PSORIASIS

Psoriasis is an inflammatory disease that manifests most commonly as well-circumscribed, erythematous papules and plaques covered with silvery scales. Cause is unknown, but common triggers include immune related reactions, trauma, infection, and certain drugs. Symptoms are usually minimal with occasional mild itching, but cosmetic implications may be major. Some people develop severe disease with painful arthritis. Diagnosis is based on appearance and distribution of lesions.

Treatment is with medicinal plant based emollients, vitamin D analogues, retinoids (Vitamin A derivatives), tar, phototherapy as well as systemic plant based medicines.

Subtypes of Psoriasis
Subtype	Description
Guttate psoriasis	Abrupt appearance of multiple plaques 0.5 to 1.5 cm in diameter, usually on the trunk in children and young adults following streptococcal pharyngitis.
Erythrodermic psoriasis	Gradual or sudden onset of diffuse erythema, usually in patients with plaque psoriasis (though may be the first presentation); typical psoriatic plaques are less prominent or absent. Most commonly caused by inappropriate use of topical or systemic corticosteroids or light therapy.
Generalized pustular psoriasis	Explosive onset of widespread erythema and sterile pustules
Pustular psoriasis of the palms and soles	Gradual onset deep pustules on palms and soles. Flare-ups may be painful and disabling. Typical psoriatic lesions may be absent.
Inverse psoriasis	Psoriasis of inguinal, gluteal, axillary, inframammary, and retroauricular folds and of the glans of the uncircumcised penis. Cracks or fissures may form in the center or edge of involved areas.
Nail psoriasis	Pitting, stippling, fraying, discoloration (oil spot sign), and/or thickening of the nails, with or without separation of the nail plate (onycholysis). May resemble a fungal nail infection. Affects 30–50% of patients with other forms of psoriasis.
Acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau	Pustular psoriasis confined to distal fingers or toes, sometimes just one digit; replaced by scale and crust upon resolution.

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Zest Magazine 01/08
Zest loves Claudia's Customised Skin-care.

Pregnancy & Birth Magazine 01/08
Claudia's advice on skin-care for acne during pregnancy.

Tatler 11 & 12/07 & 01/08
Claudia's Skin-care as seen 3-months consecutively in Tatler magazine.

Family Health 08/07
Claudia's patient is interviewed by Family Health, the magazine issued by the Royal College of Nursing, to be found in all GP surgeries.

Claudia Louch
^{BSc Hons
MCPP; MSc Pharm; MSc RNutr}

Practitioner of Nutritional Science; Pharmacologist;
Phytotherapist

BBC Two

June 2008

Claudia Louch is the Nutritionist on the BBC programme 'The Supersizers'

The Observer Magazine 03/08
The Observer features Claudia's treatment options for Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS).

Natural Health Magazine 02/08
Natural Health votes Claudia's skin-care as the treatment of the month and the equivalent of choosing haute couture over high street!