Plaque psoriasis

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plaque psoriasis

What is plaque psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis (also called psoriasis vulgaris) is the most common form of psoriasis. Plaque psoriasis causes dry, raised, red skin lesions (plaques) covered with silvery-white scales. The plaques might be itchy or painful and there may be few or many. They can occur anywhere on your body, including your genitals and the soft tissue inside your mouth.

Psoriasis is a chronic (long-lasting) immune-mediated skin disease that causes itchy or sore patches of thick, raised, red skin with silvery scales to appear on the skin 1. You usually get the patches on your elbows, knees, scalp, back, face, palms and feet, but they can show up on other parts of your body. Some people who have psoriasis also get a form of arthritis called psoriatic arthritis.

Psoriasis develops when your immune system sends faulty signals that tell skin cells to grow too quickly. In a process called cell turnover, skin cells that grow deep in your skin rise to the surface. Normally, new skin cells take weeks to rise to the surface. In psoriasis, it happens in just days because your cells rise too fast.

The body does not shed these excess skin cells. The skin cells pile up on the surface of the skin, causing patches of psoriasis to appear.

Psoriasis may look contagious, but it’s not. You cannot get psoriasis from touching someone who has it. To get psoriasis, a person must inherit the genes that cause it.

Signs and symptoms of Plaque psoriasis:

  • Raised, reddish patches on the skin called plaque.
  • Patches may be covered with a silvery-white coating, which dermatologists call scale.
  • Patches can appear anywhere on the skin.
  • Most patches appear on the knees, elbows, lower back, and scalp.
  • Patches can itch.
  • Scratching the itchy patches often causes the patches to thicken.
  • Patches vary in size and can appear as separate patches or join together to cover a large area.
  • Nail problems — pits in the nails, crumbling nail, nail falls off.

Plaque psoriasis typically affects the outside of the elbows, knees, lower back or scalp, though it can appear on any location. Some people report that psoriasis is itchy, burns and stings. Psoriasis is associated with other serious health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and depression.

If you develop a rash that doesn’t go away with an over-the-counter medication, you should consider contacting your doctor.

Plaque psoriasis can be hard to diagnose because it can look like other skin diseases. Your doctor might need to look at a small skin sample under a microscope.

Plaque psoriasis can last a long time, even a lifetime. Symptoms come and go. Things that make them worse include:

  • Infections
  • Stress
  • Dry skin
  • Certain medicines.

Figure 1. Plaque psoriasis

plaque psoriasis

Where does psoriasis show up ?

Psoriasis can show up anywhere—on the eyelids, ears, mouth and lips, skin folds, hands and feet, and nails. The skin at each of these sites is different and requires different treatments.

Light therapy or topical treatments are often used when psoriasis is limited to a specific part of the body. However, doctors may prescribe oral or injectable drugs if the psoriasis is widespread or greatly affects your quality of life. Effective treatments are available, no matter where your psoriasis is located.

Scalp Psoriasis

At least half of all the people who have psoriasis have it on their scalp.

Scalp psoriasis can be very mild, with slight, fine scaling. It can also be very severe with thick, crusted plaques covering the entire scalp. Psoriasis can extend beyond the hairline onto the forehead, the back of the neck and around the ears.

Other skin disorders, such as seborrheic dermatitis, may look similar to psoriasis. However, scalp psoriasis appears powdery with a silvery sheen, while seborrheic dermatitis appears yellowish and greasy.

Psoriasis on the Face

Facial psoriasis most often affects the eyebrows, the skin between the nose and upper lip, the upper forehead and the hairline. You might need a biopsy to confirm that it is psoriasis.

Psoriasis on and around the face should be treated carefully as the skin here is very sensitive. Occasional use of mild topical steroids, also called corticosteroids, may be effective. Other treatments include Dovonex, Tazorac, keratolytic products (scale removers) and ultraviolet light. Dovonex and Tazorac can be irritating, so you should work with your doctor to find a way to address this concern.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two drugs, Protopic and Elidel, for the treatment of eczema which many dermatologists have found work well for treating psoriasis on the face or other sensitive areas. Medication used to treat facial psoriasis should applied carefully and sparingly; creams and ointments can irritate eyes. Because facial skin is delicate, prolonged use of steroids may cause it to become thin, shiny and/or prone to enlarged capillaries. Treatment with steroids may be safe if a careful treatment schedule is followed.

Around the eyes

When psoriasis affects the eyelids, scales may cover lashes. The edges of the eyelids may become red and crusty. If inflamed for long periods, the rims of the lids may turn up or down. If the rim turns down, lashes can rub against the eyeball and cause irritation. Psoriasis of the eye is extremely rare. When it does occur, it can cause inflammation, dryness and discomfort. It may impair vision. Topical antibiotics may be used to treat infection.

In some cases, a special steroid medication made for use around the eyes may be used to treat scaling. Your doctor must carefully supervise the treatment because eyelid skin can be easily damaged. If topical steroids are overused in and around your eyes, glaucoma and/or cataracts may develop, which is the reason doctors suggest having your intraocular pressure checked regularly by an ophthalmologist.

Protopic ointment or Elidel cream won’t cause glaucoma and is effective on eyelids, but can sting the first few days of use. Using Protopic or Elidel for eyelid psoriasis may help you avoid the potential side effects of topical steroids.

In the ears

Psoriasis in the ears can cause scale buildup that blocks the ear canal. This buildup may lead to temporary hearing loss. A doctor should remove this scale. Psoriasis generally occurs in the external ear canal, not inside the ear or behind the eardrum.

Prescription steroid solutions can be dripped into the ear canal or applied to the outside portion of the ear canal. Dovonex or Tazorac may cause irritation when used alone and may be best used in combination with a topical steroid. The eardrum is easily damaged. Care should be taken when inserting anything rigid into the ear. Also, impaction of scale already present from psoriasis can occur if medication prescribed for the skin on the ear is not appropriately applied inside the ear canal.

Hands, Feet and Nails

Psoriasis on the hands and feet can lead to cracking, blisters and swelling. There are several treatments that can help psoriasis in these areas. A few lifestyle changes also can ease the discomfort of hand, feet and nail psoriasis.

Plaque psoriasis scalp

Researchers estimate that at least half (50 percent) of the people who have plaque psoriasis will have at least one flare-up on the scalp.

Scalp psoriasis can be very mild, with slight, fine scaling. It can also be very severe with thick, crusted plaques covering the entire scalp. Psoriasis can extend beyond the hairline onto the forehead, the back of the neck and appears behind the ears.

Other skin disorders, such as seborrheic dermatitis, may look similar to psoriasis. However, scalp psoriasis appears powdery with a silvery sheen, while seborrheic dermatitis appears yellowish and greasy.

What causes plaque psoriasis

While scientists do not know what exactly causes psoriasis, they do know that the immune system (problem with T cells and other white blood cells, called neutrophils, in your body) and genetics play major roles in its development.

T cells (T lymphocytes) normally travel through the body to defend against foreign substances, such as viruses or bacteria. But if you have psoriasis, the T cells (T lymphocytes) attack healthy skin cells by mistake, as if to heal a wound or to fight an infection.

Overactive T cells also trigger increased production of healthy skin cells, more T cells and other white blood cells, especially neutrophils. These travel into the skin causing redness and sometimes pus in pustular lesions. Dilated blood vessels in psoriasis-affected areas create warmth and redness in the skin lesions.

The process becomes an ongoing cycle in which new skin cells move to the outermost layer of skin too quickly — in days rather than weeks. Skin cells build up in thick, scaly patches on the skin’s surface, continuing until treatment stops the cycle.

Just what causes T cells to malfunction in people with psoriasis isn’t entirely clear. Researchers believe both genetics and environmental factors play a role.

Moreover, scientists are still trying to learn everything that happens inside the body to cause psoriasis.

Usually, something triggers psoriasis to flare. The skin cells in people with psoriasis grow at an abnormally fast rate, which causes the buildup of psoriasis lesions.

Scientists have learned that a person’s immune system and genes play important roles. It seems that many genes must interact to cause psoriasis.

Scientists also know that not everyone who inherits the genes for psoriasis will get psoriasis. It seems that a person must inherit the “right” mix of genes. Then the person must be exposed to a trigger.

Bowcock and colleagues identified the CARD14 gene mutation in two large families with a strong prevalence of plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, suggesting that the same mutation occurs in both diseases. The findings indicated that CARD14 mutations can also be involved in pustular psoriasis. In a university news release, Bowcock said that scientists have searched for almost 20 years to find a single gene linked to plaque psoriasis and that these mutations will be important in developing new treatments.

The researchers note that the mutation does not have to be inherited, but can occur spontaneously. A young girl with pustular psoriasis, whose parents did not have the CARD14 mutation, also showed the rare mutation. In this case, she developed psoriasis after a staph infection.

According to Bowcock, this development is significant because it shows that the CARD14 gene itself, plus an environmental trigger such as an infection, is enough to cause psoriasis.

What triggers psoriasis ?

Many people say that their psoriasis began after they experienced one of these common psoriasis triggers:

  • A stressful event.
  • Smoking.
  • Heavy alcohol consumption
  • Infections, such as strep throat or skin infections.
  • Certain medications — including lithium, which is prescribed for bipolar disorder, high blood pressure medications such as beta blockers, antimalarial drugs, and iodides.
  • Cold, dry weather.
  • Injury to the skin, such as a cut or scrape, a bug bite, or a severe sunburn.
  • Vitamin D deficiency.

Certain medications are associated with triggering psoriasis, including:

  • Lithium: Used to treat manic depression and other psychiatric disorders. Lithium aggravates psoriasis in about half of those with psoriasis who take it.
  • Antimalarials: Plaquenil, Quinacrine, chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine may cause a flare of psoriasis, usually two to three weeks after the drug is taken.
  • Hydroxychloroquine is the least likely to cause side effects.
  • Inderal: This high blood pressure medication worsens psoriasis in about 25 percent to 30 percent of patients with psoriasis who take it. It is not known if all high blood pressure (beta blocker) medications worsen psoriasis, but they may have that potential.
  • Quinidine: This heart medication has been reported to worsen some cases of psoriasis.
  • Indomethacin: This is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to treat arthritis. It has worsened some cases of psoriasis. Other anti-inflammatories usually can be substituted. Indomethacin’s negative effects are usually minimal when it is taken properly. Its side effects are usually outweighed by its benefits in psoriatic arthritis.

Risk factors for psoriasis

Anyone can develop psoriasis, but these factors can increase your risk of developing the disease:

  • Family history. This is one of the most significant risk factors. Having one parent with psoriasis increases your risk of getting the disease, and having two parents with psoriasis increases your risk even more.
  • Viral and bacterial infections. People with HIV are more likely to develop psoriasis than people with healthy immune systems are. Children and young adults with recurring infections, particularly strep throat, also may be at increased risk.
  • Stress. Because stress can impact your immune system, high stress levels may increase your risk of psoriasis.
  • Obesity. Excess weight increases the risk of psoriasis. Lesions (plaques) associated with all types of psoriasis often develop in skin creases and folds.
  • Smoking. Smoking tobacco not only increases your risk of psoriasis but also may increase the severity of the disease. Smoking may also play a role in the initial development of the disease.

How severe is your psoriasis ?

Psoriasis can be mild, moderate or severe. Your treatment options may depend on how severe your psoriasis is. Severity is based on how much of your body is affected by psoriasis. The entire hand (the palm, fingers and thumb) is equal to about 1 percent of your body surface area.

However, the severity of psoriasis is also measured by how psoriasis affects a person’s quality of life. For example, psoriasis can have a serious impact on one’s daily activities even if it involves a small area, such as the palms of the hands or soles of the feet.

  • Mild psoriasis: Topical treatments, such as moisturizers, over-the-counter and prescriptions creams and shampoos, typically are used for mild psoriasis.
  • Moderate to severe psoriasis: Treating moderate to severe psoriasis usually involves a combination of treatment strategies. Besides topical treatments, your doctor your doctor may prescribe phototherapy (also known as light therapy). Your doctor may also prescribe systemic medications, including biologic drugs, especially if your psoriasis is significantly impacting your quality of life.

Figure 9. Psoriasis severity
psoriasis severity[Source 1]

Treatment of plaque psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic (long-lasting) disease of the immune system. It cannot be cured. This means that most people have psoriasis for life. By teaming up with a dermatologist who treats psoriasis, you can find a treatment plan that works for you.

Dermatologists encourage their patients who have psoriasis to take an active role in managing this disease. By taking an active role, you can reduce the effects that psoriasis has on your quality of life.

Psoriasis treatments reduce inflammation and clear the skin. Treatments can be divided into three main types: topical treatments, light therapy and systemic medications.

Topical treatments

Used alone, creams and ointments that you apply to your skin can effectively treat mild to moderate psoriasis. When the disease is more severe, creams are likely to be combined with oral medications or light therapy. Topical psoriasis treatments include:

  • Topical corticosteroids. These drugs are the most frequently prescribed medications for treating mild to moderate psoriasis. They reduce inflammation and relieve itching and may be used with other treatments. Mild corticosteroid ointments are usually recommended for sensitive areas, such as your face or skin folds, and for treating widespread patches of damaged skin. Your doctor may prescribe stronger corticosteroid ointment for smaller, less sensitive or tougher-to-treat areas.

Long-term use or overuse of strong corticosteroids can cause thinning of the skin. Topical corticosteroids may stop working over time. It’s usually best to use topical corticosteroids as a short-term treatment during flares.

  • Vitamin D analogues. These synthetic forms of vitamin D slow skin cell growth. Calcipotriene (Dovonex) is a prescription cream or solution containing a vitamin D analogue that treats mild to moderate psoriasis along with other treatments. Calcipotriene might irritate your skin. Calcitriol (Vectical) is expensive but may be equally effective and possibly less irritating than calcipotriene.
  • Anthralin. This medication helps slow skin cell growth. Anthralin (Dritho-Scalp) can also remove scales and make skin smoother. But anthralin can irritate skin, and it stains almost anything it touches. It’s usually applied for a short time and then washed off.
  • Topical retinoids. These are vitamin A derivatives that may decrease inflammation. The most common side effect is skin irritation. These medications may also increase sensitivity to sunlight, so while using the medication apply sunscreen before going outdoors. The risk of birth defects is far lower for topical retinoids than for oral retinoids. But tazarotene (Tazorac, Avage) isn’t recommended when you’re pregnant or breast-feeding or if you intend to become pregnant.
  • Calcineurin inhibitors. Calcineurin inhibitors — tacrolimus (Prograf) and pimecrolimus (Elidel) — reduce inflammation and plaque buildup. Calcineurin inhibitors are not recommended for long-term or continuous use because of a potential increased risk of skin cancer and lymphoma. They may be especially helpful in areas of thin skin, such as around the eyes, where steroid creams or retinoids are too irritating or may cause harmful effects.
  • Salicylic acid. Available over-the-counter (nonprescription) and by prescription, salicylic acid promotes sloughing of dead skin cells and reduces scaling. Sometimes it’s combined with other medications, such as topical corticosteroids or coal tar, to increase its effectiveness. Salicylic acid is available in medicated shampoos and scalp solutions to treat scalp psoriasis.

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is classified as a keratolytic, or peeling agent, and works by causing the outer layer of skin to shed. It is a common and effective treatment for a wide variety of skin problems. As a psoriasis treatment, it acts as a scale lifter, helping to soften and remove psoriasis scales.

Strong salicylic acid preparations can cause irritation if left in contact with the skin for too long. The body may absorb too much salicylic acid if used over large areas of the skin. Salicylic acid may also weaken hair shafts and make them more likely to break, leading to temporary hair loss.

  • Coal tar. Derived from coal, coal tar reduces scaling, itching and inflammation. Coal tar can irritate the skin. It’s also messy, stains clothing and bedding, and has a strong odor. Coal tar is available in over-the-counter shampoos, creams and oils. It’s also available in higher concentrations by prescription. This treatment isn’t recommended for women who are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Coal Tar

Tar derived from both coal and wood (e.g., juniper, pine) are both used for medicinal purposes. However, coal tar is the type used most commonly to treat psoriasis. Tar can help slow the rapid growth of skin cells and restore the skin’s appearance. In addition, it can help reduce the inflammation, itching and scaling of psoriasis. Tar products can vary dramatically from brand to brand. Generally, the higher the concentration of tar, the more potent the product.

Tar can irritate, redden and dry the skin. Test a tar product on a small area of the skin first. If reddening occurs, try applying the tar on top of a moisturizer. Tar can stain clothing, bed linen, and light-colored hair. Tar makes skin more sensitive to sunlight, so be sure to wash it off thoroughly, use sunscreen and monitor your sun exposure. Tar remains active on the skin for at least 24 hours, and you are at increased risk of sunburn during this period.

Studies show some of the chemicals in coal tar may cause cancer, but only in very high concentrations, such as in what is used in industrial paving. Anyone using tar regularly should follow a regular skin cancer checkup schedule. California requires over-the-counter (OTC) coal tar shampoos, lotions and creams that contain more than 0.5 percent coal tar to be labeled with cancer warnings. However, the FDA maintains that over-the-counter (OTC) products with coal tar concentrations between 0.5 percent and 5 percent are safe and effective for psoriasis, and there is no scientific evidence that the tar in over-the-counter (OTC) products is carcinogenic.

  • Moisturizers. Moisturizing creams alone won’t heal psoriasis, but they can reduce itching, scaling and dryness. Moisturizers in an ointment base are usually more effective than are lighter creams and lotions. Apply immediately after a bath or shower to lock in moisture.

Moisturizers

Keeping the skin lubricated on a daily basis is an important part of psoriasis care because it reduces redness and itching and helps the skin heal. Dermatologists recommend heavy creams and ointments to lock water into the skin. Cooking oils and even shortening can be effective as economical substitutes for commercial moisturizers. Here are some quick tips for keeping your skin moisturized:

  • use fragrance-free products
  • apply moisturizers after showering and after washing your hands
  • wash with moisturizing soaps
  • limit your lukewarm showers to 10 minutes or less

Light therapy (phototherapy)

This treatment uses natural or artificial ultraviolet light. The simplest and easiest form of phototherapy involves exposing your skin to controlled amounts of natural sunlight.

Other forms of light therapy include the use of artificial ultraviolet A (UVA) or ultraviolet B (UVB) light, either alone or in combination with medications.

  • Sunlight. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays in sunlight or artificial light slows skin cell turnover and reduces scaling and inflammation. Brief, daily exposures to small amounts of sunlight may improve psoriasis, but intense sun exposure can worsen symptoms and cause skin damage. Before beginning a sunlight regimen, ask your doctor about the safest way to use natural sunlight for psoriasis treatment.
  • UVB phototherapy. Controlled doses of UVB light from an artificial light source may improve mild to moderate psoriasis symptoms. UVB phototherapy, also called broadband UVB, can be used to treat single patches, widespread psoriasis and psoriasis that resists topical treatments. Short-term side effects may include redness, itching and dry skin. Using a moisturizer may help decrease these side effects.
  • Narrow band UVB phototherapy. A newer type of psoriasis treatment, narrow band UVB phototherapy may be more effective than broadband UVB treatment. It’s usually administered two or three times a week until the skin improves, and then maintenance may require only weekly sessions. Narrow band UVB phototherapy may cause more-severe and longer lasting burns, however.
  • Goeckerman therapy. Some doctors combine UVB treatment and coal tar treatment, which is known as Goeckerman treatment. The two therapies together are more effective than either alone because coal tar makes skin more receptive to UVB light.
  • Psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA). This form of photochemotherapy involves taking a light-sensitizing medication (psoralen) before exposure to UVA light. UVA light penetrates deeper into the skin than does UVB light, and psoralen makes the skin more responsive to UVA exposure. This more aggressive treatment consistently improves skin and is often used for more-severe cases of psoriasis. Short-term side effects include nausea, headache, burning and itching. Long-term side effects include dry and wrinkled skin, freckles, increased sun sensitivity, and increased risk of skin cancer, including melanoma.
  • Excimer laser. This form of light therapy, used for mild to moderate psoriasis, treats only the involved skin without harming healthy skin. A controlled beam of UVB light is directed to the psoriasis plaques to control scaling and inflammation. Excimer laser therapy requires fewer sessions than does traditional phototherapy because more powerful UVB light is used. Side effects can include redness and blistering.

Oral or injected medications

If you have severe psoriasis or it’s resistant to other types of treatment, your doctor may prescribe oral or injected drugs. This is known as systemic treatment. Because of severe side effects, some of these medications are used for only brief periods and may be alternated with other forms of treatment.

  • Retinoids. Related to vitamin A, this group of drugs may help if you have severe psoriasis that doesn’t respond to other therapies. Side effects may include lip inflammation and hair loss. And because retinoids such as acitretin (Soriatane) can cause severe birth defects, women must avoid pregnancy for at least three years after taking the medication.
  • Methotrexate. Taken orally, methotrexate (Rheumatrex) helps psoriasis by decreasing the production of skin cells and suppressing inflammation. It may also slow the progression of psoriatic arthritis in some people. Methotrexate is generally well-tolerated in low doses but may cause upset stomach, loss of appetite and fatigue. When used for long periods, it can cause a number of serious side effects, including severe liver damage and decreased production of red and white blood cells and platelets.
  • Cyclosporine. Cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral) suppresses the immune system and is similar to methotrexate in effectiveness, but can only be taken short-term. Like other immunosuppressant drugs, cyclosporine increases your risk of infection and other health problems, including cancer. Cyclosporine also makes you more susceptible to kidney problems and high blood pressure — the risk increases with higher dosages and long-term therapy.
  • Drugs that alter the immune system (biologics). Several of these drugs are approved for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis. They include etanercept (Enbrel), infliximab (Remicade), adalimumab (Humira), ustekinumab (Stelara), golimumab (Simponi), apremilast (Otezla), secukinumab (Cosentyx) and ixekizumab (Taltz). Most of these drugs are given by injection (apremilast is oral) and are usually used for people who have failed to respond to traditional therapy or who have associated psoriatic arthritis. Biologics must be used with caution because they have strong effects on the immune system and may permit life-threatening infections. In particular, people taking these treatments must be screened for tuberculosis.
  • Other medications. Thioguanine (Tabloid) and hydroxyurea (Droxia, Hydrea) are medications that can be used when other drugs can’t be given.

Treatment considerations

Although doctors choose treatments based on the type and severity of psoriasis and the areas of skin affected, the traditional approach is to start with the mildest treatments — topical creams and ultraviolet light therapy (phototherapy) — in those patients with typical skin lesions (plaques) and then progress to stronger ones only if necessary. Patients with pustular or erythrodermic psoriasis or associated arthritis usually need systemic therapy from the beginning of treatment. The goal is to find the most effective way to slow cell turnover with the fewest possible side effects.

Potential future treatments

There are a number of new medications currently being researched that have the potential to improve psoriasis treatment. These treatments target different proteins that work with the immune system.

Alternative medicine

A number of alternative therapies claim to ease the symptoms of psoriasis, including special diets, creams, dietary supplements and herbs. None have definitively been proved effective. But some alternative therapies are deemed generally safe, and they may be helpful to some people in reducing signs and symptoms, such as itching and scaling. These treatments would be most appropriate for those with milder, plaque disease and not for those with pustules, erythroderma or arthritis.

  • Aloe vera. Taken from the leaves of the aloe vera plant, aloe extract cream may reduce redness, scaling, itching and inflammation. You may need to use the cream several times a day for a month or more to see any improvements in your skin.
  • Fish oil. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil supplements may reduce inflammation associated with psoriasis, although results from studies are mixed. Taking 3 grams or less of fish oil daily is generally recognized as safe, and you may find it beneficial.
  • Oregon grape. Also known as barberry, topical applications of Oregon grape may reduce inflammation and ease psoriasis symptoms.

If you’re considering dietary supplements or other alternative therapy to ease the symptoms of psoriasis, consult your doctor. He or she can help you weigh the pros and cons of specific alternative therapies.

Home remedies for plaque psoriasis

There are other products which don’t contain salicylic acid or coal tar that are beneficial for treating psoriasis. Ingredients such as aloe vera, jojoba, zinc pyrithione, capsaicin and others, are frequently used to moisturize, soothe, remove scale or relieve itching.

The effectiveness of some of these products is not known. Be aware that “natural” ingredients can also cause side effects or allergic reactions. If irritation occurs, discontinue use.

Inverse psoriasis can be treated with Castederm, a liquid that is painted on the affected skin to help to dry moist lesions of psoriasis in folds of the body. The use of powders may also help to dry the moist lesions associated with inverse psoriasis.

Although self-help measures won’t cure psoriasis, they may help improve the appearance and feel of damaged skin. These measures may benefit you:

  • Take daily baths. Bathing daily helps remove scales and calm inflamed skin. Add bath oil, colloidal oatmeal, Epsom salts or Dead Sea salts to the water and soak – can help remove psoriasis scale and soothe itching. Soak for around 15 minutes and apply a moisturizer or oil to the skin immediately after getting out of the bath. Avoid hot water and harsh soaps, which can worsen symptoms; use lukewarm water and mild soaps that have added oils and fats. Soak about 10 minutes then gently pat dry skin.
  • Use moisturizer. After bathing, apply a heavy, ointment-based moisturizer while your skin is still moist. For very dry skin, oils may be preferable — they have more staying power than creams or lotions do and are more effective at preventing water from evaporating from your skin. During cold, dry weather, you may need to apply a moisturizer several times a day.
  • Anti-itch. There are several ingredients that have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating itch. Some of these include calamine, hydrocortisone (a weak steroid), camphor, diphenhydramine hydrochloride (HCl), benzocaine and menthol. Beware that these ingredients may increase irritation and dryness.
  • Scale lifters (keratolytics). Scale lifters help loosen and remove scale allowing medications to reach the psoriasis lesions. There are scale-lifting products designed for the scalp, body or both. Note that scalp products are usually stronger and may be too harsh for other skin sites. Over-the-counter (OTC) products that contain an active ingredient of salicylic acid, lactic acid, urea or phenol can be used as scale lifters.
  • Occlusion. Some topical medications or moisturizers can be occluded (or covered) to increase their effectiveness and the amount absorbed into the skin. With occlusion, the topical is applied to psoriasis lesions and the area is covered with plastic wrap, cellophane, waterproof dressing, cotton socks or a nylon suit. Always check with your doctor before occluding a steroid or other prescription medication.
  • Expose your skin to small amounts of sunlight. A controlled amount of sunlight can improve psoriasis, but too much sun can trigger or worsen outbreaks and increase the risk of skin cancer. First ask your doctor about the best way to use natural sunlight to treat your skin. Log your time in the sun, and protect skin that isn’t affected by psoriasis with sunscreen.
  • Avoid psoriasis triggers, if possible. Find out what triggers, if any, worsen your psoriasis and take steps to prevent or avoid them. Infections, injuries to your skin, stress, smoking and intense sun exposure can all worsen psoriasis.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol. Alcohol consumption may decrease the effectiveness of some psoriasis treatments. If you have psoriasis, avoid alcohol. If you do drink, keep it moderate.

Psoriasis diet

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease. Beyond the skin, psoriasis is associated with a systemic inflammatory state that has been linked to obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and type 2 diabetes 2. In line with the current literature, BMI (body mass index) and abdominal obesity, as measured by waist circumference, were associated with psoriasis 3. In addition, as also very recently reported 4 in a series of psoriatic patients (treated and untreated) compared with normal weight controls, it was found that psoriatic patients exhibited statistically significant differences in body composition evaluated by BIA (the measurement of body fat in relation to lean body mass) also compared with BMI-matched control group. In particular, we found that psoriatic patients have lower values of the ratio of total body water to body weight, greater amounts of adiposity and lower muscle mass compared with the obese counterpart without psoriasis. A case-control study of 373 psoriasis patients and matched healthy controls showed that there was a two-fold increased risk for psoriasis development in the setting of obesity as compared to normal body weight. In addition, for each unit increment increase in BMI, there was a 9% higher risk for psoriasis onset and a 7% higher risk for increased Psoriasis Area and Severity Index 5.

Although a correlative relationship between obesity and psoriasis has been well recognized, the mechanistic link between these conditions is not fully understood. Adipocytes produce a variety of pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-alpha, MCP-1, and IL-6 6. Moreover, they key psoriasis cytokines IL-17 and IL-23 have been found to be elevated in obese women compared to lean women 7. Weight loss in overweight or obese subjects, through decreased caloric intake, appears to have an added beneficial effect on psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis when used in conjunction with other prescription medications. Interestingly, studies have shown that caloric restriction in obese subjects lowers the level of circulating inflammatory cytokines 8, 9. These cytokines may potentially serve to worsen existing psoriasis or trigger the development of new psoriasis.

Limited data exist regarding the role of specific diet regimens in psoriasis, mainly with the aim to reduce cardiac risk factors and obesity-related comorbidities. Previous studies or single case reports reported the positive effects of low-energy diets and vegetarian diets 10, formula diet weight loss programmes 11, gluten-free diet 12, very low-calorie carbohydrate-free (ketogenic) 13. Fasting periods or vegetarian diets and diets rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFA) from fish oil have been associated with improvement of psoriasis in clinical trials. In this, the reduced amounts of arachidonic acid and the increased eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) intake might result in an anti-inflammatory environment 14. Some psoriatic patients are gluten-sensitive and may benefit from a gluten-free diet. It is believed that some vitamins (A, E and C), and oligoelements (iron, copper, manganese, zinc, and selenium) have anti-oxidants ability, which decrease oxidative stress and the production of reactive oxygen species. In addition, along with improving glucose, insulin and lipid control, food fibres also play an important role in systemic inflammation, by decreasing the oxidative stress produced by the elevated intake of high-simple carbohydrate foods. Finally, due to its role in proliferation and maturation of keratinocytes, vitamin D has become an important therapeutic option in the treatment of psoriasis.

Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) are considered a healthy dietary fat, as opposed to saturated fatty acid. The most frequently consumed MUFA rich dietary oils is extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). Traditionally, the beneficial effects of EVOO have been attributed to its high MUFA content (oleic acid), as it protects lipoproteins and cellular membranes from oxidative damage. Very recently, we have demonstrated that psoriatic patients, compared to the control group, have a higher consumption of simple carbohydrates, total fat and ω-6/ω-3 PUFA ratio, with a lower intake of protein, complex carbohydrates, MUFA, ω-3 PUFA, and fibres 15. In particular, in that study it was found that the lowest intake of MUFA was associated with the highest clinical severity of psoriasis. The association between low MUFA intake and progression of psoriasis is in line with the same observation reported in other chronic inflammatory diseases. Additionally, the relationship of psoriasis with either individual nutrients or individual food groups, it should be kept in mind that diet is a complex combination of foods from various groups and nutrients, and some nutrients are highly correlated. Thus, it is challenging to separate the effect of a single nutrient or food group from that of others in free-living populations.

Rucevic et al. 16 performed a randomized, controlled trial comparing a low calorie diet (LCD) to a routine diet for psoriasis patients with plaque psoriasis and BMI>27. During the trial, patients were allowed to continue their baseline anti-psoriatic treatment which had been unchanged for 3 months prior, with approximately 20% of the patients on systemic psoriasis treatments. The low calorie diet (LCD) group lost significantly more weight than the routine diet group. Moreover, the LED group achieved a greater reduction in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index and greater improvement in the Dermatology Life Quality Index than the control group.

Another study 17 looked into the dietary habits of sixty two psoriatic subjects found that the psoriatic patients consumed less extra virgin olive oil, fruit, fish and nuts, while consumed more red meat compared to the control group. That study also suggested perhaps the Mediterranean diet characterized by a high intake of fruit and vegetables, legumes, grains and cereals, fish and seafood and nuts; a low intake of dairy products, meat and meat products; and a moderate ethanol intake mainly in the form of wine and during meals – might be considered an adjunctive tool for the treatment of psoriasis 17 .

Vegetarian diets has been shown to improve psoriasis symptoms in some studies 18. Beneficial effects of these diets are believed by others to be a result of better eicosanoid profile 19, so that inflammatory processes are suppressed. However, the relation of a potassium deficiency to psoriasis is much less well documented; specially considering the fact that increased potassium is a key consequence of vegetarian diets 20.

Higher potassium intake leads to higher cortisol biosynthesis 21. There are no qualitative differences between the effects of endogenous cortisol and exogenously applied synthetic glucocorticoids, which are used to treat psoriasis. The beauty of this is that all effects are transmitted via the same receptor 22. Results of a recent clinical trial showed that the elevated serum cortisol followed potassium supplementation 23. Briefly, thirty two hypokalaemic patients (48.6 ± 6 y) with active rheumatoid arthritis were investigated in a parallel randomized design for 28 days. In addition to their usual medication, the control group received placebo, and the intervention group received 6000 mg potassium chloride dissolved in grape juice on 28 consecutive days. The total potassium intakes, including dietary potassium and taking compliance into account, were 1540 ± 260 mg/day in placebo and 6495 ± 285 mg/day in intervention group. In the intervention group, mean serum potassium and serum cortisol were significantly raised by 1.51–1.75 mmol/L and 81.00–115.20 nmoles/L respectively, at the end of supplementation 23.

Psoriasis and Dietary Supplements

A number of single food components have been suggested to play a role in psoriasis. The ability of dietary of antioxidants, such as omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids from fish oil, some vitamins (A, B, E and C), and oligoelements (iron, copper, manganese, zinc and selenium), which decrease oxidative stress and the production of reactive oxygen species, might be of particular relevance mainly in a chronic systemic inflammatory diseases, like psoriasis 24.

Fish Oil

An elevated arachidonic acid (a product of omega-6 fatty acid) level has been implicated in psoriasis, and its metabolite, leukotriene B4, is a known inflammatory mediator in this condition 25. Consumption of omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil forms leukotrienes and prostaglandins that are of odd-number, such as prostaglandin E3 and leukotriene B5 26, which oppose the even-numbered inflammatory mediators, decreasing overall inflammation 27. A high consumption of omega-3 fatty acids is found in the populations of the West African countries, and this dietary intake of omega-3 has been linked to a low incidence of psoriasis in this region 28.

Oils of cold water fish rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA) have been considered for use in psoriasis treatment. A review 24 of fifteen trials evaluating fish oil for the treatment of psoriasis, despite the populations studied and the outcomes assessed were heterogeneous, overall there was moderate evidence of benefit for the use of fish oil supplements in psoriasis, with 12 trials (6 controlled, 6 uncontrolled) showing clinical benefit in psoriasis and 3 trials (2 controlled, 1 uncontrolled) showing no benefit.

Mayser et al. 29 and Grimminger et al. 30 each conducted double-blind, randomized, controlled studies comparing the effect of intravenous omega-3 fatty acids (Omegaven) to omega-6 fatty acids (Lipoven) for the treatment of psoriasis. In the Mayser et al. study 29, 75 subjects with chronic plaque psoriasis subjects were randomized to a 14-day treatment with either intravenous omega-3 or omega-6. The omega-3 group showed significantly better improvement for the erythema, scale, and induration. In Grimminger et al. 30, 20 subjects with acute guttate psoriasis received either intravenous omega-3 or omega-6 for 10 days. The omega-3 group demonstrated greater improvement in erythema, scale, and induration compared to the omega-6 group. This corresponded to a greater than ten-fold increase in favorable neutrophil leukotriene products seen in the omega-3 group but not in the omega-6 group.

In another double-blind placebo-controlled trial of 24 patients with chronic stable plaque psoriasis, the group that received 10 capsules of MaxEPA (1.8 g EPA, 1.2 g DHA) daily for 12 weeks showed more improvement in itching, erythema, scaling, and affected body surface area than the control group receiving 10 capsules of olive oil a day; however, only the improvement in erythema was statistically significant at 12 weeks5. Several uncontrolled, open studies have also shown that supplementation of fish oil, ranging from 0.54 to 13.5 grams EPA and 0 to 9.0 grams DHA daily for 6 weeks to 6 months, resulted in clinical improvement, measured by erythema, induration, and scaling 31, 32. These studies have also demonstrated clinical improvement associated with inhibition of leukotriene B4 production in peripheral leukocytes in vitro, decreases in platelet malondialdehyde production, changes in abnormalities of erythrocyte lipid membrane pattern, and increase in leukotriene B5 to leukotriene B4 ratio in peripheral blood neutrophils 33, 34.

Fish oil appears has also been studied in combination with other therapies. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 18 patients with severe stable plaque psoriasis demonstrated a statistically significant improvement of psoriasis on a regimen of fish oil with UVB therapy versus placebo olive oil with UVB 35. An open investigation of 30 patients with mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis who were given either tacalcitol, a synthetic vitamin D3 analog, or combined tacalcitol and Oravex (2.8 g EPA, 0.4mg DHA), showed highly significant improvement in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score in the Oravex group compared to control after 8 weeks 36. Another study of 40 patients with chronic stable plaque psoriasis reported better clinical improvement of psoriasis with fish oil in combination with oral etretinate compared to etretinate monotherapy16.

There have also been several trials that have not shown significant improvement in psoriasis with fish oil. These studies utilized 1.8 to 3.2 g daily EPA and 1.2 to 2.2 g daily DHA11, 17, 18. In one randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial of 27 patients with psoriasis, there was no significant clinical difference between experimental fish oil group, which received 1.8 g EPA and 1.2 g DHA daily for eight weeks, and the control olive oil group 37. Another randomized, double-blinded, controlled study of 145 patients with moderate to severe psoriasis showed no significant difference in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index or patient reported subjective score between the group receiving fish oil and the placebo group receiving corn oil 38. A third open study that included 21 patients with plaque psoriasis also showed no clinically significant improvement following fish oil supplementation for six to eight weeks, although a single patient with pustular psoriasis showed significant improvement 39.

The most common side effects of fish oil include nausea, which may be dose dependent, indigestion, diarrhea, and fishy taste in the mouth.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency associated with psoriasis has been reported 40. Seven prospective trials of vitamin D3 supplementation in psoriasis and two trials in psoriatic arthritis- all were open-label uncontrolled studies except for one randomized, placebo-controlled trial. The forms of vitamin D3 used in these trials varied from 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (calcitriol, the physiologically active form of vitamin D) to 1-alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 (alfacalcidol, requiring only liver metabolism to be converted to the active form) to vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol, requiring both liver and kidney metabolism to become active).

Perez et al. 41 performed a single center open trial to assess the safety and efficacy of oral 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 for the treatment of psoriasis. Patients (n=85) were given 0.5 μg daily oral calcitriol, which was increased by 0.5 μg every 2 weeks as long as lab values were normal, for a period of six months to 36 months. Overall, 88% had some level of clinical improvement of psoriasis during the study period. 26.5% had complete improvement, 36.2% had moderate improvement, 25.3% had slight improvement of psoriasis, and 12% had no improvement. Additionally, the mean Psoriasis Area and Severity Index scores decreased from 18.4 at baseline to 9.7 at 6 months to 7.8 at 24 months of treatment.

Five additional open-label uncontrolled studies investigated the role of oral vitamin D supplementation in a smaller numbers of psoriasis patients ranging from seven to seventeen. In three of those trials, moderate or greater improvement in psoriasis was reported in at least 50% of subjects 42, 43, 44. For the other two trials, one showed statistically significant improvement in mean Psoriasis Area and Severity Index from baseline but results for individual subjects were not given 45, while in the other trial only 25% of patients showed moderate or better improvement 46. Additionally, two small trials have shown benefit of oral vitamin D on psoriatic arthritis as measured by the Disease Activity Score 47 or tender joint count 48.

In the only randomized, placebo-controlled trial of vitamin D supplementation reported to date, 9/20 (45%) receiving 1 μg daily of 1-hydroxyvitamin D3 showed slight improvement versus 8/21 (38%) in the placebo group, which was not statistically significant30.

Possible side effects of oral vitamin D supplementation include hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, and kidney stones. Long-term vitamin D overdose can also lead to bone demineralization. Some studies reported an increase in blood levels of calcium and vitamin D or an increase of calcium in urine after starting oral supplementation 48, but no patient experienced adverse clinical side effects 49.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 deficiency associated with psoriasis has been reported 50. A retrospective observational study of 98 patients with plaque psoriasis and 98 healthy controls demonstrated lower vitamin B12 levels in psoriasis patients compared to healthy controls 50. However, few studies have investigated the role of intramuscular administration of vitamin B12 in the treatment of psoriasis. Ruedemann 51 found favorable results with the administration of 1,000 g per cubic centimeter of vitamin B12 intramuscularly for 10 consecutive days, followed by a maintenance dose. Thirty-two percent (11/34) of patients cleared their psoriasis lesions and 29% (10/34) reached Psoriasis Area and Severity Index 75. Six of 34 patients initially reported severe pruritus, which resolved after two to three treatments. However, no baseline levels were taken prior to administering vitamin B12 to these subjects.

In contrast to these positive results, a double-blinded controlled study by Baker and Comaish 49 showed no difference with the use of intramuscular vitamin B12 injections for psoriasis. In this study involving 73 patients, intramuscular injections of 1,000 ug vitamin B12 or placebo were administered five days weekly for three weeks. No statistically significant benefit in vitamin B12 group was observed compared to placebo.

Vitamin B12 has no common side effects reported. Rare side effects include hypersensitivity reaction, nausea, vomiting, myalgia and swelling.

Selenium

Selenium is an essential element with anti-proliferative and immunoregulatory properties. A prospective study by Serwin et al. found that a decline in serum selenium was related to increased psoriasis disease severity in patients with psoriasis for more than three years 52. Several trials have assessed the role of selenium supplementation in psoriasis. Kharaeva et al. 53  enrolled 58 subjects in a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical study to compare the effects of combined selenium aspartate, coenzyme Q10, and Vitamin E versus placebo for the treatment of severe erythrodermic and arthropathic forms of psoriasis. They found that supplementation with the combination of antioxidants showed statistically significant clinical improvement of psoriasis by Psoriasis Area and Severity Index and Severity Score, the latter which included symptom scoring for desquamation of plaques, plaque hyperemia, plaque inflammation, nail dystrophy, and joint pain. The study also showed decline in oxidative stress, measured through activity level of enzymes such as catalase and superoxide dismutase, with the antioxidant supplementation.

In contrast, a double-blind, parallel group study of 37 patients by Serwin, Wasowicz, and Chodynicka demonstrated that selenium supplementation plus narrowband UVB was not superior to placebo plus narrowband UVB for psoriasis treatment 54. In another case-control study by Serwin et al. 55, 22 patients received topical 5% salicylic acid ointment, 0.1% to 0.3% dithranol ointment, and 200 μg daily selenomethionine versus placebo for 4 weeks. Both groups achieved almost complete remission, but the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score was higher in the selenium group and the TNF level was also higher in the selenium group. Another small prospective study involving 7 patients showed that 6 weeks of 400 μg daily selenium increased the number of dermal CD4+ cells, but did not result in any clinical improvement in the patients 56.

Side effects with selenium are quite uncommon and are observed at doses above 400 mcg/day. They include nausea, vomiting, nail changes, loss of energy, and irritability. Long-term selenium toxicity can mimic arsenic poisoning and can include nail changes, nausea, vomiting, garlic breath, metallic taste, and hair loss.

Summary

Of the nutritional supplements reviewed, fish oil appears to be the most promising. Several studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids may be beneficial as monotherapy or in combination with other therapeutic regimens in doses ranging from 0.45 to 13.5 g EPA and 0 to 9.0 g DHA daily for 6 weeks to 6 months.

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