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Category Archives: Psoriasis

Psoriatic arthritis affects many people

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People who suffer from psoriasis or have a family history of this skin condition may be at risk for psoriatic arthritis, a serious disease that causes extensive swelling and joint pain.

The Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Education Center notes that up to 30 percent of people with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis. Psoriasis is an auto-immune skin condition in which the skin reproduces cells at an accelerated rate. This causes patches of flaky, irritated skin, also known as plaques. Psoriatic arthritis can develop at any time, but it is common between the ages of 30 and 50. Environmental factors, genes and immune system responses play a role in the onset of the disease. Patients with psoriatic arthritis can develop inflammation of their tendons, cartilage, eyes, lung lining, and sometimes aorta.

Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis do not necessarily occur at the same time. Psoriasis generally comes first and then is followed by the joint disease. The skin ailment precedes the arthritis in nearly 80 percent of patients. Psoriatic arthritis is a rheumatic disease that can affect body tissues as well as joints. Psoriatic arthritis shares many features with several other arthritic conditions, such as ankylosing spondylitis, reactive arthritis and arthritis associated with Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis.

The rate of onset of psoriatic arthritis varies among people. For some it can develop slowly with mild symptoms. Others find it comes on quickly and is severe. Symptoms of the disease also vary, but may include the following;

* generalized fatigue

* swollen fingers and toes

* stiffness, pain, throbbing, swelling, and tenderness in joints

* reduced range of motion

* changes in fingernails

* redness and pain of the eyes

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Psoriatic arthritis affects many people

Pfizer Treatment for Psoriasis Shows Positive Results in Studies

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By Dow Jones Business News, April 22, 2014, 08:53:00 AM EDT

By Tess Stynes

Pfizer Inc. ( PFE ) said two Phase 3 studies to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of its treatment for adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis showed positive results.

The studies of the twice-daily pill--known as tofacitinib -- at two dosing levels was more effective than a placebo in achieving a response of "clear" or "almost clear" at 16 weeks and in the portion of patients achieving at least a 75% reduction in the severity and area affected by psoriasis.

Pfizer plans to submit a supplemental new drug application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration by early next year.

Tofacitinib -- sold domestically under the brand name Xeljanz -- is approved in more than 20 countries for adults with hard-to-treat cases of moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis.

Write to Tess Stynes at tess.stynes@wsj.com

Subscribe to WSJ: http://online.wsj.com?mod=djnwires

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Pfizer Treatment for Psoriasis Shows Positive Results in Studies

Health: Break that flake

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Yet the red, scaly patches of psoriasis that can appear all over the body just scratch the surface of the problem.

According to the Psoriasis Association, people with the condition often suffer with low confidence and self-esteem, which in turn impacts on their relationships and social lives.

Celebrities including American fashion consultant Stacy London, TV presenter and actress Nadia Sawalha and singer and actor Jason Donovan have all spoken out about their psoriasis, a condition which affects an estimated one to three per cent of the UK population.

Kim Kardashian is a Psoriasis sufferer and was advised to slow down her lifestyle

Dr Sandeep Cliff, consultant dermatologist, explains: The psychological impact of psoriasis has been likened to that of depression and heart disease, which highlights the major impact it can have on a patients life.

Some will have a family history of the condition, but others may not. A flare-up can be triggered by stress or anxiety, injury to skin, hormonal changes or certain infections or medications.

This life-long inflammatory condition can impact on quality of life including psychological and social functioning, which is not always recognised by health professionals, according to a recent study published in the British Journal of Dermatology.

The disease is often worse in winter when there is less ultraviolet light and central heating can lead to the skin drying and being irritated by the use of lots of clothing, says Dr Sandeep. To limit this seasonal deterioration, its important to emphasise the need to use copious amounts of emollients on the skin throughout the day and a thicker preparation at night to allow it to soak in.

The important thing patients need to recognise is they no longer need to suffer in silence help is out there.

Kim was diagnosed with psoriasis last year, as documented on her show Keeping Up With The Kardashians.

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Health: Break that flake


  1. Psoriasis