Archive for the ‘National Psoriasis Foundation’ Category
Monday, March 12th, 2012
Next to treatment for psoriasis, psoriasis resources are extremely important. Below are some great psoriasis resources for those who have been newly diagnosed and those who have been suffering from the condition for a while.
- American Academy of Dermatologists: The organization of physicians who treat psoriasis has a comprehensive set of information on the condition for patients, including a section on psychological aspects of psoriasis.
- American Academy of Rheumatology
Learn about psoriatic arthritis, a complication of psoriasis, on the web site of the group of physicians who treat arthritis.
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Find clinical trials for psoriasis treatments on the National Institutes of Health clinical trials web site.
- MedlinePlus Psoriasis: From the National Institutes of Health and the National Library of Medicine, this site is a page of helpful list of links to more information about psoriasis.
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) NIAMS offers good basic information about psoriasis symptoms, complications, treatments and support.
- The National Psoriasis Foundation : From the leading psoriasis advocacy group, this site is a good source of support and information on all aspects of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
- Psoriasis Cure Now : A site dedicated to lobbying Congress for more psoriasis research funding and to raising awareness about the disease. Go here to find out how to get involved.
- Psoriasis Interactive Tutorial: This site from the National Library of Medicine features a succinct overview of psoriasis in sound and pictures.
- PsoriasisNet: A project of the American Academy of Dermatology, PsoriasisNet is packed with information about the disease and its treatment. The site would benefit from more frequent updates, but is a good source for basic information about psoriasis.
Above are some great psoriasis resources that may help you cope with the condition, check them out!
Tags: coping with psoriasis, how to live with psoriasis, living with psoriasis, National Psoriasis Foundation, psoriasis and people, psoriasis resources, psoriasis sufferers, psoriasis support, resources for psoriasis, treatment for psoriasis
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Friday, March 9th, 2012
Psoriasis on the scalp is a very common skin condition. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, it affects 2% to 2.6% of the United States population. Psoriasis can happen in different places on the body, specifically on the places protected by hair, which is why psoriasis on the scalp is a common place.
Psoriasis commonly happens in adults and seems to be a genetic aliment, as specific genes have been related to this disease. It’s common among both women and men; therefore, it may show up by itself or along with other types of psoriasis as well. Unfortunately, there is no current cure for the condition. However, there are therapies and treatments to help cope with the signs and symptoms of psoriasis.
For psoriasis on the scalp, products that incorporate retinoid, vitamin D A or corticosteroids can be quite valuable. Lotions, coal tar, and light therapy can also be given as a form of treatment for psoriasis. Capsules or intravenous injections are appropriate for very serious forms of psoriasis.
Researchers have come to a common conclusion for psoriasis on the scalp and psoriasis in general. They believe that the condition runs in families and is transmitted hereditarily, although it bas not been identified exactly how it shifts from one age group to the other. As a result, people with predisposition for psoriasis may or may not come to experience the condition. However, contact with certain stimuli, like streptococcal microbe infections of the throat, medications, regional irritations, alcohol, smoking cigarettes, or skin damage may easily trigger psoriasis.
Psoriasis on the scalp commences in the body’s defense mechanism with the T blood cells. These tissues defend the human body against disease as well as attacks, but together with psoriasis, these skin cells are established unnecessarily. They become a lot more productive than necessary and bring about other immune system responses.
Skin cells replenish once every 28 days, but psoriasis causes skin cells to replenish 7 times faster. This causes a build up of skin cells on the scalp and other parts of the body. Psoriasis on the scalp can be a very frustrating condition because it may appear to other people that you have dandruff and can be embarrassing. If you have psoriasis on the scalp, let us know what you use for treatment by leaving a comment below or on our Facebook page!
Tags: living with psoriasis, National Psoriasis Foundation, psoriasis, psoriasis cause, psoriasis causes, psoriasis on the scalp, psoriasis triggers, scalp psoriasis, scalp psoriasis and treatment, treatment for scalp psoriasis, types of psoriasis
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Wednesday, March 7th, 2012
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that appears on the skin, affecting as many as 7.5 million Americans. Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory joint and tendon disease. For the first time, consumers shopping for over-the-counter psoriasis treatments, will find a National Psoriasis Foundation Seal of Recognition on items that dermatology experts deem effective in relieving disease symptoms.
Five products for psoriasis on the scalp made my Neutrogena Corp. and one product by Alva-Amco are the first to feature the seal. People with plaque psoriasis, the most prevalent form of the disease affecting up to 80% of people with psoriasis, will find the National Psoriasis Foundation Seal on Alva-Amco’s Psoriasin Gel in all major pharmacies.
The National Psoriasis Foundation hopes to improve the quality of life for a person with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, which is the reason the Foundation has launched its seal program. The seal will help consumers identify, from a maze of available products, items that could provide a benefit for psoriatic diseases.
To quality for Foundation recognition, panels of dermatology experts make sure the items meet the following criteria:
- Products that hydrate the skin, reduce redness, reduce joint pain and/or provide aid for people with psoriatic arthritis
- Nonprescription products
- Non-irritating products
- Products that can be used along with prescription remedies
The panel also reviews the products’ ingredients and safety, toxicity and formulation data. For patients new to non-prescription psoriasis care options, the National Psoriasis Foundation Seal affirms that the product is recognized as one that can be expected to offer relief for psoriasis symptoms. The seal will prompt people with psoriasis to seek out the National Psoriasis Foundation to learn more about psoriasis care.
The seal program is available for the following product categories: Personal care products, household products, fabrics, and devices. The National Psoriasis Foundation Seal of Recognition is a consumer education program intended to improve the quality of life for millions of Americans living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
Photo Credit: National Psoriasis Foundation
Tags: dermatology, life with psoriasis, living with psoriasis, National Psoriasis Foundation, psoriasis, Psoriasis and Treatment, psoriasis medications, psoriasis treatment, psoriatic arthritis, seal of recognition, topical treatments
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Monday, February 27th, 2012
Previous studies have suggested that psoriasis and depression are negatively linked. However, a new study done by the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA) states that those with psoriasis are more likely to be depressed and thinking about suicide. Psoriasis sufferers are more likely to be depressed because some patients experience discrimination due to preconceived notions about the disease. Psoriasis and depression may severely impact a person’s quality of life.
The study from the IFPA shows that 18% of participants had suicidal thoughts and 9% attempted to end their lives because of severe depression. Patients tend to hide from the public as they become more self-conscious because of their condition.
People who are uneducated on psoriasis are hesitant to shake hands with someone who has psoriasis because they believe that the scaly skin patches are contagious. Psoriasis usually affects the skin on the elbows, knees, and scalp.
Although there are currently no known cures for psoriasis, there are numerous treatment options available from prescribed creams, gels, and ointments to drugs and vaccines. However, some believe that the lack of awareness about the disease is a bigger problem than no cure.
A decade ago, psoriasis was not a well-known disease, but with the media today more awareness is being created, especially with celebrities coming out to speak about their life with psoriasis. If you have psoriasis or know someone who suffers from psoriasis, do your part in educating the people who don’t know.
Psoriasis education is important. Psoriasis and depression do not mix well, so getting the word out may really help psoriasis patient’s quality of life. For more information about psoriasis and depression check out International Federation of Psoriasis Associations’ site.
Tags: depression and psoriasis, emotional effects psoriasis, international federation of psoriasis associations, living with psoriasis, National Psoriasis Foundation, psoriasis, psoriasis and depression, psoriasis and people, psoriasis awareness, psoriasis stress, psoriasis triggers
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Friday, February 24th, 2012
Psoriasis support groups can be very helpful for those who suffer from psoriasis. The effect of psoriasis on people’s appearance and emotional well-being can be very difficult. The association between psoriasis, stress, anxiety, and depression is well established. A study done at the University of Massachusetts saw that, patients who combined ultraviolet light treatment with mindfulness meditation were able to clear their psoriasis symptoms in half the time, concluding that there is strong psychological component to this disease. Support psoriasis support groups can be very helpful.
Psoriasis support groups can be online or person. Ask your doctor if there are any psoriasis support groups locally. In-person support groups may get together at a hospital or a community center. Below are some suggestions for psoriasis support groups.
- National Psoriasis Foundation: This foundation was started by people with psoriasis in 1968 to promote education about psoriasis for themselves and the public, and support research to find a cure for psoriasis. Branches of the National Psoriasis Foundation offer psoriasis support groups in cities around the United States.
- Online: People with psoriasis who meet online are called a virtual community or an e-community. You can find many of these communities online by searching for psoriasis support groups.
- Start your own: If there is no psoriasis support group in your area, think about starting your own. Ask your doctor if there are other people with psoriasis in your area. You don’t need a large group to get and give support!
Psoriasis support groups can give you with an opportunity to learn coping skills, share information, and voice common concerns with people who understand your situation. Whether it is online or in person, psoriasis support groups are always helpful for those who suffer from the condition.
Tags: emotional effects of psoriasis, emotional effects psoriasis, living with psoriasis, National Psoriasis Foundation, psoriasis, psoriasis and people, psoriasis support, psoriasis support group, psoriasis support groups, psoriasis talk
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Friday, February 17th, 2012
Do you live a life with psoriasis and think you’re alone? Well, you most definitely aren’t. The condition affects 7.5 million people in the United States according to the National Psoriasis Foundation. Believe it or not, there are even celebrities that live life with psoriasis. Below is a list of celebrities who suffer from psoriasis and just like you they understand the challenges of life with psoriasis.
- Kim Kardashian: Who was recently diagnosed with psoriasis expressed concerns that her career would be affected from the news. She said things like, “People don’t understand the pressure on me to look perfect… When I gain a pound, it’s in the headlines. Imagine what the tabloids would do to me if they saw all these spots?” Kim’s dermatologist suggested she take a break from her fast-paced lifestyle because sometimes psoriasis flare-ups can be triggered by stress.
- LeAnn Rimes: This two-time Grammy winning artist has been in the spotlight for more than half of her life, but until recently, she kept her struggle with psoriasis under wraps. In 2008, she decided to open up about her experience as part of the “Stop Hiding, Start Living” psoriasis awareness campaign sponsored by Abbott.
- Jon Lovitz: The Saturday Night Live alum has a great sense of humor, but wants people to know that psoriasis is not joke. Last year, he also shared his story as a part of the “Are You Serious?” national awareness campaign sponsored by Janssen.
- Jerry Mathers: Is best known to fans as Theodore “Beaver” Cleaver on the 1950s sitcom, Leave It To Beaver. Mathers has a relatively mild form of psoriasis, but that doesn’t mean he’s escaped the discomfort and embarrassment that may accompany severe outbreaks.
- Stacy London: This What Not To Wear co-host has certainly made a name for herself, but she knows better than anyone that beauty is not just skin deep. Diagnosed with psoriasis at age 4, London experienced years of painful itching and scaly outbreaks. As an adult, she became a spokesperson for the National Psoriasis Foundation’s PATH program, which offers tips on living with the condition and maintaining good health and spirits.
Above are five popular celebrities who live life with psoriasis. Just like you, they know that life with psoriasis can be huge challenge and hassle, especially when they are constantly in the public eye. If you live life with psoriasis, do as these celebrities have done… create awareness and educate people!
Tags: emotional effects psoriasis, how to cope with psoriasis, jon lovitz, Kim Kardashian, Kim Kardashian Psoriasis, leann rimes, life with psoriasis, living with psoriasis, National Psoriasis Foundation, psoriasis, psoriasis and celebs, psoriasis and people, psoriasis support, stacy london
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Wednesday, January 11th, 2012
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 is called cell turnover, and it takes about a month. With psoriasis, it can happen in just a few days because the cells rise too fast and pile up on the surface.
Most psoriasis causes patches of thick, red skin with silvery scales. These patches can itch or feel sore. They are often found on the elbows, knees, and other parts of the legs, scalp, lower back, face, palms, and soles of the feet. They can show up other places such as fingernails, toenails, genitals, and inside the mouth.
Who Gets Psoriasis?
Anyone can get psoriasis, but it occurs more often in adults. In many cases, there is a family history of psoriasis. Certain genes have been linked to the disease. Men and women get psoriasis at about the same rate.
What Causes Psoriasis?
Psoriasis begins in the immune system, mainly with a type of white blood cell called a T cell. T cells help protect the body against infection and disease. With psoriasis, T cells are put into action by mistake. They become so active that they set off other immune responses. They lead to swelling and fast turn over of skin cells. People with psoriasis may notice that sometimes the skin get better and sometimes it gets worse. Things that cause the skin to get worse include:
- Infections
- Stress
- Changes in weather that dry the skin
- Certain medicines
How is Psoriasis Diagnosed?
Psoriasis can be hard to diagnose because it can look like other skin diseases. The doctor might need to look at the small skin sample under a microscope.
How is Psoriasis Treated?
Treatment depends on:
- How serious the disease is
- The size of the psoriasis patches
- They type of psoriasis
- How the patient reacts to certain treatments
All treatments don’t work the same for everyone. Doctors may switch treatments if one doesn’t work, if there is a bad reaction, or if the treatment stops working.
Psoriasis Research:
Doctors are attempting to learn more about psoriasis by studying genes, new treatments that help the skin not to react to the immune system, and the association of psoriasis with other conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes. To learn more about psoriasis please visit the National Psoriasis Foundation.
Tags: living with psoriasis, National Psoriasis Foundation, plaque psoriasis, psoriasis, Psoriasis and Treatment, psoriasis cause, psoriasis diagnosis, psoriasis symptoms, psoriasis treatments, psoriasis triggers
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Friday, January 6th, 2012
Erythrodermic psoriasis may be a dangerous type of psoriasis in which nearly the entire surface of your skin breaks out in a severe inflammatory rash. The itchy skin and psoriasis pain associated with erythrodermic psoriasis can be intense, and the disease may endanger your life if you don’t seek treatment immediately.
A severe form of pustular psoriasis sometimes accompanies erythrodermic psoriasis. It is the most rare form of psoriasis, affecting only 1 to 2 perfect of people with psoriasis. It typically affects older people with the mean age of onset of about 50 years old. Men develop erythrodermic psoriasis more often than women.
Psoriasis is a genetic condition, but environmental factors can lead to flare-ups. Erythrodermic psoriasis triggers include:
- Inappropriate or excessive use of corticosteroids
- Abruptly quitting systemic medication prescribed to treat psoriasis
- An allergic rash caused by medication allergy that prompts the Koebner response, which is psoriasis that develops as a result of a skin injury
- Severe sunburn
- Emotional stress
- Alcoholism
Erythrodermic psoriasis usually occurs in people who already have chronic plaque psoriasis, particularity if it is unstable. However, it also can appear as a person’s first-ever psoriasis outbreak, even in children. Erythrodermic psoriasis may develop gradually or occur suddenly and with out warning.
A flare of erythrodermic psoriasis causes most of the surface of your skin to erupt in a fiery red out break, making it look as though it’s been burned. Extremely itchy skin and severe psoriasis pain are the results. Skin comes off the body in sheets as opposed to the smaller flakes normally associated with psoriasis plaque scales.
Erythrodermic psoriasis is dangerous because the skin’s protective function is lost, similar to what happens in severe burns. This leaves the body vulnerable to harmful side effects that may require hospitalization.
Pustular psoriasis, which is often the underlying type of psoriasis in people who develop erythrodermic psoriasis, is called von Zumbusch pustular psoriasis. In this form of psoriasis, lesions are accompanied by the development of pustules that form, dry, peel, and then re-form. Further complicating the condition, those with erythrodermic psoriasis also are more likely to have psoriatic arthritis.
People undergoing a flare of erythrodermic psoriasis should seek medical attention immediately. You may need to receive intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration and antibiotics to fight off a severe and potentially life-threatening staph infection.
Combination treatments are often needed to reduce the inflammation and bring relief. Your doctor also might prescribe pain medication or anti-itch drugs to soothe itchy skin, anxiety, or sleeplessness. The most effective treatment to bring erythrodermic psoriasis completely under control involves the use of systemic medications. These may include immunosuppressive drugs or biologic drugs that target specific parts of the immune system that are causing the disease.
Tags: erythrodermic psoriasis, plaque psoriasis, psoriasis, Psoriasis and Treatment, psoriasis cause, psoriasis diagnosis, pustular psoriasis, treatment for psoriasis
Posted in Biologics and psoriasis, emotional effects psoriasis, National Psoriasis Foundation, plaque psoriasis, Psoriasis, Psoriasis and Treatment, psoriasis cause, Psoriasis diagnosis | No Comments »
Monday, December 19th, 2011
Do you think you have scalp psoriasis, but you aren’t sure? The best thing to do is to go see your doctor, but below we have some indicators, signs, and symptoms of scalp psoriasis. Although psoriasis affects up to 3% of the population, of this percentage of psoriasis suffers, up to 50% of them have scalp psoriasis. This makes is the most widespread and persistent kinds of psoriasis. It can also be one of the most challenging to deal with. Scalp psoriasis may rob a sufferer of their self-esteem simply because the indicators and symptoms are sometimes visible to other people.
Even though the actual cause of psoriasis remains a mystery, many researchers think that it generally comes about through an abnormality in the immune system. Psoriasis brings about pores and skin to regenerate at an accelerate rate, which makes pores and skin cells pile on top of each other, appearing elevated to the eye. Some of these scales are red, itchy, think, and sometimes silvery/white scales. It can also affect other places such as the nails and joints.
Scales on the scalp that may be thick usually characterizes scalp psoriasis. When the scales are packed tightly together, it may cause the scalp to be extremely itchy. Making an attempt to deal with these scales by scratching can only make the condition worse. The severity of scalp psoriasis can vary among the mild situations that are typically not extremely noticeable to extremely serious situations. Scales may drop onto the shoulders and collar of a person’s shirt and appear like dandruff. This can be quite embarrassing for a sufferer in addition to having an extremely itchy scalp.
A small location of the scalp may be affected with scalp psoriasis, or it can cover the whole scalp in a serious condition. Flare-ups typically may appear on the ears and the hairline. Scalp psoriasis can also affect the ear canal when sufficient scales unfold to this location. Serious situations of scalp psoriasis may affect the hair roots and may lead to hair reduction. Scalp psoriasis, like any type of psoriasis, can be a frustration condition. If you are experience indicators or signs of scalp psoriasis, it is best to consult your doctor. Don’t let psoriasis go unrecognized.
Tags: emotional effects psoriasis, living with psoriasis, over the counter psoriasis treatment, psoriasis, Psoriasis and Treatment, psoriasis flare ups, scalp psoriasis, skin zinc
Posted in living with psoriasis, National Psoriasis Foundation, plaque psoriasis, Psoriasis, psoriasis cause, Psoriasis diagnosis, psoriasis drugs, psoriasis medication, Psoriasis Over the counter treatment, psoriasis remedies, psoriasis remission, psoriasis stress, psoriasis support, psoriasis treatments, Psoriasis triggers, Scalp Psoriasis, Skin Zinc | No Comments »
Wednesday, December 14th, 2011
There are many different types of treatment for psoriasis out there. They may range from over-the-counter medications to prescriptions that can only be given by a doctor. Many people with psoriasis put a higher value on treatment that suits their lifestyle than on out-of-pocket costs and side effects.
According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, as many as 7.5 million Americans have the chronic skin condition called psoriasis. The most common type is plaque psoriasis, characterized by raised red patches covered with a silvery white buildup of dead skin cells. Management of the disease can be frustrating, and many patients and many patients object to different facets of treatment, which can involve light-based therapy, creams, pills or systemic medications given by injection or intravenously.
Researchers did a study on treatment for psoriasis and looked at the location of treatment, frequency, duration, delivery method and cost. They also looked at the chance of benefit, and the severity and likelihood of side effects. The location for treatment for psoriasis was deemed most important, followed by the chance of benefit and the method of delivery, whether by pill, cream or injection. Participants also cared more about whether or not the treatment was going to work than the risk of the side effects or how long the benefit would last.
Women and singles cared more about the improvement to their skin than did males and participants in a committed relationship. Although patients with psoriasis attach significant importance to the probability and magnitude of benefit, it appears that process attributes, such as location and method of delivery of treatment, may be even more important. Incorporating preferences in shared decision-making may facilitate treatment adherence and optimize outcome.
All therapies must be tailored to a range of patient-specific parameters, such as age, gender personality, work/life schedule, tolerance for risk and economic status. Patients should never be talked into a specific type of treatment that may not fit well with any of all of the parameters listed above. Always remember that treatment doesn’t work if you don’t use it! Talk to your doctor… together you can decide what the best treatment for psoriasis is for you and your lifestyle.
Tags: emotional effects psoriasis, living with psoriasis, over the counter psoriasis treatment, plaque psoriasis, psoriasis, psoriasis flare ups, psoriasis sufferers, psoriasis symptoms, psoriasis treatments, skin zinc
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Next to treatment for psoriasis, psoriasis resources are extremely important. Below are some great psoriasis resources for those who have been newly diagnosed and those who have been suffering from the condition for a while.
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