Palmoplantar Psoriasis Overview and Treatments Available
Palmoplantar psoriasis is a recurring and common form of psoriasis that affects the palms and the soles of the feet. Impacted people can also develop pustules depending on its type.
There are 2 types of this condition – the common, regular type, and palmoplantar pustolosis. Like psoriasis, the condition is likely caused by conditions that adversely activate the immune system or by infections or by genetic factors or by a combination of these. It mainly targets smokers and ex-smokers.
Types and Symptoms of Palmoplantar Psoriasis
Common palmoplantar psoriasis affects the palms or the soles or both. It is characterized by dry and thickened skin and skin shedding. Very often, the impacted area develops silvery scales and/or splits and cracks up. The cracks are painful and they merge and break open making it painful for the affected person to perform regular activities (walking, exercising). The condition also causes considerable mental agony. However, its overall impact on general health is negligible.
It resembles other diseases like eczema, hand dermatitis and mycosis and that makes diagnosis a difficult task. Applying pressure or rubbing the impacted area worsens the condition. When the condition affects the palms it is described as palmar psoriasis and when it impacts the soles it is termed as plantar psoriasis. There is no pustule formation in this sub-type of psoriasis.
Palmoplantar pustulosis psoriasis (PPP) also impacts the palms and the soles with a difference. It is characterized by pustule formation. The soft and fleshy parts of the palms and soles develop yellowish pustules that are about half-a-centimeter in size. The pustules contain pus which is not infectious. As the pustules are yellow and contain pus they make the area seem infected. A few pustules form at first and then they start increasing in numbers and coverage. The skin cracks and splits and often bleeds.
The pustules shrink in size over a couple of weeks and get covered by brown scales that start peeling off. They may be replaced by new pustules and this cycle can go on for a long time – even for years. If the condition continues for a long time the impacted skin can worsen and cause severe psychological and physiological damage to the victim.
Palmoplantar Psoriasis Treatments
Palmoplantar psoriasis treatment helps address the symptoms and control the condition, and possibly cure the disease. Strong steroid creams and ointments like Temovate, Ultravate and Psorcron when applied at night and covered by a prescribed wrap are known to help.
Occlusive dressing combined with high-potency topical corticosteroid is considered beneficial and cosmetically acceptable as well. These topical creams must be used for limited periods or they will end up causing skin damage, or will lose their effectiveness. If such creams help improve the condition, then their potency can be increased and they can be applied twice in a day.
Tar solution soaks (Zetar emulsion) and salicylic acid ointments can be applied on pustules. These can help peel off the scales and stop pustules from re-occuring. Tazorac gel is helpful as well though it can be irritating. However, Tazorac gel does not damage the skin like steroid ointments do.
Ultraviolet light can be combined with an oxsoralens, an oral medication, to treat people who do not respond to creams. Treatment is administered in the doctor’s office and the disadvantage is that the ultraviolet light can cause blisters.
Soriatane is an oral medication that helps control palmoplantar pustulosis psoriasis. However, it causes many side effects, though most are not serious. Cyclosporin and Methotrexate are more powerful oral medications with strong side effects and their long term use is not recommended. Other medicines that are considered less reliable to treat palmoplantar psoriasis are colchicine, tetracycline and dapsone.
Guttate Psoriasis Insights
Guttate psoriasis takes its name from a Latin word, Gutatte. Guttate means “drop” in Latin and guttate psoriasis is characterized by small, red, drop-shaped (tear or water drops) spots that usually appear on arms, legs and in the middle areas of the body. It is an uncommon form of psoriasis that usually occurs in young people who are below 30 years, and it is not contagious.
Guttate Psoriasis Causes
Guttate psoriasis is known to develop suddenly. It usually occurs after an infection (bacterial or viral). Strep throat is a condition that is directly linked to this form of psoriasis though it is not necessary that every person suffering from strep throat will contract it.
Another cause can be heredity – this form of psoriasis can run in families. Plus, as with psoriasis in general, this form too can be caused when the body’s immune system mistakes healthy cells for unsafe material.
Skin injuries, medicines used to treat conditions like malaria and heart conditions, stress, sunburn and excessive alcohol intake are also known to trigger this form of psoriasis. People with a low immunity levels are known to experience higher severity.
Symptoms
Appearance of the teardrop-shaped red spots is a symptom. These red spots may be covered by flaky skin and scales, which are silvery in color. Though the red spots usually appear on arms, legs, and in the middle areas of the body, they can occur at other places as well.
Diagnosis
Doctors typically figure out such cases by examining the affected area and inquiring about recent medical conditions. A sore throat or a respiratory infection just before an outbreak of this type of psoriasis can give it away.
Additionally, doctors may conduct a skin biopsy and a throat culture test to confirm their diagnosis.
Treatment
The objective of treating guttate psoriasis is to control symptoms and prevent infections. If you have this form of psoriasis along with an infection, the doctor will first give you antibiotics to help get rid of the infection.
Mild cases are treated by applying a steroid-based (cortisone) cream. Common shampoos used to treat dandruff, moisturizers, and lotions containing coal tar are known to help too. Prescription drugs that contain vitamin A or D also help.
Severe cases are treated with corticosteroids, cyclosporine and methotrexate, which work by suppressing the immune system’s response. Care must be observed when taking such medicine because as stated, it weakens the immune system’s response.
Sunlight too can help – its adequate exposure can help get rid of the guttate psoriasis. Ultraviolet light can be combined with an oral medicine, oxsoralens, is used to treat people who are unresponsive to creams. This ultraviolet light treatment is administered in a health care facility. Its disadvantage is that it can cause blisters.
Guttate psoriasis can go away by treatment or it can return and become a chronic condition. An early diagnosis followed by simple lifestyle changes and proper intake of prescribed medicines can help you get rid of it.
Plaque Psoriasis Causes and Treatments
If you’re a plaque psoriasis sufferer, you’d do just about anything to get rid of the discomfort and embarrassment of this common skin condition. You’re not alone. It is estimated that 5.5 million people struggle just as you do. Learn a little more about this inflammatory skin condition and what you can do to heal.
What is Plaque Psoriasis?
This common skin condition is the result of an abnormal and rapid multiplication of skin cells on the top layer of skin. It is characterized by red, scaly patches on the knees, elbows, arms and trunk. These circular patches tend to itch, burn and feel inflamed during a flare-up.
Other symptoms involve the finger and toenails. Nails may have pits, indentations or ridges and may be discolored and separate from the nail bed.
What Causes Plaque Psoraisis?
The cause isn’t entirely clear but some researchers believe it to be caused by an immune system disorder. Studies show that when a parent has this painful skin condition, it is 50% likely that the child will as well.
Symptoms can be also exacerbated by certain environmental factors such as:
- Alcoholism
- Smoking
- Injury to the skin
- Stress
- Sun exposure
- Food Intolerances
- HIV infection
How is Plaque Psoriasis Treated?
Thankfully, there are many ways to treat this autoimmune skin condition. Let’s take a look at a few.
1. Eliminate Environmental Allergens
Any autoimmune problem can be made worse by certain environmental factors. Take a look at your household cleaning products, make-up, skin and hair care products. If they are not made from natural, organic ingredients, get rid of them. They could be causing or triggering your chronic flare-ups.
2. Clean up Your Diet
Your diet has a lot to do with your skin. Common food intolerances such as gluten and dairy can cause chronic skin flare-ups. Cut wheat, gluten and dairy products from your diet for a few weeks to see if your symptoms improve.
Also, eliminate processed foods that contain a lot of unhealthy additives and preservatives.
Switch to whole foods instead.
3. Try Some Supplements
Probiotics – Probiotics are the live, active cultures found in yogurt, kefir and fermented foods. Gut health and skin health are very closely related. Adding a good quality probiotic supplement to your diet will crowd out harmful gut bacteria, improve your immune system and help clear up your skin.
Vitamin D – Chances are you’re vitamin D deficient. Most people are. Plus, if you need to avoid the sun because of your flare-ups, your immune system and overall health will benefit from 1,000-2,000 i.u. (international units) per day.
Omega 3 – Omega 3 fatty acids such as krill oil will reduce inflammation and improve your immune system from the inside out.
4. Use Natural Topical Treatments
Sea salt baths or compresses can be a very soothing way to dry out the red, flaky patches on the skin and relieve the uncomfortable itch.
Epsom salt can also be used to draw out toxins and improve immune system health. Those who are pregnant, diabetic or allergic to sulfur should not use Epsom salt.
Homeopathic calendula can be used directly on the scaly patches to relieve burning and discomfort.
Pure vitamin E can also be used to heal and soothe the skin.
Plaque psoriasis can be both painful and embarrassing. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to treat and relieve it.
Inverse Psoriasis – Causes and Treatments
Inverse psoriasis is a form of psoriasis that occurs in the skin-fold areas of the body. The skin-fold areas of the body are armpits, groin, area under the breasts, waist (folds), thighs (folds), etc. It first appears as reddish gashes in the skin-fold areas and is smooth and shiny.
Symptoms of inverse psoriasis
Victims of inverse psoriasis first witness smooth, shiny red gashes occurring in one or more skin-fold areas. The gashes irritate the skin and are prone to aggravations (pain and itching) from rubbing and sweating because they are located in sensitive areas. The gashes do not have scales like the gashes generated by plaque psoriasis because they occur in moist areas.
Inverse psoriasis is found more in the obese, the overweight or people who have skin-folds. It is a well-known medical fact that obesity enhances the degree and harshness of the condition.
Causes of inverse psoriasis
Psoriasis, of any type, occurs when the immune system sends out incorrect signals that hasten the growth cycle of skin cells. Inverse psoriasis may be caused by yeast growth, which is aggravated by friction, skin rubbing with skin, sweating and itching.
Inverse psoriasis – treatment
Treating this type of psoriasis is a difficult task because the areas that host it are tender and moist. Steroid-based creams and ointments are considered effective. However, the affected area must not be covered by dressing.
Steroid-based creams must not be overly used because they can result in skin-thinning and stretch marks. The impacted skin becomes naturally thinner and if any over-use of steroid creams thin it any further, it can cause other complications (like infections). Doctors first inspect the area for infection and then typically recommend a skin cream with anti-fungal properties.
People who carry severe infections may require prescription medicine. Tacrolimus (Prototopic) and Pimecrolimus (Elidel), which are approved by the FDA for the treatment of eczema, work well for treating this condition.
Another product available in the market that goes by the name of Castellani’s Plant (Castederm), which is a liquid, is also known to be effective. Powders too help dry the rashes. People use creams or liquids at night and powder during the day.
Some patients use Ultraviolet B (UVB) light to address the condition. To be treated by UVB, patients must strip and position themselves in a box that emits the UVB light. It is believed that appropriate exposure to UVB slows down the growth of psoriasis agents though it is not backed by overwhelming evidence.
Injections containing the biologics Enbrel (Etanercept) or Remicade (Infliximab) are used to help patients suffering from stubborn inverse psoriasis.
Living with the condition inverse psoriasis is a very irritating condition because of the area it impacts. Patients need both medical and emotional support. They must contact their doctors every now and then to enquire about the latest therapies and switch their existing medicines, if needed.
Types of Psoriasis and Their Common Manifestations on the Skin
Different types of psoriasis explained.
Psoriasis is a skin condition caused by the autoimmune function of the T-cells inside the body. This commonly occurs when the T-cells mistakenly recognize the skin cells as foreign objects. As a result, it attacks these cells bringing about an abnormality in the normal structure and growth of the skin.
Psoriasis is a skin condition which is chronic, it has no known cure which can totally remove the disease out of the body. It can only be remedied with the use of remedies which can reduce the symptoms commonly experienced during breakouts known as flare-ups or exacerbations.
There are different types of psoriasis, each manifesting symptoms which are different in some ways from the others. Here are some of the types of psoriasis, and some of their common manifestations which make them different from the others.
1. Plaque Psoriasis. It is the most common and popular type of psoriasis. In plaque psoriasis, the skin is reddened covered with silvery and whitish scales. These are usually itchy and dry. They may even cause the skin surface to crack. Common areas affected by this type of psoriasis are the elbows, knees, and the abdominal area and in some instances, on the scalp. The plaques tend to have a longer exacerbation period, often extending from months to years.
2. Guttate Psoriasis. This type of psoriasis appears in the form of drop-like red indentations on the skin which is topped with fine scales smaller in size and dimension. Guttate psoriasis usually appears in body areas such as the torso, arms and legs and it is also regarded as the second most common form after plaque psoriasis.
3. Inverse Psoriasis. This type of psoriasis does not have the scales on the skin as a manifestation. The lesions would commonly appear reddened and smooth. Common areas where these lesions are located involve different skin zones which meet and rub against each other. These are on the buttocks, under the breasts, fatty abdominal pads and the armpits.
4. Erythrodermic Psoriasis. It is the least popular and least common. It involves a large portion of the body where the skin appears reddened and inflamed all over. It can be systemic, resulting to a constriction of the different blood vessels which can lead to anaphylactic shock.
5. Pustular Psoriasis. This type of psoriasis is least common because of the small amount of population of individuals who suffer from this skin condition. In Pustular psoriasis, the skin appears raised and elevated with pus present on top of it. The areas around the pus are reddened and inflamed.
Psoriasis Scalp Treatment – For Individuals With Scalp Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin condition wherein the cells of the body lose their function to properly recognize its own kind. This condition is called an autoimmune activity, believed to be the reason why psoriasis occurs on the body. Psoriasis is best believed to be transferred through the genes and triggered by different factors such as stress, illness, low immune system and sometimes poor diet.
Being a chronic disease, psoriasis has periods of remissions and exacerbations, commonly known as the quiet period, and the period when all the symptoms appear on the skin surface. These symptoms make psoriasis a hassle to deal with. Psoriasis scalp treatment uses different remedies which can lessen the symptoms, not the whole skin condition.
There are different types of psoriasis. These are the following:
• Erythrodermic
• Psoriatic Arthritis
• Inverse
• Pustular
• Guttate
• Scalp Psoriasis
Of all the types mentioned above, the most common of them all is the scalp psoriasis, usually occurring in 8 out of 10 individuals. Scalp psoriasis usually manifests itself in the form of reddened skin followed by plaques. The skin would look as if it is very dry, oftentimes followed by cracking on the skin surface.
Common areas where scalp psoriasis are commonly found are on top of the scalp and even on elbows, knees and torso. The scalp particularly appears flaky and dry and can be mistaken for a dandruff. However, when examined closely, differences can be recognized instantly.
If you are suffering from scalp psoriasis, it is wise to adapt to a psoriasis scalp treatment which can help get rid of the symptoms as well as the main cause. Different ingredients found on specific shampoos, lotions and creams can increase the likelihood for effective results to make themselves less visible on the skin.
These are the following helpful ingredients which are usually found in a psoriasis scalp treatment solution:
• Salicylic acid. This works on getting rid of the inflammation and scaling of the scalp. Salicylic acid makes it easy for the flakes to fall off on their own.
• Aloe vera. It has scalp-healing properties which can help lessen physical manifestations of psoriasis on the scalp.
• Jojoba oil. This substance is used primarily for the purpose of moisturizing the dry surface of the scalp which has scales and itchy manifestations.
• Peppermint oil. It gives a cool sensation on the scalp where the skin lesions are located. Peppermint oil also helps in healing the skin during a psoriasis flare-up.
• Amino acids. They protect the scalp from balding and excessive damage. Amino acids also facilitate build-up of new cells.
The Direct Link Between Psoriasis and Treatment
Is there really a direct link between psoriasis and treatment even though it is already a chronic, untreatable disease? In fact, there still is. Psoriasis is indeed a chronic disease which by now is treatable. It can be treated with different methods which can reduce the symptoms every time there is an exacerbation (or flare-ups, where the symptoms would be on appearing on the highest duration on the skin).
Psoriasis is commonly recognized as red and inflamed patches on the skin which is accompanied by scales. These would cause discomfort and itching, followed by physical symptoms such as skin dryness and cracking. However, there will be instances when the symptoms would differ depending on the type of psoriasis on the skin.
There are 6 types of psoriasis, these are:
1. Inverse Psoriasis. The skin lesion is smooth and reddened, usually appearing on areas where the skin is rubbing against each other. These would be in the armpits, buttocks, genital areas and on abdominal pads and layers.
2. Erythrodermic Psoriasis. Usually occurs when a large portion of the body is inflamed and reddened. This is quite dangerous for it can pose a systemic effect which can affect major organs of the body.
3. Plaque Psoriasis. The skin is reddened and inflamed, followed by scales on the skin surface. This is the most common of all type of psoriasis.
4. Guttate Psoriasis. The skin has drop-like reddened lesions topped with finer scales.
5. Psoriatic Arthritis. It occurs with the combination of both psoriasis and arthritis.
6. Pustular Psoriasis. Skin is elevated, followed by pus on the affected areas.
When it comes to psoriasis and treatment, here are the following remedies commonly recommended to reduce symptoms associated with this skin condition:
• Bathing in seawater. Seawater contains salts and minerals which can effectively reduce inflammation and redness during flare-ups.
• Avoiding foods rich in toxins. These are spices, seafoods and alcohol.
• Increase intake of vitamins. Vitamin C and E especially affects skin growth and healing. Take ample amount of these vitamins to lessen symptoms associated with psoriasis.
• Use moisturizers. These can lessen skin cracking and drying up. Itching is also reduced when the skin is properly moisturized.
• Aloe vera. This miracle plant helps treat the skin and heal different damaged areas. Aloe vera is also a major component in skin creams and treatments.
• Manage stress. Among the factors which trigger psoriasis, stress offers a large portion of the total reasons why there are exacerbations of the skin condition and is a major link between psoriasis and treatment of it being successful or not.
Remedies for Psoriasis – Methods to Treat Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin condition which is brought about by the autoimmune function of the T-cells inside the body. With this dysfunction, the T-cells mistook its own cells as foreign substances which can cause damage and harm to the function of the body. As a result, skin cells inside the body are damaged resulting to the manifestations of symptoms associated with psoriasis.
Common areas affected by psoriasis are the arms, elbows, knees, legs, trunk and sometimes the scalp. The skin usually appears scaly and reddened, although there are also other manifestations inherent to the different types of psoriasis conditions.
There are 6 common types of psoriasis. Some of them possess qualities which are same with the others, while some of the types have their own manifestations which are only common and exclusive with their own.
The 6 types of psoriasis are the:
1. Plaque Psoriasis. The skin is reddened and inflamed followed by silver-colored scales. It is the most common type of psoriasis.
2. Guttate Psoriasis. The skin has drop-like reddened surfaces which contains finer scales on the surface.
3. Inverse Psoriasis. Skin is smooth and reddened. There are no scales present.
4. Erythrodermic Psoriasis. A large portion of the body is inflamed and reddened. It commonly results to a systemic inflammation which can be dangerous.
5. Pustular Psoriasis. The skin is elevated, followed by the appearance of pus on top of the reddened areas.
6. Psoriatic Arthritis. It is a combination of both psoriasis and arthritis.
To combat these symptoms, here are some of the effective remedies for psoriasis:
• Bathing in Dead Sea water/Dead Sea salts. The Dead Sea contains higher concentration of minerals and salts which can heal skin conditions such as psoriasis.
• Take Vitamin C. One of the common factors which trigger psoriasis is the presence of illness. Increased amount of Vitamin C can prevent this.
• Aloe Vera. It hydrates and heals the skin. Aloe vera is popular for its healing and beautifying effects on the skin, making it a common ingredient in beauty creams.
• Sunlight Exposure. The sun’s rays are also helpful and essential in lessening symptoms. 15 minutes is good enough for individual living on the equator, while 20 to 30 minutes who are not in tropical regions.
• Stress Management. Stress directly affects the body to become susceptible to diseases. Learning the proper way to manage stress can lessen psoriasis outbreaks.
• Diet Modification. Refrain from eating seafoods and cuisines rich in spices. This can aggravate skin condition.
Effective Methods to Treat Psoriasis on Scalp
The cause of psoriasis on scalp is unknown, although it is believed to be caused by an autoimmune dysfunction on which the body fails to recognize its own type, mistaking it for a foreign organism.
As a result, it attacks its own skin cells, giving way to the abnormality and early maturity of these cells. This factor leads to the occurrence of psoriasis.
Psoriasis on scalp is a chronic disease on which it’s treatable. The treatments available in the market are normally only there to alleviate and lessen the symptoms commonly experienced during flare-ups or exacerbations of the symptoms. Common causes which trigger psoriasis to flare up are stress and anxiety although there are also relations to improper diet and lifestyle, acute illnesses and infections.
There are many different types of psoriasis and these are the following:
• Erythrodermic
• Guttate
• Inverse
• Plaque
• Psoriatic
• Pustular
• Scalp Psoriasis
They manifest different kinds of symptoms, although their common denominator is the appearance of reddened skin and scales. These different types make it hard for other individuals to distinguish and notice that they are already suffering from psoriasis.
One of these is psoriasis on the scalp. They usually appear as flakes and scales surrounding the scalp and head area. At first, they can be mistaken for dandruff but the appearance of scaling distinguishes one from the other.
There are simple methods to get rid of psoriasis on scalp, one of this is through the use of a specific shampoo only made for those who suffer from this specific skin condition. A psoriasis scalp treatment shampoo contains moisturizers which work on the cracked and flaky scalp areas, relieving the skin from itching and unsightly appearance.
Shampoos which contain large amounts of jojoba oil and salicylic acid also prevent further itching and they are also able to penetrate the deeper layers of the scalp, softening the scales which appear on this specific area of the body.
Another method is through the application of aloe vera juices on the affected area. Aloe vera contains amino acids and minerals which reduces inflammation and flaking of the scalp. It also helps in increasing the volume of the hair, preventing baldness and easy hair damaged caused by this skin condition.
Lastly, zinc also helps in speeding up the healing process for psoriasis on scalp, this can be taken in through oral medications or topical creams which can speed up the healing and rejuvenating process on the scalp.
Natural Psoriasis Treatment – Treat Psoriasis Skin Conditions
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition on which it is treatable. It is acquired through genetics although the real cause relies on the faulty mechanism of the body to recognize skin cells of its own type.
As a result, the body battles its own, giving growth to abnormal or more mature skin cells. These results to a reddening and scaling of the body as manifested on the skin surface.
There are periods of remissions or instances when the body does not experience any symptoms. There will also be occasions when there will be exacerbations or periods when the body manifests the different signs and symptoms causing discomfort and uneasiness on the body.
The main causes of the exacerbations or flare-ups would be stress and too much intake of foods which contain large amounts of toxins.
There are still numerous methods which can be used as a natural psoriasis treatment for the symptoms. Here are some methods which can prove beneficial during occurrences of flare-ups:
• Use of Vitamin C. This body healing vitamin can help in speeding up healing on the inflamed and reddened areas of the skin. Vitamin C also prevents complications which can further harm the body during exacerbations.
• Vitamin E supplements. There are two different ways to take in Vitamin E during a psoriasis flare-up. The first one is through taking in the capsule per orem (by mouth) in order to serve as a body antioxidant. The other way is by pricking the oil off the capsule and directly applying the vitamin oil on top of the inflamed and cracked areas.
• Moisturizer. These provide enough moisture on the skin which can lessen the visibility of the scales. A good moisturizer should have natural ingredients which can get rid of dry skin and at the same time does not contain harsh synthetic chemicals which can cause further inflammation and itching.
• Bathing in seawater. This is perhaps the most common solution for psoriasis. Bathing in sweater can lessen the redness and swelling on the skin surface.
• Exposure to the sun. Sun exposure provides a natural psoriasis treatment which can lessen the redness on the skin. However, caution should be practiced in order not to pose any threat on the body because of too much sun exposure. Individuals in tropical countries should be exposed only for 15 minutes during early morning while those who are living far from the equator can go for as long as 30 minutes depending on the heat intensity.