Approximately 2% of people have some form of psoriasis. Psoriasis of the head area is common.

Scalp involvement varies from mild to severe. The mild disease is expressed by fine scaling of the scalp. The severe form of the disease has thick, crusted plaques. The rash may vary from small patches to the entire scalp being involved.

Scalp psoriasis causes significant cosmetic concerns among affected people. The rash may spread beyond the borders of the hair into the facial skin. This result in numerous psychological issues, among those afflicted.

There are a number of treatments available for treating scalp psoriasis. These include topical creams and lotions containing corticosteroids and vitamin D3 analogs. Shampoos containing vitamin D3 analogs or corticosteroids are more commonly used in treating these rashes.

Little attention is given to the scalp involvement of psoriasis. There is considerable patient dissatisfaction with treatments available for the head area. This is compounded by the fact that the scalp skin is covered with hair.

It is estimated that women have about 6 square meters of hair and men 1 square meter of hair covering the head region. Most lotions and creams useful for body psoriasis thus end up in the hair rather than scalp skin.

Furthermore, the use of more toxic preparations are avoided in the scalp area due to it’s closeness to the eyes, nose, mouth and face.

Scalp lesions tend to go into remission less frequently than plaques and patches on other body parts. These lesions also tend to be itchy.

Typically scalp psoriasis is defined by clear margins of red patches containing silver-white scaling. The area behind the ears is most commonly affected.

There may be many small patches randomly distributed across the scalp on large confluent thick encrusted plaque-like lesions that involve large areas of the scalp. These large lesions tend to coalesce with each other forming larger plaques, in time.

There is no hair loss but thinning of the hair when psoriasis is present on the scalp. Thinning of the hair is mainly seen with the severe forms of scalp involvement.

Scarring may occur with the more severe plaque forms of psoriasis.

At present, the combined use of corticosteroids and vitamin D3 analogs appear most effective. Research is ongoing to formulate more effective treatments with fewer side effects.

Approximately 2% of people suffer from psoriasis. Often people with psoriasis do not seek assistance with the psychosocial complications of the condition. Most individuals see a health practitioner for renewal of medication, prescription of new medication (s) or to have blood and other tests to monitor the side effects of prescription medication.

The impact of psoriasis on a person’s life goes much beyond the rash itself. Psoriasis is thought to have a similar impact on a person’s life as other serious debilitating and life threatening medical conditions. The world Health Organization’s definition of health not only describes the absence of disease but the ability of a person to live an enjoyable and productive life.

The list of psychosocial issues that develop in a person with psoriasis include:

• Psychological stress
• Embarrassment
• Social stigma
• Physical discomfort

These issues impact directly on emotional well-being, social functioning, productivity at work or school, self care activities and self esteem.

Of the physical symptoms that are distressing, itching or pruritus is often the most frequent symptom described. Patients also suffer from pain, burning and dry skin.

Severe psoriasis can make it impossible to work. Of these individuals approximately 30% attributed their inability to work to psoriasis. On average one study found these individuals loose about 26 days of work per year.

There is a tendency for individuals with psoriasis to avoid physical activity, sports or manual labour. This has been related to the discomfort associated with psoriatic plaques caused by sweating or bleeding during these activities

Females with psoriasis appear to have difficulty starting intimate relationships. However, libido and sexual function is not impacted by having psoriasis.

Some studies have found that psoriasis leads to increased alcohol consumption. This in turn worsens the psoriasis condition. Drinking leads to neglect of treatment compliance. Smoking similarly affects psoriasis and appears to be more common among people with psoriasis.

Social rejection, feelings of being inadequate and increased sensitivity to others, guilt, shame and secretiveness are more common in psoriasis. Bleeding from psoriatic plaques appears to be the strongest risk factor for developing stigma and hopelessness.

Suicidal ideation is found at any given time in about 10% of those with this affliction. Suicidal thoughts are more common among those who are suffering from depression as well.

Psoriasis has a negative impact on their family life. The cost of treatment, visits to health care practitioners are a drain on time and money for these individuals. Family fun and positive interactions are also affected by this condition. Individuals tend to avoid joining their families in leisure activities such as swimming in pools and beaches. The avoidance of social events places stress on other family members.

The genetics of psoriasis is currently the subject of active medical research. Not much is known about gene(s) that may be involved in causing psoriasis.

This is complicated by the fact that there are various forms of psoriasis associated with different complications and response to the same medication.

It is known that there is a higher frequency of psoriasis amongst relatives of individuals with this condition. Which of the relatives get the disease cannot be predicted, at the present time.

There appears to be several genes that result in this condition. As well, specific environmental factors are required to express this disease. Thus there are many factors that need to be present, in order to get the skin plaques associated with this disease.

Genetic studies have focused on genes on chromosome 1, 2, 6, 8, 16, 17, 19 and 20. At these locations there appears to be genes associated with psoriasis. From these studies it appears that the PSORS1 gene on chromosome 6 is the most common gene associated with psoriasis.

Intense molecular studies are now focused on the PSORS1 region of chromosome 6 to determine the exact nature of some of the most common genes associated with psoriasis

There are two age related process working constantly to change appearance. Typically, with time there is a noticeable increase in the number of skin creases.

• The first of these processes which result in increased creases is called skin aging. This is an intrinsic process meaning, the body is genetically programmed with time to create biological processes that result in increased creases.
• The second process is called photoaging or extrinsic aging. Photoaging can speed up the natural process making individuals look older than their stated age. Photoaging is the result of exposure to sunlight, more specially the ultraviolet rays of sunlight (UVB). The more one is exposed to ultraviolet sun rays the greater the risk of skin cancers and the faster the skin ages.

This process begins with a redistribution of fat, decreased elasticity, and a loss of bone mass. This results in a pronounced crease around the nose (nasolabial fold) and a reduction in collage and hyaluronate production. With age the skin’s immune system is also weakend, leaving the individual at higher risk for infections.

How does ultraviolet sunlight age skin?

In the skin there are UVB (280-400nm) absorbing particles called chromophores. Chromophores are mainly DNA and RNA (nucleic acids) and proteins. Collagen and elastin proteins absorb UVB in the range of 290 nm. Some of the other chromophores include flavins, porphyrins and quinines. DNA and RNA exposure to UVB is of major concern as UVB rays damage the DNA and RNA of cells. This damage is the precursor for many of the cell changes associated with skin aging, including skin cancer.

UVA (320-400 nm) is the more common energy in sunlight and represents 96 % of sunlight. UVA has indirect effects on the skin. UVA photosensitizes skin chromophores such as Vitamin A, Vitamin A derivatives, flavins and melanin. The photosensitization of these chromophores by UVA results in a depletion of these molecules in the skin. The exact effect of this depletion on the skin is unknown. However, while UVA depletes the Vitamin A levels in the skin, UVB damages the skin’s DNA, RNA and proteins or skin cell components responsible for the normal growth of skin.

How do Retinoids Work?

Retinoids are natural and synthetic vitamin A derivatives. These molecules dissolve easily in body fat. The biologically active form of retinoids regulates DNA gene expression. The genes that are regulated by retinoids control cell growth and maturation. Retinoids have also been shown to increase hyaluronate and collagen, two essential molecules for healthy skin which are depleted by UV light. Retinoids appear to act by increase the production of hyaluronate and collagen.

Retinoids are also good antioxidants. The trap damaging high energy particles and protect DNA and proteins from damage, notably photochemical damage. For this reason retinoids are felt to be good candidates to treat skin aging and photoaging. Furthermore, retinoids share a common chemical structure containing several conjugated double bonds that enable them to trap free radicals and absorb UV radiation from the sun, thereby protecting cellular targets such as DNA, lipid membranes, or proteins by preventing direct photochemical damage or UV-induced oxidative stress.

Therefore, retinoids may be beneficial in treating skin aging and photoaging because of their biologic, chemical, and physical properties, which act at several levels

The “7-year itch” is a term used also to describe the itch caused by a scabies infestation.

Early researchers felt that there was a cycle of 7-30 years for scabies epidemics. However, during wartime, the frequency of peak scabies infestations occur more often.

A 20 year study showed that generally one out of 31 people exposed to scabies have a chance of infestation. Infestations are higher in winter than summer months. Mites are thought to survive longer away from the body in cooler temperatures. As well there tends to be more crowding of people during winter months. Mites may also be sensitive to chemicals in human sweat.

It has been estimated that approximately 5% of the world’s population was infested with scabies at the end of the 20^th century. This accounts for 300 million cases.

Children are more frequently infested with scabies. Ethnic differences are thought to be due to overcrowding, housing, socioeconomic and behavioural factors. Poverty, poor nutritional status, homelessness, dementia and poor hygiene increase risk of scabies infestation.

Health care workers are thought to be more susceptible to scabies infestations.

Scabies outbreaks typically occur in hospitals, nursing homes, prisons or kindergartens.

Transmission is generally person-to-person. Body contact is the most frequent method of transmission. Infrequently, contact with contaminated clothing, bed linen or other furniture such as couches may result in scabies infestation. Infestation with the crusted or Norwegian scabies variety may occur more frequently from non human contact, such as contact with bed linen or furniture.This species of scabies sheds thousands of mites daily.

Transmission between family members is very common due to close contact. Sexual contact is also an important method of transmission.

The typical scabies rash:

Other conditions that imitate scabies:

1. Contact dermatitis

2. Folliculitis or impetigo

3. Atopic eczema

4. Tinea corporis (ringworm of the body)

5. Insect bites from mosquitoes, fleas, lice, bedbugs, chiggers

6. Papular urticaria

7. Dermatitis herpetiformis

8. Eczema herpeticum

9. Viral rashes

10. Syphilis

11. Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy

12. Pityraisis rosea

How to Eliminate Scabies Infestations:

General:

· Avoid social contact with high risk individuals

· Be cautious in high risk environments e.g. nursing homes

· Check pets for scabies

· Avoid close contact with infested person for 10 days

· Use gloves, protective clothing, alcohol and frequent hand washing when in high risk environments or in the presence of infested persons.

Environmental Treatments:

· Vacuum mattresses, clean mattress encasings, carpets and clothing

· Clean furniture and couches

Treatment:

· See your family doctor for treatment that is appropriate for you.

Bad Bug Bites Pictures Slideshow: Identify Bugs and Their Bites on … - The fire ant sting typically causes red hive-like lesions that burn and itch. Painful pus-filled lesions can also occur. Cold packs, pain relievers, and antihistamines can help relieve the discomfort. A large number of stings may trigger a toxic … The itching is very severe and usually worse at night. The rash typically is seen on the sides and webs of the fingers, the wrist, elbows, genitals, and buttock. You’ll need prescription lotion or pills to get rid of scabies. …

Diagnosis and Treatment of Scabies - Men’s Health - That is why; scabies is also termed as “Seven-year itch”. Scabies symptoms are pretty similar to eczema, psoriasis, insect bite and other skin irritations. Therefore it gets difficult to diagnose scabies. Diagnosis of Scabies …

Psoriasis is a chronic condition that is caused by a deregulation of the immune system. It affects the skin and joints of approximately 1-3% of people, worldwide.

Of these individuals about 30% suffer with a severe form of the condition. It’s impact on the quality of life includes both physical and psychological suffering. Many compare its devastating impact, on normal living, to heart disease, cancer and severe arthritis.

Those with moderate to severe disease find it difficult to obtain satisfactory results with conventional medical treatment. Most of these treatments themselves are toxic and require a significant amount of time and medication of lifestyle.

The T-cell branch of the immune system malfunctions in people with this skin condition. In the past, psoriasis was thought to be the result of abnormal skin growth.
In the past two decades a number of scientific developments in treatment and understanding of the disease process itself have contributed to our over all understanding of psoriasis.

A more advanced understanding of the immune system, specifically T-cell regulation of the body’s immune system has resulted in more advanced treatments for psoriasis.

Several biologics are proteins engineered by via recombinant biotechnology to imitate or inhibit the function of naturally occurring proteins, involved in the generation of psoriasis. Most importantly, many of these biologics have proven to be a convenient, safe, and effective alternative to conventional treatments.

Ongoing medical research on the biological mechanism involved at the molecular (protein, DNA, RNA) levels will lead to an even larger number of treatment options, in the coming future. The possibility for better targeted treatments, less toxic treatments for psoriasis is now a possibility.

Psoriasis is a common chronic skin condition associated with a number of possible complications. It is a relapsing condition (skin plaques are present) with periods of remission (periods of no skin plaques). Skin plaques are what the psoriasis rash is called by physicians.

The commonest form of this condition, is the chronic plaque disease. This presents as well-defined red scaly plaques generally found over the scalp, lower back, and extensor aspects of the limbs.

There are several types of psoriasis:

• Guttate psoriasis
• Sebopsoriasis
• Pustular psoriasis

This condition varies from a mild to severe disease. Despite its severity, it has profound effects on the lives of individuals afflicted with it. For some, it can cause a disability that can be compared to the severity of heart failure. At times, this condition requires hospitalization for management of its symptoms and its associated complications. About 7% of people with psoriasis develop a severe form of arthritis that is often disabling and disfiguring.

Psoriasis has been found at birth, in some individuals. Most people develop the rash in their teens and twenties. Some medical scientists believe that there are two types of psoriasis based on the age of onset of this condition. Type I psoriasis appears before age 40. This type of psoriasis runs in families often and is a more severe form of the condition. Type II psoriasis is seen late in life and does not appear to run in families.

Recent studies indicate that deregulation of the body’s immune system results in psoriasis.

However, despite intensive investigation over the past few decades, the cause and underlying abnormal processes, in the body, associated with this disease remains unknown.

Many environmental factors are known to trigger relapses, including streptococcal infection), HIV, skin trauma, certain medications, alcohol, cigarette smoking and in few people ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

The classical features of scabies infestations are burrows, red circular patches (papules), and constant itching (pruritus), especially at night.

What do the burrows look like?

The best place to see burrows are in the web spaces of the fingers (in between fingers). Burrows are also found in the armpits, groin, wrist creases, elbows, genital organs, belly button, belt line, nipples, buttocks and penis.

What Does The Rash Look Like?

The rash is described as erythematous papules, and looks very similar to hives, red round spots that appear to be like foot prints in the sand. It looks like mosquito bites following a trail. Associated with these red spots sometimes pustules and vesicles (clear blisters) can be seen. Often there are scratch marks in the skin around the areas of rash, as they are quite itchy. The rash is usually more commonly seen than burrows. The extent of the rash does not indicate the number of scabies present.

In children the rash appears in the armpits, head, face, diaper area, palms and soles of the feet. Often the rash is associated with pustules and vesicles, unlike in adult’s infestations.

How soon after infestation do the symptoms appear?

Generally up to 3 weeks after infection one sees the first symptoms of infestation. Upon reinfection symptoms may appear in a few days. Notably, the rash does not correlate with the number of mites

What are the complications of infestations?

In children scabies may be associated with super infection by group A streptococci or Staphylococcus, these are bacteria commonly found on the skin surface. However, when these bacteria find their way below the skin surface they become infectious.

Bullous scabies is another complication. This is a large blistering type of rash found on the arms and legs or on the trunk.

Nodular scabies is another complication of infestations. It is found in approximately 7% of cases. These nodules are very itchy and are found in the male genital areas, buttocks, groin and armpit areas. These lesions are about 2-20 mm in diameter and appear reddish brown in colour. Nodules can last for weeks after treatment of scabies.

Crusted scabies is generally found in people with HIV infection or following immune suppression with medication e.g. in transplant patients. Crusted scabies appears as a psoriasiform rash.

Scabies is a parasitic skin infestation caused by a tiny mite. This mite causes a skin rash that can imitate other rashes such as drug reactions or hives.

Typically, the scabies rash is very itchy and appears as a linear track on the skin, as if the mite left footsteps as it crawled. The scientific name for scabies is Sarcoptes scabiei variety hominis. Adult females are around 0·4 mm long and 0·3 mm wide and males are smaller.

It spreads by person-to-person contact. These mites cannot fly or jump. On the surface of skin they can crawl as fast as 2·5 cm per min. On average an infested person carries about 10-15 adult mites on their body surface.

These mites penetrate the skin within 30 minutes of contact or hatching. During penetration of the skin, scabies secrete enzymes that dissolve the skin, which is then ingested by the mite as nutrient. The rash results in unbearable itching or puritis.

Female mites lay up to three eggs per day in skin burrows within the stratum granulosum layer of the skin. A single female produces as many as 40 eggs. Larvae hatch at 2-4 days and also dig burrows. In total, mature adults develop within 10-14 days.

The scabies mite also infests livestock and wild populations of dogs, cats, ungulates, boars, wombats, koalas, great apes, and bovids. Some studies estimate that from 50% and 95% of pig herds worldwide are infested with S scabiei.

Animal scabies can be transmitted to human beings, which can also result in pruritic papules (e.g., pig handler’s itch, cavalryman’s itch).

Estrogens prevent skin aging in several ways. Estrogens are female hormones which have many beneficial effects, in the body. However, the use of estrogens products, in antiaging has several cautionary tales, including the increased risk of breast cancer and other conditions.

How does estrogen work as a skin antiaging chemical?

• Increases collagen content
• Increases skin thickness and preventing wrinkling
• Improves skin moisture
• Improves skin pigmentation during sun exposure

Since estrogen use has been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, hormone replacement therapy, in postmenopausal women has created much controversy. This is the basis for which estrogen use in the treatment of skin aging cannot be recommended.

Research is ongoing to find a way to use estrogen in antiaging skin treatments without the increased risk of breast cancer.

The drugs being studied are called selective estrogen receptor (ER) modulators (SERMS). These drugs have both estrogen like effects and antiestrogen like effects.

The hope is to develop an estrogen like drug with the antiaging skin benefits while removing the increased risk of breast cancer and other diseases know to be associated with the use of estrogen products.