Latest news with #JournalofInvestigativeDermatology
Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Excess belly fat may trigger skin infection - psoriasis; science says
Source: Canva A recent study found that excess belly fat may increase the risk of developing psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin condition, particularly in women. Experts now recommend focusing on waist size, core strength, and lifestyle changes to reduce inflammation and disease risk. Researchers analyzed data from over 330,000 individuals in the UK and discovered a strong connection between abdominal fat and psoriasis. The finding suggests that central adiposity, or belly fat, plays a key role in psoriasis development. This indicates that carrying excess weight around the midsection may have serious health implications beyond aesthetics. Connection between excess belly fat and skin infection- psoriasis A study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology found that belly fat measurements, such as waist-to-hip ratio and waist circumference, are more strongly associated with psoriasis risk than traditional indicators like Body Mass Index (BMI). The researchers evaluated 25 fat-related body measurements and found that those related to abdominal fat showed the strongest links to psoriasis. Experts examined how different measures of adiposity- including BMI, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio- influence the risk of developing psoriasis. This study emphasizes the importance of an alternative model for assessing health status, beyond merely BMI, particularly due to growing concerns about belly fat. By addressing waist size and modifying unhealthy behaviors, individuals can reduce their risk of psoriasis and improve overall skin health. What is psoriasis? Source: Canva Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. Research links it to metabolic syndromes, particularly obesity. Adiposity is common among individuals with psoriasis, particularly those with more severe disease. Evidence suggests a risk-increasing causal relationship between increasing levels of adiposity and psoriasis Increasing body mass index, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio have all been associated with a higher risk of psoriasis in large population studies. Research shows that many people with psoriasis have high body fat levels. How body fat and genetics may drive psoriasis risk Researchers analysed both clinical and genetic data from over 330,000 UK Biobank participants. They examined 25 body fat measures using traditional and advanced imaging methods to assess their association with psoriasis. The study demonstrated relationships with body composition traits and psoriasis risk, as well as genetic variants that may contribute to each condition. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and Mendelian randomization were used to identify potential causal relationships, allowing researchers to examine beyond correlation the biological basis of the observed associations. Also read | What is Mouth Larvae: Know its causes, symptoms, prevention strategies and treatment One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
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Business Standard
10-06-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Fat around the waist could raise psoriasis risk, especially in women
If you've been trying to manage belly fat, here's another reason to take it seriously, especially if you're a woman. According to a large new study titled 'Investigating the Genetic Basis of the Influence of Adiposity on Psoriasis', published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, researchers have found that fat stored around the waist may significantly increase the risk of developing psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease. And this link holds up even if you're genetically predisposed to the condition. The study analysed data from over 336,000 people in the UK Biobank, a large-scale biomedical database and research resource, including 9,305 individuals with psoriasis. Using 25 different measures of body fat, the study found that central or abdominal fat, more than total body fat, was most strongly associated with psoriasis. The effect was notably stronger in women, raising fresh questions about how body fat distribution influences disease risk and how prevention strategies should be designed. What is psoriasis and how does body fat influence it? Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes red, scaly patches on the skin and can significantly affect physical and emotional well-being. People with psoriasis often have higher levels of body fat, and previous studies have shown that obesity increases the risk and severity of the disease. However, this new research dives deeper, examining not just how much fat you carry, but where it's located. Why does belly fat affect women more when it comes to psoriasis? According to the researchers, the effect of abdominal fat on psoriasis was significantly stronger in women than in men. They highlighted that it was because of the hormonal and immune system differences that can make fat storage and inflammation patterns vary by sex. For example, visceral fat, which is deeper and more inflammatory, was more strongly linked to psoriasis in women. The researchers tested the relationship between central fat and psoriasis across different genetic risk profiles, including those with and without the common HLA-C*06:02 psoriasis gene. The study has called for including waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio in the standard part of psoriasis care. How common is psoriasis in India and how is it diagnosed? In India, the prevalence of psoriasis among adults varies between 0.44 per cent and 2.8 per cent, according to multiple studies. Diagnosing psoriasis involves: Clinical examination: Dermatologists assess skin, scalp, and nails for characteristic lesions Medical history review: Evaluating family history and potential triggers Skin biopsy: In uncertain cases, a small skin sample is examined microscopically to confirm the diagnosis Cost: The cost of diagnostic procedures varies based on the facility and location. For instance, in Delhi, consultation and basic diagnostic tests can range from ₹1,000 to ₹2,000. Skin biopsy (if required) may cost ₹1,500–₹5,000 depending on the facility. What are the treatment options and costs for psoriasis in India? Topical therapies (for mild to moderate cases): Corticosteroid creams Vitamin D analogues Coal tar preparations Salicylic acid PsoriaCIM – a herbal alternative developed by CSIR-CIMAP Cost: ₹200 to ₹800 per tube Phototherapy (for moderate cases): Narrowband UVB therapy PUVA therapy Cost: Available at dermatology clinics, hospitals, each session costs between ₹1,500 and ₹3,000. Patients may require 10–30 sessions based on severity. Systemic medications (for moderate to severe cases): Methotrexate, cyclosporine, retinoids Requires regular liver/kidney tests Cost: Approximately ₹500 to ₹2,000 per month. But this treatment also involves regular liver/kidney function tests which will be an additional ₹1,000–₹2,500/month. Biologic therapies (for severe or resistant cases): Secukinumab, adalimumab, etanercept, ustekinumab (Stelara), biosimilars Cost: Available mostly at Tier 1 cities and tertiary care centres biologics can be expensive, with treatments like Stelara costing around ₹2,00,000 per course. However, biosimilars developed by Indian companies like Biocon Biologics aim to offer more affordable options.
Jordan News
15-04-2025
- Health
- Jordan News
Hyaluronic Acid for Acne Treatment: What It Can Do for Your Skin - Jordan News
If acne is one of your biggest beauty concerns, chances are you've tried everything—from home remedies to conventional treatments—and probably spent a lot on oil-free, non-comedogenic skincare products. But today, the solution might be simpler than ever. Hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in your skin, is proving to be a direct and effective approach to acne care. اضافة اعلان What Is Hyaluronic Acid? Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring substance found in your skin, connective tissues, and joints. Its main job? Keeping your skin hydrated. HA binds to water molecules and can retain up to 1000 times its weight in water, making it a go-to ingredient in serums, creams, and moisturizers. As you age, the natural levels of HA in your skin decrease, leading to dryness and loss of elasticity. For acne-prone skin, dryness and a compromised skin barrier are common problems—especially because many acne treatments (like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and retinoids) strip the skin of moisture and oils, often leaving it irritated and overly dry. When this happens, your skin can overcompensate by producing more oil (sebum), leading to clogged pores and more breakouts—a frustrating cycle. Here's How Hyaluronic Acid Can Help: 1. Provides Deep Hydration HA delivers essential hydration without clogging pores. Unlike thick moisturizers that can trap oil and dirt, HA is lightweight—it attracts and retains moisture without leaving a greasy film. It also helps regulate your skin's oil production and maintains a healthy balance—both of which are crucial in preventing breakouts. According to a 2017 study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, proper hydration can help reduce excess sebum and acne formation. 2. Soothes Redness and Irritation For many people with acne, redness and irritation are just as troubling as the breakouts themselves. HA has anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties that calm the skin and promote a more stable, less reactive environment, as noted in a 2021 study published in Biomolecules. 3. Boosts Absorption of Other Ingredients Properly hydrated skin absorbs active ingredients—like retinoids or salicylic acid—more effectively. When used alongside HA, these treatments are less likely to dry out or irritate the skin, allowing for more targeted and efficient results. 4. Helps Heal Acne Scars HA can also help improve the appearance of acne scars. A 2018 study in Dermatologic Surgery found that HA fillers were effective and safe for treating atrophic acne scars. Hydrated skin heals faster, which means incorporating HA into your routine can help scars fade sooner. Does Hyaluronic Acid Cause Acne? While HA does not cause acne, certain formulations that mix HA with heavy oils or comedogenic agents can trap dirt and bacteria, leading to breakouts. Also, applying HA on dry skin without sealing it with a moisturizer can sometimes draw moisture from deeper layers, causing dryness and increasing oil production—potentially worsening acne for some people. How to Use Hyaluronic Acid for Acne-Prone Skin To get the most out of HA, use it correctly: Apply on Damp Skin: HA draws in moisture, so always apply it to damp (not dry) skin to avoid dehydration. After cleansing, gently pat your face so it remains slightly moist. Use a Serum First: Apply a few drops of an HA-based serum to your damp face. Lock in Moisture: Follow up with a non-comedogenic lightweight moisturizer to trap the hydration inside your skin. Pair with Acne Treatments Carefully: You can use HA before or after acne treatments like benzoyl peroxide or retinoids. If your routine includes multiple actives, apply HA first to create a calming moisture base and reduce irritation. If your skin feels too dry, layer HA on top of your acne treatments to form a protective barrier. Show Related News Show Related News
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Longevity Expert Says 1 Fingernail Sign Shows How You're Ageing
You might already know that your fingernails can reveal a surprising amount about your health status, showing signs of everything from anaemia to, in some rare cases, a form of melanoma. But according to Dr David Sinclair, a Harvard-based expert in ageing and genetics who's known for his research into longevity, they can tell us how we're ageing too. In 2022, the doctor explained on a podcast that one sign on our hands 'is a really good indicator of how you're ageing or not ageing.' It's based, he explains, on a 1979 study. Our nails do not grow as quickly when we're older as they did in our younger years, the doctor explained. 'Every time I have to cut my nails, I'm thinking, 'How long ago did I cut my nails?'', he commented. He pointed to a 1979 study in which researchers attached tape to people's nails and measure how much they grew in different populations over a set period of time. This paper, published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, found that, 'The rate of linear nail growth decreases 50% over the life spans of both dogs and humans.' As Dr Sinclair points out on the podcast, the study showed that the rate was about 0.5% each year after the participants' 30th birthday. A 2011 study put the start point even earlier, at 25 years of age. While the professor admits that he doesn't pay much attention to his own nail's growth, he adds: 'If you measure that, it's a really good indicator of how old you are biologically.' According to Healthline, it may have to do with blood flow, which slows over time. Previously, Dr Michelle Henry, founder of Skin and Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan, told HuffPost that, 'As we age, our bodies start to produce less of the natural proteins found in nails, which can lead to nails becoming more brittle, dry, and prone to breaking.' He added: 'These keratin proteins are also found in our hair follicles, which is why we may also see a change in our hair texture as we age.' Ageing Rapidly Increases At These 2 Ages ― Here's Why Here's How To Tell Normal Physical Ageing From Frailty This Walking Change May Mean You're Ageing Faster Than Usual
