Fast Five Quiz: Plaque Psoriasis
How much do you know about plaque psoriasis? Test your knowledge with this quick quiz.
The prevalence of plaque psoriasis between adult males and females has been shown to be generally similar, but females tend to have an earlier age of onset.
Genetic factors are believed to play a role in the pathophysiology of psoriasis. For example, human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B13, HLA-B17, and HLA-Cw6 are associated with plaque psoriasis, and family history has been identified as a predictor of disease occurrence.
Though plaque psoriasis can develop at any age, several peak age ranges for the onset of plaque psoriasis have been identified (mainly ages 15-22 years and 55-70 years).
Learn more about the epidemiology of plaque psoriasis.
Many environmental factors have been linked to psoriasis and plaque psoriasis. Specifically, cigarette smoking conveys an increased risk for the development of plaque psoriasis. Other environmental factors that increase the risk of developing plaque psoriasis include all types of trauma, such as physical, chemical, electrical, surgical, infective, and inflammatory injury. Further, low humidity has also been identified as a possible trigger.
Learn more about the etiology of plaque psoriasis.
Latest guidelines from the American Academy of Dermatology and National Psoriasis Foundation recommend earlier and more frequent screening for hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia in patients with ≥ 10% of their body surface area affected by psoriasis. These comorbidities have long been linked to psoriasis. Additionally, shared genetic pathways have been found between psoriasis and cardiometabolic diseases, including hyperlipidemia.
Learn more about comorbidities of plaque psoriasis.
Histologic findings in patients with plaque psoriasis include abnormal differentiation and excessive proliferation of keratinocytes, which is manifested by the loss of the granular layer.
The diagnosis of plaque psoriasis is usually made based on clinical findings. A skin biopsy can confirm a diagnosis of plaque psoriasis, but it is usually not required. Biopsies are typically reserved for the evaluation of atypical cases or to rule out other conditions when there is diagnostic uncertainty. Similarly, laboratory investigations are rarely required for diagnosis or workup. Patients with severe disease might have mild hyperuricemia and low folate levels, which are believed to result from enhanced epidermopoiesis.
Signs of inflammation can be seen throughout the dermis in persons with plaque psoriasis, including marked hypervascularity and an increase in the size of the dermal papillae.
Learn more about the signs and symptoms of plaque psoriasis.
Like other systemic agents, biologic therapies can be considered for patients with moderate-to-severe and refractory plaque psoriasis. They can be used initially in this setting as well. For mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis, topical corticosteroids are usually the initial treatment. Further, combination topical/systemic therapy appears to yield better outcomes than either treatment used alone for the treatment of plaque psoriasis.
Not every patient with plaque psoriasis requires phototherapy; it is usually used in patients with extensive, widespread disease (ie, more lesions than can easily be counted) and in conjunction with other treatments. Patients who are resistant to topical treatment may also be candidates for phototherapy.
Learn more about treatment options for plaque psoriasis.
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Even More People Are Sharing The Ways They've "Won The Genetic Lottery," And To Say I'm Jealous Is An Understatement
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These compounds are also known to offer antimicrobial and anticancer properties. To get more in your diet, reach for tangerines, oranges, grapefruits, lemons and limes. Dark Chocolate It's a win-win when nutrition research supports a food most of us love. Frances Largeman-Roth, RDN, notes that "dark chocolate and cacao nibs are a fave. They are rich in epicatechins and procyanidins."Cacao—the plant behind chocolate—contains a mix of flavonoids, including quercetin and anthocyanins, along with an alkaloid known as theobromine. These compounds are linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, cognitive decline and certain types of cancer. "Research has linked dark chocolate consumption with improved endothelial function and lower blood pressure," explains Largeman-Roth. Cacao also has some fiber and minerals, such as magnesium and potassium. 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Eat a variety of foods. While we've highlighted five top sources of flavonols, it's important to remember that every food has its own unique nutrient profile. You'll get different benefits from cherries than you would from kale or almonds—but it doesn't necessarily make one better than the other. "Eating a variety of foods is important for getting as many inflammation-fighting foods in your diet as possible," points out Largeman-Roth. Our Expert Take Flavonols are plant compounds linked to reduced inflammation and a lower risk of chronic disease. Foods that are rich in flavonols—like onions, apples, citrus, chocolate, herbs and spices—also provide other nutrients that are important for overall health. You don't need to overthink it when it comes to flavonols. Just aim for a variety of different colorful fruits and vegetables and occasionally challenge yourself to try something new."The first step in any wellness journey is starting with the basics," says Filemon. 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Related: The Unexpected Add-In That Turns Plain Yogurt Into a Fancy Treat To reach the recommended minimum intake of 25 grams of fiber per day, foods like fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, and legumes are fantastic options. 'However, adding a variety of whole grains to your meals is also an easy and delicious way to increase fiber without much effort,' says Blount. Oftentimes, brown rice is a go-to grain for upping fiber intake. But there are actually plenty of other grains that pack just as much fiber—if not more—as this popular weeknight staple. Read on to discover six of these very Our Expert Brannon Blount MS, RDN, a Virginia-based dietitian Stephanie Mendez, RDN, RYT, CPT, a registered dietitian specializing in gastrointestinal motility disordersGrains The Are Higher in Fiber Than Brown Rice In a half cup of uncooked brown rice (which cooks up to about a cup and a half), you'll find approximately three grams of fiber. The following six grains boast even more of this complex carb in the same amount: Farro Fiber Content: 7 grams per ½ cup uncooked Though it's a less popular grain compared to others on this list, farro is packed with nutrition. 'Farro is a great source of plant-based protein, magnesium, zinc, and antioxidants,' says Mendez. These nutrients combine to support immunity, bone health, and tissue repair throughout the body. It also just so happens to serve as the perfect rice substitute. 'Enjoy it in grain bowls, soups, or tossed with roasted veggies and vinaigrette,' offers Blount. Speaking of grain bowls, Mendez shares that her favorite farro bowl 'includes farro, sweet potatoes, chickpeas, broccoli, goat cheese, and chicken.' Oats Fiber Content: 10 grams per ½ cup uncooked Oats are a breakfast staple already found in most American pantries—and they're loaded with fiber, heart-healthy fats, protein, beneficial plant compounds, B vitamins, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, copper, and selenium. These support heart, tissue, immune, bone, and metabolic health. If not made into oatmeal in the morning, oats are delicious in smoothies, baked goods, and homemade granola or energy bars. Some people even use this grain as breading for proteins, or a gluten-free flour substitute. Related: How to Organize Your Kitchen Like a Pro Chef—So Cooking Feels Effortless Barley Fiber Content: 17 grams per ½ cup uncooked, hulled Though often typecast as a winter soup ingredient, barley has plenty of other delicious uses in the kitchen 'Barley can be used to make a delicious warm salad by pairing it alongside zucchini and bell peppers and topping with some extra virgin olive oil and feta cheese,' says Mendez. Blount adds: 'It's perfect in stews or as a risotto alternative (aka 'barlotto').' But aside from being a yummy addition to a variety of dishes, barley is incredibly nutritious. 'Barley contains beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber that may help to lower cholesterol and support blood sugar balance,' shares Mendez. It's also high in iron, B vitamins, protein, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, and selenium—positively impacting bone, metabolic, tissue, and immune health. Sorghum Fiber Content: 7 grams per ½ cup uncooked As an underrated superfood, sorghum is slowly starting to gain more widespread recognition nationwide. This is thanks to the robust nutrition it offers—including plant compounds, protein, iron, zinc, magnesium, selenium, B vitamins, phosphorus, and potassium. And with this combination of nutrients, there are few body systems that this ancient grain doesn't benefit. Sorghum cooks up similarly to brown rice or quinoa, and can be used in equally similar fashions—whether that be in grain bowls, soups, salads, or stir fries. Its flour can also be utilized in a range of baked goods. Bulgur Fiber Content: 13 grams per ½ cup uncooked 'Bulgur is an excellent source of fiber and especially high in manganese and magnesium,' shares Mendez. You'll also find notable amounts of iron and B vitamins in this hearty grain to further support blood health and energy metabolism. 'My favorite way to consume it is in turkey bulgur bowls with ground turkey, bulgur, vegetables (such as tomatoes and bell peppers), topped with yogurt sauce and served with warm pita bread,' Mendez adds. Bulgur can also be served in tabouleh, or as a standalone side dish with lemon and herbs (similar to a rice pilaf). Related: 7 Vegetables With More Vitamin C Than an Orange, According to Nutrition Experts Quinoa Fiber Content: 7 grams per ½ cup uncooked Quinoa is a go-to for protein lovers because it's a complete protein—meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids—unlike many other grains (though technically, it's a seed!). It's also naturally gluten-free and contains impressive levels of B vitamins, phosphorus, manganese, magnesium, plant compounds, zinc, copper, and iron. 'Use it as a base for salads, stuffed peppers, or a warm breakfast bowl with fruit,' Blount recommends. Quinoa is also super tasty in soups, stir-fries, and even baked goods as a fun textural element. Read the original article on Real Simple
