Can Your Diet Improve Your Psoriasis?

Posted by dermcareonline on January 21, 2010 under cholesterol, diet, omega-3 fatty acids, psoriasis | Be the First to Comment

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids. That means they cannot be made by the body, so you need to get it from your diet, in food. They are also called polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is a major types of omega-3 fatty acids ingested in foods. After ALA is injested, it is broken down into eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

Omega-3 fatty acids are found in cold water oily fish like salmon, black cod, herring, mackrel, tuna, and halibut. It is also found in marine life like algae and krill, plants (purslane) and nuts and seeds like walnut, pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, and flax seeds.
The American Heart Association recommends eating fish at least two times a week. It is advised that pregnant women, nursing mothers and young children avoid swordfish, shark, and king mackeral. They should take dietary supplements of omegy-3 fatty acids that are mercury free.

Omega-3 fatty acids have many advantages for your health.

• reduces inflammation (anti-inflammatory)
• prevents heart disease and coronary artery stenosis
• lowers triglyceride (TG) levels (bad cholesterol)
• increases high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels (good cholesterol)
• lowers blood clotting
• helps with rheumatoid arthritis
• helps with schizophrenia, depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD)

Symptoms of omega-3 fatty acid deficiency include

• extreme fatigue (feeling very tired)
• poor memory
• mood swings, depression
• poor circulation
• heart problems
• dry skin

How do omega-3 fatty acids improve your skin?

Studies have shown that even though Eskimos live in cold climates when psoriasis should get worse, Eskimos have a lower incidence of psoriaisis. So what are they doing right? Eskimos eat a lot of fish, so their diet is high in fish oil (which contains omega-3 fatty acids; ALA, EPA, and DHA).

In psoriasis, the immune system causes leukocyte infiltration and skin cells to grow rapidly, hence the thick plaques on the knees, elbows, and scalp. It is believed that this is secondary to amino acid metabolytes in the epidermis (upper layer of the skin). It is possible that by eating more omega-3 (anti-inflammatory), inflammation is reduced, and psoriasis gets better.

The studies are conflicting, and not everyone believes that this diet shows benefit for people that suffer with psoriasis. However, since the omega-3 fatty acids have overall health benefits, we should consider adding more omega-3 fatty acids to our diet, promoting heart and brain health, and possibly the skin as well.
The Mediterranean diet has a good balance of various fatty acids, and could be used to improve your overall health.

Is There a Genetic Link Between Melanoma and Parkinson’s disease?

Posted by dermcareonline on under Parkinson's Disease, Skin Cancer, melanoma | Be the First to Comment

A recent study at Harvard University found that people with a family history of melanoma are twice as likely to develop Parkinson’s disease, suggesting a genetic link. Initially, they found that patients taking levodopa, a drug for Parkinson’s disease, were more suseptible to melanoma, and thought that the risk was associated with the medication itself. However, they then discovered that people with melanoma were at higher risk for developing Parkinson’s.

The cause of this association is still unclear, and a genetic link has yet to be discovered.  If you or a family member have Parkinson’s disease, remember to get a yearly skin screening from your doctor, as well as self examinations.

Tinea Capitis: Is Your Child’s Head Itching?

Posted by dermcareonline on under ringworm, tinea capitis | Be the First to Comment

Tinea capitis is ringworm of the scalp and hair, caused by a fungus infection. It is the most common fungus infection in children all over the world.

In children, you might notice scaling of the scalp that resembles dandruff, pus bumps on the scalp, hair loss, or itching. If the infection is severe, you might feel bumps on the back of the neck because the lymph nodes are enlarged.

It is especially common in African American children because of the curly hair. In fact, if an African American child over the age of two complains of an itchy scalp with scaling and possible hair loss, think fungus, fungus, and fungus. Many African American children think that the scaling is just a dry scalp, and they do not seek medical help. A fungal culture can be performed by removing some scalp hairs with tweezers and scraping some scale. This is then put into culture medium for fungus.

Usually, topical antifungal lotions and creams are not enough to treat the infection on the scalp. The infection usually infects the hair shaft and the scalp. Medications most effective are in the form of a pill or a liquid suspension that the child drinks. It is best taken after a fatty meal or snack like ice cream. Kids love it when the doctor tells this to the parents.

If you suspect that your child has a fungus infection of the scalp, do not wait. Go to your doctor to get help. If you wait too long, the infection might cause irreversible hair loss and scarring of the scalp. Treatment is safe and available.