Psoriasis Guidelines

Generally, psoriasis is a disorder of the skin that affects over 6 million residents of the United States. Though research has not definitively established what exactly causes psoriasis, some studies in recent years have indicated that it may be an immune-mediated disorder. What is known is that psoriasis occurs when the body generates too many skin cells. Normal skin maturity occurs within a 28 to 30 day period, but cells in the psoriatic skin area matures within less than a week. Psoriasis can change from one to type to another and has been known to have several types active on a person at the same time. It can improve, flare up, and even go into remission only to return later. More detailed information can be found with the National Psoriasis Foundation.

Psoriasis Types

The most common of all psoriasis types is called plaque psoriasis. Some of the symptoms of this form is inflamed lesions that may be covered with scales. These scales may be white or silver in color and is actually dead skin cells. Since the skin cells are maturing at such a rapid rate, this cell buildup is inevitable. This type of psoriasis (psoriasis vulgaris) can form on any skin surface, it is more common on the elbows, knees, scalp, and the trunk of the body.

Another type of psoriasis is known as guttate psoriasis. The symptom for this disorder is small red blemishes on the skin. It most often appears on the trunk of the body, but is also found on the arms and legs. It, too, have some scales. It has been noted that an outbreak of guttate psoriasis can follow streptococcal infections as well as a viral upper respiratory infection. Some illness such as the common cold, tonsillitis, and other sickness can trigger an outbreak of this type of psoriasis. It is suggested by some researchers that mental stress, some types of drugs, and immunizations can cause the disorder to appear. 

One type of this disorder, inverse psoriasis, is found in skin folds. These can be in the armpit, under the breasts, and in the groin. The symptom is an inflamed lesion without the usual scaling found in the other types of psoriasis. It becomes more noticeable when the skin is subjected to rubbing from clothing material and when the body sweats. 

A less common type, erythrodermic psoriasis, appears on the skin as red skin with fine scales. It can be very irritating due to the severe itch and pain. Some swelling has been known to accompany this form of psoriasis. Topical treatment can help reduce the itching and the pain.

Pustular Psoriasis is noted for its pustules, or blisters. These pustules is neither an infection or contagious. The pus is made up of white blood cells and poses no danger to anyone who touches it. This disorder is usually found on the feet or hands, but has been known to affect people on other areas of the body. It can be cyclic; going from red, inflamed skin to the formation of the pustules and finally scaling. 

A particularly uncomfortable type, psoriatic arthritis, is found in 10% of those who suffer from psoriasis. This type causes swelling in the hands, feet, and in the large joints of the ankles, knees, hips, elbows, and the spine. Joint pain and stiffness accompanies this psoriasis. Joint damage has been known to occur if treatment is not applied.

Scalp psoriasis effects approximately 50% of sufferers of psoriasis. The symptoms of this disorder are inflammation of the scalp, lesions covered with scales, and elevated skin surfaces. 

Nail psoriasis affects both fingernails and toenails. The nails can become yellow in color and thick. The nails can develop a brittleness and the skin surrounding the nails can become inflamed. Nails can become detached from the toe or finger.

FAQ

1) Is psoriasis contagious to others? Psoriasis is not contagious. There is no danger of passing to other people.  

2) What methods should be used in cleaning the skin? Certainly, keeping the skin clean and bacteria free as possible is advisable to all people, but is very important to sufferers of psoriasis. Conventional commercial soaps may be too harsh for the sensitive skin and should be shunned. The collection of emu oil based soaps from Featherstone are gentle and will not dry out the skin when bathing. In fact, the skin is left feeling soft and moist even after the bath. A post-bath application of an emu oil product will help keeping the skin hydrated.

3) Can clothing irritate psoriasis? Rough textured clothes can rub the skin surface and cause additional irritation to the affected skin area. Topically applied creams and gels can help reduce the friction between skin and material.

4) What can be done about the terrible itching? It is not possible to ignore the need to scratch the itches of psoriasis. There is a danger of infection if the hands are not kept clean and bacteria buildup occurs under the nails. Topical products from Featherstone should ease the itching, thus reducing the chances of further skin damage. Some patients keep a small bottle of emu oil with them during the day and then use Neemu™ or Skin Therapy at home. 

5) Can psoriasis cause death? Approximately 400 people dies from complications brought on by psoriasis.  Since the skin is the primary defense for infections and bacteria infiltration, psoriasis outbreaks breaks down the skin ability to function normally. Keeping the skin as free from bacteria cannot be understated. 

6) Is there a cure for psoriasis? While there is no cure, some treatments do offer relief to those who suffer from this disorder. Alternative treatment plans include topical and systemic. Featherstone topical products with emu oil, aloe vera, neem, and other skin enhancing herbs may offer relief to the itching, swelling, and inflammation that accompanies most of the type of psoriasis.

Treatments for psoriasis are many. Each year, approximately one billion dollars are spent on treatments. For conventional treatments, consult with your doctor. Keep the skin as healthy as possible. When bathing, use soaps that are not harsh to the skin. The emu oil soaps from Featherstone are gentle and acts like a emollient while cleaning. Do not use any cortisone products that contain steroids. Steroid-bases products are known to have many side effects and should be avoided. Natural products containing herbs and emu oil should be used. Emu oil could be used daily as a preventative measure.

Products from Featherstone that may be beneficial to psoriatic patients include Neemu™, Skin Therapy, Ultra Moisturizing Cream, and Emu Oil. Except for the last one, our products contain skin enhancing herbs such as aloe vera, neem, calendula, ginger, cats claw, and tea tree. Not all skin react the same way to the same herb, so we provide a wide spectrum of emu oil and herbal formulations. Some patients have reported that they found the best results by alternating use of several of the products. Those who suffer from arthritis in addition to psoriasis can use Emsomine™ while using any of our other products. For more information about the products, click on Product Link to visit our main site.

These psoriasis guidelines are for information and not to be construed as medical advice. It is not suggested that you should forego seeking the services of medically trained personnel, however, alternative solutions are offered that may help to have a profound effect for those who suffer from psoriasis and other skin problems. 

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