Thursday, May 21, 2009
the heartbreak of psoriasis
The phrase "the heartbreak of psoriasis" is often used both seriously and ironically to describe the emotional impact of the disease. It may include both the effect of having a chronic uncomfortable disorder and the social effects of being self conscious of one's appearance. The term can be found in various advertisements for topical and other treatments; conversely, it has been used to mock the tendency of advertisers to exaggerate (or even fabricate) aspects of a malady for financial gain. While many products today use the phrase in their advertising, it originated in a 1960s advertising campaign for Tegrin, a coal tar-based ointment.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Phototherapy with psoriasis
I found some information on phototherapy.
The usual starting dose is 10mg(very conservative) and the light exposure
modified by skin type but I will usually begin at 10 minutes of 11-2 sunshine or
20 minutes of after 4pm-using this hour minimized the UVB effects and emphasizes
the UVA. These times would have to be conservatised for the tropics of course. I
subscribe to the usual eye and skin protection regimes after tx. With tanning
beds, start out at 1/3 to 1/2 the time recommended by the owner for tanning and increase 5 min a week as tolerated. With sunlight I increase 10 minutes a week to a max of 30 minutes (45 after 4).
If you have tried phototherapy, please comment on this article.
The usual starting dose is 10mg(very conservative) and the light exposure
modified by skin type but I will usually begin at 10 minutes of 11-2 sunshine or
20 minutes of after 4pm-using this hour minimized the UVB effects and emphasizes
the UVA. These times would have to be conservatised for the tropics of course. I
subscribe to the usual eye and skin protection regimes after tx. With tanning
beds, start out at 1/3 to 1/2 the time recommended by the owner for tanning and increase 5 min a week as tolerated. With sunlight I increase 10 minutes a week to a max of 30 minutes (45 after 4).
If you have tried phototherapy, please comment on this article.
Friday, May 8, 2009
living with Psoriasis
It is ugly, sore, annoying, inconvenient, a waste of money, time, energy, emotion and perfectly good skin. Sound familiar?
There are some things that can be done about this skin condition (some of which cost alot of money), but I will describe in this blog the tips and treatment options I have paid 1000's for. Some work, some dont, some I have modified, some you will have to modify depending on the type of psoriasis you have and the severity.
A little about me, I am healthy, hard working male mid 20s, generally eat well, at the correct times, I don't mind a few beers on the weekend (but who doesn't).I love walks on the beach blah blah blah.... overall pretty average.
Lets get started...
First off we will describe the clinical picture.
"There are five types of psoriasis: plaque, guttate, inverse, pustular and erythrodermic. The most common form, plaque psoriasis, appears as raised, red patches or lesions covered with a silvery white buildup of dead skin cells, called scale. Psoriasis is often found on the head, elbows, knees, groin, torso and finger nails. Psoriasis can occur on any part of the body and is associated with other serious health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and depression."
Treatment prescribed by my gp was a topical steroid cream 'Elocon Cream 0.1%' 'Mometasone furoate 1mg/g', which is to be applied to the affected areas sparingly as required.
This is an affective temporary treatment for the psoriasis, after application the itching stops and the lesion subsides, for me, about 1 to 5 days. But I am worried about the effects on my skin after prolonged use, as I was told that it may weaken the skin over years and may crack.
This calls for some other treatment investigations. Stay tuned as I will bring you the real life story of living with Psoriasis.
Don't forget to thank the sponsors :)
There are some things that can be done about this skin condition (some of which cost alot of money), but I will describe in this blog the tips and treatment options I have paid 1000's for. Some work, some dont, some I have modified, some you will have to modify depending on the type of psoriasis you have and the severity.
A little about me, I am healthy, hard working male mid 20s, generally eat well, at the correct times, I don't mind a few beers on the weekend (but who doesn't).I love walks on the beach blah blah blah.... overall pretty average.
Lets get started...
First off we will describe the clinical picture.
"There are five types of psoriasis: plaque, guttate, inverse, pustular and erythrodermic. The most common form, plaque psoriasis, appears as raised, red patches or lesions covered with a silvery white buildup of dead skin cells, called scale. Psoriasis is often found on the head, elbows, knees, groin, torso and finger nails. Psoriasis can occur on any part of the body and is associated with other serious health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and depression."
Treatment prescribed by my gp was a topical steroid cream 'Elocon Cream 0.1%' 'Mometasone furoate 1mg/g', which is to be applied to the affected areas sparingly as required.
This is an affective temporary treatment for the psoriasis, after application the itching stops and the lesion subsides, for me, about 1 to 5 days. But I am worried about the effects on my skin after prolonged use, as I was told that it may weaken the skin over years and may crack.
This calls for some other treatment investigations. Stay tuned as I will bring you the real life story of living with Psoriasis.
Don't forget to thank the sponsors :)
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Psoriasis explained
Psoriasis is a non-contagious skin condition. It causes red, scaly patches to develop on the skin. These areas are most common on the scalp, elbows and knees, but can occur on any areas of the body. Skin affected by psoriasis grows much quicker than normal skin. There is no cure for psoriasis but it can be controlled with treatment.
A variety of physical effects
Symptoms of psoriasis vary from person to person. The effects may include:
* Red scaly patches on scalp, elbows, knees and other parts of the body
* Itchiness - however, many people do not feel itchy at all
* Shedding of scales of skin.
Types of psoriasis
* Plaque psoriasis - most common form
* Guttate psoriasis - found mostly in children
* Flexural psoriasis - affects body folds and genital area
* Erythrodermic psoriasis - severe form requiring hospitalisation
* Napkin psoriasis.
* Pustular psoriasis - a more severe form of psoriasis which can be painful.
Psoriasis can cause arthritis
For an unknown reason, psoriasis can cause a form of arthritis known as psoriatic arthritis. Symptoms include:
* Discomfort, throbbing or swelling in one or many joints
* Tenderness in any joint
* Pain caused by inflammation in the joints which stimulates nerve endings.
The joints that are most likely to be affected are:
* The last joint in the fingers or toes
* Sacrum (lower back), wrists, knees or ankles.
Causes are unknown
The cause of psoriasis is unknown; however it’s likely that a tendency to psoriasis is inherited because it seems to run in families.
Shocks and infections can trigger attacks
An accident, nervous shock, streptococcal throat or a bacterial, viral or fungal skin infection can make psoriasis appear.
Creams and medicines can relieve symptoms
Moisturising
It is very important to keep your skin moisturised as dry skin can lead to scratching. You should:
* Use a soap substitute
* Use protective gloves
* Keep fingernails and toenails short to prevent damage to the skin from scratching.
Medicines and creams
Doctors may prescribe a range of treatments including:
* Medications such as Methotrexate, Neotigason, Cyclosporin and Calcipotriol
* Ultraviolet light and PUVA Phototherapy
* Coal tar preparations, cortisone and other emollients.
Where to get help
* Your doctor
* A specialist dermatologist (your doctor can refer you)
* Psoriasis Australia Inc.
Things to remember
* Psoriasis is not contagious
* There is no known cure for psoriasis - but it can be controlled with treatment.
From http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au
A variety of physical effects
Symptoms of psoriasis vary from person to person. The effects may include:
* Red scaly patches on scalp, elbows, knees and other parts of the body
* Itchiness - however, many people do not feel itchy at all
* Shedding of scales of skin.
Types of psoriasis
* Plaque psoriasis - most common form
* Guttate psoriasis - found mostly in children
* Flexural psoriasis - affects body folds and genital area
* Erythrodermic psoriasis - severe form requiring hospitalisation
* Napkin psoriasis.
* Pustular psoriasis - a more severe form of psoriasis which can be painful.
Psoriasis can cause arthritis
For an unknown reason, psoriasis can cause a form of arthritis known as psoriatic arthritis. Symptoms include:
* Discomfort, throbbing or swelling in one or many joints
* Tenderness in any joint
* Pain caused by inflammation in the joints which stimulates nerve endings.
The joints that are most likely to be affected are:
* The last joint in the fingers or toes
* Sacrum (lower back), wrists, knees or ankles.
Causes are unknown
The cause of psoriasis is unknown; however it’s likely that a tendency to psoriasis is inherited because it seems to run in families.
Shocks and infections can trigger attacks
An accident, nervous shock, streptococcal throat or a bacterial, viral or fungal skin infection can make psoriasis appear.
Creams and medicines can relieve symptoms
Moisturising
It is very important to keep your skin moisturised as dry skin can lead to scratching. You should:
* Use a soap substitute
* Use protective gloves
* Keep fingernails and toenails short to prevent damage to the skin from scratching.
Medicines and creams
Doctors may prescribe a range of treatments including:
* Medications such as Methotrexate, Neotigason, Cyclosporin and Calcipotriol
* Ultraviolet light and PUVA Phototherapy
* Coal tar preparations, cortisone and other emollients.
Where to get help
* Your doctor
* A specialist dermatologist (your doctor can refer you)
* Psoriasis Australia Inc.
Things to remember
* Psoriasis is not contagious
* There is no known cure for psoriasis - but it can be controlled with treatment.
From http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au
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