WHAT IS PSORIASIS? HOW CAN YOU TREAT IT USING LOW DOSE NALTREXONE AND VITAMIN B12?

The largest organ of your body is your skin. And one would say it is very functional and essential for Low Dose Naltrexone. Your skin is also your identity as you present it to the world and is a part of your everyday interactions. Therefore, having skin conditions like psoriasis can affect the appearance of your skin on various parts of your body, which deems detrimental effects on your self-esteem. Not to mention, psoriasis is also linked to significant health concerns such as heart disease and joint pain.

The American Academy of Dermatology Association presents that with an estimated 7.5 million people having this condition, psoriasis is one of the most prevalent skin diseases in the United States. Even though people of all ages can experience it, the most affected ones are adults between the ages of 45 and 64. The cost of treatment associated with psoriasis is astonishing, with as much as $63.2 billion annually.

What Is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a skin condition characterized by the rapid multiplication of skin cells. The skin cells of a person with psoriasis multiply about ten times faster than normal people. This abnormal growth of skin cells causes scaly and bumpy skin patches that can appear on multiple body parts. However, psoriasis tends to show up as:

  • Scalp Psoriasis
  • Genital Psoriasis
  • Facial Psoriasis
  • Psoriasis on Knees, Elbows, or Lower Back
  • Psoriasis on Hands, Nails, or Feet

Generally, a psoriasis flare-up starts as a red, bumpy rash, and the condition will worsen until the bumps are more prominent and thicker. Then white and flaky scales of skin form on the affected area. With psoriasis, your skin on the affected area can be particularly fragile and inclined to bleed. Many people also experience itching, burning, and other discomforts during a flare-up.

Most people affected with psoriasis will encounter flare-ups or cycles. They might have issues with their skin for a few weeks or longer, and then gradually, the flare-up will seem to get better. While psoriasis can be consolidated in one area, many people will be affected in different places on their bodies. For instance, individuals with plaque psoriasis may be affected around their hairline, but some may also experience psoriasis on their feet or nails.

Types of Psoriasis

There are several types of psoriasis that may share similarities. But each type is unique in how it shows on the skin. Below are some of the most common types of psoriasis:

Plaque Psoriasis

Around 80 to 90 percent of people affected with psoriasis suffer plaque psoriasis. It is characterized by rough and red patches usually covered by scales or “plaques.”

Guttate Psoriasis

Guttate psoriasis accounts for 8 percent of people with psoriasis. This form of psoriasis appears as small, teardrop-shaped spots of scaly redness. Also, it is usually more common in children or younger adults.

Pustular Psoriasis

Pustular psoriasis occurs in about 3 percent of instances of psoriasis. It is characterized by painful, pus-filled pimples surrounded by irritated skin, most dominant in older adults.

Inverse Psoriasis

This form of psoriasis appears near skin folds, such as in the armpits or under the breasts. Around 25 percent of people diagnosed with psoriasis develop this condition.

Erythrodermic Psoriasis

Erythrodermic psoriasis only affects 2 percent of people. It is the most severe form of psoriasis, characterized by an intensely painful rash across large body portions and can be life-threatening.

Causes of Psoriasis

Even though the exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, most scientists agree that environmental and genetic factors could be responsible. Psoriasis is considered an autoimmune condition, and despite the type of psoriasis a person has, the underlying mechanics are related to immune method malfunctions.

People with psoriasis of any form have increased levels of pro-inflammatory proteins in their blood which cause immune system responses to produce inflammation and other skin issues.

One essential thing to note about psoriasis is that inward, or outward events can often trigger flare-ups. It is very common for a person to seem to be in abeyance for months or even years. One may experience triggers and see their issues escalate rapidly. Some of the known triggers include:

  • Stress
  • Bacterial or viral infections
  • Skin injuries, such as cuts or sunburn
  • Certain prescription medications, such as high blood pressure medication or antimalarial drugs
  • Consuming large amounts of alcohol
  • Dry weather
  • Exposure to secondhand smoke

Although psoriasis can develop in anyone, having parents with this condition increases the risk of developing it. Other factors that increase the risk of developing psoriasis later in life include high-stress levels and being a smoker.

Most Common Treatments for Psoriasis With Side Effects and Low Dose Naltrexone

Unluckily, the currently available treatments for psoriasis are not efficacious. Additionally, several types of treatment for psoriasis are so loaded with side effects that an individual may not be able to endure the treatment. Most medicinal treatments strive to hinder the production of skin cells or soothe the symptoms of psoriasis at the skin level.

Topical Psoriasis Treatment

Certain medications formulated as creams, ointments, lotions, and salves, are usually the first line of treatment after one has been diagnosed with psoriasis. Some topical psoriasis medication examples include:

  • Salves containing coal tar
  • Topical corticosteroids
  • Retinoid-based skin creams
  • Vitamin D analogs

Unfortunately, topical medications have severe side effects as well, for instance, increased risks of skin cancer and increased sensitivity to light.

Oral or Injectable Psoriasis Treatment

Just 1 in 5 people can control flare-ups with prescribed medications. Many of these prescriptive medications have severe side effects. Hence they are often prescribed for short periods only. Some of those medications include:

  • Steroids
  • Retinoids
  • Apremilast
  • Thioguanine
  • Methotrexate

Low Dose Naltrexone: Immunological Psoriasis Treatment

Immunologic treatment for psoriasis implicates stopping the usual reactions of the immune system. While these immunosuppression treatments can produce positive results, the results are usually short-termed. Research has shown that the immune system finds sidestepping over time when inflammatory pathways are blocked with these medications. This action can also increase inflammatory pathways and worsen problems in other body parts.

But, immunosuppression drugs can have some really intense side effects. Also, their constant use can suppress critical immune system functions that help your body fight off serious illnesses or infections. Immunologic psoriasis treatment can also be very expensive, sometimes greater than $5,000 monthly.

Treatment for Psoriasis with Compounded Solutions and Low Dose Naltrexone

Lately, struggles to examine alternative treatment options for psoriasis and low-dose naltrexone weight loss have been made because standard medications don’t offer a long-lasting solution and have adverse side effects. We used Vitamin B12 and low-dose naltrexone (LDN) are suitable treatments for psoriasis that have been acquiring fame as a feasible way to truly help someone with psoriasis, even with some of the most agonizing cases of the disease.

Vitamin B12

In health care, Vitamin B12 is a topical medication that may help avert some symptoms associated with psoriasis. People with psoriasis often have low folic acid metabolites and vitamin B12. Levels of homocysteine, which is a byproduct produced due to the breakdown of amino acids, are usually higher in people with psoriasis. Vitamin B12 and folic acid are both required to break down homocysteine. Hence, using supplements of vitamin B12 may help relieve some inflammatory symptoms.

Low Dose Naltrexone

Low-dose naltrexone has been proven to be helpful in various different treatments. The antagonist functions by blocking opioid receptors in the brain. This is why it is mainly known for treating opioid overdose or abuse. However, this same action on a smaller scale may also help mediate the immune system response.

Research On Low Dose Naltrexone and Vitamin B12 For Psoriasis

Although scientific research into LDN medication and vitamin b12 cream for eczema for psoriasis is still being done, the beginning results have been encouraging. At Harbor Compounding Pharmacy, we have noticed positive results in our patients using this alternative psoriasis treatment.

A case series in 2015 discovered that treatment with a formula combining vitamin B12, vitamin A, olive oil, cocoa butter, and tea tree oil improved more than 75 symptoms of psoriasis in 12 weeks. A randomized controlled trial in 2017 found that vitamin B12 ointment delivered significant improvements in patients participating in the trial with plaque psoriasis.

As far as low-dose naltrexone side effects are concerned, few studies have found promising results. In 2007, researchers found that LDN topical cream reduced chronic itching due to psoriasis in 70 percent of study participants. In 2018, researchers began to examine the efficacy of LDN in a female patient with plaque psoriasis covering 10 percent of her body. After three months, a significant improvement was seen in her symptoms. After six months, the plaque coverage had reduced to only 1 percent.

A clinical case in 2019 revealed that symptoms of a 38-year-old woman with erythrodermic psoriasis were relieved with a low dose of naltrexone treatment when other medications had failed to show any improvements. Within just ten days of treatment, the patient showed a significant reduction in facial swelling and itching. On the 20th day of the treatment, she showed complete improvement. And at three and six months after starting LDN treatment, the patient showed complete psoriasis remission.

Find Alternative Treatment For Psoriasis At Harbor Compounding Pharmacy

When you comprehend the underlying symptoms and causes of a disease, you are better capable of finding the proper help. At Harbor Compounding Pharmacy, we aim to operate on the latest research to offer not only psoriasis traditional treatment alternatives that may be more effective but also treatment for other conditions.

If you are interested to know more about naltrexone for pain and Vitamin B12 treatment for psoriasis, feel free to reach out. One of our pharmacists will help you determine if the alternative solution we have available may work for you and your condition. Further, we can help you request a prescription from your doctor.

Infections, surgeries, and accidents can all result in lasting Scarring that may serve as painful reminders to your patients. Latest innovations in compounded scar formulations may help improve the healing process.

What Are Scars?

Scars are a part of the skin’s natural healing process after being exposed to cuts or damage. The skin restores itself by growing new tissue to fill the wound and any gaps produced due to the injury. The scar tissue consists mainly of a protein called collagen.

Scars may develop in every shape and size. Some scars can be big and painful, while some are barely visible. People with dark skin or red hair are more prone to developing keloid scars. Keloids are elevated scars that grow and develop beyond the affected area. Depending on their size, location, and type, your scars may look ugly and may even make it difficult to move.

Not all scars require treatment. Many fade away with time. If a scar is troubling you or causing pain management, treatments can help.

How Common Are Scars?

Almost everyone develops some scar from a surgical procedure, an accident, acne, or a disease like chickenpox (varicella). Scars affect all people regardless of age and gender.

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of A Scar?

A scar usually appears in pink or red color on lighter skin. With time, the scar color turns slightly darker or lighter than the skin color. On darker skins, scars often appear as dark marks. These scars may be itchy sometimes. And other, they may be tender or painful.

A scar’s physical appearance depends on multiple factors, such as:

  • The event that caused the scar, such as injury, burns, surgery, or extreme acne.
  • The location, severity, and size of the wound.
  • The type of treatment you received for healing the wound, for example, bandages or stitches.
  • Your genes, age, ethnicity, and overall health.

How Many Types Of Scars Are There?

Scars can occur anywhere on the skin. There are several types of different scars, such as

  • Contracture

These often develop after a burn. A contracture scar causes the skin to contract and makes movement difficult for a person, especially when it occurs over joints or gets into the muscles and nerves.

  • Depressed (atrophic)

These depressed scars are actually sunken and often result from conditions like chickenpox or acne. These are also known as ice pick scars and mostly develop on the face. Depressed or ice pick scars appear as small indentations or rounded pits in the skin. Scars resulting from acne may become more noticeable as one ages as the skin loses collagen and, ultimately, elasticity over time.

  • Flat

Flat scars develop just like regular scars; slightly raised nuts flatten out as they heal. These are often red or pink. As time passes, these may become slightly lighter or darker in color than the surrounding skin.

  • Keloids

Keloids are scars that are elevated from the skin surface and extend beyond the wounded area. The outgrown scar tissue can get bigger and may affect a person’s ability to move.

  • Raised (hypertrophic)

You can notice a hypertrophic scar when you move your fingers over it. These scars can get smaller with time but never completely vanish. Opposite to keloids, they do not grow or spread beyond the affected area.

  • Stretch marks

When skin expands or shrinks quickly, it can damage the connective tissues under the skin. Stretch marks mostly develop during pregnancy, puberty, or after gaining or losing weight. These usually occur on the stomach, breasts, upper arms, and thighs.

Scar tissue may also grow inside the body. Internal scar tissue can result from surgeries and certain health conditions, like Asherman’s syndrome and Peyronie’s disease. Autoimmune diseases such as scleroderma cause change like scarring in the skin resulting from inflammation.

What Causes Scars?

Scars are very much part of the natural healing process. As a part of an immune system, the skin acts as a barrier to protect the body from the intervention of germs and other harmful substances. If the skin gets injured, the body seals itself by creating new tissue made of collagen.

Collagen plays several essential roles in one’s body. These roles include flushing up your skin and making your cartilage to protect your joints. These collagen fibers repair the damaged skin and close any open areas in damaged skin. The new tissue protects you from infection.

How Are Scars Diagnosed?

You can easily diagnose most scars by observing the part of the previously injured skin that has healed now. Scars usually look pinker, lighter, or darker than the surrounding skin.

Your healthcare provider will carry out a physical examination to evaluate a scar causing problems. They will look at the scar’s location, texture, color, and size, to determine its type.

How Can Scars Be Prevented?

Even though you can’t always prevent injuries that cause scars, you can minimize the risk of a scar forming after an injury. Care and caution can make the scar less prominent if it does develop. To lower the risk of scarring, you must:

  • Talk to your healthcare provider

If you have an injury that might leave a scar, get it examined by your healthcare provider. The healing of some injuries may require stitches or bandages to hold the skin together. Stitches can reduce scarring. Make sure to follow your doctor’s guidance when taking care of the stitches. You may need topical or oral antibiotics to prevent infection, depending on the type and location of the wound.

  • Clean the wound

Wash the area thoroughly with soap and water. Clean the wound properly and cover it with a bandage to keep the germs out. Also, change the dressing regularly to ensure rapid healing.

  • Keep the wound moist

It is important to retain moisture in the wound. You can apply petroleum jelly or moist burn pads to prevent them from drying out and developing a scab. Scabs make scarring worse.

  • Protect it from the sun’s rays

Try to protect the scar from sun rays by using sunscreen as direct exposure to the sun can make a scar darker. However, increased exposure to the sun also means an increased risk of skin cancer.

  • Keep up your nutrition

Having low levels of vitamin D or C in your system can make scarring worse, and you need adequate high-quality protein in your diet to help your skin make what is needed to heal.

What Are The Available Treatments For Scars?

The available treatment options vary depending on the type of scar, its location, what caused it, and how long you’ve had it. Treating a car can reduce its size or appearance, but the scar will never completely disappear. Some treatments may prevent a healing wound from forming a scar. The available treatments for scars include:

  • Dermabrasion

It is a prevalent treatment for acne scars in which the top layer of skin is removed by gently “sanding” it. The treatment smooths and softens the skin and improves the appearance of scars.

  • Injections

The healthcare provider may inject medication directly into the scar to make it smaller. Corticosteroid injections help reduce the size of keloid scars. Drugs that treat cancer, such as fluorouracil (Adrucil® or 5-FU) and bleomycin (Bleo 15k™), can be used to flatten scars and reduce itching and pain.

  • Laser treatments

Different types of laser and light treatments can make scars less noticeable. Laser treatments use a specific wavelength of light to cause a particular action in skin care. It can also help with itching, sensitivity, and pain. Laser treatments can cause hyperpigmentation (skin darkening) in people with light skin or hypopigmentation (skin lightening) in people with dark skin. Have a chat with your healthcare provider about any side effects before starting treatment.

  • Pressure therapy

Things like elastic bandages, dressings, or stockings are used to put pressure on a wound during the healing process, which prevents a scar or decreases its size. Massage can also help break up scar tissue and allow it to reduce.

  • Scar-revision surgery

A range of surgical procedures can remove a scar, improve its appearance, or transplant skin from another area (skin graft). This is an exchange of one type of scar for a different, preferable scar.

  • Topical creams and ointments

Creams and ointments help make a scar smaller or prevent it from forming. Also, your doctor might recommend applying a silicone gel, corticosteroid cream, or a sheet to the area. In people with dark skin, doctors may prescribe using a skin-lightening cream with hydroquinone to lighten scars.

Best Option For Treating Scars

PracaSil-Plus is a special topical anhydrous silicone base that is used to rejuvenate and repair your skin. It is ideal for old and new scars, surgical scars, keloids, stretch marks, acne scars, and any skin condition that would advantage from barrier protection.

Pracasil-Plus contains Pracaxi oil that is obtained from the seed of the Pracaxi tree found in the Amazon rainforest. Pracaxi oil contains anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal properties that make it beneficial for various dermatological conditions, including skin spots, severe acne, acne scars, psoriasis, and rosacea.

For more information regarding this medication, please feel free to contact Harbor Compounding Pharmacy. At Harbor, we have taken an oath to make sure that all our patients receive the best treatment out there.

Reference article link:

What Is Psoriasis? How Can You Treat It Using Low Dose Naltrexone and Vitamin B12?

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