PSORIASIS CARE

What is Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic (long lasting) skin disease characterized by scaling and inflammation. In healthy skin, skin cells grow deep in the skin and slowly rise to the surface, usually every 23 to 30 days. With psoriasis, this process speeds up and happens in just a few days. These skin cells then pile up on the skins surface, causing thick, red skin patches with silvery scales to form.

It affects both men and women equally. About 7.5 million Americans are affected by this as of yet, disease with no cure. Research indicates that some abnormality in the immune system causes psoriasis. The first age of onset is generally between 15 and 25, but it can develop at any age. Genetics plays a role in psoriasis.

There are 5 different types of psoriasis, with 80% of all cases being plaque psoriasis. Psoriasis can show up anywhere on the body. As the skin is different on the body, each body site requires different treatments. Psoriasis can be mild, moderate or severe.

Along with painful symptoms, it causes considerable distress to the patients that have the disease. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, over 60% of people with psoriasis felt their disease to be a large problem in their everyday life.

When To See A Doctor

As psoriasis can look like eczema, only a doctor can make a proper diagnosis by examining the skin. The doctor may take a skin biopsy. If the patient has other symptoms such as swollen and painful joints, the doctor may run blood tests and take X-rays to rule out other diseases, such as psoriatic arthritis.

Treatment focuses on managing symptoms, with the type of treatment dependent upon the severity, type and other medical conditions the patient has. Be sure to take your Talk To Your Doctor Guide with you to your appointment to help provide your doctor with your list of symptoms.

The Importance of Skin Care

Non-irritating, moisturizing skin care products can help manage psoriasis symptoms:

Only use gentle, non-abrasive cleansers/soaps that are dye free, fragrance free. Limit soap use to just the areas that need cleaning. Do not scrub the skin, be gentle.
Soak 15 minutes daily in a warm (not hot) bath to soothe the itch and remove scales. Oatmeal and Epsom salts soothe the skin.
Keep the skin well hydrated with ointments and lotions. Ointments are the most moisturizing, but as they can be greasy, use them at night and then use a lighter lotion during the day.
Avoid skin care products that contain benzoyl peroxides and contain alcohol, as they can dry the skin.
Within 3 minutes of bathing, immediately apply a moisturizer to damp skin to help trap moisture in the skin.
Cold compresses/wet wraps may help to relieve itching.
Protect the skin from rough clothing that can irritate.
Use fragrance free, dye free laundry products.
Cooling your body lotions/moisturizers in the refrigerator prior to use can help with itch relief.

Environmental Triggers

Some flare ups may be triggered or made worse by these irritants:

Alcohol – avoid drinking any alcohol.
Cigarette Smoking – avoid cigarette smoking
Clothing – Wool and other itchy fabrics can irritate the skin. Try cotton and other smooth feeling man made fabrics.
Harsh Soaps/Detergents – Use fragrance free, dye free, low pH products designed for sensitive skin. After clothes are washed in detergent, rinse them well.
Medications – Some drugs may worsen psoriasis. However, check with your doctor before discontinuing any of these medications: Certain Beta Blocking Agents (used to treat heart disease/high blood pressure), Lithium (used to treat some psychiatric disorders) Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs (NSAIS’s such as Advil, Ibuprofen, Aspirin), Anti-Malarial Drugs, Ace Inhibitors (used to treat heart disease), Interferons, Tetracycline.
Skin Injuries – Cuts, scrapes, severe sunburn or even minor bug bites can trigger psoriasis at the site of injury. Treat all skin injuries aggressively to avoid psoriasis activation by using a topical antibiotic ointment.
Stress – Under stress, the body’s stress hormones cause inflammation that irritates the skin. Practice stress management and relaxation techniques. Make your body healthy with regular exercise. Develop a support network of friends and family.

Diet & A Healthy Lifestyle Can Help Psoriasis Symptoms

What you eat can affect your psoriasis symptoms. Plymouth Pharmaceuticals founder Dr. Steven Smith recommends a healthy diet (see chart below) for his patients.

Studies have indicated that a higher body mass index (BMI) is associated with an elevated risk for developing psoriasis, as well as disease severity. According to WebMD, a study of obese people found psoriasis relief when they lost weight.

Having psoriasis doubles your chance of having celiac disease (wheat, rye, barley allergy). Gluten sensitivity is characterized with symptoms of bloating, gas and itching. Talk to your doctor about whether a gluten free diet might be helpful to your psoriasis symptoms.

Alcohol should be completely avoided, as consumption can make it more likely for a person to develop psoriasis and it also worsens symptoms.

Beneficial Foods/Nutritional Supplements for Psoriasis

Recommended by Plymouth Pharmaceuticals founder Dr. Steven A. Smith To His Own Patients:

Almond, Brazil Nuts
Anti-Oxidant Rich Foods – like berries, green leafy vegetables
Cooking Oil – Olive, Safflower, Sunflower, Coconut, Grape Seed
Fermented Foods – especially Sauerkraut, Pickles & Organic Vinegar
Fish & Seafood – rich in Omega 3 Fatty Acids – Omega 3 and Fish Oil Supplements are acceptable
Fresh Vegetables – asparagus, beans, mushrooms, peas, carrots, squash, sweet potatoes, spinach, kale
Radishes, celery, beets, broccoli
Gluten Free Foods
Herbs/Spices – Onion, Garlic, Parsley, Chives
Iron Rich Foods & Supplements
Lean Proteins – lean white meats & seafood
Lecithin Supplement
Oat & rich Grains
Turmeric/Curcumin, especially Maximized Curcumin – (helps clam inflammation)
Vitamin B – try a balanced B complex with includes B12 daily
Vitamins D3 – year round supplementation is encouraged. Ask your doctor to check your vitamin levels
First before supplementation and during Vitamin D3 usage. Children, pregnant women and people
With kidney disease should consult a doctor prior to Vitamin D3 supplementation.

Foods to AVOID (What Dr. Smith Recommends to his own patients)

Eliminate 1 at a time to see if they have any effect on symptoms:

Alcohol, especially wine
Citrus fruits – grapefruit, oranges, lemons & limes
Condiments & Seasoning – Anise, Caraway, Clove, Cinnamon, Cracker Pepper, Cumin, Curry, Ginger, Ketchup, Mayonnaise, Mustard, Nutmeg, Paprika, Tabasco, Worcestershire Sauce.
Corn & Soy Oil
Egg Yolks
Fried Foods
Gluten – Rye, Wheat & Barley Grains
Highly Processed Foods, like sausage, bacon
Junk Foods – they are high in fat and have refined starches
Milk (Cow’s Milk) – Grass fed dairy foods are acceptable or substitute Almond Milk
Night Shade Family Plants – Tomatoes, Peppers, White Potatoes, Eggplant
Peanuts & Walnuts
Red Meats, especially high in fat meats
Refined Sugar