Currently 4% of women enrolled in the Illinois Womens Health Registry suffer from this skin condition that causes itchy or sore red patches of skin with silvery scales.
http://www.visualdxhealth.com/adult/psoriasis.htm
Psoriasis occurs when the normal life cycle of skin cells is accelerated by the immune system, causing buildup of dead skin cells, which form the thick, silvery scale-like appearance. There are several types of psoriasis, the most common of which include Plaque Psoriasis, causing the red, scaly lesions; Scalp Psoriasis; Nail Psoriasis, causing abnormal nail growth; and Psoriatic Arthritis, causing stiffness and progressive joint damage. For many people, psoriasis is just a nuisance, however patients usually seek medical advice if their psoriasis causes discomfort and pain, interferes with daily tasks, or causes concern about the appearance of skin. There is no cure for psoriasis, but many treatments exist to interrupt the overproduction of skin cells and to provide significant relief.
Resources at Northwestern for Psoriasis:
Northwestern Memorial Hospital’s Department of Dermatology offers state-of-the-art treatment options for dermatology conditions such as psoriasis. The department also provides cosmetic treatments to patients with various dermatological symptoms. Treatment options include laser surgery, microdermabrasion, camouflage makeup, skin peels and phototherapy (PUVA).
http://www.nmh.org/nmh/specialtiesandservices/medicalspecialties/dermatology/main.htm
The Department of Dermatology at Northwestern’s Feinberg School of Medicine runs a Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Clinic on Tuesday mornings. The clinic is headed by Prashant Singri, MD from dermatology and by Eric Ruderman, MD from Rheumatology. The clinic is ideal for patients with both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact the clinic at 312-695-8106.
Northwestern Physicians/Researchers Specializing in Psoriasis Treatment:
The Department of Dermatology at Feinberg School of Medicine has active areas of laboratory and clinical outcomes research. Nearly all of the clinical faculty in the department serve as principle investigators in clinical trials. Dr. Amy Paller, Chair of the Northwestern Department of Dermatology and Professor of Pediatrics conducts laboratory research related to Psoriasis and other hyper-proliferative skin disorders. Also conducting research involving psoriasis is Dr. Prashant Singri, head of the Psoriasis clinic.
IWHR Highlighted Researcher
Dr. Anne Laumann, MBChB, MRCP (UK), FAAD is an Associate Professor of Dermatology in the Feinberg School of Medicine. She is an active member of many dermatology organizations including the American Academy of Dermatology, the Society of Investigative Dermatology, the Scleroderma Foundation, the Vitiligo Foundation, and the Psoriasis Foundation. Dr. Laumann is the principal investigator on a number of clinical trials related to Raynaud’s phenomenon, psoriasis, and itching. Currently she is conducting clinical trials to evaluate the use of different medications for the treatment of active secondary Raynaud’s disease. She is the local principal investigator in a study studying the outcome and safety of the use of infliximab and golimumab in patients with chronic moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. This study is a multicenter, prospective, 8-year surveillance study involving patients on biologics.
Useful Links and Resources:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/psoriasis.html
http://www.psoriasis.org/
Related posts:
80 Comments
That picture is pretty gross, Michelle.
Oh hey, I know that my favorite skin condition, acne of doom, is affected my femaleness, any idea about psoriasis?
Also, I think I just self-diagnosed some psoriasis on my elbow. Good job, blog!
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You bring up a good point Candace. Although Psoriasis is not really a ‘women’s’ condition (it does effect both sexes equally), I think that women are often more likely to feel emotional and psychological effects of skin conditions. This is not to say that men can’t feel self-conscious about their appearance, but I think women are often expected to have soft, clean skin whereas many men really pull off the rugged, unshaven, unmoisturized look.
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Good point, I’m always incredibly jealous that men can grow a beard to cover their acne. I’d love to grow a beard! Ok, not really, but you know what I mean.
Our lab MD said that there are really good medications out there now for psoriasis. Is it pretty much curable, or is it kind of just a chronic condition that you have to do your best to deal with?
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This look bad!
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Does diet play a part in the helping to clear up psoriasis or should I just take medication?
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From what I understand psoriasis is only treatable, not curable. There are a variety of topical treatments, oral treatments, and light therapies. I do not think that diet plays a large role in the severity of psoriasis, but lifestyle changes such as moisturization and frequent bathing can help.
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Very informative. The image seems to be a “worser” case.
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I didn’t found any info for certain special medication for these kind of skin problem. However I think we can treat the condition by balanced the skin’s cell reproduction with the activities that can caused our skin’s cell dead faster too… just my opinion..
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Wow, it’s pretty rare to see someone put things into perspective the way you just did. I wish that other bloggers and people that post content to the web would take a page from your book! Do you have any other sites that I could visit or could you possibly make a recommendation as to where I might be able to find some more information? Either way, thanks for an excellent resource and I look
forward to being a repeat reader!
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Thanks Ryan! I hope you continue to read our blog as we are constantly posting more information – mostly on women’s health but much of it has implications for both men and women. If you are looking for more information on psoriasis, I recommend Mayo’s website http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/psoriasis/DS00193 and http://www.psoriasis.org. Please keep reading and posting!
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this has been a major disease affecting personal life and self steem… Hope there will be some permanent cure.. There has been recent invention of new drug called STELARA but too expensive to afford.
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The post is very informative but the image really looks scary. I don’t think it is that severe in all cases, is it?
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I can’t take seeing that picture…They say psoriasis is also stress-related. Is it true?
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great source for Psoriasis problem..i hope that more women will aware about Psoriasis..
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Psoriasis can be serious proble for women..this site is good start point for Psoriasis source..
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Is it genetic? Is it an allergy or a genetic condition?
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Loved the content in your blog. Really enjoyed reading it, please keep up the good work. I will tell some of my friends of your good writing and send some traffic your way
Regards
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the pic is scary
Psoriasis is hard to recover completely
lucky nobody i know get this
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Huh, not for people with bad stomaches..
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Wow, that really looks scary but surely you can do something about. I know that Aloe Vera is a good natural healer but I would visit a specialist to really get that looked at.
I also think the people who are inflicted with this problem should a preliminary put an ointment to stop itching.
Itching is one of those feelings that really feel just great.
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Thanks for sharing this useful post about psoriasis.
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Thanks for sharing this useful post about psoriasis. This is very informative.
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Very useful information. I know how hard and miserable it is for someone suffering from Psoriasis.
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I have seen my condition improve since I went for an allergy test and discovered I am allergic Lactose in cows milk and Soya.I have cut these out my diet and 5 weeks later my lumps and blisters have reduced by estimate 80 per cent.
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Lets hope new drug STELARA will bring some smile on the face and be cheaper so everyone can afford..
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Very useful information. I know how hard and miserable it is for someone suffering from Psoriasis
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This is great information for psoriasis sufferers and August is the perfect month to bring awareness to this skin condition, just before the fall when psoriasis seems to insight a flare up.
I have a daughter that sufferers from eczema. While it’s a bit different than psoriasis, both of these skin conditions can be embarrassing and emotionally (in addition to physically) taxing.
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I guess I am lucky since I didn’t develop psoriasis until later on in life. My dermatologist recommended some of the topical ointments(which are not cheap). These did not work for me. Finally he recommended light therapy. I haven’t had a flair-up in two years now.
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I have read many different stories on whether or not Vitamin D is good for Psoriasis. From oral supplements to Vit D skin creams, the arguments are both for and against. The light therapy is an interesting angle because of course the best source of Vit D is UVB light. Altogether it doesn’t sound like much is at risk if you take Vit D, orally or topically, and see if there is a positive effect?
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That’s what I assume as well, as long as supplementing a balanced diet with additional Vitamin D intake doesn’t cause any mayor health risks, it might not be a bad idea to test if there are benefits in regard to psoriasis?
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Is every august psoriasis awareness month?
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Yes, every August is psoriasis awareness month (sorry it took so long to answer that). My question is regarding antioxidants and skin. Since antioxidants are put in so many skin creams and anti-aging serums, there must be some evidence they aid skin.
Have their been any antioxidant and psoriasis studies?
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The treatments microdermabrasie and skin peels, aren’t those the same? What’s the difference?
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Sue and Warren: You are correct that Vitamin D may help with psoriasis. However, it is important to note that the CORRECT form of Vitamin D3, called Cholcalciferol, is imperative to produce any results. Much research has been done recently about the benefits of vitamin D and of course, natural sunlight is still the best. But if the decision is made to supplement your intake, be cautious to use only the highest quality vitamin D.
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To answer the E.Verton question, no, not really. Peels are more invasive, especially if you do a chemical peel, which has numerous side effects.
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Ouch, gross photo – but a very useful article. A friend treated psoriasis with the Vitamin D3 Cholcalciferol BUT he was also avoiding the sun. Frankly, his results were so-so…
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Good post about Psoriasis. Stress is also a trigger for psoriasis which I guess can lead to more stress about getting stressed.
I have seen worse pictures, some people can get cracked or bleeding skin from it.
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The worse thing with this condition is having it on your own children! adults can take care of themselves and have high chances of getting well fast, how bout your kids? who still have their immune system developing and such?
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Great information. I had Psoriasis and was able to get rid of it with the help of my dermatologist and some cream that she recommended. I have to admit mine was not nearly as bad as that picture you used for this article though. Mine was a mild case.
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Yeah Psoriasis and acne are really obvious skin ailments that are difficult to deal with. There is the possibility that psoriasis is related to arthritis as my wife found out. She developed very bad arthritis in her 40′s but was able to overcome it with treatment and positive attitude. It appears she was “lucky” and they put it down to psoriasis due to family history.
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I recently had psoriasis crop up on my back and am struggling with it. I’m online looking for solutions and am striking out.
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I had a boyfriend who had psoriasis that I could relate to because I have eczema. Even though the two are different, the emotional toll it takes is the same.
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psoriasis has to be one of the more uncomfortable pains for my elbows and knees. this time of year is when I find it is the worst (January-February)
Are there specific issues I should be concerned about when it comes to this colder, drier air?
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Psoriasis can have a very negative impact on the life of anyone, whether your male or female.
My brother-in-law has suffered with this for years. He’s so self conscious of these great scaly patches on his elbows that he wears long sleeves year round, even on cruises which he and my sister love.
It’s also painful and causes him to bend his arms slowly, which also makes him self-conscious.
None of the medications he’s tried has worked for him for any length of time. It’s really an awful disease.
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psoriasis is a skin ailment to be avoided at all costs…if you do get it then seek treatment as soon as humanely possible because believe me when i say it is difficult to get rid of
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Here’s some interesting statistics regarding psoriasis in women: The emotional and social effects of psoriasis cut a deeper path through women’s social and emotional lives than men’s. an analysis of survey data from nearly 5,000 patients, showed that 20 percent of women said psoriasis is a very large problem in their everyday lives, compared to 12 percent of men.
Thanks,
Jennifer
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It is hard to find good articles such as this one about Psoriasis. This website offers a lot of really great content, thank you for sharing. I will have to check it out more often.
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I just found your blog while searching Google for articles about Psoriasis. This is an awful skin problem to have and it is very difficult to find good related posts. Well done for having such an informative blog. keep up the good work.
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I suffer from psorasis and have had eczema my whole life. It is very frustrating and uncomfortable as I am still trying to work out was is the cause of them. Great article!
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It really is hard to find an article in the internet that comprehensively deals with psoriasis. It took me this long to realize, it doesn’t even have a cure. Thanks for the article, Michelle.
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A picture speaks a thousand words as they say. It is worth noting first of all that psoriasis is not curable at the moment. However, there are four distinct ways to successfully treat it and ameliorate its effect.
These are:-
1. Topical therapies: Treatments that are applied directly on to the affected skin.
2. Phototherapies: Ultraviolet light therapies.
3. Conventional systemic therapies: Medicines that are taken as tablets or injections and work on the body as a whole.
4. Biologic therapies: Medications which modify the body’s immune responses. These drugs are given as injections or infusions.
Without going into a detailed description of each treatment, the reader should make a search for each type of treatment in turn and see which they feel is most relevant to their problem.
Like a lot of allergy motivated problems, it is about management more than anything else and your physician should be able to point you in the right direction.
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I read two good ways to help psoriasis is oily fish in the diet and and sunlight? Both rich in vitamin D. Any views?
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I am wondering if psoriasis is related in any way to acne? I know that diet is an essential factor in both, but are there genetic or other common factors that would predispose someone to both? Thanks so much!
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Psoriasis is one of those conditions that people are almost afraid of. A lack of understanding and education leaves some people afraid that it is contagious etc. Good article, well written.
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Psoriasis can be very hard to deal with , both mentally and curing it.There needs to be more awareness spread to get the word out,separating myths from facts.
Wouldn’t it great for people who have no clue about how to deal with Psoriasis.
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Psoriasis is simply the worst but it is great to know that there is at least one month a year when this chronic skin condition is recognized
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I have been dealing with Psoriasis for over five years now, and I have to tell you it’s very embarrassing. The fact that it’s in my ear lobes and a bit deeper makes it hard to handle. Fortunately, my friends and family are very understanding of my condition, and after getting some medical cream it goes away. Unfortunately, I have to continuously apply it to my ears every day or else it will grow back.
Hopefully they find a cure. I sure need it!
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I think it is one of the worst parts of psoriasis: trying to sleep. I have insomnia too, the itching doesn’t help. The itching of course leads to scratching, and this to bleeding
I prefer taking a bath at night, that way, at least I get to clean the flares and scalp, and then I apply my lotions, creams, etc. I feel a bit better.
Anyway, I continue to struggle at night with this… I think relaxation might also help to have a better sleep.
Good luck to you all with this.
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Hi, a good friend of mine has psoriatic arthritis and she is overweight. Can she treat arthritis separately from psoriasis or and maybe get rid of the arthritis?
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I have been suffering from psoriasis for more than 20 years. This irritating disease flares up now and then.
Sometimes it is caused by stress but I strongly believe it has got to do with what we eat. Or rather what NOT to eat. I recently read a report that eating black garlic can help cures psoriasis and I have just started consuming it on a daily basis. Will it work? I don’t know but if it does I will let you know too.
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I’ve had to deal with psoriasis for almost over a decade now, and sometimes it truly irritates me (no pun intended). Back on topic, it can be frustrating to be uncomfortable with even the simplest things such as sitting down in front of the computer or sleeping. I’ve managed to cope by buying high quality ergonomic chairs and really nice mattresses, but those only help to a certain extent, and that’s only in my home. Anyone have any suggestions? I went to read reviews of the seemingly best chairs for me, but be warned, no matter how expensive they can only help so much.
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Hi thanks for writing about this. I enjoy visiting your blog, and have recommended that some of my friends pay you a visit as well.
keep up the good work!
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Thank you for this wonderful guide. It was nice read. I like the information which you have provided in this article. I found them useful and helpful. I appreciate your effort which you have put in this article. Keep up the good work continue. Have a nice day, be happy.
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As medical estheticians, we see patients with many types of skin conditions. Of them all, psoriasis seems to be the condition that causes the most embarrassment for women. Acne also is a huge source of embarrassment, but overall is easier to treat, and people also know it’s not contagious.
Sadly, many people simply assume by the look of psoriasis that it is a contagious condition. It’s sad that there are so many misconceptions about this skin problem. While there’s still no cure, it’s nice to see a month dedicated to raising awareness for this condition that causes so much frustration for so many people.
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I support you 100%.. Im a psoriasis sufferer myself though mild but still uncomfortable having it..
My Psoriasis come and go..They said it has something to do with the stress in life…
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Any skin condition is not nice but psoriasis is particularly horrible. Im a long time sufferer and would do anything to get rid of it for good. Unfortunately nothing I have tried has worked and I feel like I will never get rid of it . Can anyone give me any advice?
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Psoriasis is one of those conditions that makes you think, ‘Haven’t they fund a a cure for that yet?” Lots of treatments but no cures.
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Where can i find more info for certain special medication for these kind of skin problem
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I have a friend who suffers, stress seems to bring it out and he says a lot of food intolerances to. Refined flour seems to set him off.
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Refined flour is my problem too. I suffer a lot form this problem. What can I do?
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My girlfriend is having these symptoms last few days, it was started when we got back from the trip in forest. Do we need to visit a doctor or we can try to heal these wounds at home?
EDITOR’s REPLY: If it doesn’t heal quickly, she may have gotten into something like poison oak or poison ivy and she may need to see a MD.
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I understand that to date a cure for psoriasis does not exist. However, I wonder if research has been conducted to find a way to prevent or minimize psoriasis outbreaks. Cure and prevention are 2 different things.
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I wonder if laser treatment is available for psoriasis?
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I keep a heap fresh vegetables and fruits included in my everyday diet since they are filled with vitamins. Now why do you wish vitamins? Because they are essential both for your health and skin condition. It is found that Vitamins are effective to heal skin aging and keeps you skin well protected against external and internal harmful parts that constantly makes an attempt to ruin your skin.
Vitamin D is one in all the foremost dedicated warriors that help your skin to remain protected under its defend. Now here I will speak concerning totally different sorts of skin conditions and the way Vitamin D will solve these issue
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Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease.
Psoriasis has no known cause.
The tendency toward developing psoriasis is inherited in genes.
Psoriasis is not contagious.
Psoriasis gets better and worse spontaneously and can have periodic remissions (clear skin).
Psoriasis is controllable with medication.
Psoriasis is currently not curable.
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Many of our readers always want more information on Psoriasis. Lots of these symptoms sometimes go unnoticed in the beginning. Maintaining a clean diet is a great start
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Diagnosing this skin condition is simple. If the tests and exam are conclusive, you may be diagnosed with Psoriasis rosea. One issue that is totally different between people is that light-weight skinned folks expertise the patches as pinkish, while darker-skinned individuals expertise patches that are additional grey, brown or typically black. If the patches dry out, it can cause an increase in what’s already classified as severe itching. However, repeated wetting and drying will cause your skin to dry out quicker.
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I think there is a lot of people out there that do not pay a lot of attention to their skin, or think anything about skin care at all. I just read where skin bleaching, and people attempting to lighten their skin color is increasing all over the world, including places like China, Japan, and India. In Jamaica it has become such a problem that the government started an educational campaign that basically says if you are going to do it then learn how to do it naturally instead of using potentially dangerous skin bleaching chemicals. I know anything to do with skin color is going to be a highly sensitive issues but I think these people are doing it for all the wrong reasons.
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Good read. I am of the opinion that skin problems, blemishes including pimples/acne etc will continue to be conditions that the current and future generations will suffer from, more and more.
The reason being that as we use more and more pesticides and other chemicals on our food and unwittingly contaminate out water supplies, Dermatologists will be a very demanding occupation. Well any thing in the health field will be demanding. Should we be looking at more natural remedies?
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I think skin problem is very big issue and it is also complicated. i recently developed of of the sudden a skin rash that made my life miserable. i saw my doctor and he asked me to do a blood test. i did and everything was fine.but my skin started to get bad. i developed rashes and i could not stop itching. I still have the itchiness although the rash has stopped. i am seeing a dermatologist next month to see what cause my skin rush.It is a new thing for me . i never had this type of condition before. Please share if you have the same issue and what did you do to treat it.
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