Wednesday, October 5, 2011

What are the types of Psoriasis?


Psoriasis is a chronic immune mediated relapsing disease of skin and there are several different clinical types of psoriasis. Different types of psoriasis may show different clinical manifestations/symptoms. In general psoriasis is the types of psoriasis are non-pustular, pustular and other types of psoriasis. 

Non-pustular psoriasis:
This is further subdivided into Psoriasis vulgaris (also known as chronic stationary psoriasis and plaque-like psoriasis) and erythrodermic psoriasis.
Psoriasis vulgaris:
This is the most common form of psoriasis, which accounts for up to 90% of individuals with psoriasis. In this form of psoriasis there plaque formation occurs, which appears as raised areas of inflamed skin, which have silver color scales.
Erythrodermic psoriasis:
This form of psoriasis causes widespread inflammation and exfoliation of the skin, which can cover large area of body surface. There may be itching, pain and swelling in the area of the skin where inflammation and exfoliation occurs. Sometimes erythrodermic psoriasis may occur due to exacerbation of Psoriasis vulgaris, especially upon abrupt withdrawal of systemic treatment. Rarely this form of psoriasis (erythrodermic psoriasis) can cause death, as there is disruption of temperature regulation of the body due to extreme inflammation and exfoliation of skin, which can not function normally.
Pustular psoriasis:
The skin in pustular psoriasis shows multiple raised bumps that are filled with noninfectious pus (known as pustules). The area surrounding the pustules is red and tender. This pustules commonly occurs hands and feet, but can be generalized and occur randomly at any part of the skin. There are several varieties of pustular psoriasis, such as generalized pustular psoriasis (also known as pustular psoriasis of von Zumbusch), palmoplantar pustulosis, annular pustular psoriasis, impetigo herpetiformis etc.
Other types of psoriasis:
There are several other types of less common psoriasis.
  • Drug induced psoriasis.
  • Napkin psoriasis.
  • Inverse psoriasis: may occur in skin folds, such as genitals, inframammary folds (under the breasts), armpits, abdominal folds in obese individuals etc. This type of psoriasis may be infected by fungus and may get irritated by friction and sweating.
  • Nail psoriasis: occurs in nails (finger nails and toe nails) and produce changes in the appearance of finger and toe nails such as discoloration of under the nail plate, pitting of the nails, thickening of the skin under the nail, and the loosening/crumbling of affected nails.
  • Psoriatic arthritis: as the name suggest, it affect and cause inflammation of joints and connective tissues. Most commonly joints of the fingers and toes are affected and cause swelling of fingers. Sometimes hips, knees and spine may be involved. Approximately 10% of all psoriasis patients have joints and connective tissues involvement (psoriatic arthritis).
  • Guttate psoriasis: the skin lesions (scales) are red or pink, teardrop-shaped and large in number and commonly occur in the trunk, but can also occur in the limbs and scalp.

Friday, September 16, 2011

What are the Different types of Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic immune mediated relapsing disease of skin and there are several different clinical types of psoriasis. Different types of psoriasis may show different clinical manifestations/symptoms. In general psoriasis is the types of psoriasis are non-pustular, pustular and other types of psoriasis.

Non-pustular psoriasis:
This is further subdivided into Psoriasis vulgaris (also known as chronic stationary psoriasis and plaque-like psoriasis) and erythrodermic psoriasis.
Psoriasis vulgaris:
This is the most common form of psoriasis, which accounts for up to 90% of individuals with psoriasis. In this form of psoriasis there plaque formation occurs, which appears as raised areas of inflamed skin, which have silver color scales.
Erythrodermic psoriasis:
This form of psoriasis causes widespread inflammation and exfoliation of the skin, which can cover large area of body surface. There may be itching, pain and swelling in the area of the skin where inflammation and exfoliation occurs. Sometimes erythrodermic psoriasis may occur due to exacerbation of Psoriasis vulgaris, especially upon abrupt withdrawal of systemic treatment. Rarely this form of psoriasis (erythrodermic psoriasis) can cause death, as there is disruption of temperature regulation of the body due to extreme inflammation and exfoliation of skin, which can not function normally.
Pustular psoriasis:
The skin in pustular psoriasis shows multiple raised bumps that are filled with noninfectious pus (known as pustules). The area surrounding the pustules is red and tender. This pustules commonly occurs hands and feet, but can be generalized and occur randomly at any part of the skin. There are several varieties of pustular psoriasis, such as generalized pustular psoriasis (also known as pustular psoriasis of von Zumbusch), palmoplantar pustulosis, annular pustular psoriasis, impetigo herpetiformis etc.
Other types of psoriasis:
There are several other types of less common psoriasis.
  • Drug induced psoriasis.
  • Napkin psoriasis.
  • Inverse psoriasis: may occur in skin folds, such as genitals, inframammary folds (under the breasts), armpits, abdominal folds in obese individuals etc. This type of psoriasis may be infected by fungus and may get irritated by friction and sweating.
  • Nail psoriasis: occurs in nails (finger nails and toe nails) and produce changes in the appearance of finger and toe nails such as discoloration of under the nail plate, pitting of the nails, thickening of the skin under the nail, and the loosening/crumbling of affected nails.
  • Psoriatic arthritis: as the name suggest, it affect and cause inflammation of joints and connective tissues. Most commonly joints of the fingers and toes are affected and cause swelling of fingers. Sometimes hips, knees and spine may be involved. Approximately 10% of all psoriasis patients have joints and connective tissues involvement (psoriatic arthritis).
  • Guttate psoriasis: the skin lesions (scales) are red or pink, teardrop-shaped and large in number and commonly occur in the trunk, but can also occur in the limbs and scalp.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Different Treatment Options For Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic immune mediated skin disease. It is a fairly common skin disease and affects large number of people. The main pathology in psoriasis is speeding up of the growth cycle of skin cells and as a result skin turn over is increased (i.e. normal skin turn over time of approximately 28 days become less than that) and there is also plaque formation occurs.
There are various treatment options available for treatment of psoriasis. If a disease does not have specific and effective treatment, number of different treatment options is generally available for that particular disease and unfortunately none of the treatment options can cure the disease and none of these generally give high satisfaction. The same is true in case of psoriasis too, as it is a chronic disease without any cure; hence there are several treatment options available. Some of the treatment modalities can be helpful and can improve quality of life.

The options available for treatment of psoriasis include use of topical agents, use of systemic agents, phototherapy, use of alternative therapy etc.
Topical agents for treatment of psoriasis:
Several different topical agents are available for treatment of psoriasis, such as petroleum jelly, coal tar, moisturizers, mineral oil, dithranol, salicylic acid, corticosteroids, vitamin D etc. Different preparations act in a different way, for example petroleum jelly, moisturizers etc. act by soothing effect on skin and reduce the dryness. Medicated creams and ointments (containing corticosteroids, dithranol etc.) applied directly to psoriatic plaques reduce inflammation, remove built-up scale, reduce skin turn over, and clear affected skin of plaques.
Phototherapy in treatment of psoriasis:
Wavelengths of 311–313 nm are most effective and special lamps are available which produce this wavelength. PUVA (psoralens and ultraviolet A) phototherapy combines psoralens (oral or topical) and ultraviolet A. But long term phototherapy may cause skin cancer (squamous cell carcinoma but not melanoma).
Systemic agents for treatment of psoriasis:
When topical agents and phototherapy fail to elicit any response, systemic agents are used for treatment of psoriasis. The systemic agents are toxic and need regular blood and liver function tests to monitor side effects. There are three systemic agents used for treatment of psoriasis, which are methotraxate, cyclosporine and retinoids. The first two (methotraxate and cyclosporine) are immunosuppressant drugs and retinoids are synthetic forms of vitamin A.
There are other systemic agents which are also used for treatment of psoriasis, such as efalizumab (monoclonal antibody), Ustekinumab, TNF-alpha (tumor necrosis factor-alpha) etc.
Alternative medicine in treatment of psoriasis:
Various agents are used for treatment of psoriasis, such as cod liver oil, vitamin E etc.  

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Be Careful If You Are Using Acnezine Acne Treatment Cream


Any medication may have some side effects and Acnezine acne treatment cream is no exception to this rule, either. If you want to use acnezine acne treatment cream to reduce/prevent/treat acne (pimples) you should be aware of the side effects Acnezine acne treatment cream or its ingredients may cause and be prepared to accept the side effects, which are mostly mild in nature and do not cause any serious harm to the health of the user. You can also take certain precautions to reduce/prevent the side effects associated with use of Acnezine acne treatment cream for treatment of acne. 

Benzoyl peroxide is the active anti acne ingredient in Acnezine acne treatment cream and most of the side effects of the products are due to Benzoyl peroxide. The side effects of Benzoyl peroxide are skin irritation, burning, stinging sensation, redness of skin, allergy to benzoyl peroxide, edema, contact sensitization, dryness of skin, formation of scales etc.
You can follow certain steps to reduce the side effects (frequency as well as severity of side effects).
  • Do not use Acnezine acne treatment cream on lips, eyes and mouth or any mucous membrane, which will cause burning and sensitivity.
  • Reduce exposure to sun while using the product and always use sunscreen when exposed to sun.
  • Avoid using other topical medications when using Acnezine acne treatment cream. Make suitable gap in between, while using another cream along with Acnezine acne treatment cream, there may be increased dryness or irritation of the skin. If any problem arises, use only one medication at a time.
  • There may be redness, burning, itching, peeling or swelling of skin, which indicates skin irritation and allergic reaction to one of the ingredients of Acnezine acne treatment cream. If any skin irritation occurs, reduce the frequency or the amount of cream used because higher concentrations or frequent use may aggravate skin irritation. Mild skin irritation can easily be tackled by using the cream less frequently (once a day or alternate day use) and by use of low concentration. 
  • If skin irritation is severe or causing some problem, stop using the Acnezine acne treatment cream and consult a doctor. 

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Know Few Points About Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a disease of skin which is immune mediated. It is a common skin disease and according to National Psoriasis Foundation of United States, in the US alone between 150,000 and 260,000 new cases of psoriasis is diagnosed every year. More than 5 million Americans are suffering from the disease (psoriasis) and spent billions of dollars each year for its treatment (on products such as Dermasis Psoriasis Cream). From the statistics it is clear that psoriasis is fairly common disease.

What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease where immune system sends faulty signals, which speed up the growth cycle of skin cells or cells of dermis. It is not due to infection by microorganisms or nor it is contagious. Normally the growth cycle of skin cells of dermis is approximately 4 weeks or 28 days, but in psoriasis the growth cycle of skin cells is reduced below 28 days (e.g. 20-25 days) and due to this skin looks abnormal.
Types of psoriasis:
Commonly there are five types of psoriasis such as plaque, guttate, inverse, pustular and erythrodermic and the plaque type is the commonest of all. Plaque psoriasis occurs as red and white (silver color) hues of scaly patches that are seen over the epidermis.
Treatment of psoriasis:
The main goal of treatment of psoriasis at present is control of symptoms and prevention of infection in the affected skin lesions.
Treatment options include use of topical agents, phototherapy, and systemic therapy. The topical agents include salicylic acid, coal tar, corticosteroids, retinoids etc. They all have different mechanism of action, but all of these topical agents normalize skin cell production and reduce inflammation.
This is for today, will write about psoriasis soon.

Saturday, August 13, 2011

FAQs About Acnezine

Acnezine acne treatment cream is one of the frequently used/purchased products online and it is obvious that there will be many questions frequently asked by many users/buyers of the product. The frequently asked questions (FAQ) ranges from how to use acnezine product to the ingredients present in the product to the cost and shipping procedures. Here are some of the frequently asked questions and their answers about Acnezine. 

How the products should be used for best results?
Acnezine acne treatment cream should be used one to three times a day. Use a thin layer over the affected area after thoroughly cleansing the skin over which is to be applied. It is better to start with a single application a day and gradually increased to two and three applications a day to prevent excessive drying of the skin, which is a common side effect of the product. If there is excessive drying of the skin (sometimes there may be peeling of skin) despite precaution reduce the frequency of application to once a day or every alternate day.
If you are going outside, it is better to use a sunscreen. First apply Acnezine acne treatment cream and allow it to dry, than follow the direction of use of sunscreen. If you develop any allergy/sensitivity to the Acnezine acne treatment cream, it is best to discontinue the medication and consult a doctor.
The Acnezine acne treatment cream is only for external use. Do not use it on mucous membranes.
What is the active ingredient of Acnezine acne treatment cream?
Benzoyl Peroxide 5% is the active anti acne medication of Acnezine acne treatment cream.
How to buy Acnezine acne treatment cream?
You can buy Acnezine acne treatment cream online from the original website of Acnezine products. The USA orders are shipped via USPS first class mail with delivery confirmation. All international orders are shipped via FedEx with tracking facility.
How long to receive the Acnezine acne treatment cream?
It usually takes 7-10 days (business days) for USA orders and 10-21 business days for international orders.
How to pay for Acnezine acne treatment cream?
You can pay by credit cards (4 major credit cards are accepted i.e. Visa, Master Card, American Express and Discover Card), PayPal or Google Checkout.

Saturday, August 6, 2011

What are the Ingredients of Acnezine?

Acnezine is well known and commonly used for acne or pimples. It is important to know about the ingredients present in any preparation before using it. Acnezine contains Benzoyl Peroxide 5% as the active ingredient for treatment of acne (according to the official website of acnezine). Benzoyl Peroxide is one of the most commonly used and most effective in the treatment of acne.

There are also several other inactive ingredients in Acnezine, such as aloe vera, green tea leaf extract, citrus extract, glyceryl, benzyl alcohol, tea tree oil, honey, sodium hydroxide, water and several other ingredients. All the inactive ingredients are commonly used for skin care.
How Benzoyl Peroxide act in acne treatment?
Benzoyl Peroxide, when comes in contact with water liberate oxygen gradually, which kills bacteria, especially anaerobic bacteria such as P. acnes (an anaerobic bacteria), the causative organism of most of the acne. Benzoyl Peroxide also has additional keratolytic and comedolytic properties.
One best thing about Benzoyl Peroxide is that, P. acnes and other anaerobic bacteria generally do not develop resistance against Benzoyl Peroxide, which is a common problem with many antibiotics.
What are the side effects of Benzoyl Peroxide?
The common side effects of Benzoyl Peroxide include mild skin irritation, burning and stinging sensation, especially initially and redness of skin over which it is applied. All the side effects are mild in nature and cause no harm. In most patients/users the side effects disappear and only rarely may require discontinuation of the medication due to persistence of these symptoms. Contact with eyes, lips and mucous membrane should be avoided. Dryness of skin, formation of scales, edema, contact sensitization, etc. are some other side effects.
Due to gradual release of active oxygen (oxidizing agent) Benzoyl Peroxide can bleach hairs and cloths.

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Few Points about Revitol Anti-stretch Mark Cream

There are several ingredients present in revitol anti-stretch mark cream, out of which two are active ingredients, namely argirelene and idebenone. Before you decide to use revitol for any purpose (it can be used as anti-stretch marks cream, anti wrinkle cream etc.) it is wise to know and learn about the product you are going to use. As there are two active or major ingredients in revitol, it is prudent to know more about these two substances.

Argirelene:
It is chemically acetyl hexapeptide-3, which are a synthetic compound and a common used ingredient in anti-wrinkle preparations. Argirelene is a peptide and very similar (in fact shortened version) to botulinum toxin commonly known as Botox (brand name) and we all are aware of the use of Botox in cosmetic industry as anti-wrinkle and anti-aging compound.
Argirelene (as well as Botox) reduce the visible lines/wrinkles that occur in the forehead and around eyes, mainly by reducing muscle contraction. If muscle contraction is reduced the muscles required for producing wrinkles and lines can not be formed normally and wrinkles can be reduced.
How safe is argirelene?
There are not many studies (post market studies) on argirelene as it is a relatively new product.
Due to lack of adequate studies, if you decide to use products containing argirelene such as Revitol anti-stretch mark creams, use them carefully and with proper caution.
Idebenone:
It is a synthetic analogue of Coenzyme Q10. Idebenone is also a new drug and not many studies are available at present. If you decide to use products containing idebenone, use them with caution.
In general it is advisable to use any new medication carefully as not many studies are usually available regarding the safety and effectiveness of a new drug/medication. Another important point regarding use of any medication is to lean about medication you are planning to use, especially if it is cosmetic product. There is no hurry, you can take your own time and learn about the product.

Saturday, July 23, 2011

An Honest Review of Revitol Stretch Mark Prevention Cream

We all know Revitol Anti-Stretch Mark cream is claimed to bring back the normal shape in skin with stretch marks (may be due to any reason such as pregnancy, obesity or any other cause) and transform the skin. The bringing back of normal shape of skin is said to be due to increase in the natural production of collagen as well as elastin, which makes the stretch marks (and also scar marks, which occurs due to injury to skin) of the skin less noticeable. Older stretch marks are more difficult to heal and for that, treatment should start during pregnancy, before stretch marks develop, to prevent stretch marks from developing by improving the elasticity and firmness of skin.
The Revitol anti-stretch mark cream or revitol stretch mark prevention cream contains several ingredients, such as Argirelene, antioxidants, vitamins, moisturizers etc. which comes from squalene oil, aloe vera extract, grapefruit seed extract and some other materials. Revitol stretch mark prevention cream also contains glyceryl stearate, glycerin, vegetable emulsifier, stearic acid, allantoin, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate etc.
Now, the question is, does Revitol stretch mark prevention cream actually works?
The question is not easy to answer. Manufacturer of Revitol Stretch Mark prevention cream guarantee the effectiveness of the product and to support their guarantee, they offer a 90-day money back policy if anybody would ever want their money back, if any customer is not satisfied with their result. The manufacturer of Revitol Stretch Mark prevention cream do not claim that their will be complete removal of stretch marks. The manufacturer claims that there will be significant (?) reduction of stretch marks in the skin after using the Revitol Stretch Mark prevention cream and it can prevent (to a greater extent) development of stretch marks.

If you are thinking to use Revitol Stretch Mark prevention cream you should read honest reviews and decide on your own. It is better to use the Revitol Stretch Mark prevention cream for prevention of stretch marks, rather then using it after stretch marks develop. Another important point about Revitol Stretch Mark prevention cream is the 90-day money back policy of the product. This type of money back policy is usually given by honest manufacturers, as they are sure of the effectiveness of their products.

Monday, July 18, 2011

Revitol Stretch Mark Prevention Cream: Should You Use ?

Revitol stretch mark prevention cream is a well known and popular cream for prevention of stretch marks (as well as scar marks) and also for reducing stretch marks after they develop. Stretch marks are most common during late stage of pregnancy and among obese individuals, especially among highly obese individuals. Stretch marks occur most commonly in the abdomen among pregnant women and abdomen and thighs among obese individuals. Due to growing fetus and other associated weight gain, stretch marks develop in abdomen in pregnant women and among highly obese individuals, deposition of excess fat in the subcutaneous tissue and in the internal abdominal organs (liver, omentum, peritoneum etc.) there is stretching of skin over abdomen and thighs and development of stretch marks on abdomen and thighs. Stretch marks can also develop in locations other than abdomen and thighs.
If you are obese or late stage of pregnancy you may have already developed stretch marks and using any anti-stretch mark cream can only reduce already developed stretch marks and can not completely remove them. It is possible only to lighten and reduce prominence of stretch marks.
If you are obese, in my opinion you can use Revitol Stretch Mark Prevention Cream, as most of the ingredients are natural and are considered safe for topical (use over skin or exposed areas of body) use. There is no harm in trying to lighten and reduce stretch marks using a product which is safe and contain natural ingredients.

But if you are pregnant and you want to prevent stretch marks from developing or you want to reduce stretch marks after they have developed, it is wise and advisable to consult your doctor (a skin specialist or your gynecologist) before you starts using revitol stretch mark prevention cream. Do not hesitate to consult your doctor before using any medication (including products with natural ingredients).