SCALP PSORIASIS: WHO GIVES AND CAUSES

Who gets scalp psoriasis?

Psoriasis is common on the scalp. Researchers estimate that at least half (50 percent) of the people who have plaque (plak) psoriasis will have at least one flare-up on the scalp.

What causes scalp psoriasis?

Regardless of where psoriasis forms, the cause is the same. Psoriasis develops when a person’s immune system has faulty signals that tell skin cells to grow too quickly. New skin cells form in days rather than weeks. The body does not shed these excess skin cells. The skin cells pile up on the surface of the skin, causing patches of psoriasis to appear.

SCALP PSORIASIS: SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Psoriasis can appear anywhere on the scalp. Sometimes a small patch develops, which can be easy to hide with hair. Scalp psoriasis also can cover the entire scalp. When psoriasis appears on the scalp, you may notice:

• Reddish patches on the scalp. Some patches are barely noticeable. Patches also can be very noticeable, thick, and inflamed.
• Dandruff-like flaking and silvery-white scale. Scalp psoriasis can look a lot like dandruff. Many people who have scalp psoriasis see flaking. But there are differences between scalp psoriasis and dandruff. Unlike dandruff, scalp psoriasis causes a silvery sheen and dry scale on the scalp.
• Dry scalp. The scalp may be so dry that the skin cracks and bleeds.
• Itching. This is one of the most common symptoms. For some the itch is mild; others have intense itching that can interfere with everyday life and cause sleepless nights.
• Bleeding. Because scalp psoriasis can be very itchy, almost everyone scratches. Scratching can make the scalp bleed. Scratching also tends to worsen the psoriasis. Scratching can make the patches larger and thicker. This is why dermatologists tell their patients, “Try not to scratch your scalp.”
• Burning sensation or soreness. The scalp can burn. It can feel extremely sore.
• Temporary hair loss. Scratching the scalp or using force to remove the scale can cause hair loss. Once the scalp psoriasis clears, hair usually regrows.

These signs and symptoms can come and go. Some people have only one mild flare on their scalps. Others have many flare-ups, which can range from mild to serious. Many things can trigger a flare-up, including stress, cold, and dry air.

How do dermatologists diagnose scalp psoriasis?

To diagnose scalp psoriasis, a dermatologist looks at the scalp.

Sometimes a dermatologist also needs to remove a bit of skin. This skin is sent to a lab. The lab report will tell the dermatologist whether the patient has scalp psoriasis.

How do dermatologists treat scalp psoriasis?

Scalp psoriasis causes many people discomfort. Some people feel embarrassed. Treatment can ease these problems. There are many safe and effective treatments. Some people get relief from a medicated shampoo or solution. A few of these can be purchased without a prescription.

But scalp psoriasis can be stubborn. Many people see a dermatologist for treatment. A dermatologist can tell you what can help. The following types of treatment can help scalp psoriasis:

• Medicine applied to the scalp.
• Medicated shampoos.
• Scale softeners.
• Injections.
• Light treatments.
• Biologics and other medicines that work throughout the body.

Urinary incontinence is when a person cannot prevent urine from leaking out.It can be due to stress factors, such as coughing, it can happen during and after pregnancy, and it is more common with conditions such as obesity.The chances of it happening increase with age. Bladder control and pelvic floor, or Kegel, exercises can help prevent or reduce it.

Treatment

Treatment will depend on several factors, such as the type of incontinence, the patient’s age, general health, and their mental state.

Stress incontinence

Pelvic floor exercises, also known as Kegel exercises, help strengthen the urinary sphincter and pelvic floor muscles – the muscles that help control urination.

Bladder training

• Delaying the event: The aim is to control urge. The patient learns how to delay urination whenever there is an urge to do so.
• Double voiding: This involves urinating, then waiting for a couple of minutes, then urinating again.
• Toilet timetable: The person schedules bathroom at set times during the day, for example, every 2 hours.

Bladder training helps the patient gradually regain control over their bladder.

Medications for urinary incontinence

If medications are used, this is usually in combination with other techniques or exercises.

The following medications are prescribed to treat urinary incontinence:

• Anticholinergics calm overactive bladders and may help patients with urge incontinence.
• Topical estrogen may reinforce tissue in the urethra and vaginal areas and lessen some of the symptoms.
• Imipramine (Tofranil) is a tricyclic antidepressant.

Medical devices

The following medical devices are designed for females.

• Urethral inserts: A woman inserts the device before activity and takes it out when she wants to urinate.
• Pessary: A rigid ring inserted into the vagina and worn all day. It helps hold the bladder up and prevent leakage.
• Radiofrequency therapy: Tissue in the lower urinary tract is heated. When it heals, it is usually firmer, often resulting in better urinary control.
• Botox (botulinum toxin type A): Injected into the bladder muscle, this can help those with an overactive bladder.
• Bulking agents: Injected into tissue around the urethra, these help keep the urethra closed.
• Sacral nerve stimulator: This is implanted under the skin of the buttock. A wire connects it to a nerve that runs from the spinal cord to the bladder. The wire emits an electrical pulse that stimulates the nerve, helping bladder control.

Surgery

Surgery is an option if other therapies do not work. Women who plan to have children should discuss surgical options with a doctor before making the decision.

• Sling procedures: A mesh is inserted under the neck of the bladder to help support the urethra and stop urine from leaking out.
• Colposuspension: Lifting the bladder neck can help relieve stress incontinence.
• Artificial sphincter: An artificial sphincter, or valve, may be inserted to control the flow of urine from the bladder into the urethra.

Other options

Urinary Catheter: A tube that goes from the bladder, through the urethra, out of the body into a bag which collects urine.

Absorbent pads: A wide range of absorbent pads is available at pharmacies and supermarkets.

What is continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis?

Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is done to remove wastes, chemicals, and extra fluid from your body. During CAPD, a liquid called dialysate is put into your abdomen through a catheter (thin tube). The dialysate pulls wastes, chemicals, and extra fluid from your blood through the peritoneum. The peritoneum is a thin lining on the inside of your abdomen. The peritoneum works like a filter as the wastes are pulled through it. The process of filling and emptying your abdomen with dialysate is called an exchange. Exchanges may be done 3 to 5 times during the day, and once during the night.

Why do I need CAPD?

You may need CAPD if your kidneys are not working well, or if they have stopped working. Your kidneys remove wastes and extra fluid from your blood and leave your body through your urine. When your kidneys are damaged, they cannot remove wastes properly. This can cause serious problems in your body. You may need CAPD if you have acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term) kidney failure. During acute kidney failure, you may only need CAPD until your kidneys get better. If you have chronic kidney failure, you will need to have dialysis exchanges for the rest of your life.

How is a CAPD catheter put in?

A procedure will be done to place the catheter. Medicine will be given to make you relax and decrease pain. Your healthcare provider will make an incision below or beside your belly button, or just below your ribs. He will cut through your muscle and tissue to make a hole where the catheter will be placed. A catheter will be pushed into your abdomen through this hole. The end of the catheter may be placed just under your skin for 3 to 5 weeks. Your healthcare provider will put some liquid through the catheter to check that it works well. He may also put blood thinner medicine in it to help prevent your catheter from getting clogged. The catheter will be held in place with stitches, and the area covered with bandages.

How are CAPD exchanges done?

CAPD exchanges should be done in a well-lit room. There should be no pets, dander, strong breezes, or fans in the room. They can increase your risk of an infection.

• Gather your supplies. Place the following supplies on a clean table close to where you will be doing your CAPD exchange:
  • Dialysate bag and waste product bag
  • Y-shaped tubing
  • IV stand (used to hang your dialysate bag)
  • Disposable medical gloves
  • Medical mask to wear over your face during CAPD
  • Tubing clamps
  • New plastic syringe without a needle (if needed)
• Wash your hands with soap and water. Rub your hands together with soap for at least 15 seconds before rinsing them. Dry your hands with a clean towel or paper towel. Do not touch the tubing or catheter without washing your hands and wearing gloves. Keep your fingernails short and clean.
• Put on your gloves and mask. Put your mask on so that it covers your mouth and nose. Do not touch anything but the catheter and your supplies after you put the gloves on.
• Flush the tubing. Flush the tubing with dialysate liquid before your exchange to help prevent infections. Connect the lower end of the Y tubing to your catheter, and connect the 2 other ends of the tubing to the dialysate bag and the waste bag. Clamp the tubing that is attached to the catheter that goes into your abdomen. This will close off the tubing so that the dialysate does not go into your abdomen yet. Allow 100 milliliters (mL) of fresh dialysate to flow out of the bag, and down the tubing into the waste bag. After 100 mL of dialysate has drained, clamp the tubing that goes to the waste bag.
• Let the dialysate flow into your abdomen. Hang the bag at a higher level than your abdomen. Take the clamp off of the tubing that is attached to the catheter that goes into your abdomen. Let the rest of the dialysate flow into your abdomen. This should take no more than 10 minutes. You may lie down, sit, or stand up while the dialysate flows in. After all of the dialysate is in your abdomen, wash your hands and put on new gloves. Disconnect your catheter from the tubing. Clamp your catheter closed. Leave the dialysate in your abdomen for 3 to 5 hours of dwell time.
• Drain the dialysate out of your abdomen, and into the waste bag.
  • After the dwell time, follow the steps of washing your hands and putting on your mask. Be sure the supplies that you need are easy to reach and use. Connect the Y tubing to your catheter again. Do this in the same way as you did to put the dialysate into your abdomen. Clamp the tubing that goes to the dialysate bag so that it is closed. Hang the bag at a lower level than your abdomen. Remove the clamps from the tubing that leads to the waste bag. Let the dialysate drain from your abdomen into the waste bag.
  • If the dialysate is not flowing out well, change your body position. If this does not make the dialysate flow out better, disconnect the end of the tubing that is attached to your catheter. Use a syringe to gently suck the dialysate out of your abdomen. It should take less than 45 minutes to drain the dialysate out of your abdomen. The dialysate that drains out should be clear. After all the dialysate has drained out, close the waste bag and dispose of it as directed. Wash your hands.

What is a vasectomy?

How is the procedure performed?

How effective is the procedure?

What are the complications after the procedure?

Digestive system in the human body needs several important enzymes that break down the eaten foods into their basic ingredients. Similarly, when a specific type of enzyme called lysosomal acid lipase, that is essential for breaking fat in the foods are lacking in the digestive system, the fat turns into toxic chemicals harmful for the body, and then deposits in the cells and tissues. These fatty deposits contain oil, cholesterol and waxes, which create many adverse effects in the body including in several organs. This is when Acid Lipase Disease or Lysosomal Acid Lipase Deficiency occurs.

Acid Lipase disease or Lysosomal acid lipase deficiency (LAL deficiency) occurs when the body doesn’t create enough lysosomal acid lipase enzymes. Infants, children, and adults are equally susceptible to this disease. Acid Lipase Disease or Lysosomal Acid Lipase Deficiency may cause a number of problems in the body as fatty materials are stored in the major organs like liver, spleen, blood vessels, etc.

There are two categories of Acid Lipase Disease or Lysosomal Acid Lipase Deficiency known to the medical practitioners

• Wolman’s Disease: It is a rare genetic disorder in which the genetic mutations that causes Acid Lipase Disease or Lysosomal Acid Lipase Deficiency. The symptoms of this disease are generally apparent shortly after birth. Wolman’s disease is caused due to mutations in the LAL genes. This is inherited from the ancestors as an autosomal recessive trait.
• Cholesteryl Ester Storage Disease (CESD): It is also a rare genetic disorder in which the digestive system does not supply lysosomal acid lipase in sufficient quantities. In many patients, CESD is not detected till adulthood. This disease is also caused due to mutations in the LAL genes, which is inherited from the ancestors as an autosomal recessive trait.

To understand the symptoms of Acid Lipase Disease or Lysosomal Acid Lipase Deficiency, it is necessary to understand the symptoms of Wolman’s disease and Cholesteryl ester Storage Disease.

• Symptoms of Wolman’s Disease: The symptoms in this form of Acid Lipase Disease or Lysosomal Acid Lipase Deficiency are visible within a few days or weeks of birth. Affected infants may have the following symptoms:
  • Bloating or swelling of the stomach.
  • Significant enlargement of liver and spleen.
  • Fibrosis of liver.
  • Accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity.
  • Persistent vomiting.
  • Frequent diarrhea and fatty stools.
  • Hardening of adrenal gland.
  • Lack of coordination of muscles.

If not treated in time, the symptoms worsen further leading to liver dysfunction, lower levels of RBCs in the blood, and several other life threatening issues.

• Symptoms of Cholesteryl Ester Storage Disease: The symptoms of cholesteryl ester storage disease vary widely. Some patients develop symptoms of CESD in early childhood, and others may have few undetectable symptoms in childhood. The later cases remain undiagnosed till adulthood. Following are the major symptoms of CESD:
  • Abnormal fat deposits in many organs.
  • Fatty lever.
  • Abnormal blood lipoprotein profile.
  • Hepatomegaly leading to fibrosis of liver.
  • Hardening of adrenal gland.

In Acid Lipase Disease or Lysosomal Acid Lipase Deficiency, the liver function gets severely damaged if not diagnosed or treated in time.

Acid Lipase Disease or Lysosomal Acid Lipase Deficiency affects males and females alike. Till today, the disease is considered very rare one; however, the researchers think that perfect records are not available. Prevalence of CESD and Wolman’s disease is estimated at 1 in 40000.

It is necessary to understand the prognosis of acid lipase disease in its two different forms of the disease:

• Wolman’s Disease: This is a rare disease characterized by autosomal recessive disorder. It leads to diseases like jaundice, enlarged liver, anemia, problems in GI tract, etc.
• Cholesteryl Ester Storage Disease: This is exceptionally rare and often known as another form of Wolman’s disease. If remained undetected it may lead to jaundice, enlargement of liver, several disorders in circulatory system, and hardening of adrenal gland.

Acid Lipase Disease or Lysosomal Acid Lipase Deficiency is caused due to mutations in the LIPA gene. This gene contains specific instructions for producing lysosomal acid lipase enzyme. Due to mutations, the gene loses that genetic instruction and the digestive system does not get the enzyme to digest fat present in a food. Thus, the disease occurs.

Diagnosis of Acid Lipase Disease or Lysosomal Acid Lipase Deficiency largely depends on the identification of characteristic symptoms. In newborn babies, Wolman’s disease is detected by observing and testing enlarged liver and different gastrointestinal problems. In adult people, CESD is initially suspected in the similar process. Later, the physician confirms the disease through clinical investigation, patient’s history, patient’s family history, and some specialized tests that detect the levels of lysosomal lipase acid in the body. For more confirmation, many doctors also undertake molecular genetic testing to detect mutations in the LIPA gene.

There is no one specific treatment for acid lipase disease. Certain drugs are given to support adrenal gland production. It is also essential that infants detected with Acid Lipase Disease or Lysosomal Acid Lipase Deficiency are fed intravenously. Doctors, often advise to follow certain diet chart and certain lifestyle to stay fit.

Several researches are still going on to develop newer and surer treatment procedures for Acid Lipase Disease or Lysosomal Acid Lipase Deficiency. Sebelipase alfa is now used to treat Acid Lipase Disease or Lysosomal Acid Lipase Deficiency. This is a recombinant form of lysosomal acid lipase enzyme. It is given once every week intravenously to the people having Acid Lipase Disease or Lysosomal Acid Lipase Deficiency at higher levels. For those patients with less severe case, it is administered once in every fortnight.

Gene therapy treatment for Acid Lipase Disease or Lysosomal Acid Lipase Deficiency is still underway with some significant development. In this process, the defective gene in a patient’s body is replaced by a normal gene to form the enzyme in the body.