Goncalo, President of the European Society of Contact Dermatitis (ESCD), in a recent letter to the European Commission. "Urgent action is required."

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a consumer watchdog organization, MI is moderately hazardous, having been linked to various allergies and immune disorders. Studies identified by the group also link MI to brain cell damage, and the chemical has been implicated in causing nerve damage in humans.

Avoid products that contain MI by consulting the GoodGuide

Some companies have already begun to quietly and voluntarily phase out the use of MI in their products, but many other brands such as Nivea, Wet Ones, and Dove still use it, according to reports. Even some popular "natural" brands like Seventh Generation and Burt's Bees use MI in their product formulations.

You can view a complete list of known products that contain MI by visiting GoodGuide.com:
http://www.goodguide.com

"[A] brief exposure to methylisothiazolinone, a widely used industrial and household biocide, is highly toxic to cultured neurons," explains a 2002 study out of the University of Pittsburgh that was published in the Journal of Neuroscience. "Because of their widespread use, the neurotoxic consequences of both acute and chronic human exposure to these toxins need to be evaluated."

http://www.naturalnews.com/041203_skin_allergies_toxic_chemicals_personal_care_products.html#ixzz2Z9sxval5

Can Salt Be the Blame for Autoimmune Diseases Like Crohn's, Celiac, Arthritis or Allergies?

Many studies link high salt consumption with heart disease and high blood pressure. Results from studies done by teams of scientist from Yale University in the U.S. and the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany indicate that junk food diets, containing high amounts of refined or, processed salt may also be one of the major contributors to an increase in autoimmune diseases. The United States is mentioned to be particularly guilty of dumping this kind of bad salt on its citizens. U.S. fast foods are often more than twice as salt-laden as those served in other countries. The Canadian Medical Association Journal discovered from an international team of researchers sent out to compare the salt content in 2,124 food items sold by the America's leading fast food restaurants like Burger King, Domino's Pizza, Kentucky Fried Chicken, McDonalds, and Pizza Hut and even Subways, and discovered that U.S. fast foods in general contained more than twice the amount of salt than restaurants in other countries. The U.S. government has tended to ignore efforts to reduce refined salt levels, unlike other countries whose public health campaigns have been more active in this area. Consequently, big fast-food companies have been free to go salt crazy said one of the study authors and blood pressure specialist at the University of Calgary, Norm Campbell M.D. Many low-fat foods advertised for their healthy attributes and good taste actually rely on salt, and lots of it for flavor. One packet of KFC's Marzetti Light Dressing claims to have only 15 calories and 0.5 grams of fat. However, it also has 510 mg of sodium or 1.5 times as much as one Original Recipe Chicken drumstick. Bread ranks number 1 in the U.S. as a source of consumption for refined salt. According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, just one 6-inch Roasted Garlic loaf from Subway, without meat, cheese or anything else has 1,260 mg of sodium, equivalent to 14 strips of bacon. Enriched wheat bread also is linked to increased incidences of the autoimmune disorder Celiac disease. A research team from Yale University studied the role of T helper cells in the body. These T cells activate and help other cells to fight dangerous pathogens such as bacteria or viruses and battle infections. Prior research showed that the subset of these T helper cells, known as Th17 cells are responsible for the development of autoimmune diseases. In a recent study, scientists found that when these cells were exposed to a table salt solution they acted more aggressively. For example, when mice were fed a diet high in refined salts, there was a dramatic increase in the number of Th17 cells in their nervous system, those cells that promote inflammation. Inflammation of course is a bi-product of autoimmune disorders. One other doctor involved in the study, a Professor David Hafler of Yale University said that nature did not design the immune system to attack its host body, so he surmised that an external factor was playing a part. Hafler concluded that "western diets all have high salt content and that has led to increase in hypertension and perhaps autoimmune disease as well." All salts are not bad for us however. Actually salt is critical to our health and is the most readily available nonmetallic mineral in the world. When a salt is filled with dozens of minerals such as in rose-colored crystals of Himalayan rock salt or the grey texture of Celtic salt, our bodies actually benefit tremendously from this. "These mineral salts are identical to the elements of which our bodies have been built and were originally found in the primal ocean from where life originated" says Dr/ Barbara Hendel, researcher and co-author of Water & Salt, The Essence of Life. "We have salty tears and salty perspiration. The chemical and mineral composition of our blood and body fluids are similar to sea water. From the beginning of life, as unborn babies, we are encased in a sack of salty fluid." Only the refined, processed and bleached salts lacking in minerals, not salt content, may be the blame for health problems such as autoimmune disease. Mineral salts help us to be healthier because they give our bodies the variety of mineral ions needed to balance its functions, remain healthy and heal itself. Mineral salts with healing properties have been recognized in Central Europe, specifically in Poland. In a town called Wieliczka, where a hospital has actually been carved into a salt mountain. Autoimmune patients suffering from asthma, lung diseases and allergies have found relief in breathing the salt laden air in 90 per cent of all cases. David McCarron of Oregon Health Sciences University agrees with Dr. Hendel saying that salt has always been part of the human diet, but what has changed is the mineral content of our food. People are filling themselves up on processed food and fizzy drinks instead of eating food high in minerals like nuts, fruits and vegetables. Jim Gonsler is a health and wellness consultant whose mission is to help autoimmune disease sufferers (like himself), who experience digestive disorders like Crohn's disease, or Arthritis induced inflammation of the joints find relief and regain the high quality of life they once had.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Can-Salt-Be-the-Blame-for-Autoimmune-Diseases-Like-Crohns,-Celiac,-Arthritis-or-Allergies?&id=7726183

Natural Ways To Fight Allergies This Season

The weather changes rapidly during fall and we are exposed to a wide variety of allergens making us more vulnerable to allergies of all sorts. The common causes of allergy in this season are • The pollen grains of the seasonal plants and grasses • Weeds especially ragweed • Moulds • Animal dander and dust mites Eye allergies are quite annoying and debilitating at times, so one should be very cautious about eye health and find ways to defeat allergy in a natural manner. Diet plays a pivotal role and in such cases one should consume more of Vit C which is also known as the anti-infection vitamin, found in citrus fruits. Increase your intake of blueberries as they are the richest source of antioxidants and boost your immunity. Consume more of prebiotics and probiotics as the gut friendly bacteria seen in yoghurt and other foods are your greatest weapon against allergies. Omega 3 fatty acids and cod liver oil are great in fighting allergies and you can take supplements or obtain them from food items like sesame seeds and fish. Other effective methods include • Wear a mask while you are gardening or traveling outdoors. One can take due care of eye health by wearing goggles which will take protect your eyes from allergens like pollen grains. Wash your hair regularly after coming home in this season as the pollen grains that have settled on your hair are rinsed off. • De-stress yourself as researches have shown that raised l levels of the hormone cortisol (which increases in mental or physical stress) triggers allergies. So, after a tiring day soothe your senses with lavender or other calming herbs. • Some of the cardinal rules of eye health which are beneficial in winning the battle against allergies include-Washing your eyes after coming home avoid touching them with dirty hands and prevent rubbing your eyes if pollen grains or any foreign body falls in the eyes. • Try natural remedies and herbs-Chamomile tea helps in allying the allergic response, ginger tea is helpful in respiratory infections. If you have a blocked nose or feel choked up then inhaling eucalyptus essential oil will afford you instant relief.In such a case put a few drops of eucalyptus oil on your handkerchief and take a few deep breaths. • As dust is very harmful for eye health, avoid dusting your home or cleaning the soft toys. Wash your hands with soap after touching the pets. Use synthetic fiber instead of feathers as a stuffing in the pillows. 

http://ezinearticles.com/?Natural-Ways-To-Fight-Allergies-This-Season&id=7383170