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

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.

Here Comes Winter! Skincare Tips for the Months Ahead

Winter takes a toll on everyone’s skin, but dry indoor heated rooms, cold, wind and heavy clothing can pose special challenges when you have psoriasis. A combination of dry air, decreased sunlight exposure, colder temperatures and holiday stress can all contribute to winter psoriasis flares.

In additional to seasonal environmental and emotional factors, people who have psoriasis need to be especially cautious about contracting strep throat, which usually strikes in winter months. A strep infection will cause psoriasis to flare badly, so it is wise to pay attention for any symptoms of strep and see your dermatologist if you are experiencing any symptoms.

But instead of yearning for summer, those with psoriasis should view winter as a chance to pamper yourself and control psoriasis at the same time. Try these psoriasis care tips as the weather turns colder:

Smooth on Moisturizer: The drier your skin gets, due to less humidity in the outside and inside air, the worse the psoriasis patches can look and feel. Keep your skin moist to reduce redness and itching to help heal psoriasis patches. The thicker the cream or ointment, the better it is at locking moisture into your skin. Use moisturizing soap and a creamy lotion after you shower, bathe or wash your hands. Choose fragrance-free products to avoid allergic reactions.

Choose Soothing Baths over Hot Showers: Long showers in hot water remove moisture from your skin. Shower in warm water just long enough to soap up and rinse off. Or relax in the tub. Add bath oil, oilated oatmeal, Epsom salts, or Dead Sea salts in a warm bath. Soak for about 15 minutes to slough off psoriasis scales, soothe itching and unwind. Apply moisturizer immediately after bathing.

Use a Humidifier: To wake up with moist and smooth skin, use a humidifier. Run it in your bedroom at night to counter the drying effects of indoor heating.

Wear Soft Layers: Frosty temperatures and wind can irritate your skin, triggering psoriasis flare-ups. They can also make psoriatic arthritis more painful. Dress in layers that you can peel off to avoid getting overheated as sweating can make psoriasis worse. Avoid wool, denim and other fabrics which are more likely to irritate your skin than cotton.

Drink Water: To pump up moisture, drink plenty of water.

Ease Stress: The winter holidays are full of cheer, but they also bring stress, which can make psoriasis flare. Plan time to relax during the holidays. Try a massage or moisturizing spa treatment. Exercise is a terrific stress reliever and may help protect you from flare-ups. Anything that helps you relax―including meditative yoga, listening to music or reading a book―can help keep your stress and your psoriasis under control.

Lighten Your Mood: Psoriasis increases your risk of depression. If you also have seasonal affective disorder―depression linked to less sunlight in winter and fall―these months are an extra challenge. If you’re consistently sad or depressed, talk to your dermatologist. He or she may suggest phototherapy to lift your mood.

Psoriasis Success Stories

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

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