Picture having scaly patches on your scalp or even on your face, which is itchy and inflamed and can impact how you view yourself. Well, people with Psoriasis can have these skin issues that last for months. This autoimmune condition affects more than 7.5 million US adults, and that number continues to grow. Currently, many triggers can exacerbate these symptoms or bring them on. Functional labs can help identify those triggers to help patients with Psoriasis reduce the common flares that occur with this skin condition and the severity of symptoms. This article will discuss the top labs that practitioners use to help manage Psoriasis.
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What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic skin autoimmune disorder. This disorder causes the immune system to overact and causes skin cells to reproduce too quickly for the skin to shed properly. This overreaction of the skin leads to patchy, scaly, and inflamed skin. These patches are generally located on the scalp, elbows, and knees. However, other parts of the body can also be affected.
Psoriasis has multiple types, with plaque psoriasis being the most common type. It is characterized by thick, raised patches of skin covered with a silvery-white scale. Other variants include guttate Psoriasis, which manifests as sudden tiny skin bumps on the torso, arms, and legs; inverse Psoriasis, found in skin folds like the armpits, genital area, or buttock crease, presenting as red, smooth patches with little scale; pustular Psoriasis, causing pus-filled bumps, usually on the hands and feet; and erythrodermic Psoriasis, a severe and life-threatening type resulting in itchy, burned-appearing skin, accompanied by fever, chills, rapid heart rate, and weakness.
Additionally, Psoriasis can affect the nails, leading to pitted, crumbly nails with red or white spots and possible separation from the underlying skin. People with Psoriasis also risk developing conditions such as psoriatic arthritis (PsA), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), anxiety, depression, metabolic issues, and heart disease.
What Causes Psoriasis?
Currently, the exact cause of Psoriasis is still unknown. Scientists believe a mix of genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of Psoriasis. There is usually a family history, and some of the identified genes involved play a role in the function of the immune system. Some environmental factors that increase the risk of Psoriasis include infections, medications such as heart medications, smoking, and obesity. There are also triggers that can exacerbate symptoms of Psoriasis or bring on a return of symptoms called flares. Triggers include cold weather, injury to the skin, such as sunburns, stress, allergies, certain foods, nutrient deficiencies, and alcohol. Keeping a record of these triggers can help patients manage their symptoms more effectively.
Psoriasis Symptoms
It's important to understand that symptoms can vary for everyone with Psoriasis and can also vary in recurrences. Psoriasis typically occurs on elbows, knees, scalp, trunk, palms, and soles of the feet, but it can also occur in other parts of the body. Symptoms tend to come and go. Here are some common symptoms associated with Psoriasis:
● Patchy Skin
● Redness of the skin with silvery-white scales that itch and burn
● Dry skin that cracks and bleeds
● Nails that are thick, ridged, and pitted.
What Are The Benefits of Regular Lab Testing for Patients with Psoriasis?
Patients with Psoriasis can benefit from regular testing as these tests can provide insights into the effectiveness of treatment, manage ongoing symptoms, and reduce flares. The symptoms can reoccur and go through cycles with flares lasting up to months. Most symptoms tend to be mild or moderate and can impact a person's daily activities, including work and sleep. Regular testing can help effectively manage the cycles of flares and adequately treat the symptoms, leading to improved patient outcomes.
Top Labs To Run Bi-Annually On Patients With Psoriasis
Diagnosis of Psoriasis is typically completed through a qualified practitioner examining the skin, scalp, and nails. They will also take into account medical history and symptoms. A small skin sample may also be taken to rule out other skin conditions. Labs can be completed regularly for patients with Psoriasis to help them manage the recurring flares that are common with this condition. Here are some top labs to consider:
Microbiome Analysis
Patients with Psoriasis have been shown to have alterations in the gut microbiome, which plays a role in the severity of symptoms. Studies also show that the diversity of the microbes in the gut can also impact psoriasis symptoms, with people with a higher diversity having less severe symptoms. Therefore, patients with this skin condition can benefit greatly from checking on the health of their microbiome on a regular basis to reduce the severity of flares. This stool test comprehensively analyzes the microbiome's diversity by assessing over 300 microorganisms allowing for individualized treatment approaches to help reduce the severity of symptoms for patients.
Food Sensitivity Panel
Food sensitivities can disrupt gut health and the microbiome, leading to increased severity of symptoms in Psoriasis. Food reactions have also been indicated as a trigger for Psoriasis. This food sensitivity panel is completed through a small blood sample or a finger prick and analyzes 180 commonly consumed foods. Practitioners can utilize the results of this test to create personalized nutrition plans for their psoriasis patients that reduce the inflammatory foods that can trigger flares or disrupt the microbiome of these patients.
Micronutrient and Omega Panel
Nutrients like Vitamin D and Omega 3s have been shown to improve psoriasis symptoms, with deficiencies in Vitamin D impacting the duration and severity of this condition. The micronutrient panel provides a comprehensive assessment of nutritional health based on measurements of vitamins, antioxidants, and amino acids. It will provide information on sufficient levels of nutrients such as Vitamin D.
The omega panel will assess eight essential fatty acids such as omega 3s, including an omega 3 index. Both of these tests are completed through a blood sample. Periodically, monitoring these levels can help detect any deficiencies early to help with individualized supplement protocols to improve any associated symptoms and lead to better clinical outcomes for patients with Psoriasis.
Advanced Adrenal Stress Test
Stress has been shown to be a trigger of Psoriasis and is often associated with many other health conditions. The adrenal glands secrete and regulate cortisol and other hormones. The adrenal stress test assesses cortisol levels throughout the day, signifying stress response.
This test involves obtaining a saliva sample from patients at four different times during the day. This approach offers a comprehensive view of a patient's stress response, as stress levels vary throughout the day. Regular testing can aid in managing cortisol responses affected by these fluctuations. With the results of this test, practitioners can develop personalized protocols to help patients adapt to these stress-induced changes more effectively, thus reducing the risk of psoriasis symptoms reoccurring.
CBC (Complete Blood Count)
A Complete Blood Count (CBC) is a test that measures cell counts, and any abnormalities detected can indicate underlying medical issues or infections that may be linked to Psoriasis. For instance, it assesses white blood cells, and elevations can indicate infection or an immune response that can trigger Psoriasis. Practitioners can routinely run this blood test for early detection of an immune response or for a baseline to guide practitioners in managing the immune response and decreasing the risk of psoriasis flares.
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Summary
The symptoms such as constant itchiness, flaking, and bleeding often associated with Psoriasis can not only be distracting but can impact a person's day-to-day life. Many triggers can bring on a flare or make symptoms worse, such as food reactions, disruptions in the microbiome, or stress. Regular testing can assess for those underlying triggers to help patients reduce their symptoms or risks of recurrences. These tests can help providers understand the impact of this condition in more detail so they can help their patient's health outcomes.
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