Psoriasis: Differentiating Fact from Fiction

 In honor of National Psoriasis Awareness Month, Windsor Dermatology recently issued a press release announcing our list of top myths about psoriasis. Here is an excerpt from that press release below. Do you have psoriasis? Let us know what other myths you have come across and help us uncover the truth behind this disease...

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF), psoriasis is the most common autoimmune disease in the U.S., affecting nearly 7.5 million Americans. Dr. Jerry Bagel, a leading provider in medical dermatological care for over 25 years and member of NPF’s Medical Board, dispels the myths about psoriasis and urges residents to help spread awareness and find a cure.

“People affected with psoriasis often feel emotional, psychological and physical strains that take a significant toll on their well-being,” said Bagel, who is Medical Director of the Psoriasis Treatment Center of Central New Jersey. “We need to make the public aware of psoriasis facts to help ease the fear brought on by fiction.”

The most common psoriasis myths are:

1.     Myth: Psoriasis is contagious.
Fact: Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, not an infection, meaning you can’t contract the disease by being in contact with it.

2.     Myth: Poor hygiene causes psoriasis.

Fact: Psoriasis is a genetic disorder and is not caused by hygienic practices.

3.     Myth: There is no treatment for psoriasis.

Fact: The fact is, there is no cure for psoriasis but many different treatments are available to help lessen the symptoms. Biologic agents developed over the past 15 years have improved quality of life for patients significantly.

4.     Myth: Psoriasis is a skin or cosmetic condition.

Fact: Psoriasis has significant cosmetic concerns, however it is more significantly associated with systemic involvement such as arthritis, diabetes, obesity, depression and cardiovascular disease.

5.     Myth: Red patches on your skin mean you have psoriasis

Fact: Red patches can be a symptom of eczema and other skin disorders. The only way to diagnose psoriasis is to consult with a dermatologist who will conduct medical tests to confirm the diagnosis.

Psoriasis Awareness Month provides an opportunity for people affected by psoriasis to directly participate in spreading local and national awareness to help find a cure. As “Citizen Pscientists,” psoriasis patients are encouraged this year to participate in ongoing research on the disease. For more information about Psoriasis Awareness Month, visit www.citizenpscientist.org.

Dr. Bagel is board certified in dermatology and is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. His practice in East Windsor, New Jersey is home to the Psoriasis Treatment Center of Central New Jersey, the only treatment center in the region. He has been named one of the top doctors in the state by New Jersey Monthly magazine and a Top Doc in the Castle Connolly survey of physicians every year for the past 10 years. A Senior Attending Physician at the University Medical Center at Princeton, Dr. Bagel is regularly invited to speak across the country about the treatment of various dermatological conditions.

For more information about Windsor Dermatology, please visit www.windsordermatology.com.  

Psoriasis Success Stories

It's Psoriasis Awareness Month, so we'd like to share with you a few Windsor Dermatology success stories in treating psoriasis...

Bowler Gets Back to the Lanes

Recently a 47 year old male with psoriasis on 40% of body complained of hand stiffness and finger swelling secondary to psoriatic arthritis. He was depressed, stayed home, had difficulty working and couldn’t bowl anymore due to swollen fingers.

He was treated in a clinical trial with amazing results. His psoriasis cleared completely, his fingers improved and he could go work—and bowl again!

Jerry Bagel, M.D.

From Painful Psoriasis to Enjoyable Summer

One patient presented in our office suffering with over 20% of his body covered in painful psoriasis. He was treated three times a week with light treatments in combination with Humira. Within three months, he only has a small plaque on his lower back. The patient is so thankful to have regained his quality of life—pain free! He has since discontinued light treatments and is enjoying his summer. The patient is extremely happy, along with the physician and nurses.

Crystal Snyder, LPN

Research Trial Helps Fight Psoriatic Arthritis

A patient presented in our office with debilitating psoriatic arthritis. He had difficulty holding a pen and writing. Within four weeks of being on a Humira research trial, the patient was able to resume his normal daily living functions. He is extremely happy for the difference we made in his life.

Elise Nelson, Clinical Trials Coordinator

Patient Has New Outlook On Life

A 20 year old patient came in to our office with no insurance. She had severe plaque psoriasis covering 80% of her body surface. She was a definite candidate for the Enbrel clinical trial. Within 12 weeks, her psoriasis became 75% better. She has a new outlook on life.

Elise Nelson, Clinical Trials Coordinator

Living with Psoriasis: Breaking Free of Your Emotional Prison

By Dr. Jerry Bagel

Recent studies have shown there is a 50% increase frequency of depression in psoriatics compared to non-psoriatics. Psoriatics are also treated for depression 71% more than non-psoriatics.

Mostly, psoriatics feel embarrassed or self-conscious about the appearance of psoriasis plaques. 

While today, the general public has a pretty good understanding of psoriasis, it wasn’t always like this. Patients who are now middle-aged and older often tell our staff stories of being ridiculed throughout their childhoods. They were not able to play with other kids because their parents thought their skin condition was contagious. Imagine never being able to attend a public pool because of the appearance of your psoriasis. 

These experiences have lasting effects on the psyche and having psoriasis as an adult is often seen as a difficult burden as well. Some psoriatics report high anxiety and even suicidal thoughts. Their suffering is prolonged because of the chronic nature of the disease—decades upon decades of dealing with outbreaks. Adult patients often slip into an emotional cycle—stress triggers psoriasis outbreaks and then the patient becomes even more worried about their appearance. This may keep them from seeking relationships, getting exercise and generally enjoying hobbies that people without psoriasis might take for granted. 

But there are many reasons for psoriatics to be optimistic. With so many treatments and ways to alter your lifestyle to reduce flare ups, you don’t have to imprison yourself. 

Seek treatment from an experienced dermatologist. Most obviously, patients shouldn’t wait for psoriasis to go away on its own. If you lessen the appearance and chance of flare-ups, the better you will feel, physically and emotionally. One study conducted by the manufacturers of Enbrel shows depression improves over a 12 week period as the psoriasis improves. It’s important to see a dermatologist with substantial psoriasis experience who can help find the treatment that is right for you. Windsor Dermatology regularly offers clinical trials to help deliver the most cutting-edge treatment for psoriasis available. 

Reduce stress. Sometimes the chaos of life is unavoidable but there are small steps you can take to ensure you are lessening the chances of a psoriasis outbreak. Try to get more sleep, don’t take on any extra responsibilities and think about integrating meditation or yoga into your routine. 

Take the healthy route. It’s easy to binge on junk food when you are feeling bad about yourself, but the best thing for psoriasis is to stick to a diet comprised of lots of fruits and vegetables, lean meats and fish. Limit your sugar and alcohol intake, as well as fatty and processed foods. Staying committed to this diet can vastly improve your psoriasis, as well as your overall health, emotional well-being and longevity. 

These lifestyle changes take effort, but if you find yourself fed up with feeling trapped by your psoriasis, it’s time to take action against it. You don’t have to just give into it. Let the professionals at the Psoriasis Treatment Center of Central New Jersey help you customize a plan that works for you. Call us today at (609) 443-4500.

November is Healthy Skin Awareness Month!

Everyone knows eating healthy food is good for you, but if you have psoriasis, it’s even more crucial that you nourish your skin with certain nutritional foods and avoid others to reduce flare-ups. 

Psoriasis is More Than Skin Deep

Psoriasis is associated with comorbidity, meaning it is associated with one or more disorders (or diseases) in addition to the primary disease of psoriasis. By following a healthier lifestyle, the less likelihood conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease and Crohn’s disease can affect your life. 

Foods to Avoid

A lot of the foods that psoriatics should avoid are also foods identified by nutritionists as those that contribute to a host of other health problems. Avoid these foods to reduce psoriasis flare-ups:

• Processed foods

• Sugary foods (white flour, white rice)

• Omega-6 fatty acids (red meat, cow’s milk, vegetable shortening)

• Alcohol

• Gluten

 Gluten and Psoriasis

In recent years, much has come to the forefront about gluten sensitivity. About 25% of psoriatics are also sensitive to gluten products. Gluten is found in wheat, barley and rye foods and is included in a variety of everyday staples—bread, pasta, cheese, dressings, soy sauce, etc. 

Foods that Help

Foods that help psoriatics reduce the amount of inflammation include:

• Omega-3 fatty acids (walnuts, fish such as salmon, anchovies, sardines and mackerel)

• Seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, flax)

• Monosaturated fatty acids (avocados, olive oil)

• Leafy green vegetables (kale, spinach, collard greens, swiss chard)

• Colorful vegetables (red cabbage, red, orange and yellow peppers)

• Fresh fruit

 Remember, what we eat is who we are. Following a healthy diet not only helps to reduce psoriasis symptoms, but can set you up for a longer, more active lifestyle.