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A large study links vitamin D to the severity of psoriasis.

A large study links vitamin D to the severity of psoriasis.

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An inflammatory skin condition called psoriasis is characterized by elevated, irritated, scaly areas of skin that can also be unpleasant and itchy.

From person to person, psoriasis severity varies widely. According to recent studies, having more severe psoriasis may be linked to having low vitamin D levels.

In the US, psoriasis is a disorder that affects more than 7.5 million people. Low vitamin D levels may be linked to more severe psoriasis, according to recent research from the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University.

Scientists believe that psoriasis is an autoimmune illness, which means that it results from the immune system mistakenly attacking your body instead of protecting it. The specific etiology of psoriasis is still unknown. In psoriasis, this immunological activity speeds up the production of new skin cells, which leads to the development of thick, scaly patches on the skin’s surface.

Psoriasis symptoms can range from minor to severe. The National Psoriasis Foundation reports:

  • Less than 3% of the body is affected with moderate psoriasis.
  • 3–10% of the body is affected by mild psoriasis.
  • More than 10% of the body is affected by severe psoriasis.

The connection between psoriasis and vitamin D

Experts enquired as to the biological relationship between vitamin D and psoriasis from Eunyoung Cho, ScD, research team head and associate professor of dermatology and epidemiology at Brown University.

Your skin’s keratinocytes, which are cells, have vitamin D receptors. Currently, topical vitamin D analogs are used to treat psoriasis because they bind to vitamin D receptors on keratinocytes and stop their proliferation. These analogs replicate the effects of vitamin D. Dr. Eunyoung Cho explained that this multiplication causes the thick plaques that are typical of psoriasis.

Italian, Brazilian, and Nepalese researchers found that psoriasis patients have significantly lower serum levels of vitamin D, and that these levels are correlated with the severity of the condition.

Dr. Cho and her associates wanted to determine whether this association would hold true in a sizable, nationally representative US population because the majority of earlier investigations have been carried out outside of the US.

Vitamin D deficiency associated with more severe psoriasis

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were utilised by Dr. Cho’s team to determine the number of psoriasis cases between 2003 and 2006 and between 2011 and 2014. Out of the 40,401 people that were evaluated, they discovered 491 cases, including 162 from 2003 to 2006 and 329 from 2011 to 2014.

The amount of vitamin D in the blood, the body surface area affected by psoriasis (a measurement of the severity of psoriasis on the body), and other details including age, gender, race, body mass index, and smoking habits were also recorded.

The researchers employed a mathematical technique known as “multivariate linear regression” to evaluate the connection between low vitamin D levels and the severity of psoriasis.

They discovered that the severity of psoriasis increased as blood levels of vitamin D declined. The mean serum vitamin D levels of those with the least amount of psoriasis-affected body surface area were highest (67 nmol/L), whereas those with the most amount of psoriasis-affected body surface area had the lowest levels (56 nmol/L).

When they separated the population into groups based on the body surface area affected by psoriasis and examined the proportion of individuals with vitamin D deficiency in each group, the researchers observed a similar trend. Vitamin D deficiency affected 39% of the group with the most severe psoriasis compared to 25% of the group with the least severe psoriasis.

The new study adds to our understanding of psoriasis.

Lim was reported in a press release as saying, “Only one prior study, published in 2013, used NHANES data to analyse the relationship between vitamin D and psoriasis.” Our results are more current and statistically significant than those obtained from previously accessible data because we were able to include more recent data, which more than tripled the number of psoriasis cases analysed.

The University of California, San Francisco’s Dr. Tina Bhutani, an associate professor of dermatology, co-director of the Psoriasis and Skin Treatment Centre, and head of the dermatology clinical research unit, noted that these findings are not new because “similar associations have been reported in the past.”

Nevertheless, “the advantage of NHANES is that it is likely to be more representative of the US population vs. other prior studies,” Dr. Bhutani noted.

The University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine’s James J. Leyden Professor of Dermatology and Epidemiology, Dr. Joel M. Gelfand, stated that the study “shows a modest association between vitamin D levels and psoriasis severity” but cautioned that it cannot be used to establish a causal relationship.

According to this study, “We cannot say whether slightly lower vitamin D levels cause more severe psoriasis or whether slightly higher vitamin D levels cause less severe psoriasis,” stated Dr. Gelfand.

What does this signify for those who have psoriasis?

Dr. Cho stated that even though “topical vitamin D analogs are already used to treat psoriasis, further research, such as large randomized clinical trials of oral vitamin D supplementation, is warranted before any firm medical recommendations are made on the use of oral vitamin D supplementation among psoriasis patients.”

Despite this, Dr. Cho advised that persons with psoriasis and vitamin D insufficiency “discuss this with their clinicians and treat the deficiency.”

Despite the correlation between vitamin D levels and the severity of psoriasis revealed by these data, Dr. Bhutani concurred that “we do not have enough information here to recommend the use of vitamin D supplementation in our psoriasis patients.”

Dr. Gelfand further stated that monitoring or augmenting vitamin D levels in psoriasis patients to treat or prevent psoriatic illness is not currently supported by sufficient levels or quality of data.

Drs. Bhutani and Gelfand both emphasised in their remarks that there have been conflicting outcomes from earlier research testing vitamin D supplementation for psoriasis.

According to Dr. Gelfand, a clinical trial that was conducted in 2022 “showed some evidence that vitamin D supplementation may marginally prevent the development of autoimmune diseases, with some evidence, though not statistically significant, that this includes prevention of psoriasis.”

However, a clinical trial that was released in 2023 revealed that vitamin D supplementation had no impact on the severity of psoriasis.

“A cautionary tale is the experience of vitamin D and prevention of cancer and cardiovascular disease – after many years of intense investigation, large RCTs involving >25,000 patients showed no benefit of Vitamin D supplementation for preventing these major health outcomes,” noted Dr. Gelfand.

REFERENCES:

For Skin disease medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available here https://mygenericpharmacy.com/index.php?therapy=27

Can we manage chronic inflammation with psoriasis?

Can we manage chronic inflammation with psoriasis?

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Psoriasis is regarded by medical professionals as an immune-mediated inflammatory illness even though the actual origin is uncertain. This indicates that the underlying cause of the disease is inflammation.

Psoriasis affects up to 3% of people in the US. It can affect other bodily components, such as the joints and eyes, and manifest signs on the skin, such as elevated plaques and discoloration.

According to experts, inflammation may be the common culprit affecting these various locations.

Psoriasis: What is it?

Skin inflammation is brought on by the autoimmune disease psoriasis. Psoriasis symptoms include thick patches of scale-covered, discolored skin. Plaques are the name for these scaly, thick patches.

As a chronic skin disorder with no known cure, psoriasis can flare up at any time.

Psoriasis comes in a variety of forms, including:

Plaque psoriasis: The most prevalent form of psoriasis is plaque psoriasis. Plaque psoriasis affects between 80% and 90% of those with psoriasis.

  • Inverse psoriasis: This kind develops in the creases of your skin. It results in tiny, scale-free plaques.
  • Guttate psoriasis: A streptococcal infection-related sore throat may be followed by the development of guttate psoriasis. It frequently affects children and young adults and appears as tiny, red, drop-shaped scaly patches.
  • Pustular psoriasis: This form of the condition features tiny, pus-filled lumps on top of plaques.
  • Erythrodermic psoriasis: This form of psoriasis is severe and affects a significant portion (greater than 90%) of your skin. Skin shedding and extensive skin discolouration are the results.
  • Sebopsoriasis: This kind often manifests as lumps and plaques with a greasy, yellow scale on your face and scalp. This is a hybrid of seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis.
  • Psoriasis of the nails: Psoriasis of the nails can change your fingernails and toenails as well as the skin of your hands and feet.

What results in psoriasis inflammation?

Immune system malfunction in psoriasis patients leads to an accumulation of inflammatory cells in the dermis, the middle layer of skin. Additionally, the disease accelerates the proliferation of skin cells in the epidermis, the top layer of the skin.

Skin cells typically develop and slough off over the course of a month. In those with psoriasis, this process accelerates to only a few days. Skin cells accumulate on the skin’s surface instead of being shed, causing painful symptoms such elevated plaques, scales, edoema, and redness or discolouration.

Even though psoriasis is a skin disorder, the inflammation it causes affects the entire body. It can raise the risk of cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriatic arthritis, heart disease, and others.

Is inflammation curable in any way?

Although immune system dysregulation is the cause of the inflammation in psoriasis, research indicates that patients can lessen this inflammation by making dietary and lifestyle adjustments. This may aid in symptom reduction and quality-of-life enhancement.

Many psoriasis sufferers can sustain remission—a prolonged period without having psoriasis symptoms—using these techniques.

In addition, certain psoriasis treatments work by lowering inflammation. Topical corticosteroids, biologics for injection, and oral drugs are some of these.

Psoriasis affects people differently. Some patients will need longer-term care than others.

Managing inflammation

Although there is presently no cure for psoriasis, the following behaviors may lessen inflammation caused by psoriasis and raise a person’s chances of going into remission.

Consuming a wholesome diet

Diet and systemic inflammation are closely related. According to studies, some inflammatory food habits might worsen psoriasis symptoms and increase the likelihood of developing the condition.

Everybody’s definition of a healthy diet is unique. However, the actions listed below could assist someone in establishing one:

Avoiding pro-inflammatory foods: Some foods and drinks include ingredients that promote inflammation, which exacerbates psoriasis symptoms. Soda and highly processed foods like salty snacks, sweets, and animal items are two examples.

A diet high in fruits, vegetables, and other nutrient-dense foods has been shown to reliably reduce the symptoms of psoriasis. For instance, a 2018 study of 35,735 individuals, 3,557 of whom had psoriasis, found that those who consumed a diet similar to the Mediterranean diet had fewer severe cases of psoriasis than those who did not.

Being healthy in terms of weight

A risk factor for the onset of psoriasis is obesity. Overweight or obese psoriasis sufferers may also have more severe symptoms than those who are of moderate weight.

In individuals with excess body weight, weight loss may lower inflammatory indicators and assist in reducing psoriasis symptoms.

In a 2020 study, it was discovered that individuals with psoriasis and obesity or overweight who underwent a 10-week program to lose 12% of their body weight saw a 50–75% reduction in the severity of their psoriasis. An average of 23 pounds were lost by participants.

Introducing additional healthful practises

There are a number of behaviorist that might lessen inflammation and enhance psoriasis symptoms, including:

  • Avoiding or giving up smoking: Smoking hurts one’s health and aggravates inflammatory conditions like psoriasis.
  • Limiting alcohol consumption: Drinking too much might aggravate psoriasis symptoms and cause inflammation.
  • Staying active can assist with psoriasis symptoms by preventing extended periods of inactivity. According to one assessment of the literature, those with psoriasis who lead sedentary lifestyles experience more severe symptoms than those who engage in regular exercise.
  • Getting enough sleep: A lack of sleep can cause the body to become inflammatory. According to studies, getting little or no sleep might raise blood levels of inflammatory indicators. Adults should sleep for 7-9 hours every night, according to experts, to maintain good health.
  • Managing stress: Long-term stress causes the immune system to become overactive and promotes inflammation. Up to 88% of psoriasis sufferers cite stress as a symptom cause. Stress-relieving exercises like yoga and meditation may be beneficial.

When should I get medical help?

Anyone who is going through a psoriasis flare and is curious about how to lessen the symptoms and inflammation of the condition might want to think about consulting their healthcare team, which includes their dermatologist.

They can offer suggestions for diet and lifestyle modifications that may help lower inflammation and lessen psoriasis symptoms, as well as treatment options depend on the severity of the symptoms. Additionally, they could advise taking vitamins or supplements.

REFERENCES:

For Inflammatory disease medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available here https://mygenericpharmacy.com/index.php?therapy=41

Important note about light therapy for psoriasis.

Important note about light therapy for psoriasis.

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Some people can treat their psoriasis with over-the-counter or prescription creams. However, you can attempt phototherapy if your skin continues to be itchy, scaly, and red. Another name for it is light therapy.

Psoriasis treatments like phototherapy have the potential to relieve the itching and pain associated with the condition. UV radiation, which lessens inflammation and delays the production of new skin cells, is frequently used.

Eczema and other skin disorders can benefit from phototherapy. It’s not as easy as just going outside in the sunshine, though.

Treatments with UV light come in a variety of forms. It’s important to figure out which one will work best for you if you’re interested in pursuing this strategy.

It is best to discuss your alternatives with your doctor in order to be treated with phototherapy in a safe manner. Your physician will guarantee that it’s secure for you.

What is light therapy for psoriasis?

Plaques can shrink in size, become less itchy, and appear more subtly when treated with light therapy, which includes shining ultraviolet (UV) light on the skin. Perhaps it will completely resolve them.

Psoriasis cannot be cured, however light treatment can help people manage their condition and enhance their quality of life.

Light treatment for psoriasis lowers plaque development by slowing down the expansion of skin cells. By interfering with the DNA’s ability to function, it also restricts the proliferation of skin cells.

Light therapy procedure

A person can have phototherapy on their entire body or just one location, such their hands or scalp, depending on which parts of their body are affected by psoriasis. Before administering treatment, a medical expert will cover sensitive skin parts including the eyes and genitalia.

To progressively increase the skin’s exposure to UV light and give it time to heal, light treatment requires numerous sessions.

During the course of two to three months, patients typically have three to five weekly light treatment sessions. Depending on the type of light treatment, people typically notice improvements in 2-4 weeks.

Each person’s skin responds to phototherapy in a unique way, which may be seen in the degree of improvement in their psoriasis symptoms as well as the duration of those benefits. 3–12 months is the typical length of remission.

Doctors advise people to only utilise 150 sessions of psoralen and ultraviolet A (PUVA) phototherapy throughout the course of their lifetime due to the increased risk of skin cancer.

Types of light therapy

Delivering light therapy for psoriasis can be done in a variety of ways using a variety of lighting and apparatus.

Based on the following criteria, a medical practitioner will decide which phototherapy technique to apply:

  • how much of the body is affected by psoriasis
  • which bodily areas are affected by psoriasis
  • what degree psoriasis has on a person’s quality of life
  • a person’s general well-being
  • the skin tone of a person

The type of UV light used in treatment is a significant distinction between the many types of phototherapy:

  • Long wavelengths characterise UVA. The skin’s deepest layers can be reached, and it can pass through glass windows. Psoralen, which makes the skin more responsive to UVA radiation, must be used in conjunction with UVA treatments.
  • The shorter wavelength of UVB. It does not require psoralen and merely penetrates the upper layers of the skin.

The various forms of light treatment for psoriasis consist of:

  • limited-band UVB. The most popular kind of light therapy, narrow-band phototherapy, restricts the light wavelengths utilised in treatment to 311-313 nanometers in order to minimise any potential negative effects.
  • UVB with a broad spectrum. The most traditional type of light therapy for psoriasis is called broad-band phototherapy. Compared to narrow-band therapy, it employs a larger wavelength.
  • UVB laser. Smaller, more focused UVB beams are used in laser technology. When psoriasis only affects 5% or less of the body, medical specialists prefer this method.
  • PUVA topical. With PUVA, the skin is prepared for the UV radiation treatment by either soaking in a bath or applying a lotion containing psoralen.
  • Mouth PUVA. In the case of oral PUVA, the patient must take psoralen pills before to phototherapy. For exceptionally thick plaques, this type of treatment may be especially beneficial.
  • Pulsed dye laser (PDL). PDL is most frequently used by medical practitioners to treat nail psoriasis or tiny lesions on the skin’s surface.
  • Balneophototherapy. In this case, a person will receive UV light treatments either during or right after a bath in a salt-based solution.
  • laser or low-level light treatment. Doctors advise this therapy, also known as “cold laser” treatment, for other types of inflammation and persistent discomfort.
  • Home UVB phototherapy. Using hand-held or smaller-scale light boxes, patients can manage their psoriasis and any “flares,” or escalation of plaques and itching, at home with the help of a doctor’s prescription for at-home follow-up care.

Who should get light therapy?

If creams and lotions are ineffective at reducing the symptoms of psoriasis, a doctor or skin specialist known as a dermatologist may suggest light treatment.

Light treatment might be helpful for people with mild to severe psoriasis. With moderate psoriasis, 3–10% of the body is affected, whereas in severe psoriasis, more than 10% of the body is affected.

Phototherapy should not be used on those who use prescription drugs or over-the-counter substances that increase their skin’s sensitivity to UV light.

These drugs that cause photosensitization include:

Before committing to phototherapy, discuss any current supplements or drugs with a medical expert.

The use of light therapy for psoriasis should be avoided by pregnant women and those who have:

  • a background of both melanoma and non-melanoma skin malignancies
  • lowered immunological response
  • lupus
  • recognised photosensitivity problems

Side effects of light therapy

When designing a phototherapy regimen, a medical practitioner will take the patient’s susceptibility to UV light into account. Even with this care, adverse outcomes are still possible.

The following are potential negative consequences of light therapy:

  • light sunburn, which is normally not harmful and can be treated by reducing UV exposure
  • a burning or itchy feeling
  • an increased risk of cold sores in those who are susceptible to them
  • Dark patches and loose or leathery skin are early symptoms of ageing skin.
  • blisters
  • a higher risk of developing skin cancer

Outlook

Although there is no known treatment for psoriasis, patients can manage their symptoms and enhance their quality of life with it. For those with moderate to severe psoriasis, phototherapy can be quite beneficial.

Those receiving intensive phototherapy should have their skin checked by a doctor on a frequent basis due to the possibility of an increased risk of developing skin cancer.

REFERENCES:

For Skin disease medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available here https://mygenericpharmacy.com/index.php?therapy=27

Candidiasis: The most dangerous fungal infection possible?

Candidiasis: The most dangerous fungal infection possible?

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On your skin, various bacterial and fungal species can be found. The majority of them are not harmful. Most of them are necessary for your body to function normally. However, some can spread illnesses if they start to grow out of control.

One of these potentially hazardous species is the Candida fungus. An infection may happen if there is an overgrowth of Candida on the skin. The term “candidiasis of the skin” or “cutaneous candidiasis” refers to this condition.

A red, itchy rash frequently develops as a result of cutaneous candidiasis, most frequently in the folds of the skin. Other body parts may also become affected by this rash. Even though the symptoms can be annoying, they are typically treatable with better hygiene with antifungal creams or powders.

Symptoms of candidiasis of the skin

A rash is the primary sign of cutaneous candidiasis. The rash frequently produces redness and excruciating itching. In some instances, the infection might result in painful, cracked skin. Additionally possible skin conditions include pustules and blisters.

Although the rash can appear anywhere on the body, it most frequently appears in skin folds. This covers regions under the breasts, between the fingers, in the groyne, and between the armpits. Additionally, candida can result in infections in the corners of the mouth, nails, and nail edges.

Other medical diseases that resemble skin candidiasis include:

  • ringworm
  • hives
  • herpes
  • skin problems associated with diabetes
  • Dermatitis from touch
  • Dermatitis seborrheica
  • Eczema
  • psoriasis

What causes candidiasis of the skin?

Skin infections with Candida lead to the development of candidiasis. On the skin, Candida fungus normally exist in modest numbers. But when this kind of fungus starts to grow out of control, it might result in an infection. This might happen as a result of

  • a warm climate
  • slender clothing
  • bad hygiene
  • irregular underwear changes
  • obesity
  • using medicines to eradicate safe microorganisms keeps Candida under control.
  • using corticosteroids or other drugs that have an impact on the immune system
  • a compromised immune system brought on by diabetes, pregnancy, or another health issue
  • inadequate skin drying after being damp or wet

Candida fungi flourish and spread in warm, humid environments. This explains why the illness frequently affects regions with skin wrinkles.

Skin candidiasis typically isn’t contagious. However, those with compromised immune systems run the risk of contracting the disease after coming in contact with an infected person’s skin. A serious infection brought on by candidiasis is also more likely to occur in people with weakened immune systems.

Types of Candiasis and treatment

  • Cutaneous candidiasis – A variety of topical antifungal medications can be used to treat the majority of localised cutaneous candidiasis infections (eg, clotrimazole, econazole, ciclopirox, miconazole, ketoconazole, nystatin)
  • Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis: Oral azoles are typically used to treat this illness.
  • Oropharyngeal candidiasis – Treatment options for oropharyngeal candidiasis include systemic oral azoles or topical antifungal medications.
  • Esophageal candidiasis – Treatment for esophageal candidiasis involves fluconazole systemic therapy.
  • VVC – Fluconazole can be taken orally or applied topically to treat fungus.
  • Candida cystitis – Fluconazole should be used to treat Candida cystitis in non-catheterized patients; in catheterized patients, the Foley catheter should be changed or removed; and if the candiduria still occurs after the catheter change, fluconazole can be used to treat the patient.

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