Psoriasis is not common in the black community, but it can interfere with a normal lifestyle and social relationships.
According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune disease that appears on the skin. It occurs when the immune system sends out faulty signals that speed up the growth cycle of skin cells. It is typically characterized by raised, red, scaly plaques on the skin, either all over the body or in isolated areas, such as the scalp or elbows. Heredity may play a role, but stress, injury, infection, medication or trauma can spark an outbreak or cause a flare-up.
The condition usually develops between the ages of 15 and 25 and extreme versions can turn into psoriatic arthritis, which becomes more common after age 30. Psoriasis is also associated with other serious health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and depression.
It is a common skin disease that affects 3 to 5 percent of the world’s population. It is not contagious, but it isn’t attractive and can drive people to isolate themselves from social interaction. There is no known cure, but like other skin problems it can be controlled with proper treatment.
The National Psoriasis Foundation wants to encourage Americans and black journalists to look for the warning signs, especially during August, which is Psoriasis Month.
“There are always skin concerns, anything from sunburn to changing moles. Athletes get fungal and viral infections all of the time. Certain athletes slide and skin their legs up real bad and need attention so that it doesn’t get infected. All humans will have skin conditions and need a dermatologist, including athletes,” Dr. Charles Crutchfield III, a Minnesota-based dermatologist, who specializes in the treatment of acne, psoriasis, skin cancer and ethnic skin diseases, told the Minneapolis Spokesman-Recorder in an interview.
Depending on the severity and how obvious the presence of the outbreaks is to others, some patients will experience physical discomfort or disabilities, At its worst, plaques on the hands and feet can keep some patients from working at certain occupations, playing some sports, or performing caretaker duties for a family members.
Some medications, including inderal, a blood pressure medication and quinidine, a heart medication worsen psoriasis.
“Skin issues have a powerful impact on our personal and professional lives,” said Crutchfield, the official dermatologist for both the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings football and Major League Baseball’s Minnesota Twins, told MD News.
“I can’t tell you how many patients report that their self-esteem has completely turned around after we resolved an issue like acne or psoriasis,” Crutchfield said.
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How do I get rid of this dry flaky skin on my inner thighs?
if they itch use cort-aid 10 cream, other wise. If that does not work, wee a board certified dermatologist
What recommendations does the doctor have for treating athletes foot that leads to toenail fungus?
If it is just the skin, topical creams can work well, but if the nails are involved too, best to see a dermatologist for an oral prescription medication.
What’s the best treatment for seborrheic dermatitis? Head and shoulders with conditioner shampoo once a week and scalpicin extra strength twice daily If that does not work best to see a board certified dermatologist for additional stronger medication.
What’s good for dry skin?
Use a good moisturizer (like aveeno of Cerave) twice daily, especially after showering and a gentle cleanser, like Dove.
What is a good treatment for pilaris keratosis on the upper arms and outer thighs?
Amlactin Ultra lotion, twice daily for 3 months.
What is the best product or products to use for eczema?
Good moisturizers; use twice daily, gentle skin soaps and cort-aid 10. If that does not work best to see a board certified dermatologist for additional stronger medication.
What type of oil should you use on your hair if you have eczema? Is shea butter and avocado oil okay?
This is a common mistake. eczema of the scalp is confused with dry skin, but it is not. Anti-dandruff shampoos and scalpicin can work well. If that does not work seek help from a dermatologist.
My face breaks out around my mouth constantly. Most medications don’t work. I’ve had the problem since I was a kid ages 5 to 9.
It is called peri-oral dermatitis. prescription medications work best for this condition.
Which is the best lotion or cream to get scars off from mosquito bites and flea bites?
if they are dark spots porcelana and esoterica creams twice daily for 4 months with good sun protection. If that does not work seek help from a dermatologist.
Is there a good web site to go to help live with and manage psoriasis?
The national psoriasis foundation has a great site and so does aad.org. Combine those with a dermatologist and you will have a winning combination.
Is eczema contagious? My son had it since birth, and this summer we all have it.
Not contagious. Inherited. Keep skin hydrated (moisturizer twice daily) and gentle cleanser. If it is red and itchy and if that does not work seek help from a dermatologist.
I have mild/medium psoriasis. Are there any supplements I can take to reduce flare ups? Mine never goes away. No supplements work.
Great new medications that work very well but you will have to see and get them from your dermatologist.
My daughter is 22 and her face has acne scars. Is there any thing she can do to make the scars disappear?
You can’t change a scar into normal skin, but topical silicone creams and special lasers and make it look much better. Also, make sure they are really scars, not just dark spots that come after blemishes go, those will fade over time or good prescription creams can help with dark spots.
I am in the army and I work in the sun a lot or sometimes in a warehouse. I want to know if working out in the sun can trigger psoriasis or even working in a warehouse? I was diagnosed with it after I came back from Iraq in 2009.
Cuts and burns can trigger psoriasis. always sun protect whether you have psoriasis or not. see a dermatologist for good psoriasis treatments.
My father has and I have experienced some flare-ups. I have done some research and would like a clearer explanation of what inverse psoriasis is.
Simply psoriasis that occurs in your arm-pits and groin
Is there a remedy for dark spots on the back from bumps? And is there a way to prevent back bumps. I wash my back twice a day when I shower and I do not wash my hair in the shower. See a doctor to determine what are causing the bumps.
What’s the best treatment for poison ivy? I have one spot on my forehead from mowing the lawn?
Cort-aid 10, 4 times a day for 2 weeks.
My daughter & I break out in a rash on the arms,chest & sometimes face when exposed to the sun for an extended period. We use sun block, is that clogging our pores & causing it? How do we prevent it, staying out of the sun is not an option!
Probably a condition called actinic prurigo- old timers called it “sun poisoning”. Use vanicream 30 broad spectrum sun screen and it will not block pores. Put on 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every hour and more frequently if swimming or perspiring.
My 4-year-old son has eczema (has always had it). It seems like I’ve tried everything. What can you recommend to clear it up?
Phototherapy treatments from your dermatologist.
What can be done for cellulitis?
Cellulitis of the face and legs should be evaluated/treated in the emergency room.
