Psoriasis & Psoriatic Arthritis
Feb 2007
Feb 2007
About Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated disease caused when skin
cells over-produce and accumulate on the surface causing red, scaly
plaques that may itch and bleed. It is a noncontagious, lifelong skin
disease that has been diagnosed in 4.5 million adults in the United
States. This chronic inflammation is driven by tumor necrosis factor
alpha, or TNF-alpha, a cytokine involved in the body's normal
immune response. TNF-alpha is found at increased levels in
psoriatic plaques and plays a crucial part in their formation and
continued existence. In Europe, psoriasis affects between 1-5
percent of the population.
There are five types of psoriasis.
Plaque: Most common form of the disease
Guttate: Appears as small red spots on the skin
Inverse: Occurs in armpits, groin and skin folds
Pustular: White blisters surrounded by red skin
Erythrodermic: Intense redness over large areas
Psoriasis can have a great impact on a person's quality of life. The
itchiness, redness, sores and flaking, can cause extreme physical
discomfort. Depending on the area of the body, it can also lead to
problems in intimate relationships and may result in severe
depression.
psoriatic arthritis
About 10-30 percent of people suffered from psoriasis also develop
psoriatic arthritis. The symptoms of psoriatic arthritis include pain,
stiffness and swelling in and around the joints. Early treatment of
psoriatic arthritis can relieve pain and inflammation and possibly help
prevent progressive joint involvement and damage.
Medical treatments include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
(NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen, and disease-modifying
antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) such as Enbrel and Remicade. Other
treatment may include meditation, relaxation, massage and
supplements.
The common supplements reported to be beneficial for people with
psoriatic arthritis are glucosamine, chondroitin,
methylsulfonylmethane and S-adenosylmethionine (SAM-e). Both
glucosamine and chondroitin occur naturally in the body.
Glucosamine is believed to promote the formation and repair of
cartilage while chondroitin may promote water retention and elasticity
in cartilage and inhibit enzymes that break down cartilage. Very few
side effects have been reported for these supplements, and the
long-term safety is fairly well established. MSM is a natural sulfur
compound, and sulfur is needed by the body to maintain healthy
connective tissue and joint function. Thus, people believe MSM may
relieve pain and have anti-inflammatory properties. SAM-e is a
stabilized, synthetic form of a chemical produced naturally in all
animals. It helps the body make and regulate hormones, cell
membranes and neurotransmitters that affect mood. SAM-e may
contribute to the building blocks for cartilage and is involved in
making glutathione.
HOME
THIS ARTICLE IS FOR YOUR REFERENCE ONLY. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTION, YOU
SHOULD CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED @ 2007
Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated disease caused when skin
cells over-produce and accumulate on the surface causing red, scaly
plaques that may itch and bleed. It is a noncontagious, lifelong skin
disease that has been diagnosed in 4.5 million adults in the United
States. This chronic inflammation is driven by tumor necrosis factor
alpha, or TNF-alpha, a cytokine involved in the body's normal
immune response. TNF-alpha is found at increased levels in
psoriatic plaques and plays a crucial part in their formation and
continued existence. In Europe, psoriasis affects between 1-5
percent of the population.
There are five types of psoriasis.
Plaque: Most common form of the disease
Guttate: Appears as small red spots on the skin
Inverse: Occurs in armpits, groin and skin folds
Pustular: White blisters surrounded by red skin
Erythrodermic: Intense redness over large areas
Psoriasis can have a great impact on a person's quality of life. The
itchiness, redness, sores and flaking, can cause extreme physical
discomfort. Depending on the area of the body, it can also lead to
problems in intimate relationships and may result in severe
depression.
psoriatic arthritis
About 10-30 percent of people suffered from psoriasis also develop
psoriatic arthritis. The symptoms of psoriatic arthritis include pain,
stiffness and swelling in and around the joints. Early treatment of
psoriatic arthritis can relieve pain and inflammation and possibly help
prevent progressive joint involvement and damage.
Medical treatments include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
(NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen, and disease-modifying
antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) such as Enbrel and Remicade. Other
treatment may include meditation, relaxation, massage and
supplements.
The common supplements reported to be beneficial for people with
psoriatic arthritis are glucosamine, chondroitin,
methylsulfonylmethane and S-adenosylmethionine (SAM-e). Both
glucosamine and chondroitin occur naturally in the body.
Glucosamine is believed to promote the formation and repair of
cartilage while chondroitin may promote water retention and elasticity
in cartilage and inhibit enzymes that break down cartilage. Very few
side effects have been reported for these supplements, and the
long-term safety is fairly well established. MSM is a natural sulfur
compound, and sulfur is needed by the body to maintain healthy
connective tissue and joint function. Thus, people believe MSM may
relieve pain and have anti-inflammatory properties. SAM-e is a
stabilized, synthetic form of a chemical produced naturally in all
animals. It helps the body make and regulate hormones, cell
membranes and neurotransmitters that affect mood. SAM-e may
contribute to the building blocks for cartilage and is involved in
making glutathione.
HOME
THIS ARTICLE IS FOR YOUR REFERENCE ONLY. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTION, YOU
SHOULD CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED @ 2007
