Category Archives: Psoriasis

Joel M. Gelfand MD, MSCE, is a professor of dermatology and epidemiology (with tenure) at the University of Pennsylvanias Perelman School of Medicine. He is also vice chair of clinical research, medical director of the Dermatology Clinical Studies Unit, and director of the Psoriasis and Phototherapy Treatment Center. He is a nationally and internationally recognized expert in psoriasis, clinical epidemiology, drug safety, and clinical trials.

Dr Gelfand is the author of over 260 scientific publications, editorials, reviews, and text book chapters (cited >18,000 times, H index 60), which appear in journals such as Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), British Medical Journal (BMJ), European Heart Journal (EHJ), Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (ARD), JAMA Dermatology, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (JAAD), and the Journal Investigative Dermatology (JID). He is a past associate editor of Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety, past editorial board member of JAAD, and is currently the deputy editor of JID.

Dr Gelfand is the recipient of the American Skin Associations Psoriasis Achievement Award, Penns New Investigator Marjorie Bowman Award, Lady Barbara Colytons Award for Autoimmune Research, Penns Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiologys epidemiology teaching award, National Psoriasis Foundations (NPF) inaugural award for scientific achievement, and is an elected member of the American Society for Clinical Investigation. He co-chairs the NPFs COVID-19 task force and is a member of the board of directors for the International Psoriasis Council.

Dr Gelfand is a co-author of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)-NPF joint guidelines of care for psoriasis. He has given more than 10 named lectureships and keynote addresses, including the Society for Investigative Dermatologys Eugene M. Farber lecture and the AADs Marion B. Sulzberger lecture. He has received grant support from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), the Dermatology Foundation, the American Skin Association, the NPF, and numerous pharmaceutical companies to support his independent research program.

The overarching goal of Dr Gelfands research and clinical practice is to improve psoriasis patient outcomes in the skin and joints, while lowering the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and mortality.

The rest is here:
Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis: Providing Bidirectional Care - Rheumatology Advisor

People with dry skin conditions, such as psoriasis, generally have low amounts of a natural skin moisturizer called urea. Topical, over-the-counter (OTC) products called keratolytics may contain urea and can be useful in treating dry skin conditions.

Psoriasis is a chronic immune disorder that may cause dry skin, inflammation, and a rash. The rash may be painful and itchy, have silvery scales, and cause the skin to darken or redden. The disorder is lifelong and incurable, but there are various treatments, including those containing urea.

Urea is an organic compound that is naturally present in healthy skin. It is one of three natural moisturizing factors in the horny outer layer of the skin, along with amino acids and lactic acids. People with dry skin conditions such as psoriasis have markedly reduced amounts of urea.

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition. It is caused by malfunctioning white blood cells, which attack the skin cells and cause them to grow far more rapidly than normal. Instead of shedding normally, the skin cells build up on each other, causing itchy, painful plaques to form.

Psoriasis can cause irritation anywhere on the skin, but scales and rashes most commonly occur on the knees, elbows and scalp. The rashes appear red on white skin, and gray, violet or darker brown on skin of color.

Psoriasis is associated with certain other conditions. People who have psoriasis are more likely to also have:

Products that contain keratolytics may help ease psoriasis symptoms by softening psoriasis patches, reducing itching, and speeding healing time. Urea is an OTC keratolytic product, along with salicylic acid and phenol.

Urea preparations are emollients, which means they reduce water loss from the upper layer of skin, called the epidermis, making skin more supple and moisturized. People can get some urea products as OTC medications. They may need a prescription for products with certain ingredients, such as strong corticosteroids.

Urea can help ease psoriasis in several ways, including:

A doctor or dermatologist may prescribe other topical skin treatments, such as a retinoid, which may reduce swelling and redness, or synthetic vitamin D to slow the growth of overproducing skin cells.

There are various other treatments for psoriasis, including prescribed and OTC topical medications, biologics, and therapies. A person may also consider lifestyles changes, including diet.

A doctor or dermatologist can advise on the best options, depending on where rashes are on the body and the severity of the condition.

Non-prescription, OTC medicines can be beneficial to people with mild psoriasis. They include:

A doctor or dermatologist may prescribe certain medicines for psoriasis. These may include:

Biologics target the specific part of the immune system that is overactive in people with psoriasis. A doctor can give biologics intravenously through a drip, or via injection.

This process involves a doctor or dermatologist placing a certain type of UV light on the affected areas of a persons skin. It can help slow the growth of skin cells, suppress the overactive immune system, and reduce itching and inflammation.

A diet of anti-inflammatory foods may help reduce the symptoms of psoriasis. These foods include beans, oily fish, fruits and vegetables, and nuts and seeds.

There are different types of psoriasis, including the most common ones such as plaque and inverse psoriasis, and rare types such as guttate, pustular, and erythrodermic. A person can develop more than one type of psoriasis.

This is the most common type of psoriasis and affects up to 80% of people who have the condition.

Plaque psoriasis causes silvery, scaly plaques to develop on the skin. They can appear anywhere on the skin, and are accompanied by a red, brown, gray or violet rash, depending on a persons skin color. The plaques are often painful or itchy.

Inverse psoriasis is also fairly common, and affects about 25% of people with psoriasis. It typically causes deep reddening of the skin in areas where the skin folds, such as under the breast and arms and in the genital area. It does not cause scaly plaques, but is usually painful and itchy.

Guttate psoriasis affects about 8% of people with the condition. It appears as small, round, red spots.

Pustular psoriasis is rare, and affects around 3% of people with psoriasis. It presents as pus-filled, white bumps on reddened, inflamed skin. It may occur across the entire body, or in certain areas such as the feet or hands.

Erythrodermic psoriasis is rare, affecting around 2% of people who have psoriasis.

The condition can be life-threatening and includes symptoms such as shedding skin in sheets, dehydration, severe pain and itching, and intense redness.

Inflammation is the basic cause of psoriasis symptoms, which may flare, subside, or disappear at different times. Symptoms may be different from one person to another, and may include:

Experts do not completely understand what causes psoriasis. However, possible causes may include an immune system malfunction, a family history of the condition, and certain triggers.

A malfunctioning immune system can cause psoriasis. While blood cells attack bacteria and viruses in the body when they are functioning normally, they can attack skin cells when they malfunction.

This malfunction can cause the body to rapidly produce new skin cells, which pile on top of each other on the skins surface. This causes the change in skin color and the rashes and scales associated with psoriasis.

If a person has a close family member such as a sibling, parent, or grandparent with psoriasis, they are at a higher risk of developing the condition.

Certain things may trigger psoriasis, either as a flare-up in someone who has experienced it before, or for the first time. Common triggers include:

A dermatologist or doctor can diagnose psoriasis by physically examining the skin, scalp, and nails for signs of the condition. They may also take a skin biopsy in order to closely examine the skin.

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition. A doctor or dermatologist can treat it using urea products such as those in a topical preparation, other topical medicines, prescription medicines, biologics, or phototherapy. Products containing urea can be effective for people with psoriasis.

The different types of psoriasis include plaque, inverse, guttate, pustular, and erythrodermic, with symptoms including inflamed, dry skin with red, dark brown, violet or gray patches, and silvery scales.

Psoriasis may be caused by a malfunction in the immune system, and a family history of the condition makes a person more likely to develop it themselves. Certain triggers may bring it on for the first time or cause it to flare. A doctor or dermatologist will diagnose psoriasis by examining the skin and possibly performing a biopsy on the skin.

Go here to read the rest:
Psoriasis and urea: What to know - Medical News Today

Psoriasis is an inflammatory condition that causes itchy patches to form on the skin. Hepatitis C is a liver disease that occurs due to the hepatitis C virus. Research is still ongoing, but evidence suggests the two conditions may interact and exacerbate each others symptoms.

Research to date has found no definitive link between the two conditions. However, there is some evidence that in people predisposed to psoriasis, a hepatitis C infection may trigger symptoms of psoriasis. Other research has found that if a person has both conditions, treatments for one may cause the other to flare. Because of this, it is common practice to screen for hepatitis before starting psoriasis treatment.

In this article, we will discuss psoriasis, hepatitis C, and the possible connections between both conditions.

Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disorder that causes the skin cells to multiply much faster than they normally would, and faster than the body can shed away. This leads to a buildup of these cells, which appears as irregular red patches of skin with white scaling.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition. Each person may have their own set of triggers that may lead to the forming of psoriasis scales, such as stress, temperature, and infection.

Hepatitis refers to inflammation in the liver, typically in response to injury or infection. Hepatitis C is an infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). The virus attacks the liver, leading to inflammation. A person can acquire the infection through contact with contaminated blood.

In some cases, hepatitis C may be a short-term illness, but for others it becomes a long-term, chronic infection. Many people may not realize they have a HCV infection as it typically does not present with symptoms. However, a chronic HCV infection can result in the development of other conditions.

There is no direct connection between hepatitis C and psoriasis, meaning that one does not cause the other and having one does not indicate that the person will have the other.

However, medical research suggests they may have a less direct connection. A 2017 study notes a higher rate of HCV infections in adults who have psoriasis compared to those who do not. Additionally, those with moderate to severe psoriasis who had hepatitis C were more likely to experience a worsening of their liver.

The two conditions share some links that could explain the connection. While HCV affects the liver, it can also affect the skin, and trigger conditions such as psoriasis. In some people, a HCV infection may lead to dysregulation of the immune system. Psoriasis is a skin condition that stems from a dysregulated immune system.

Additionally, the course of hepatitic C and its treatment may play a role. The amount of stress the body goes through during a HCV infection may trigger symptoms of psoriasis. Additionally, psoriasis may develop as a side effect of some medications that treat chronic hepatitis C.

Psoriasis can increase the risk of infections. This risk increases further if a person with psoriasis receives immunosuppressant treatment that modulates their immune system. This does not mean psoriasis will result in a HCV infection, but that a person is at a higher risk of infections including a HCV infection.

Conversely, there may also be a link between treatment for hepatitic C and psoriasis symptoms going away. A 2018 case study reports on a person with both conditions receiving antiviral treatment for the HCV infection, which also improved symptoms of psoriasis. This suggests that reducing immune dysregulation may be key for treating both conditions. However, further research is necessary.

Symptoms of psoriasis may vary slightly from person to person, but the characteristic symptoms are patches of red skin with white scaling. These scales may itch and sting. They can occur anywhere, but some common sites include the scalp, elbows, and knees.

Doctors typically diagnose psoriasis based on a physical examination. They may ask questions about the joints or other areas of the body to determine the extent of the psoriasis. They might also carry out a skin biopsy to rule out other conditions, such as eczema.

Typically, people with a HCV infection do not present any symptoms. This makes regular screening for hepatitis C important, especially for people with psoriasis taking immunosuppressive drugs. Some people with an acute hepatitis C infection may have symptoms 1-3 months after viral exposure, which can include:

Doctors will diagnose hepatitis C by asking about medical history and doing a physical exam to check on the persons symptoms. If they suspect hepatitis C, a blood test can help confirm their diagnosis.

Treatment of people who have both hepatitis C and psoriasis together may vary. A person will have to work closely with a hepatologist, which is a doctor specializing in the liver.

A doctor may suggest using interferon drugs to treat a HCV infection. However, these drugs may exacerbate symptoms in some people with psoriasis. Alternatively, a doctor may suggest direct-acting antiviral agents (DAA), as they may be more effective and less likely to cause adverse effects.

Treatment for hepatitis C may last for 824 weeks. While psoriasis symptoms may get worse during this time, they will likely get better after finishing treatment.

Treatment for psoriasis involves controlling the symptoms as best as possible. This may include a number of injected or topical solutions. In some cases, doctors may also prescribe biologics or immunosuppressants. While it is not ideal to use immunosuppressive drugs during treatment for HCV, research suggests using DAAs alongside immunosuppressants may be relatively safe.

People with these two conditions together may face possible complications from treatment, and should consult their doctor about them. For example, if a person with psoriasis has a HCV infection, a doctor may suggest stopping any immunosuppressants while treating the infection. This is in order to help keep the immune system healthy while fighting off the infection.

A 2020 study notes possible connections between drugs such as biologics used to treat psoriasis and a reactivation of HCV infection. However, the research indicates that the rates of hepatitis C were low among all psoriasis treatment types.

Without proper treatment, possible complications for hepatitis C include cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer. Psoriasis can also result in a wide range of complications and comorbidities.

Because people with psoriasis are at higher risk for severe infection, it is important for them to take steps to avoid HCV infection. HCV can spread through blood or, rarely, other bodily fluids. Steps to prevent infection include:

Even if a person has had hepatitis C in the past, they can still get the infection again. A person with hepatitis C who starts to notice signs of psoriasis should talk to their doctor so they can begin treatment as soon as possible.

Hepatitis C and psoriasis do not share a direct connection, but research suggests that the conditions may relate to each other. Hepatitis C does not cause psoriasis, but may trigger the condition in people with a predisposition to it. People with psoriasis are at a higher risk for contracting infections such as hepatitis C.

Treatments for both conditions may interact, exacerbate symptoms, and potentially result in other complications. Therefore, it is important that a person with both conditions work closely with a doctor and follow their advice on which treatments to use.

See the original post here:
Hepatitis C and psoriasis: What is the connection? - Medical News Today

Home Topics Psoriasis

Real-world data suggest current and past cigarette use, a history of treatment with multiple biologic agents, and a history of diabetes mellitus are key characteristics associated with nonresponse to interleukin 17 (IL-17) inhibitors in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis. Findings from this study were published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.

The real-world data were obtained from the North American Corrona Psoriasis Registry. In total, the investigators included in their analysis 533 patients with psoriasis who had 6 months worth of follow-up after starting treatment with IL-17 inhibitors. The investigators examined response to these inhibitors, defined as disease transition to mild severity (body surface area of less than 3% or 75% improvement) at the 6-month follow-up period.

A total of 308 patients were categorized as responders to IL-17 inhibitors, and 225 patients were classified as nonresponders. The nonresponder group was significantly more likely to have history of diabetes mellitus (24% vs 14%) and be current (19% vs 12%) or former smokers (40% vs 34%) compared with responders (P <.05 for all). In addition, patients classified as nonresponders more likely received either 2 (25% vs 20%) or more than 3 (33% vs 18%) prior biologic agents (P <.001).

Continue Reading

Limitations of the study included its observational nature as well as the relatively small sample size.

In spite of these limitations, the investigators wrote that their findings may be useful in helping clinicians determine baseline characteristics that can be used to guide clinical decision making and improve patient treatment efficiency.

Disclosure: Several study authors declared affiliations with the pharmaceutical industry. Please see the original reference for a full list of authors disclosures.

Wu JJ, Kearns DG, Lin TC, et al. Characterization of non-responders to interleukin-17 inhibitors in moderate to severe psoriasis patients enrolled in the Corrona Psoriasis Registry. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. Published online April 8, 2021. doi:10.1111/jdv.17270

Please login or register first to view this content.

Login Register

Log in to continue reading this article.

Dont miss out on todays top content on Dermatology Advisor. Register for free and gain unlimited access to:

- Clinical Updates, with personalized daily picks for you- Evidence-Based Guidance- Conference Coverage- Full-Length Features- Drug Monographs- And More

{{login-button}} {{register-button}}

Please login or register first to view this content.

Login Register

Read the original here:
Predictors of IL-17 Inhibitor Nonresponse in Patients With Psoriasis - Dermatology Advisor

Home Remedies for Eczema and Psoriasis Relief

Click to expand

UP NEXT

There's a slim chance you've made it all the way to 2021 without hearing someone extol the benefits of cannabidiolCBD.

Fans claim it can do everything from relieve stress and anxiety to improve chronic pain, lessen depression, ease arthritis, and improve epilepsy.

Psoriasis relief may make the list of potential health benefits.

But can CBD oils or other products really provide much-needed itch and pain relief? Can it help clear up psoriasis plaques?

The short, and somewhat unsatisfying answer is maybe.

But more research is needed before any recommendations can be made, says Adam Friedman, MD, professor and chair of dermatology at George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences in Washington, D.C.

Affecting as many as eight million people in the United States, psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition that occurs when your immune system cranks up the production of skin cells.

Instead of shedding, these cells build up on top of your skin, forming raised, reddened plaques covered with silvery scales. These plaques may itch or sting.

Psoriasis can show up anywhere on your body, but it is most commonly seen on the lower back, elbows, knees, legs, soles of the feet or palms, and scalp.

And it's more than just a skin condition and a nuisance.

About 30 percent of people with psoriasis also develop joint pain, inflammation, and limited mobility that are associated with psoriatic arthritis, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation. Your likelihood of developing psoriatic arthritis is even higher if you have scalp psoriasis.

What's more, the underlying inflammation of psoriasis is linked to a higher risk for heart disease and diabetes.

Psoriasis can also damage self-esteem and take a heavy toll on your quality of life if left untreated.

CBD comes from the Cannabis sativa plant.

Both marijuana and its cousin, hemp, are cannabis plants, and both contain CBD. But there's a big difference between the two.

Marijuana has a higher concentration of THC, or delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, which is the ingredient that gets you high.

Some CBD products can also get you high, they don't always. That depends on whether the product comes from hemp or marijuana and whether it contains enough THC. Check out more about CBD vs. THC.

CBD comes in a variety of forms, and products containing it seem to grow by the day. Generally speaking, you'll find CBD as the following products:

THC and CBD interact with endocannabinoid receptors throughout your body in specific tissues or the nervous system.

This interaction may result in reduced inflammation, itching, pain relief, better sleep, and decreased anxiety, explains Jason E. Hawkes, MD, an associate clinical professor of dermatology at UC Davis Health in Rocklin, California.

There aren't many high-quality studies looking at CBD in people with psoriasis or other skin conditions. The studies we do have were conducted in lab cells or animals. Those may be encouraging, but they're just a start.

As such, experts can't say with any degree of certainty that it can help.

There is reason for optimism, says Dr. Friedman.

"There's a lot of hype that is sadly built around limited evidence, but from a purely biological standpoint, it does make sense that CBD oil can improve psoriasis symptoms," he says.

Studies in skin cells have shown that endocannabinoids like CBD can inhibit the inflammation that initiates and precipitates a psoriasis flare, he says.

"Preclinical studies in cells or animals suggest that CBD can affect key immune pathways, such as T helper-17, which seems to be central to the inflammation of psoriasis," says Dr. Friedman.

One study of 20 people, including five who had psoriasis, found that applying a CBD-enriched ointment to the affected skin twice daily for three months significantly improved psoriasis symptoms.

What's more, there were no irritant or allergic reactions seen during the treatment period. The study appears in a 2019 issue of Clinical Therapeutics.

The big question is whether the CBD made any difference at all. It's possible the improvement came from the use of the ointment.

"Simply moisturizing your skin can soften the really thick layer of skin in psoriasis, and that alone can have some benefit," Dr. Friedman says.

CBD is often combined with other ingredients that target pain, irritation, or itching, like camphor. And it may have salicylic acid, which breaks down thick, scaly skin and could enhance the effects of a moisturizing agent.

"There is a decent amount of preclinical evidence that if we get CBD where it needs to be, it will work," Dr. Friedman says.

But that's easier said than done. One way to accomplish it is to shrink the CBD particles down to the nano level so they can more easily pass through the skin. A nanometer is one-billionth of a meter.

There are many other factors that would need to be studied, too. After all, researchers don't yet know whether a cream applied to the skin might help psoriasis more than a swallowed capsuleor if the CBD in gummies will have any effect at all.

Scientists need to study disease severity, strain-specific compounds, concentration and dosing, method of delivery, and treatment duration, says Dr. Hawkes.

"We need studies looking at dosage and CBD concentration as well as drug interaction and allergy or irritation concerns in ingredients," says Mark Moyad, MD, MPH, the Jenkins/Pokempner Director of Preventive & Alternative Medicine at the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor.

Topical steroids are a common treatment for psoriasis.

"Steroids tell your immune cells to self-destruct, but cannabinoids like CBD aren't so focused on blocking or killing these cells," Dr. Friedman says.

Instead, CBD aims to resolve inflammation.

"In theory, CBD binds to receptors on immune cells and instructs these cells to stop secreting pro-inflammatory cytokines and start rebuilding," he explains.

While there are a number of highly effective and safe topical and systemic treatments for psoriasis, many people still live with chronic itching, pain, and the stigma and psychosocial consequences of having a highly visible skin condition, says Dr. Hawkes.

"It is, therefore, not surprising that patients affected with psoriatic disease have sought relief from their disease via a variety of adjunctive treatment options, including cannabis-based products like CBD," he says.

That said, he stresses that CBD should never be used in place of other psoriasis treatments recommended by your doctor. If you do use it, it's simply an add on to the rest of your therapy.

The CBD industry may be here to stay, but it wasn't always so booming. In the past few years, demand grew, and supply ballooned.

Credit goes to the 2018 Farm Bill, which removed hemp and its derivatives with low THC from the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), which is where THC currently remains.

That means farmers can legally cultivate hemp and companies can legally produce hemp productsincluding those with CBDas long as they contain no more than 0.3 percent THC.

It's always a good idea to see what's legal in your state. (The National Conference of State Legislatures keeps a running tally of where medical marijuana is legal.) Some states restrict buying hemp-based CBD products.

There's no shortage of places to buy CBD products, both online and in person.

But Dr. Friedman cautions that there's minimal oversight. And that means it's buyer beware.

"There is no way to tell for sure what you are getting," he says.

CBD products vary widely in their concentrations, with nearly half having lower concentrations of CBD than stated on the labels, according to research in a 2017 issue of JAMA.

And some over-the-counter CBD products have impurities that can cause allergic dermatitis, found a 2020 study in Clinical Toxicology.

If you're set on trying CBD, shop around before purchasing. There are steps you can take to make sure you get the safest and most accurate CBD product possible.

Your best bet is to go directly to a company website and ask for the certificate of analysis (COA). This document provides results of any and all testing of the supplements.

In states where marijuana is legal for medicinal or recreational purposes, the state health department may keep a list of reputable vendors.

State-licensed dispensaries may have higher-quality products than random over-the-counter brands because there is some oversight coming from the state's Department of Health, Dr. Friedman says.

"Look for transparent ingredient lists and a good brand reputation, and have open conversations with health care providers [to] best navigate this rapidly evolving cannabis landscape," Dr. Hawkes advises.

Some patient advocate associations for psoriasis may have helpful resources for you.

"For psoriasis patients specifically, I also recommend that they seek out additional resources from established medical organizations and patient advocacy groups that may help them make informed decisions, such as the National Psoriasis Foundation, which is currently working to put out psoriasis guidelines related to cannabis use in the setting of psoriatic disease," he adds.

The potential risks of CBD and other cannabis-derived products in people with psoriasis and other inflammatory skin diseases hasn't been carefully studied, Dr. Hawkes stresses.

"The small number of clinical studies that have been conducted for non-psoriasis conditions are informative and suggest that potential risks should be considered, especially in patients with psoriatic disease," he says.

For example, people with psoriasis are at increased risk for joint inflammation, heart disease, stroke, obesity, diabetes, liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, sleep disorders, depression, and anxiety.

"In several studies, systemic CBD and other cannabis-derived products were associated with worsening cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes, fatty liver disease, or higher likelihood of surgery for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease," Dr. Hawkes says.

People with psoriasis need to be aware of the potential worsening of those underlying conditions with systemic cannabis products.

"Potential adverse events are also more likely with systemic or high-dose administration compared to other delivery methods, such as limited or topical applications of CBD oil," he says.

Considering the lack of evidence, is CBD worth a try if you have psoriasis?

"For psoriasis patients with specific complaints, such as pain, itching, or trouble sleeping, cannabis-derived products could help reduce the negative impact these symptoms have on their life," Dr. Hawkes says.

But if you're going to use CBD, choose a reputable brand and let your doctor know about anything that you are using to help with your psoriasis symptoms. And remember: never replace your tried-and-true psoriasis treatments with CBD.

Not ready to jump on the CBD bandwagon just yet? It's OK to wait it out. The medical community is taking notice of CBD, conducting more studies that aim to get to the bottom of its uses.

"As a medical community, we are going to have to think creatively about ways to evaluate and determine the safety and effectiveness of CBD products for specific medical conditions," Dr. Hawkes says.

And the clock is ticking. "We all have to advance our understanding of CBD and other cannabinoid derivates because the cannabis product industry is here to stay," he adds.

The post Does CBD Help Psoriasis? Heres What Experts Say appeared first on The Healthy.

Originally posted here:
Does CBD Help Psoriasis? Here's What Experts Say The Healthy - msnNOW

"Psoriatic arthritis is a debilitating disease that can cause severe pain, restricted mobility, and lasting structural damage.4, 5The immune system creates inflammation that can lead to skin lesions associated with psoriasis, as well as pain, fatigue and stiffness in the joints," 6,7said Dr. Proton Rahman, FRCPC, Clinical Rheumatologist at Eastern Health and University Research Professor at Memorial University. "Despite treatment advances, somepeople living with PsA do not achieve their treatment goals, which is why access to new therapies is so critical. The approval of RINVOQ offers Canadian physicians and their patients an important new therapeutic option."

"I have had psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis for more than 30 years. At one point, most ofmy body was covered in psoriasis, and I was using arm and leg braces to help me walk. These diseases have had a huge impact on my life, which is why I am so pleased that Canadians with psoriatic arthritis now have a new treatment option available to them," said Marilyn Porth, of Winnipeg, Manitoba.

This approval is supported by data from two Phase 3 studies across a broad range of more than 2,000 patients with active psoriatic arthritis.1,2 In both studies, RINVOQ met the primary endpoint of ACR20 response at week 12 versus placebo.1,2 RINVOQ 15 mg also achieved non-inferiority versus adalimumab in terms of ACR20 response at week 12.1 Patients receiving RINVOQ also experienced greater improvements in physical function (HAQ-DI*) and skin symptoms (PASI 75*), and a greater proportion achieved minimal disease activity.1,2Overall, the safety profile of RINVOQ in psoriatic arthritis was consistent with previously reported results across the Phase 3 rheumatoid arthritis clinical trial program, with no new significant safety risks detected.1,2,8

"The approval of RINVOQ is wonderful news for Canadians living with psoriatic arthritis, and an important step forward for the psoriatic arthritis community," says Wendy Gerhart, Executive Director, Canadian Spondylitis Association. "From our recent member surveys, we know this devastating disease has a profound impact on people's quality of life including their physical and mental health. This approval provides a new treatment option to Canadian patients. It is a hopeful time for people living with psoriatic arthritis."

"For more than 20 years, AbbVie has been dedicated to discovering and delivering innovative therapies for people living with rheumatic diseases," added Tracey Ramsay, Vice President and General Manager, AbbVie Canada. "We are proud of our deep heritage in rheumatology and pleased to expand our portfolio of treatment options for Canadians living with psoriatic arthritis, particularly by offering people the convenience of a once-daily oral medication."

*Physical function was measured by the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI). Skin symptoms were measured by a 75 percent improvement in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI 75). Minimal disease activity is defined as the fulfillment of five of seven outcome measures: Tender joint count 1; swollen joint count 1; PASI 1 or body surface area-psoriasis 3 percent; Patient's Assessment of Pain Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) 1.5; Patient Global Assessment-Disease Activity NRS 2.0; HAQ-DI score 0.5; and Leeds Enthesitis Index 1.

About SELECT-PsA 1 1,3

SELECT-PsA 1is a Phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, active and placebo-controlled study designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of upadacitinib compared to placebo and adalimumab in adult patients with active psoriatic arthritis who have a history of inadequate response to at least one non-biologic DMARD.

Top-line results from SELECT-PsA 1 were previously announced in February 2020. More information on this trial can be found atwww.clinicaltrials.gov(NCT03104400).

About SELECT-PsA 2 2,3

SELECT-PsA 2is a Phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled study designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of RINVOQ in adult patients with active psoriatic arthritis who have a history of inadequate response to at least one biologic DMARD.

Top-line results from SELECT-PsA 2 were previously announced in October 2019. More information on this trial can be found atwww.clinicaltrials.gov(NCT03104374).

About RINVOQ(upadacitinib)

RINVOQ is a 15 mg, once-daily oral medication in an extended-release tablet. It is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor that interferes with the JAK-STAT signaling pathway, which is thought to play a role in inflammatory response.

RINVOQ is indicated for the treatment of adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis who have had an inadequate response or intolerance to methotrexate, as well as for adults with active psoriatic arthritis who have had an inadequate response or intolerance to methotrexate or other DMARDs. In RA, RINVOQ may be used as a monotherapy or in combination with methotrexate or other nonbiologic DMARDs. In PsA, RINVOQ may be used as a monotherapy or in combination with methotrexate.

For important safety information, please consult the RINVOQ Product Monograph at http://www.abbvie.ca.

About AbbVie in Rheumatology

For more than 20 years, AbbVie has been dedicated to improving care for people living with rheumatic diseases. Our longstanding commitment to discovering and delivering innovative therapies is underscored by our pursuit of cutting-edge science that improves our understanding of promising new pathways and targets in order to help more people living with rheumatic diseases reach their treatment goals.

About AbbVie

AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas: immunology, oncology, neuroscience, eye care, virology, women's health and gastroenterology, in addition to products and services across its Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at http://www.abbvie.ca. Follow @abbviecanadaon Twitter or find us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTubeand LinkedIn.

References

1.

McInnes I, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Upadacitinib Versus Placebo and Adalimumab in Patients With Active Psoriatic Arthritis and Inadequate Response to Non-Biologic Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (SELECT-PsA-1): a Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Phase 3 Trial. 2020 EULAR E-Congress; LB0001.

2.

Genovese MC, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Upadacitinib in Patients With Active Psoriatic Arthritis and Inadequate Response to Biologic Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (SELECT-PsA-2): a Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Phase 3 Trial. 2020 EULAR E-Congress; OP0223.

3.

RINVOQ (upadacitinib) product monograph. AbbVie Corporation. Available at: https://www.abbvie.ca/content/dam/abbvie-dotcom/ca/en/documents/products/RINVOQ_PM.pdf. Accessed June 7, 2021.

4.

Diseases & Conditions: Psoriatic Arthritis. 2019. American College of Rheumatology. Available at: https://www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Diseases-Conditions/Psoriatic-Arthritis. Accessed on: May 13, 2021.

5.

Schett G, et al. Structural damage in rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis: traditional views, novel insights gained from TNF blockade, and concepts for the future. Arthritis Res & Ther.2011; 13(Suppl1) :s4(1-9)

6.

uarte GV, et al. Psoriatic arthritis. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2012 Feb;26(1):147-56. doi: 10.1016/j.berh.2012.01.003.

7.

Diseases & Conditions: Psoriatic Arthritis. 2019. American College of Rheumatology. Available at: https://www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Diseases-Conditions/Psoriatic-Arthritis. Accessed: December 2020

8.

Cohen S., et al. Safety profile of upadacitinib in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Integrated analysis from the SELECT Phase 3 Clinical Program. EULAR 2019; THU0167.

SOURCE AbbVie Canada

For further information: Media Inquiries: Julie Lepsetz, AbbVie Canada, (514) 451-9427, [emailprotected]

Continue reading here:
Health Canada Approves AbbVie's RINVOQ (upadacitinib) for the Treatment of Adults with Active Psoriatic Arthritis - Canada NewsWire

The healthcare vertical is being driven at the consumers pace like never before. In other words, the requirements and goals on their part are driving innovation in every arm of the healthcare vertical. On-demand interactions between clinicians and patients all over the world are being asked for. As such, the healthcare vertical is bound to witness higher strides in the next 10 years.

The Systemic Psoriasis Therapeutics Market is all set to incorporate the ongoing as well as future trend.Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin disease that causes scaling, skin redness and irritation. Psoriasis causes red, scaly patches that are generally found on the elbows, fingernails, scalp, palms, knees, face, feet and inside the mouth. Factors that can trigger psoriasis include infections, heavy alcohol consumption, cold weather, certain medications, smoking, stress and injury to the skin such as bug bite, cut and sever sunburn. The signs and symptoms of psoriasis vary from person to person which includes dry, cracked skin that may bleed, red patches of skin covered with silvery scales, small scaling spots, itching, burning, swollen and stiff joints.

Psoriasis may be classified into various types such as plaque psoriasis, scalp psoriasis, pustular psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, guttate psoriasis, nail psoriasis, erythrodermic psoriasis and inverse psoriasis. Various treatments for psoriasis are oral medication, topical medication and biologics injections. Psoriasis can also be treating by phototherapy treatment which includes ultraviolet light therapy, laser treatment, tanning beds, psoralen +UVA and sunlight treatment. Psoriasis can occur in any part of the body and it is associated with other health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and depression.

Get Sample Copy of this Report@https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/3086

North America, followed by Europe, has the largest market for systemic psoriasis therapeutics due to emergence of novel therapies and rise in treatment seeking population in the region. Asia is expected to show high growth rate in the systemic psoriasis therapeutics market in next few years due to increase in the awareness of disease in the region.

Technological advancement, rise in number of psoriasis patients, development of novel drugs, increasing disease awareness and improvement in diagnostic methods are some of the key factors driving the growth for global systemic psoriasis therapeutics market. In addition, long-term treatment involving continuous uptake of biologics are expected to drive the market for systemic psoriasis therapeutics. However, adverse side effects associated with psoriatic drugs and economic downturns are some of the key factors restraining the growth for global systemic psoriasis therapeutics market.

Request for Table of Content@https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/3086

Growing demographics and economies in the developing countries such as India and China are expected to offer high growth in systemic psoriasis therapeutics market in Asia. In addition, growing demand of novel therapies for psoriasis treatment is expected to develop good opportunity for global systemic psoriasis therapeutics market. However, safety concern associated with systemic psoriasis therapeutics is expected to lead a challenge for systemic psoriasis therapeutics market.

Some of the major trends that have been observed for systemic psoriasis therapeutics market are increasing use of combination therapies for treating psoriasis, emergence of non-invasive psoriasis treatment and technological advancement in the field.

Some of the major companies operating in the global systemic psoriasis therapeutics market are AbbVie Inc., Stiefel Laboratories, Inc., Biogen Idec, Novartis AG, CELGENE CORPORATION, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Pfizer Inc., Amgen Inc., Janssen Biotech, Inc. and Eli Lilly and Company.

Access Full Report@https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/checkout/3086

About Us:

Persistence Market Research is here to provide companies a one-stop solution with regards to bettering customer experience. It does engage in gathering appropriate feedback after getting through personalized customer interactions for adding value to customers experience by acting as the missing link between customer relationships and business outcomes. The best possible returns are assured therein.

Contact Us:

Persistence Market ResearchAddress 305 Broadway, 7th Floor, New York City, NY 10007 United StatesU.S. Ph. +1-646-568-7751USA-Canada Toll-free +1 800-961-0353Salessales@persistencemarketresearch.comWebsite https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com

Continued here:
The Systemic Psoriasis Therapeutics Market To Grow On An Unparalleled Note In The Next 10 Years The Courier - The Courier

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that is accompanied with various clinical manifestations and is caused due to the involvement of genetic, environmental, and immunological factors

Global Psoriasis Market report studies the overall industry scenario breaking them down in different segments that includes geographic coverage, product type and its application. This report covers the basic market dynamics, market size and companies competition data. In addition, the report also conducts recent market developments, growth analysis by its size or volume, investment return, revenue (value), and consumption (volume) of the global Psoriasis market, ongoing pattern, the effect of covid19 on worldwide or local Psoriasis Market.

This report also covers the impact of COVID-19 on the global market. To Know How COVID-19 Pandemic Will Impact Psoriasis Market |

Get a Sample Copy of Report, Click Here: https://www.reportsweb.com/inquiry&RW00014273008/sample

Key Questions:

Current Treatment Scenario and Emerging Therapies:

How many companies are developing Psoriasis drugs

How many Psoriasis drugs are developed by each company

How many emerging drugs are in mid-stage, and late-stage of development for the treatment of Psoriasis

What are the key collaborations (Industry-Industry, Industry-Academia), Mergers and acquisitions, licensing activities related to the Psoriasis therapeutics

What are the recent trends, drug types and novel technologies developed to overcome the limitation of existing therapies

What are the clinical studies going on for Psoriasis and their status

What are the key designations that have been granted to the emerging drugs

Scope of the Report:

Detailed overview of Psoriasis market Trends

Defining the opportunities and constraints witnessed by the key drivers of the industry

Includes value chain analysis, porter five forces model analysis, CAGR and cost structure analysis

Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)

Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials growth, and recent developments

Get this report at a discounted rate @ https://www.reportsweb.com/inquiry&RW00014273008/discount

This report offers detailed TOC of Psoriasis Market:

Psoriasis Product Definition

Global Psoriasis Market Manufacturer Share and Market Overview

Manufacturer Psoriasis Business Introduction

Global Psoriasis Market Segmentation by (Region Level, Product Type Level, Industry Level, Channel Level

Psoriasis Market Forecast

Psoriasis Segmentation Product Type

Psoriasis Segmentation Industry

Psoriasis Cost of Production Analysis by (Raw Material Cost Analysis, Technology Cost Analysis, Labor Cost Analysis, Cost Overview, Conclusion

To get this report at a profitable rate @ https://www.reportsweb.com/buy&RW00014273008/buy/3000?source=shikha

Contact Info:Name: Sameer JoshiEmail:sales@reportsweb.comCompany Name: ReportsWebWebsite: Reportsweb.com

Phone: +1-646-491-9876

About ReportsWeb:

ReportsWeb.com is a one stop shop of Market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. We help our clients in their decision support system by helping them choose most relevant and cost effective research reports and solutions from various publishers. We provide best in class customer service and our customer support team is always available to help you on your research queries.

Read the rest here:
Psoriasis Market Emerging Competitive Strategies, Key Manufacturers, New Project Investment by 2025 The Manomet Current - The Manomet Current

This article is a sponsored collaboration between Bodewell and PAPER

For people living with skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis (and compromised skin), the journey to self-improvement and acceptance can be a long and arduous process. In the US alone, eight million people have been diagnosed with psoriasis, while over 30 million have eczema.

But even though these skin conditions (there is still no known cure) are relatively common, the psychological effects take a considerable toll on mental health. According to a National Eczema Association study, participants were three times at a higher risk for depression or anxiety, while 50% said their conditions interfere with their social life and intimate relationships.

When it comes to skincare brands that are focused on helping people who suffer from these skin conditions, they are underwhelming both from a product perspective, and a human empathy perspective.

Bodewell, a medicated skincare company tailored to people with eczema, psoriasis and sensitive skin, has set out to change this status quo. Its ultimate mission is to de-stigmatize skin conditions and build a supportive community around those on their healing journey, which is often inextricably linked to self-love and self-worth.

The brand's co-founder, Jamie Duff, suffered from severe eczema for 30 years and launched Bodewell as an answer to the struggles he faced. Over the years he explored holistic treatments such as vedic meditation, yoga, yogic breathing and cognitive behavior therapy that all take a more human-centered approach to the inner and outer effects of the origins of these inflammatory skin conditions. He thinks this approach can also benefit others.

More directly, Bodewell has developed (alongside CPG powerhouse P&G) treatments that they refer to as "next generation medicated skincare": plant-technology powered, scientifically-tested and proven, unique anti-inflammatory mechanism of action that hydrates, stops itching, repairs skin barrier and prevents future flare-ups. There's also a personalized digital and mobile program that supplements the products and supports customers through their journey. This program draws on co-founder Jamie's own experiences.

To capture the overlooked beauty of chronic skin sufferers, Bodewell launched an ongoing portrait series named Skincare For the Rest of Us, where it highlights real sufferers on their own terms. In this special editorial feature shot by Issey Gladston (an eczema sufferer herself) the portraits celebrate the scars as a visual tale of strength, perseverance, overcoming adversity and embracing self-love.

What's something people who have never experienced your skin condition be surprised to know or don't know about what it's like to live with it?

Human beings are preconditioned to prefer that which is aesthetically pleasing, so naturally a skin condition attracts attention because it looks different. I think a lot of people are surprised when they realize it can be quite sore/painful and can even impact common everyday tasks like sleep. My own personal experience has reminded me that skin is not an aesthetic. Skin is for function touch, temperature regulation, process pain. Our largest organ keeps all our other organs safe.

How were you able to come to terms with your condition and overcome any obstacles you've had to endure?

Self acceptance. Accepting how you have been created and navigating it to the best of your ability is the first step to overcoming. There is a silver lining in everything. My skin condition realigned me to my true creative purpose modeling and painting.

How has Bodewell helped you on your journey to self-improvement and acceptance?

I have been campaigning for brands to shoot atopic skin since 2017. It was important for me that brands particularly dry skin and atopic skin brands who include their target market in their modeling campaigns understand our lived experiences and not sell unrealistic dreams of perfect skin to those living with chronic skin conditions. Bodewell has championed skin representation and created opportunities for me as a skin model. My confidence goes up every time I shoot with Bodewell and I feel motivated to challenge other brands to shoot and include atopic skin.

What's something people who have never experienced your skin condition would be surprised to know or don't know about what it's like to live with it?

I think a lot of people would be surprised to know psoriasis is not contagious in any way. Living with my plaque psoriasis can be very sore and itchy, but it's taught me a lot of self-confidence.

How were you able to come to terms with your condition and overcome any obstacles you've had to endure?

Instagram helped me a LOT with coming to terms with my skin condition. My skin progressed slowly over many years, but with it my confidence also grew. In regards to obstacles, I've had to get used to my skin getting more sore and flaky over the last couple of years but it's something I am learning to come to terms with.

How has Bodewell helped you on your journey to self-improvement and acceptance?

Bodewell has helped me massively to embrace my skin and also to try new things, such as the photo shoot, that would normally be so outside of my comfort zone. They're an amazing company that genuinely care and really help me and the other girls to embrace our skin.

What's something people who have never experienced your skin condition would be surprised to know or don't know about what it's like to live with it?

The fact that my skin reproduces at the speed it does! I can go to sleep with a clear face and wake up a few hours later to new patches out of nowhere! You never know what you will get with psoriasis. Another classic favorite of mine is having a brush and dustpan on standby for the morning when it's time to get all my fallen skin from scratching all night off the bed and off the floor.

How were you able to come to terms with your condition and overcome any obstacles you've had to endure?

I got to a point where hiding it was no longer an option it was draining physically and mentally. I put 100% into hiding something about myself simply because I didn't want to make other people uncomfortable, but I finally got to a point where I needed my comfort to be more important than those of other people. I needed to put myself first for once.

How has Bodewell helped you on your journey to self-improvement and acceptance?

Bodewell helped me to let go of the fear of not being on medication. I felt dependent on prescription medication. If I didn't have it, that would mean a flare up and there was no way I could allow that. I only ever truly accepted the Michelle who would occasionally have clear skin from time to time but flare-up Michelle was difficult to love. Bodewell opened my eyes to different ways of healing my skin. I no longer feel dependent on medication and I'm happy with myself with or without a flare. I now understand that I'm on a journey with my condition and it's not one I need to rush.

What's something people who have never experienced your skin condition would be surprised to know or don't know about what it's like to live with it?

It is surprisingly beautiful, the way in which it inhabits certain areas of the skin, in the most fascinating accumulation of patterns is quite amazing.

How were you able to come to terms with your condition and overcome any obstacles you've had to endure?

Self-acceptance and patience. It can be quite a debilitating condition to deal with. However, learning the skill of self-acceptance and love for oneself helps to overcome those debilitating obstacles.

How has Bodewell helped you on your journey to self-improvement and acceptance?

Bodewell offered me a community where I felt safe to discuss my skin condition and tips on living with a skin condition. They gave me modeling opportunities which helped with my self-confidence and to become an active skin campaigner.

What's something people who have never experienced your skin condition be surprised to know or don't know about what it's like to live with it?

Surprisingly, my confidence in my body image, character and relationships with others has really been amplified whilst going through my journey with psoriasis. We usually hear stories relating to the negatives to having a skin condition which is just as important, however, my perspective on other aspects of my life has really changed for the better!

How were you able to come to terms with your condition and overcome any obstacles you've had to endure?

Growing up since the age of 9 with psoriasis being an extremely sporty young girl, I've almost been forced into dealing with my skin, but it wasn't until lockdown 2020 (the time of my worst flare up) that I was literally left to do nothing but look at myself daily and learn to accept, love and nurture my skin with every itch of itself.

How has Bodewell helped you on your journey to self-improvement and acceptance?

Seeing the large community that was built by so many inspiring people be celebrated by a brand like Bodewell, particularly having all-women shoots, is extremely refreshing and comforting. The creams and serums have become staples in my regime and I've definitely stepped up my skincare game to the next level. Their products are not only amazing for me, but they truly reach such a wide audience which I know will continue to grow into a wholesome and well-loved brand.

What's something people who have never experienced your skin condition would be surprised to know or don't know about what it's like to live with it?

I think the one thing I'd like people to know who have never had to deal with eczema is that it is not just a dry skin condition. It's so much more than that. It's debilitating and, depending on the severity, life altering. We have to cater our whole lives around our skin. It's not something as simple as making sure you've put moisturizer on for the day. It's the constant itching that never ends and feels like you can never do enough. It's the painful tears and cracks as our skin is so sensitive that just a touch will have it crumble. It's always worrying about skin infections due to this. It's being terrified to have a shower because the water feels like knives on our skin. It's always having to worry about the weather conditions and if we've prepped our skin well enough including having to make sure we have all our cream and medicines in our bag if we know we'll be out of the house for longer than 5 minutes. I could go on and on but I need people to know that just applying e45 isn't the solution to our problem.

How were you able to come to terms with your condition and overcome any obstacles you've had to endure?

I was always tired of not seeing the representation we as a community deserve and pushing for more inclusivity, especially as a dark skinned South Asian woman, is something that I am very passionate about and always pushing for in all sectors. So my support system, who come in the form of my best friends and the online eczema and TSW community, really gave me the confidence to put myself out there especially on social media where your appearance is held to such a high unrealistic standard and has made me realize that beauty will forever and always be more than skin deep and made me see real beauty that isn't just on the outside.

How has Bodewell helped you on your journey to self-improvement and acceptance?

I am so grateful for platforms like Bodewell, who not only provide products for people which chronic skin conditions, but also allow us to have a voice and spread awareness. Being able to not only have your say, but also listen and hear others who you can relate to has massively helped. Knowing that even though we still have a long way to go with gaining social acceptance and inclusivity, they are helping pave the way for so many of us warriors and are helping make a happy healthy change in the way we see beauty and skin conditions.

Photography: Issey Gladston

Related Articles Around the Web

See more here:
Bodewell Is the Community-Powered Brand for Chronic Skin - PAPER - Papermag

How to coach your child through any tricky social situation.

iStock

Pediatric psoriasis is difficult for kids to live with. Most notably because the red, scaly plaques that are the conditions calling card can not only be physically uncomfortable but draw unwanted attention. And when youre a kid, thats the last thing you wantwhich may be why adolescents with psoriasis tend to have increased levels of depression and anxiety, according to research published in Anais Brasileiros De Dermatologia. When attention is brought to an area, [a child] can feel embarrassed or ashamed, which can often lead to feelings of anxiety and isolation, says Johanna Kaplan, Ph.D., clinical psychologist and director of Washington Anxiety Center of Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

As a parent its difficult to see your child struggle. But you might not always know what to do or say to help. Start with these expert tips on how to deal with the four most common scenarios your child may encounter because of their psoriasis, so you can coach your child to handle themselves with strength and pride.

As a parent, its common to feel a wide range of emotions, from anger and sadness to guilt and grief, as well as a strong need to protect your child. Know that you may have to manage your Mama or Papa Bear tendencies.

Parents may feel like calling or going to the school to confront a teacher or an administrator, however, the child may not want so much attention drawn to them and so much discussion about their illness, says Elena Mikalsen, Ph.D., chief of pediatric psychology at The Childrens Hospital of San Antonio in San Antonio, TX. Its also important for the child to get at least some choice about how their illness is discussed and to feel mastery over being able to handle these discussions. With chronic illness, you often feel a lack of control, so any chance we can give kids control, we prefer to do that.

Therefore, Mikalsen encourages parents to discuss with their child whether mom or dad should intervene for them or if they prefer to handle the situation on their own. Though parents cant always control how people respond to their childs skin condition, they can model how to react in public and educate rather than get angry and defensive, she says.

Once youve talked with your child about ways you might (or might not) help, its time to prep your kid to take charge of any social situation that might arise. Heres how.

The very first thing a child of any age should be advised to do if teased about their psoriasis is to let an adult whom they trust know. This person can be a teacher, a family friend, a babysitter, or even the parent themselves. With an adults help, pre-planning comeback statements to use when they are teased by other children can help them feel more confident and less likely to be caught off-guard by bullies or insensitive students, according to Whitney Casares, M.D., a pediatrician in Portland, OR, and author of The Working Mom Blueprint: Winning at Parenting Without Losing Yourself .

Children might need help practicing their comebacks and knowing when it is an appropriate time to use them vs. when its best to rely on other friend groups or adults to protect them. Workshop the various types of teasingsuch as joking, name-calling, and bullying, so your child can decipher what route to take and when. By placing these actions on a continuum from mild to severe, it can help your child know what action to take.

For instance, if one of your childs peers jokes with them during P.E. class that their pants (worn to cover plaques) will slow them down, help them draft a comebackand it could be as simple as: the child sprinting to a finish line and saying afterwards, 'was that slow enough for you?' Pre-planning these exchanges could help build up your childs confidence. For more severe types of bullying, discuss the role teachers play.

To help alleviate the anxiety they have surrounding their condition, kids with psoriasis often choose to wear clothes that cover their flare-ups, even when its not in season (pants and long sleeves during summer). If another child comments on your childs psoriasis-concealing outfit, arm your child with the tools to make it a teaching moment about their skin condition, Dr. Casares says.

Give your child a script or talking points that they can use to briefly explain their medical diagnosis to their peers. By increasing others level of knowledge, theyll also increase others level of empathy, Dr. Casares says. When a childs peers have a deeper knowledge base around a specific disease like psoriasis, theyll be more likely to be supportive and less likely to tease or question the childs choices or needs.

The plaques caused by psoriasis are red and scaly, especially when theyre inflamed, which can draw unwanted attention to your childs skin as well as unwarranted comments from their peers. Support your child by role-playing situations that might arise, such as when other children ask innocent questions about their plaques, suggests Dr. Casares.

When children with psoriasis are able to differentiate when they are being teased vs. when others are genuinely curious about their disease, they can more easily navigate uncomfortable conversations, she says. Theyll also develop more confidence and acceptance of themselves as unique individuals. This is another situation that could become a teaching moment for your child and their peers. By educating your child more about their condition, such as its causes and symptoms, together you could create responses to the various comments they get about their plaques.

Unfortunately, this is a common scenarioone that you should definitely anticipate. The pool can be one of the most intimidating environments for children with psoriasis given large portions of skin are exposed, explains Dr. Casares. When children are discriminated against at a pooleither by exclusion from entering the water due to concerns from uninformed staff or via exclusion from insensitive peersit can be devastating and unjust.

Coach your child to speak with trusted adultssuch as a teacher, counselor, or parent of a friend, who can advocate on their behalf if other children discriminate against them. Advocacy is important in this situation so that the discrimination is not perpetuated and so that kids with psoriasis are less likely to be discriminated against in the future, Dr. Casares says.

And be proactive, suggests, Laurie Zelinger, Ph.D., a psychologist and parenting expert based in Cedarhurst, NY. Talk to summer camp and school administrators, pool management, or the head lifeguard before your child goes to the pool. This way they dont have to hear any discussions about their condition with the gatekeeper, she says. And if that isnt possible, pack a doctors note in their bag that states it is safe for them and others to swim together

Going through life with psoriasis and coping with the social fallout can be challenging for your family, but dont think you have to do it alone.

Connect your child with others who have the same condition so that they can discuss their experiences. You can do this by signing them up for a support group via the National Psoriasis Foundation, or even asking your childs dermatologist if they have a similar-aged patient who may be open and willing to connect with your child, says Marisa Garshick, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery (MDCS) in New York City. This can do wonders for your childs self-confidence, self-esteem, and mood.

Having a chronic condition during childhood can be significant and if you are noticing any changes in the mental health of your child, be sure to make your doctor aware so they can help identify and address the emotional impact of the disease, Dr. Garshick says.

By taking the steps to prepare your child for the social challenges that they may experience because of psoriasis, you are creating a foundation for understanding and for tolerating the discussions surrounding their condition. This is important because it builds up their confidence and reminds them that they are not defined by this condition alone.

Meet Our Writer

Jenn Sinrich is a Boston-based freelance writer, editor, and content strategist with a passion for all things health and beauty. She's also a proud new Mama to a one-month old daughter named Mila. In addition to Health Central, she contributes to publications including SELF, Readers Digest, Womens Health, Glam, Livestrong.com, Parents and more.

Go here to read the rest:
How to Coach Your Child Through Tough Situations Involving Their Psoriasis - HealthCentral.com