COLUMBUS, Ohio. (Ivanhoe Newswire)— About seven and a half million Americans have psoriasis and about 40 percent of those patients also have joint inflammation that produces painful arthritis symptoms. Now, new research suggests one surprising potential cause for the condition and some preventive measures patients can take.
For years Douglas Levin struggled with psoriatic arthritis.
Eventually, Levin adopted a healthier lifestyle to help counter the inflammation caused by his disease.
“Anytime you can control it by moderating your intake of food or other things you’re that much better off,” shared Levin.
Researchers know that a problem with the immune system can trigger psoriasis. Now, Ohio State medical dermatologist Benjamin Kaffenberger is studying a potential link between poor oral health, bacterial infections in the mouth, and psoriasis.
“When your body is attempting to fight this bacteria, probably it develops a little bit of a cross-reaction with the skin at the same time,” explained Dr. Kaffenberger.
Researchers surveyed 100 patients with psoriasis, and 165 without about their lifestyle and diet. The results showed that poor dental and oral health, especially gum pain was associated with psoriasis.
“Unfortunately, a lot of patients don’t have good access to dental care, or maybe just are too busy at a certain time frame. So, they may not be getting that message when they have this disease in the first place,” illustrated Dr. Kaffenberger.
Patients who had higher fruit consumption reported less significant psoriasis. Researchers say that indicates fresh foods may be a protective factor. For Levin, lifestyle changes means psoriasis no longer controls his life or his time outdoors with his good boy.
The Ohio State University study also reinforced earlier studies that found family history of psoriasis, smoking and obesity could be predictors of the condition.
Contributors to this news report include: Cyndy McGrath, Executive Producer & Field Producer; Kirk Manson, Videographer; Roque Correa, Editor.
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MEDICAL BREAKTHROUGHS
RESEARCH SUMMARY
TOPIC: BRUSH AND FLOSS YOUR WAY TO BETTER SKIN?
REPORT: MB #4801
WHAT IS PSORIASIS: It is a skin disease that causes red, itchy scaly patches, most commonly on the knees, elbows, trunk, and scalp. It is a common, long-term (chronic) disease with no cure. It tends to go through cycles, flaring for a few weeks or months, then subsiding for a while or going into remission. It can last a lifetime and is caused by a problem with the immune system. In a process called cell turnover, skin cells that grow deep in the skin rise to the surface. Normally this takes a month but with psoriasis, it happens in just a few days because the cells rise too quickly. There are several types, including plaque psoriasis which is the most common form, that causes dry, raised, red skin patches (lesions) covered with silvery scales, Nail psoriasis affects fingernails and toenails, causing pitting, abnormal nail growth and discoloration, Guttate psoriasis primarily affects young adults and children and is usually triggered by a bacterial infection such as strep throat, Inverse psoriasis mainly affects the skin folds of the groin, buttocks, and breasts. Pustular psoriasis is a form that causes clearly defined pus-filled lesions that occur in widespread patches (generalized pustular psoriasis) or in smaller areas on the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet, Erythrodermic psoriasis can cover your entire body with a red, peeling rash that can itch or burn intensely, and finally Psoriatic arthritis causes swollen, painful joints that are typical of arthritis.
(Sources: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriasis/symptoms-causes/syc-20355840, https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/mediaroom/pressreleaselisting/ohio-state-study-finds-oral-health-diet-may-improve-psoriasis)
DIAGNOSING AND TREATING: The doctor will make a diagnosis by asking questions about your health and examining your skin, scalp, and nails. The doctor might take a small sample of skin (biopsy) for examination under a microscope to help determine the type and rule out other disorders. Treatments aim to stop skin cells from growing so quickly and to remove scales. Options include creams and ointments (topical therapy), light therapy (phototherapy), and oral or injected medication.
(Source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriasis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355845)
ORAL HEALTH AND DIET CAN IMPROVE PSORIASIS: According to a study by dermatologists at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, dental health and diet may have an impact on the development and severity. Researchers created a specially designed lifestyle and diet questionnaire that was administered to 265 patients at Ohio State’s dermatology clinics. The study surveyed 100 patients with and 165 without the disease. The study showed poor dental and oral health, in particular gum pain, was associated with those who had the disease. “Patients who had more severe psoriasis were more likely to report that their gums were in worse condition than patients who didn’t have mild to moderate psoriasis in the first place,” said Benjamin Kaffenberger, MD, Physician and Associate Professor of Dermatology at The Ohio State University. “And patients who had higher fruit consumption reported less significant psoriasis, indicating fruit and potentially fresh foods may be an associated protective factor.” The study also reinforced data from previous studies that found family history of smoking and obesity were significant predictors.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS REPORT, PLEASE CONTACT:
AMY COLGAN
614-425-0424
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