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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.