HEALTH MATTERS

LIVING WITH PSORIASIS

By: Lisa Moretti

ne in 10 people have the genetic predisposition for psoriasis, but only about 2 percent (7.5 million) of the population actually develop it. For psoriasis to manifest it takes a combination of genetics and outside triggers that change from person to person, which makes treatment and prevention for psoriasis pretty hard to pin down. If you’ve never dealt with psoriasis, count yourself as lucky. Nobody knows what causes it, but it is the most prevalent autoimmune condition in America.
Like other autoimmune diseases, psoriasis results when the body’s protective system overreacts and starts to accelerate cell growth. Most of us typically regenerate and shed our skin cells in a process that takes 28 to 30 days, but for those with psoriasis, the process is sped up to 5 or 6 days. Instead of shedding, the sheer volume of dead skin cells build up into lesions that are red plaques covered by white scales. Psoriasis is not contagious, but the cracked skin and lesions can make people hesitate to touch those who have it and leave those who do feeling embarrassed and self-conscious.

Beauty is More Than Skin Deep!

Skin disorders can be prevalent for those with weak genetic protection against the assault our skin endures every day. Our skin is our largest organ and our first line of defense against a hostile world. Some disorders that result from the dirty world we live in are common: acne, rosacea and dermatitis; while others are more unpredictable, such as eczema and psoriasis.

For those with skin disorders, regular systemic detoxification is vital! Healthy liver, lung and digestive functions are key to a healthy body and healthy skin. The liver detoxifies our blood. The lungs cycle oxygen and renew energy for the cells.  The digestive system processes food and transports it to the circulatory system, which in turn feeds the body’s tissues and cells. High levels of stress also contribute to reduced resilience and lower immune strength. When the body is out of balance, we often see problems develop at the skin level because it is our largest organ of elimination, too.

If you are predisposed to the genetic weaknesses that can result in psoriasis, your skin will be a barometer of your health. When psoriasis flares up, lesions appear typically on elbows, hands, scalp and knees. People living with psoriasis have been shown to have a higher risk of developing serious health conditions too like heart disease, diabetes, obesity and depression.

It’s Not All the Same
Not only is psoriasis uncomfortable, disfiguring and painful both physically and emotionally, it also comes and goes unpredictably. More than 30 percent of those with psoriasis also have joint inflammation called psoriatic arthritis which is similar to rheumatoid arthritis. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, there are five major types of psoriasis:

Plaque – the most common, about 80 percent of the people with psoriasis have plaque lesions on knees, elbows, scalp and sometimes lower back. Fingernail and toenail disorders are also a common symptom along with cracking and bleeding skin.

Guttate – this form usually shows up in childhood or young adulthood. It comes on quickly and covers the trunk and limbs in thick red lesions. Guttate psoriasis appears to be triggered by upper respiratory infections like strep and tonsillitis, high levels of stress, skin injuries or trauma and certain medications like anti-malaria and beta-blockers.

Inverse – unlike the raised lesions of plaque psoriasis, inverse psoriasis is smooth, shiny and red. Usually this form is found in the armpits, groin, under the breasts and in skin folds. This form is often a problem for those with extreme obesity.

Pustular – an adult onset form of psoriasis, non-infectious pus-filled blisters form on the skin. It can be localized to just the hands or feet or it can cover the body. It begins with red spots that blister and then scale. Triggers for pustular psoriasis seem to be internal medications, irritating topical agents, overexposure to UV light, pregnancy, systemic steroids, infections, stress and sudden withdrawal of systemic medications or potent topical steroids, according the National Psoriasis Foundation.

Erythrodermic – this is a particularly life-threatening form of psoriasis that is widespread across the body. It shows up as red skin and shedding of whole sheets of skin rather than flakes. People with this form also experience severe pain, terrible itching, increased heart rate and fluctuating body temperature. A flare up of this form of psoriasis requires immediate medical attention since it can trigger pneumonia and congestive heart failure.

You can download a fact sheet on each type of psoriasis at the National Psoriasis Foundations’ Web site at www.psoriasis.org.

Now What?
Although there is no known cure for psoriasis, those who have lived with it have found some common relief. Chlorophyll-based supplements like alfalfa and wheat grass provide highly bio-available nutrition the body can use. Exercise that helps move the lymphatic system seems to help keep skin healthier. And, for some reason, cornmeal in socks and gloves is more than just an old wives tale – it helps to soften and slough off plaque lesions and scales.

Other natural products that support those with psoriasis are fish oils from cold water fish (at least 3,000 mg per day), vitamin D (at least 3,000 IU’s per day), Celadrin® to reduce inflammation (1,500 mg per day), Milk Thistle for liver health (100 mg three times a day) and Comfrey tea applied to the scalp to loosen scales and heal skin lesions.

One of the most important things people with psoriasis can do is build a support network either through a local organization, a therapy group at their local hospital, or an online community. While the extreme physical implications of psoriasis kill up to 400 people a year, the psychological injuries to people living with psoriasis can be equally life-threatening leading to severe depression, a fear of interacting with other people and decreased ability to bounce back from illness.

As more education about psoriasis helps change the tide of public opinion and reaction to those living with this autoimmune condition, there is also interest at the federal government level along with new clinical research being done in hopes of finding a cure. Compassion and a cure are probably the two things everyone living with psoriasis has on their wish list. MS&F