Psoriasis News

Swine Flu Facts-V2

According to a recent study featured on ScienceDaily illustrates that areas that Psoriasis is present on the skin are highly lacking in a protein known as SRF (Serum response factor – makes skin and cells grow and stay healthy). Without the presence of SRF skin dies.

Technically speaking,

“The researchers were able to demonstrate that the skeleton of the skin cells is disturbed and destroyed as a direct result of the SRF deficiency. The cells lose contact with their neighbors and the matrix that surrounds them. Consequently, the outer layer of skin loses its compact layering. Fissures form, which enables water to evaporate more easily and the skin dries out more quickly, thus making the intermediate spaces more susceptible to foreign bodies and bacteria. This in turn triggers an inflammatory reaction that induces the skin cells to divide and impairs their differentiation.” —ETH Zurich (2009, April 2). The Protein SRF Keeps The Skin Healthy. ScienceDaily.

So…what does this mean to you if you have psoriasis? Well, unfortunately signs point to the fact that like most other psoriasis sufferers, you would be almost completely lacking the SRF protein on your skin, and this is why you may be suffering, due to the susceptibility that this entails.

While the triggers for psoriasis are still unknown to scientists they are looking into this further, and as new studies unfold, we will be sure to keep you posted.

In closing:

For a long time, the school of thought was that abnormalities in the immune system trigger psoriasis. Today, however, the research is also looking for defects in the epidermis that could be genetic or even environmental. “In the case of psoriasis, it is not always the immune system that is the trigger, but often a defect in the keratinocytes,” explains Sabine Werner.  — ETH Zurich (2009, April 2). The Protein SRF Keeps The Skin Healthy. ScienceDaily.

While scientists do their best to find the root of the problem and cure it completely, keep in mind that there is hope for the “now”. I recommend topical creams, anti-itch creams, skin healing creams, moisturizers, etc. to help strengthen your skin against psoriasis symptoms.

The FDA recently announced that Raptiva has been linked to at least cases of Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML). PML is a brain infection that causes serious neurological problems. In fact, most people who develop PML die within 6 months. The three confirmed cases of PML linked to Rapitva have resulted in death.

Raptiva is often prescribed to adults with moderate to severe cases of plaque Psoriasis who are candidates for photo-therapy or other oral or injected treatments.Raptiva is taken as a weekly injection.The generic name for Raptiva is efalizumab.

More common Side effects of Raptiva reported in clinical studies include:

Mild Side Effects
Mild Side effects happen most often after the first dose of Raptiva and generally decrease after additional doses.

• acne
• back pain
• chills
• fever
• flu syndrome
• headache
• infections
• nausea

More Serious Side Effects
These side effects are more rare than the mild ones

• Psoriasis Relapse
• Development of Arthritis
• Serious Infections
• Bacterial sepsis: a blood infection that can affect organs throughout the body
• Viral meningitis: a brain infection
• Invasive fungal disease: fungal infection that can spread throughout the body
• Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML): a rare brain infection

An Alternative Approach to Psoriasis Treatment
While some cases may be too severe to treat with topical treatments, non-toxic methods  such as Psoriasil have been known to help Psoriasil is composed of essential oils and anionic and non-ionic surfactants that are made to help balance your skin’s natural pH level Also, regular use of a good moisturizing cream can help as well. A moisturizing cream keeps your skin moist and supple to speed healing during the treatment, an important step for serious psoriasis problems.

Sources:
beatpsoriasis.com (2009).Raptiva Efalizumab Psoriasis Drug. http://www.beatpsoriasis.com/raptiva-efalizumab.htm.

Hitti, M. (2009). Psoriasis Drug Raptiva Gets FDA Warning
‘Black Box’ Warning Will Note Risk of Dangerous Infections. WebMD. http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/psoriasis/news/20081016/psoriasis-drug-raptiva-gets-black-box.

Psoriasis.org (2008). http://www.psoriasis.org/treatment/psoriasis/biologics/raptiva.php.

How to avoid Psoriasis

Psoriasis affects 7.5 million people all across the US. As much as 2 or 3% of the global population is affected by Psoriasis. While it is a fact that certain medications, weather conditions, lifestyle habits and infections can trigger Psoriasis, an individual can prevent Psoriasis by following certain things.

Strengthening immune system- A weak immune system makes a person more susceptible to Psoriasis. This is why strengthening the immunity is crucial. By incorporating a balanced diet comprising, fruits, vegetables, proteins, fats and carbohydrates, a person can boost the power of the immune system. In addition, ensuring adequate rest and a minimum of 7-8 hours of rest everyday will also help. Keeping oneself hydrated by drinking lots of water everyday is also a good way to fight infection in the body. By eating certain foods like the Gooseberry, a person can keep the immune system strong and fight infection. This can prevent Psoriasis and any kind of skin inflammation.

Knowledge of trigger factors- By carefully observing what trigger factors cause Psoriasis in an individual, a person can keep Psoriasis at bay. In most cases, it may not be practical to avoid all triggers. However, knowledge of these factors can help the person proactively change their lifestyle or habits.

Quitting smoking- Smoking is known to be a trigger factor for Plaque and Pustular Psoriasis. By reducing or quitting smoking, the person can avoid Psoriasis flare-ups. In addition, it maybe noted that supplements or nicotine patches can also act as triggers for Psoriasis. Ideally, nicotine patches and smoking should be avoided.

Avoiding drinking- Alcohol consumption is a major trigger of Psoriasis. It can also hamper the effectiveness of existing treatments of Psoriasis. In addition, if the person is already consuming Methotrexate, then alcohol should be avoided at all costs. There can be fatal consequences and side effects because of the reaction of the drug and the alcohol.

Relaxation techniques- Stress is one of the biggest triggers of Psoriasis. By reducing stress a person can help avoid Psoriasis. Various techniques can be leveraged to combat stress. Various techniques such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing etc. can help a person relax. In addition, regular exercise, participation in counseling sessions and support groups can also help. By interacting with other patients who have Psoriasis, the individual can feel less stressed about the condition.

Avoidance of scratching- Scratching the areas infected with Psoriasis can worsen symptoms. It can also induce spread of more infection as germs from the fingernails can contaminate the region. Cold compresses can alleviate the condition dramatically. Usage of antiseptic moisturizers as well as taking lukewarm water baths can also help. It is best to avoid excessively hot water as it can aggravate the skin and worsen the Psoriasis infection. Using very hot water on Psoriasis affected skin can cause histamine reactions. This leads to more itchiness in the area. Usage of soap is also not advisable as it dries the skin. Instead, using a cream-based or mild cleanser is recommended. This helps cleanse the skin of impurities and infection without drying the skin. Dry skin is also susceptible to infection of Psoriasis and this should be avoided. Gently patting the Psoriasis affected area dry after a bath will prevent the tendency to rub or scratch the area. This curtails itching as well.

Protection- Usage of sunscreens is recommended while venturing into the sun. Sunburns can trigger Psoriasis. Wearing protective cotton clothing also helps curtail spread of Psoriasis.

Yours Truly,

Joseph Marquardt
President, Q-Based Healthcare TM
The Makers of PsoriasilTM Treatment
Info@qbased.com
Toll Free 1.866.314.8917

Treatment alternatives for Psoriasis- There are many ways to treat Psoriasis. Since diagnosis is difficult, most doctors initiate treatment with mild doses of drugs. Only if the condition worsens, stronger drug doses are administered.

Topical medications- Several topical ointments and creams maybe used to treat Psoriasis successfully. Some ointments contain combinations of essential oils and various surfactants, which help to restore the pH levels of the skin. By restoring the pH balance, irritation and itching can be curtailed. There are ointments, which can be obtained at any drugstore without any prescription, while for others a prescription maybe needed. Various topical medications such as corticosteroids maybe used to treat Psoriasis. At times, substances like coat tar is applied directly over the Psoriasis affected region. This substance is approved by the FDA and hence is safe for usage on the skin. Using the substance to coat the Psoriasis infected region can curtail the spread of the infection. However, coal tar has a very strong, pungent odor so regular change of dressing is necessitated. In addition, clothing and bed sheets should be changed regularly to avoid staining of the clothes.

Phototherapy- This is also called light therapy and has been found very effective in treating Psoriasis. In this case, artificial or natural lights are used to focus on the Psoriasis infected region of the skin. Most doctors, using such a treatment alternative recommend that patients face the sunlight for specified periods. This helps to destroy the infectious cells and reduce inflammation. Photochemotherapy involves usage of artificial light in combination with Psoralen. This is a medication, which makes the skin more sensitive to light. This medication is brought subsequently into contact with UVA light rays. Through this technique, the UVA rays can penetrate to the deeper layers. By doing this, the UVA rays destroy the plaque causing Psoriasis in the deeper skin tissues. Frequency of treatments through Photochemotherapy can range from three or even more times every week. However, excessive frequency of treatment can induce cancer because of the excessive penetration of UVA light rays.

Oral medication- This is a holistic combination of injected drugs as well as orally administered drugs. Certain Retinoids have been useful in curing Psoriasis. This is a special kind of drug known to curtail skin cell production. Thus, it is predominantly used in patients who have severe Psoriasis. However, intake of Retinoids for treatment of Psoriasis has a drawback. It can result in congenital or birth defects in a child. This is the reason why women who have Psoriasis and are under Retinoid treatment should not become pregnant for at least 3 years. Once the treatment stops, then after a period of 3 years the female patient can get pregnant.

Home remedies- In addition to the above three treatment alternatives for treating Psoriasis, one can also alleviate the itching and pain through home remedies. Soaking in oatmeal based baths or warm water filled with Epsom salts or even bathing oil can help soothe the skin. Using mild soaps is recommended, especially those, which have a high moisturizing content in them. Usage of a heavy-duty moisturizer can help soften the skin and aid dead cell removal. Regular exposure of the Psoriasis infected skin to the sun can also help alleviate skin itchiness and irritation. Proper dressing of the Psoriasis skin after applying ointments can help soften and sooth this skin.

Yours Truly,

Joseph Marquardt
President, Q-Based Healthcare TM
The Makers of PsoriasilTM Treatment
Info@qbased.com
Toll Free 1.866.314.8917

General Information.

Psoriasis is not an infectious disease. It is caused primarily because of an individual’s genetic structure. A primary reason why Psoriasis occurs in individuals is a trigger factor.

Stress- If a person is stressed, it can trigger Psoriasis. Flare-ups are common and can be accompanied by itching sensation as well. Once Psoriasis occurs the person can feel excessively self-conscious and embarrassed, leading to more stress.  The treatment of Psoriasis can be time-consuming and expensive, thereby leading to even more stress in the patient.

Weather and climate- The combination of excessive cold outside and the presence of indoor heating agents inside can trigger Psoriasis. Both conditions in combination dry out the skin and can make existing Psoriasis conditions worse. Illness during winter can debilitate the immunity of a person, making them more prone to Psoriasis. Being in the sun can dramatically help improve the condition. However, usage of the air conditioner must be avoided as it dries the skin. Using moisturizers on a regular basis also helps to curtail Psoriasis.

Injuries on the skin- Skin injuries because of acupuncture, certain vaccinations, bruises, bites, chafing of skin, burns, scraping of skin, irritation from chemicals, shaving, excessive pressure over skin, tattoos, using adhesive tapes over the skin, cuts, sunburns, skin peeling treatments, scratching and rubbing of skin can all trigger Psoriasis. This condition is referred to as Koebner effect. As many as half of the total percentage of Psoriasis patients are affected by this condition. Various skin inflictions like Herpes blisters, boils, vitiligo, dermatitis, Lichen planus, scabies etc. can result in flare-ups.

Infections- Various infections can also be a trigger factor for development of Psoriasis. Infections include strep throat, which triggers Guttate type of Psoriasis. Then, infections in the upper respiratory tract, HIV, skin boils etc. can also trigger Psoriasis.

Medications and drugs- Patients already suffering from Psoriasis, tend to develop more flare-ups when they ingest Lithium. Medications intended to treat high blood pressure can also trigger Psoriasis. Medications such as Inderal worsen existing symptoms of Psoriasis in 25 or 30% of Psoriasis patients. Heart medications like Quinidine also trigger Psoriasis. If a person is taking medication like Indomethacin for an arthritic condition, then Psoriasis can also be triggered by its intake. However, if the patient is suffering from Psoriatic Arthritis then this medicine can curtail these symptoms. Medications to prevent malaria also cause Psoriasis flare-ups. Excessive usage of Corticosteroids or stopping the medication suddenly can also trigger Psoriasis.

Hormonal changes- Typically, once a person is beyond puberty, the overall hormonal concentrations reduce. Symptoms pertaining to Psoriasis show improvement during pregnancy when hormonal levels surge. However, once the child is born, hormonal levels reduce, again triggering Psoriasis.

Smoking- People who smoke regularly are more prone to developing Pustular Psoriasis. Chain smokers are susceptible to fatal conditions of Psoriasis as well as Plaque kind of Psoriasis. The best way to deal with this is by quitting smoking.

Alcohol- Drinking and consumption of alcohol is also a trigger factor for Psoriasis. In fact, the efficacy of treatments is hampered when alcohol is ingested.

In addition to the above, certain kinds of allergies can also trigger Psoriasis. Changing one’s diet to include healthy, balanced meals can help keep Psoriasis at bay.

Yours Truly,

Joseph Marquardt
President, Q-Based Healthcare TM
The Makers of PsoriasilTM Treatment
Info@qbased.com
Toll Free 1.866.314.8917

We hope that you have found some way to eliminate your Psoriasis. Psoriasis afflicts a large multitude of people globally. You are not alone in this battle and we have helped thousands of people get their Psoriasis under control or even completely eliminate Psoriasis from their life all together. General Information

We hope that information we have for you helps you identify exactly the type of Psoriasis that you may be diagnosed with.  Remember, we are here for YOU, please let us know any way that we can help you.

There are five kinds of Psoriasis affecting individuals. Each of these has their own characteristics and unique formations, which help in ease of identification.

Plaque- Represented as one of the commonest forms of Psoriasis, this disease affects 80% of major Psoriasis patients. Typical characteristics of such a condition are inflamed and reddish skin, which is topped by silvery and whitish scaly formations. Primary areas of their incidence are elbows, knees, lower back and the scalp. In some persons, plaque can happen on other body areas as well.

Guttate- Guttate Psoriasis predominantly occurs in adolescents and children. Typical characteristics of such a condition include reddish, small-sized spots over the skin. This kind of skin condition happens suddenly and there are many trigger factors for this. These include infections inside the upper respiratory tract, streptococcal infections, stress and anxiety, skin injuries as well as induced by certain drugs.

Inverse- Typical characteristics of Inverse Psoriasis include extremely red lesions over the skin. These lesions are devoid of scaly formations and hence look smooth and shiny. Excessive rubbing or accumulation of sweat can result in these lesions. Typical locations in the body where Inverse Psoriasis is commonly found include below breasts, armpits, genital skin folds, groin as well as the buttock area. If a person is obese or has skin folds, which are deeper than normal then they are prone to Inverse Psoriasis. If the condition is found on sensitive regions then treatment becomes more difficult.

Pustular- Pustular Psoriasis primarily infects adults. Characteristics of this condition include white pustule formations, which are surrounded with reddish inflamed skin. Primary areas of concentration on the body include feet and hands. In some persons, Pustular Psoriasis occurs on the whole body.

Within the Pustular Psoriasis category, there are four sub-divisions or types. These are:

Localized- Singular or multiple Psoriasis patches develop pustule formations. If these areas are irritated or high doses of medicines are administered then this localized Pustular Psoriasis can develop.

Palmo-Planter- In this condition, the soles and palms of the body are affected, thereby accounting for its name. The size of the pustules is like that of an eraser and typical concentrations occur on heel sides and thumb base areas. The pustules look like studs and start initially as red formations, which turn brown later on. Subsequently these formations start peeling off and the area assumes a crusty appearance. This activity continues in a cyclic style.

Acropustulosis- This is localized Pustular Psoriasis, primarily affecting the toes, fingers and thumbs. The pustule formations occur and subsequently they burst. These leave behind bright red formations, which can ooze pus, or be crusty and scaly in appearance. The nails assume crumbly, abnormal appearances and can often get uplifted. This happens because of pus layers underneath. However, the incidence of such a type of Pustular Psoriasis is rare.

Generalized- In such a kind of Pustular Psoriasis, there will be reddish skin initially. This is accompanied by tenderness and pain in the areas. During the next 1-2 days, there is peeling and drying up of the pustules. The skin assumes a glazy and smooth appearance and this continues in a cyclic activity for several weeks. Accompanying side effects include itching, chills and fever, enhanced pulse rates, dehydration, anemia, weakness of muscle and loss of weight. If this condition is manifested in adults, the trigger factor could be stopping steroids all of a sudden. This is a fatal condition, which necessitates immediate hospitalization.

Erythrodermic- This kind of Psoriasis affects the entire body of the individual. Redness in skin, itchiness, pain and skin shedding are common symptoms. Due to excess loss of fluids and protein the patient can contract long term illness. Thus, the person can experience fatal conditions, heart failure or even pneumonia. Cortisone usage sunburns or drug allergies can trigger such a condition.

Yours Truly,

Joseph Marquardt
President, Q-Based Healthcare TM
The Makers of PsoriasilTM Treatment
Info@qbased.com
Toll Free 1.866.314.8917

All about Psoriatic Arthritis Information on Psoriatic Arthritis

If a person already has Psoriasis, then he or she may contract Psoriatic Arthritis as well. Psoriatic Arthritis is thus an offshoot of Psoriasis in individuals. 10 or 30% of all Psoriasis patients are afflicted with Psoriatic Arthritis. Primary concentrations of this condition include connective tissue and the joints.

Types of Psoriatic Arthritis

There are five kinds of Psoriatic Arthritis. These are:

Symmetric
This has a striking resemblance to characteristics exhibited by Rheumatoid Arthritis. The condition of Symmetric Psoriatic Arthritis is milder but can cripple a person. Similar joints on either side of the individual’s body are affected.

Asymmetric
This kind of Psoriatic Arthritis is not found on similar joints on either side. The symptoms appear on few or several joints. Joints primarily affected include wrist, knee, ankle, hip etc. Enlargement of fingers is another common symptom associated with Asymmetric Psoriatic Arthritis. The joints are reddened and become swollen. Tenderness and pain of the joints in cyclic intervals is common. When the pain occurs, it can temporarily disable the patient.

Distal Interphalangeal Predominat
This condition is rare and its incidence has been noted in just 5% of patients inflicted with Psoriatic Arthritis. Typical concentrations of such a condition include joints of the furthest toe or finger. Most people confuse this condition to be Osteoarthritis. However, changes in nail color and structure will indicate it is Distal Interphalangeal Predominat.

Spondylitis
This condition of Psoriatic Arthritis is triggered by inflammation of the spinal column. Since this is a rare condition, just 5% of individuals are affected. Lower back stiffness and inflammation are common symptoms. The vertebrae and neck can also be inflamed. Thus, movement becomes painful and difficult. Primary areas where this condition occurs include hips, legs, hands, feet and arms.

Mutilans
This is a very severe kind of Psoriatic Arthritis, which is also a very rare condition. It occurs in just 5% of patients with Psoriatic Arthritis. Predominant areas of the condition are feet and hands. Accompanying symptoms include lower back and neck pain.

Yours Truly,

Joseph Marquardt
President, Q-Based Healthcare TM
The Makers of PsoriasilTM Treatment
Info@qbased.com
Toll Free 1.866.314.8917

Diagnosis of Psoriasis

There is no recommended blood test or specific procedure to diagnose Psoriasis. Often, scraping or performing a skin biopsy maybe needed to eliminate any other skin disease other than Psoriasis. Often, results of a skin biopsy will reveal pegs which resemble clubbed. If this is found, then it indicates Psoriasis. If plaques appear scraped the pinpoint will be bleeding. This is another typical diagnosis sign of Psoriasis.

It can be difficult for the doctor to diagnose psoriasis in the early stages, when the disease may be limited to rough patches on the elbows. Certain symptoms, such as a dandruff-like scalp condition or what looks like a fungal infection, may be hard to recognize as psoriasis. Nail pits may be a sign of early psoriasis, but they may also be a sign of other conditions. The diagnosis is straightforward if the doctor examines the skin and sees thick, red, flaky patches-the plaques characteristic of psoriasis.

Common places of occurrence
Common body parts where Psoriasis occurs include the knees and elbows. However, other areas such as genitals and the scalp can be affected by Psoriasis. Unlike eczema, in the case of Psoriasis, the condition occurs on extensor portion of a joint. The extent of Psoriasis occurrence can vary from specific spots to the entire body. In a specific case of Psoriasis called Psoriatic Nail Dystrophy the toenails and fingernails are commonly infected. This condition occurs in isolation to the rest of the body.

Life altering
We understand that Psoriasis is life altering, that is why we are here to help you, and get your life back on track.  Psoriasis has the ability to affect the overall quality of life much like all the serious diseases. Just like depression,hypertension,myocardial infarction, heart failure or even the Diabetes Type II, Psoriasis too can affect an individual’s lifestyle.  Pain and itching of the skin is common, which can alter the quality of life significantly. Basic functions of life like sleeping, self care and walking can be affected because of Psoriasis. In addition, persons suffering from Psoriasis suffer from lack of self esteem because of being self conscious. As per statistics conducted by National Psoriasis Foundation in 2008, 71% out of 426 Psoriasis sufferers felt the disease significantly affected daily life. As much as 63% reported feeling self-conscious and 58% felt embarrassed with their condition.  Let US help YOU.

Yours Truly,

Joseph Marquardt
President, Q-Based Healthcare TM
The Makers of PsoriasilTM Treatment
Info@qbased.com
Toll Free 1.866.314.8917