Guttate Psoriasis

What is Psoriasis? Let me Break it Down for You

2011-03-28T12:52:00.000-07:00

I was ten years old when I first developed Guttate Psoriasis. I had had a nasty case of Strep Throat, and then, BAM… a few weeks later I wake up covered in angry, red teardrop-shaped welts.

My parents and I hauled you-know-what to the doctor who took one look at me and told me I had Guttate Psoriasis.

My parents peppered him with questions:

“Is it contagious?” NO.

“Is there a cure?” No, but there are treatments available. (LINK WITH TREATMENT ARTICLE.)

“Can she go to school?” Yes. Remember, Psoriasis is not contagious.

I sat there listening, totally confused. I had never heard the term “Psoriasis” before, and I wanted to know what it meant. It sounded scary – like a prehistoric beast bursting into my late 20^th century lexicon, tearing my skin with gnarly yellow teeth. (What can I say? I had a vivid imagination and was into dinosaurs as a kid.)

My palms started to sweat – I was always a stressed out kid, and while Dr. S didn’t seem to worried, I could tell my parents were and I still didn’t know what is Psoriasis.

So, just as my mom was about to ask another question, I interrupted.

“Um, Dr. S? What is Psoriasis in the first place?”

“I’m so glad you asked. It’s important to know what is Psoriasis when you’re dealing with it.” He smiled his big, warm smile, and I felt a little safer.

“I guess if you don’t know what is Psoriasis in the first place, none of this conversation makes much sense, huh, Sammy?” my dad asked.

I resisted the urge to say “Thank you Captain Obvious.” I nodded instead, and listened to Dr. S’s “What is Psoriasis” explanation.

I have now become quite the expert.

Maybe you just got diagnosed, and are trying to figure out what is Psoriasis, too… Well, darling, you came to the right place, because after dealing with Psoriasis for almost 20 years, I can break it down for you:

First of all, in order to understand what is Psoriasis, you need to understand what isn’t Psoriasis.

Psoriasis isn’t a disease.

Psoriasis isn’t just a skin condition, even though it tends to show up on your skin.

Ok, so now that we know what isn’t Psoriasis, let’s answer the million-dollar question:

WHAT IS PSORIASIS?

In a nutshell, Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disorder with many possible causes . that makes skin cells to multiply waaaaay faster than they can be sloughed off. This produces an uncomfortable at best, miserable at worst accumulation of pink scales all over the body. While psoriasis tends to show up mainly on the skin, it can also affect your scalp, nails and joints. There is no cure for Psoriasis, but there are many ways to treat psoriasis and make the symptoms more manageable.

And if you don’t know, now you know.

is psoriasis contagious?

2011-03-08T03:58:00.000-08:00

One thing I Can Clear up: Psoriasis is NOT Contagious

One of the most painful things about having Psoriasis – you know, besides the actual physical stuff – is the way people treat you when they see your skin.

Even my closest friends can’t disguise their shock when they see my Psoriasis for the first time. Sure, they try to cover it up with mild indifference, but I see the horror flicker across their face even if it’s only for a split second.

Strangers are even less careful about disguising their reactions. One woman took one look at my legs and crossed the street – and narrowly avoided getting hit by a car, no less – just to avoid sharing the same breathing space. God forbid she should catch it.

Their reactions hurt – sometimes even more than the itching, burning, and aching I’ve been living with since I was a young girl.

And I know what they’re wondering: “Is Psoriasis contagious.”

It’s a reasonable question, I suppose – and maybe you’re wondering the same thing. After all, it’s basically normal to fear what we don’t understand. Maybe it’s an evolutionary survival mechanism – after all, if we don’t know if something’s dangerous, isn’t it better to stay away?

But the thing is, Psoriasis is not contagious. While the underlying strep throat infection that can trigger Guttate Psoriasis is contagious, by the time the symptoms of Guttate Psoriasis appear, the strep infection has been resolved.

So, let me be crystal clear because it’s time we resolved this issue once and for all.

Is Psoriasis contagious? No.

Can you catch Psoriasis from someone? No.

If you go over to your friends house and they have Psoriasis will you get Psoriasis from sitting on their toilet? No.

In other words, we don’t have the plague. A pox is not upon us. We’re just dealing with an autoimmune disorder that can affect anyone, and happens to affect us.

No. Psoriasis is not contagious. Period. The end.

psoriasis pictures

2011-03-03T02:48:00.000-08:00

Take a Picture. It’ll Last Longer: Psoriasis images on the Internet

When you’re freaking out about something on your body – whether it’s an unexpected patch of hair growing near your left nipple (not that I would know about such things) or a mole that’s taken on a life of its own, one of your first instincts is to see if anyone else has something similar.

With the internet, it’s really easy to see what else is out there. And, as it turns out, there are a lot of people looking up photos of Psoriasis on the internet.

(DISCLAIMER: Given that it’s really convenient to self-diagnose on Google, if you’re looking up Psoriasis pictures because you have a gnarly rash on your legs and you want to know what the heck is happening to your skin, take heed: Looking up images of Psoriasis on Google is not the same as going to a doctor and getting a real diagnosis.)

Still, I know that I’ve consulted Google Images many times to compare my Guttate Psoriasis with all of the pictures of Psoriasis on the internet.

Sometimes, it’s interesting to see that there are a lot of different ways that Psoriasis can manifest. After looking at a slew of Psoriasis photos, I can tell you that no two cases are alike. Even Guttate Psoriasis images differ – some people have three or four large lesions while others (ahem ahem!) have dozens.

Sometimes, it’s a good reality check to know that there are others out there who have it a lot worse.

But above all, sometimes, it’s reassuring to know you aren’t alone.

When I’m stressed out, I head straight for the sugar

2011-02-21T04:56:00.000-08:00

Or the coffee. And yes, sometimes, the booze.

These foods comfort me when I am overwhelmed – but that’s not really a good thing.Turns out, that these three things can cause an inflammatory response in my body and either cause a Guttate Psoriasis flair-up, or make my Guttate Psoriasis symptoms even worse.

This, (obviously) stresses me out further and so I head back to the pantry and start eating the things I shouldn’t. It’s all very chicken-egg, and the only way to break the cycle is to stop eating the foods that cause Psoriasis. Period. The End.

There are other Psoriasis foods to avoid, as well. Some find that eating dairy and gluten make their psoriasis worse. Others react badly to acidic foods like citrus, mango, and tomato. And then, there are folks who find that if they eat a thick, juicy steak for dinner, by breakfast they’ll be covered itchy scales. Hardly seems worth it. Or fair.

The good news is that there are foods that help heal Psoriasis from within. Foods for Psoriasis include fatty fish like salmon, And dark, leafy greens is another beneficial food for Psoriasis.

A friend of mine – let’s call him, Fred – follows a very strict Psoriasis nutrition plan – and while it’s rigid (i.e., via con dios, carne asada!) it is working. And for him, the benefits outweigh everything.

Fred offered to share more about his foods for Psoriasis here – and while you might find it tempting to test his Psoriasis diet yourself, allow me the following disclaimer: Before starting any diet for Psoriasis, talk to a doctor. You know, someone who actually went to medical school. After all, no two bodies or Psoriasis symptoms

are the same, and what works for Fred might not work for you.

Ok? Ok.

Every morning, Fred has some kind of vegetable soup for breakfast. These soups are thickened with tapioca pearls (the same stuff in Boba… yummmmm) and can include sweet potato, carrot or pumpkin as well. Orange veggies are good foods for Psoriasis because they contain beta-carotene, and beta-carotene is awesome. It helps skin cells heal faster.

In general, Fred eats a ton of veggies. And all said veggies are slow-cooked or steamed. I know you raw foodies out there are probably wondering what’s with all the cooking. But it turns out that some nutrients and antioxidents are actually better absorbed when food is cooked. Like tomatoes and Lycopene, for instance – although Fred isn’t allowed to actually eat tomatoes because they’re highly acidic. But it’s the same principal.

In addition to the soups and the steamed veggies, Fred eats a spoonful of pureed black beans with every meal. This Psoriasis food is rich selenium, and selenium is a beneficial nutrient that helps heal Psoriasis.

While meat is not allowed in Fred’s list of foods for Psoriasis, chicken and fish are. In fact, fish high in omega threes are encouraged. Along with fish and chicken, Fred eats a lot of seaweed including Wakame, Kombu, and Agar flakes. These can be added to soups or to the millet that he also eats.

Millet is pretty great – it’s jam-packed with folic acid, niacin, and other forms of vitamin B. It’s also rich in calcium and potassium. (Just FYI, while the protein in millet it’s similar to wheat, it’s ok to eat it if you have an intolerance to gluten. Luckily for Fred, he does not have an issue with wheat, but still.)

Since Fred is not allergic to wheat, Spelt is also part of his list of foods for Psoriasis. Spelt is a grain similar to wheat, only (arguably) healthier because the husk around spelt is tougher than a wheat husk and protects the nutrients better. And since the steamed veggies and purred beans Fred eats aren’t exactly filling, Fred loves spelt because it helps him feel full.

Good thing Fred isn’t colorblind because his doctor and dietician have ordered him to stay away from ALL red foods. Beets, tomatoes, strawberries, raspberries, red meat, red wine, and those really sweet cherry popsicles are absolutely verboten. When I was like, “um, WHAT?” Fred explained that his doctor said that eating red foods can bring out the red in the skin. I guess it’s a holistic approach

Along with eating these Psoriasis foods, Fred also does acupuncture and meditation – he tries to keep his body calm. This helps keep his Psoriasis symptoms at bay – (and probably helps him stay away from the usual go-to stress foods like cookies and beer. And while Fred’s diet is really restrictive, it seems to be working. And nothing tastes better than not itching feels

Some Symptoms of Psoriasis that May Be Plaguing You

2011-02-10T01:17:00.001-08:00

I just watched a commercial where a gorgeous model (with legs that go on forevah) pouted her way through a tale of woe about her (so-called) dry skin. (But seriously? You guys? Her skin was practically perfect -- Nary a pock. Nary a lesion )

Oh, but to hear her tell it, until she tried such-and-such lotion, she was suffering.

Oh. Please.

You want suffering? I’ll GIVE YOU SUFFERING.

Psoriasis is suffering.

And there are many symptoms of Psoriasis that can make your life miserable. Not, “oh woe is me, my skin is a little dry” miserable, but rip-your-skin-off-and-aching-to-the-bone miserable.

Maybe you’ve got patches of dry, cracked skin. Maybe you have scaly red welts. Maybe you have markings and pits in your nails. Maybe you’re itching so much you want to go all Freddy Krueger on youself and rip your flesh off. And because Psoriasis symptoms don’t always stop at your skin, sometimes your entire body aches.

Ever since a nasty bout of Strep Throat when I was a kid,

I’ve been dealing with the symptoms of Guttate Psoriasis. And Guttate Psoriasis symptoms manifest as teardrop shaped welts parading up and down my legs, back and belly. And lest you think I made up the whole teardrop metaphor, the word “Guttate” actually comes from the Latin word, “gutta” or “drop.”

Look closely, and you’ll see a light dusting of scales on each pink lesion. Sexy, I know.

But Guttate Psoriasis symptoms aren’t the only kind of Psoriasis symptoms out there.

Psoriasis symptoms take all forms depending on the kind of Psoriasis you have.

For instance:

Plaque Psoriasis is much more common than Guttate Psoriasis. And the symptoms of Plaque Psoriasis are different: Instead of small, teardrop-shaped lesions, Plaque Psoriasis symptoms include large patches of itchy red skin covered with thick, silvery scales.

And then there is Pustular Psoriasis. I bet you can guess what that looks like. Yes, Pustular Psoriasis symptoms are pretty specific – Your skin gets red and inflamed, and then voila! Blisters full of pus appear as if by magic. (And the model with the dry skin had the nerve to complain? Bah!)

And while the symptoms of Psoriasis vary – those of us dealing with real Psoriasis symptoms don’t complain about a little dry skin. Because dry skin is amateur hour. Psoriasis isn’t.

You are What you Eat

2011-02-10T01:15:00.000-08:00

A Psoriasis Diet Can Help Heal You From Within

When you have Guttate Psoriasis and you’re literally uncomfortable in your own skin, one of the first things you do – besides digging through your closet to find long shirts and pants to cover up the shiny pink teardrop-shaped scales – is to try to fix the problem.

Right?

Right.

And while there is no known cure for Guttate Psoriasis, there are several treatments you can try.

I popped antibiotics like breath mints. I plowed through the list of topical treatments and light treatments like corticosteroids and targeted UVB rays were going out of style. When those things didn’t work, I decided to try a more holistic route before braving the more rigorous pharmacological and surgical (yes, surgical) treatments for Guttate Psoriasis.

You know the expression “you are what you eat?” Well, I thought that maybe there’s a connection between Psoriasis and diet. Perhaps playing around with my food choices might help control some of my Guttate Psoriasis symptoms. So, I decided that before trying more painful treatments, I would create a Psoriasis diet.

But before taking my health into my own hands, I spoke with my doctor and we came up with a plan for my Guttate Psoriasis Diet. (In other words, remember, Google Medical School is not enough to make major lifestyle changes before consulting a medical professional. I’m just saying.)

Ok, so when I think of food allergies, the first thing I picture is a dramatic anaphylactic reaction to a solitary peanut or piece of shrimp. On a first date or an important business meeting in a fancy shmancy restaurant. But really, food allergies or food sensitivities are usually more subtle. And, sometimes you don’t even realize that you’re allergic or sensitive in the first place.

And many health care practitioners will tell you that there is a correlation between Psoriasis and diet.

There’s a theory that certain allergenic foods can trigger inflammatory responses in your body. And in turn, that can set off Guttate Psoriasis (and other kinds of Psoriasis as well.) These foods include milk products, gluten, and acidic fruits like oranges and tomatoes. So, my doctor and I decided to illuminate these possible triggers in my new diet for Psoriasis.

Along with nixing the milk and gluten (which believe you me, is waaaaaaaaaaaaay harder than it seems, especially since pizza was banned! Aaarghhhhhhhh!!!) I had to find good foods to add to my diet for Psoriasis. My doctor and I chose foods that are known to have anti-inflammatory properties – fish (especially wild salmon) and nuts (like almonds), and lots of non-acidic fruits and veggies – for my brand new Guttate Psoriasis Diet. Doing this would add balance to my Psoriasis diet, because you can’t just cut out the bad and expect the body to heal.

Another reason to add healthy, nourishing foods in your diet for Psoriasis is that nutritious foods help keep the immune system in check, and a happy immune system is a good line of defense against Guttate Psoriasis in the first place.

My doctor also told me that for my Psoriasis diet, it might also help to cut out alcohol and tobacco since those are believed to contribute to Guttate Psoriasis in the first place.

The bad news: I wake up at 3:00 am yearning for a stuffed crust pizza with extra cheese and extra tomatoes. And beer.

The good news: It’s kind of sort of working. I still get outbreaks, but they seem less severe than before. And that makes it worth it.

Seven Different Guttate Psoriasis Treatments

2011-02-08T03:55:00.000-08:00

Which One Is Right for YOU?

So, you have Guttate Psoriasis. Yay. Woohoo.

I know how embarrassing and uncomfortable and, yes, even PAINFUL Guttate Psoriasis can be. (Believe you me, there’s a reason why you’ll never catch me in anything but jeans or long pants – even during the dog days of summer.)

And while it’s interesting to know what causes Guttate Psoriasis and while you may also want to know about the different types of Psoriasis (and what kind YOU have!) none of that really fixes the problem. And if you’re covered in thick pink itchy scales and are not a dragon (or possibly, a griffin) then you probably want to kick some serious Psoriasis booty.

I know I do.

And if suffering from this chronic skin condition – which can range from mild and a little uncomfortable, to downright painful and debilitating – then you probably want to find out everything you can about how to treat Guttate Psoriasis. Am I right or am I right?

Right.

But first, the bad news: There is no known cure for Guttate Psoriasis.

(Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh!)

I know, I know, that is so not what you want to hear… But wait! Before you close this page in frustration and defeat, there is good news: There are many ways to go about treating Guttate Psoriasis that make the condition more manageable. Some options might work well for you, while others not-so-much. But the point is, there are options to treat Guttate Psoriasis, and the best thing to do is to talk with your doctor.

But until you pick up the phone and make an appointment, let me break down some of the Guttate Psoriasis treatments that are available:

1+2. Antimicrobials and Antibiotics can Treat Guttate Psoriasis

If you have been diagnosed with Guttate Psoriasis then you probably had a previous strep throat infection. This is why Guttate Psoriasis is much more common amongst school aged kids and young adults who are more prone to strep throat. While Guttate Psoriasis after a strep throat infection is like adding insult to injury, the good news is that an effective Guttate Psoriasis treatment can include applying an antimicrobial to the affected area. This treatment of Guttate Psoriasis addresses the infection and often resolves the issue. But not always.

Sometimes, doctors will prescribe antibiotics to treat Guttate Psoriasis since antibiotics can address the underlying strep infection. And sometimes this treatment for Guttate Psoriasis works and then everybody is happy. Period. Then End.

Alas, doctors are finding more and more that antimicrobials and antibiotics are not magical treatments for Guttate Psoriasis. And if that happens, then you need to approach treating Guttate Psoriasis differently by doing the following: 1.) Stop your skin cells from being all fruitful and multiplying at such voracious rates: (Somehow, bunnies come to mind. I’m just saying.) And 2.) bust out some seriously mad exfoliating skills to slough off the existing scales

3+4. Topical and Light Treatments for Guttate Psoriasis

According to the Mayo Clinic, mild to moderate Guttate Psoriasis often responds quite well to topical treatments like topical corticosteroids, coal tar, salicylic acid, topical retinoids and plain old fragrance free moisturizers. Another effective treatment for mild to moderate psoriasis is light therapy.

Light therapy as a treatment for Guttate Psoriasis involves asking a Jedi Knight to target your problem areas with a Light Saber.

I kid. I kid.

Light therapy (or, if you want to be fancy shmancy) phototherapy as a treatment for Guttate Psoriasis includes UVB treatments to the skin, laser therapy, and even good old fashioned sunlight. All done under medical supervision, of course. After all, Guttate Psoriasis is bad, but Skin Cancer is worse.

5. Holistic Guttate Psoriasis Treatment And then there are holistic treatments for Guttate Psoriasis that work well for some folks: My friend cut dairy from her diet, and her skin improved. And I found that taking an Omega 3 supplement made my skin more resilient.

6. Pharmacological Guttate Psoriasis Treatments:But sometimes the above mentioned treatments of Guttate Psoriasis are not effective, and you need something more badass.

When your Guttate Psoriasis is not responding well to topical treatments or light treatments (either in tandem or alone,) your doctor may recommend starting a course of heavy duty medications, including steroids. These medical treatments of Guttate Psoriasis are usually used as a last resort because the side effects can be (almost) as bad as Guttate Psoriasis itself. (If you want to read a really comprehensive list of treatments for Psoriasis in general, check out The Mayo Clinic's Site. It’s pretty neat.)

7. Surgical Guttate Psoriasis Treatments (Yes, surgical. You read that right.)

And if all the Guttate Psoriasis treatments in the world are not working for you, surgery is an option. No, seriously: Sometimes, in order to address the underlying streptococcal infection that is believed to trigger Guttate Psoriasis, doctors may recommend a tonsillectomy. But while it’s fun to get carte blanche to eat all the ice cream you want, this Guttate Psoriasis treatment should only be used as a last resort, because getting sliced and diced isn’t fun. Even if your surgeon looks like he or she stepped out of an episode of ER.

And remember, when starting any kind of treatment for Guttate Psoriasis, it is really important to consult someone who graduated from a real medical school – (And while I may have earned an MD from Google, it is so not the same thing.) Yes, I know that sometimes stripping down to your skivvies – especially when you’re skin is all red and scaly – can be embarrassing, but believe you me, medical professionals want to help, and they won’t judge.

Besides, they’ve probably seen worse.

psoriasis causes

2011-02-08T03:40:00.000-08:00

Six Psoriasis Causes that Might Surprise You
Why the Heck Am I Covered in Shiny Pink Scales?

Let’s be real: If you’ve come to this page, it’s because you or maybe someone you care about has Psoriasis. (Unless, of course, you’ve got ample free time and are just looking for things to worry about on the internet. Not that I would know about that sort of thing. Ahem.)

If you (or your partner, or child, or parent, or Great Aunt Ethel, or friend, or that slammin’ hottie you’ve been scoping at Starbucks) has Psoriasis, you may be wondering what causes Psoriasis in the first place.

I know that when I first started getting red and scaly patches on my legs and arms, I wondered about the causes of Psoriasis, too.

While scratching myself into a frenzy, I wondered:

Is Psoriasis genetic?

Is Psoriasis a DISEASE? (And do I get to call in sick to work?)

Did I piss off a Voodoo Witch Doctor?

Essentially, what are the primary Psoriasis causes. And why me?

So, I did what you’re doing: I consulted Dr. Google.

And here’s what I learned:

No one really knows exactly what causes psoriasis.

Fantastic. Meanwhile, I’m uncomfortable on good days, miserable on bad days and looking for answers.

Here’s what we already know: Psoriasis is an autoimmune issue or “disorder” (let’s ditch the word “disease” because it’s a misnomer, and just sounds creepy) that affects between 1%-3% of the world’s population – including singing sensation Leanne Rimes! (So see? We’re not alone!)

Anyway, “Normal” skin cells are shed and replaced over the course of a month. But when you have Psoriasis, your skin cells are reproducing at speed-freak rates (like every few days instead of every month), and the dead skin cells are stuck on the skin getting all scaly and red and whatnot.

This is essentially an autoimmune disorder where your skin cells are attacking … you.

Charming.

But again, what causes Psoriasis in the first place? Why are my skin cells over-achievers on amphetamines, while my best friend gets to strut around in shorts during the summer? Hardly seems fair.

So, I did a little more research, and after reading and reading (boring) website after (boring) website, and consulting pharmacists and doctors, and the checkout clerk at Trader Joes, I’ve learned the following: continue click here

Some Symptoms of Psoriasis that May Be Plaguing You

2011-02-01T00:22:00.001-08:00

Oh, but to hear her tell it, until she tried such-and-such lotion, she was suffering.

Oh. Please.

You want suffering? I’ll GIVE YOU SUFFERING.

Psoriasis is suffering.

And there are many symptoms of Psoriasis that can make your life miserable. Not, “oh woe is me, my skin is a little dry” miserable, but rip-your-skin-off-and-aching-to-the-bone miserable.

Ever since a nasty bout of Strep Throat when I was a kid,

Look closely, and you’ll see a light dusting of scales on each pink lesion. Sexy, I know.

But Guttate Psoriasis symptoms aren’t the only kind of Psoriasis symptoms out there.

Psoriasis symptoms take all forms depending on the kind of Psoriasis you have.

For instance:

And while the symptoms of Psoriasis vary – those of us dealing with real Psoriasis symptoms don’t complain about a little dry skin. Because dry skin is amateur hour. Psoriasis isn’t.

Six Psoriasis Causes - part II

2011-01-27T04:55:00.000-08:00

In addition to what I wrote in my previous post, while it’s true that there is no clear cause of Psoriasis, the medical community believes that there are certain factors that possibly contribute to it.

Let me break it down:

- Genetic Psoriasis Causes: There is a genetic component: If you have Psoriasis, you have around a 10% chance of passing it onto your kid. If you and your partner have Psoriasis, then there’s a 50% chance that your kid is going to be cursing his or her genetics.

- Emotional Well-Being Psoriasis Causes: As If I didn’t have enough to worry about, I now know stress may also cause Psoriasis. This seems a bit chicken-egg – in other words, maybe stress causes a flair-up, or maybe you’re stressed because you’re worried about being covered in shiny pink scales. I’m just saying.

Health-Releated Psoriasis Causes: Infections – especially Strep Throat – can trigger Psoriasis. In fact, the medical community generally believes that a previous Strep infection is the primary cause of Guttate Psoriasis. That said, there may be other Guttate Psoriasis causes that are related to environmental, pharmacological, genetic, and reasons as well.

- Other infections that may trip the wire and cause Psoriasis include Staph Infections, HIV, Thrush, and even the common cold. Along with infections causing psoriasis, skin injuries – burns, cuts, scrapes, etc can also trigger Psoriasis. This is called “The Koebner Phenomenon.” Great. Now I’m freaked out about getting a splinter or scraping my knee.

- Environmental Psoriasis Causes: We may also be able to blame the weather. No, really. I can tell you from my own experience that Psoriasis is much worse in the winter. This may be due to two factors: 1. Cold weather means a lot of time gathered around cozy fireplaces or heaters, and dry heat isn’t good for the skin, and 2. Winter is generally a time when people get sick, and when your immune system takes a pounding, Psoriasis thrives.

- Pharmacological Psoriasis Causes: Certain medications such as Anti-malarial drugs (so much for that vacation in the Philippines I was planning!) , Beta-Blockers, Corticosteroids, Lithium and even my over-the-counter favorite, Ibuprofen, have been demonstrated to either trigger a first-time flair-up of Psoriasis, or worsen a preexisting condition.

- Lifestyle Psoriasis Causes: Ah, now that’s a frustratingly vague excuse. Great. So that night out at the bar with my Long Island Ice Tea and Marlboro Lights on my 24^th birthday may have caused my psoriasis. Or maybe this is just another way for the medical community to remind us that smoking and hitting the bottle hard are just bad for the body. Period. The end. (And yes, I know they’re right.)

But whatever the cause of Psoriasis, instead of blaming dear old Mom and Dad, or that night of binge drinking, or that bad cold I came down with a few months ago, I think I’ll spend my time looking up ways to treat Psoriasis instead. After all, what’s done is done. And now it’s time to do something about it.