Psoriasis: Diagnosis & Treatment

Psoriasis: Diagnosis & Treatment

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder that affects about 2% of the population. It is characterized by red, elevated plaques that are often overlaid with thick, silvery white scales. The most commonly affected areas are the elbows, knees, scalp, lower back, and genitalia. Some people have psoriasis on their hands and feet. Psoriasis treatments aim to interrupt the cycle that causes an increased production of skin cells, thereby reducing inflammation and plaque formation. Other treatments, especially those you apply to your skin (topical treatments), help remove scale and smooth the skin. Although doctors choose treatments based on the type and severity of psoriasis and the areas of skin affected, the traditional approach is to start with the mildest treatments — topical creams and ultraviolet light therapy (phototherapy) — and then progress to stronger ones if necessary. The goal is to find the most effective way to slow cell turnover with the fewest possible side effects.

Private Practice: I think the primary role a chiropractor would have involving a patient with psoriasis would be properly detecting the condition when presented with it and knowing the signs and symptoms to give sound advise to the patient about viable treatment options. In this case a referral to a Dermatologist would be recommended with a possibility of co-treatment to help with any general neuromuscular pain associated with the condition.

Eczema: Diagnosis & Treatment

Eczema is a form of dermatitis, or inflammation of the upper layers of the skin. The term eczema is broadly applied to a range of persistent skin conditions. These include dryness and recurring skin rashes which are characterized by one or more of these symptoms: redness, skin edema, itching and dryness, crusting, flaking, blistering, cracking, oozing, or bleeding. Areas of temporary skin discoloration may appear and are sometimes due to healed lesions, although scarring is rare. The goals for the treatment of eczema are to prevent itching, inflammation, and worsening of the condition. Treatment of eczema may involve both lifestyle changes and the use of medications. Treatment is always based upon an individual's age, overall health status, and the type and severity of the condition. Keeping the skin well hydrated through the application of creams or ointments (with a low water and high oil content) as well as avoiding over-bathing is an important step in treatment. Lifestyle modifications to avoid triggers for the condition are also recommended.

Private Practice: I think the primary role a chiropractor would have involving a patient with eczema would be properly detecting the condition when presented with it, knowing the signs and symptoms, and to give sound advise to the patient about viable treatment options. I would most likely refer the patient to a dermatologist especially if it is a bothersome condition. I would counsel the patient on the various ways to prevent itching and the importance of keeping hydrated to prevent the condition from getting worse.

Vitiligo: Diagnosis & Treatment

Vitiligo is a skin condition resulting from loss of pigment which produces white patches. Any part of the body may be affected. Usually both sides of the body are affected. Common areas of involvement are the face, lips, hands, arms, legs, and genital areas. In some cases, medical treatment for vitiligo may not be necessary. Self-care steps, such as using sunscreen and applying cosmetic camouflage cream, may improve the appearance of your skin. For fair-skinned individuals, avoiding tanning can make the areas almost unnoticeable. Depending on the number, size and location of the white patches, you may decide to seek medical treatment. Medical treatments for vitiligo aim to even out skin tone, either by restoring color (pigment) or destroying the remaining color via increasing or decreasing melanin in the skin.

Private Practice: As a chiropractor, the main thing you can provide a patient presenting with vitiligo is educating them on the benefits of sunscreen and avoiding tanning to prevent exacerbation of the condition.

Lice: Diagnosis & Treatment

Lice are tiny, wingless, parasitic insects that feed on your blood. Lice are easily spread especially by school children through close personal contact and by sharing belongings. Several types of lice exist: Head lice which usually develops on your scalp. They're easiest to see at the nape of your neck and over your ears. Body lice, which spends most of their time in the seams and folds of your clothing. And Pubic lice, which is commonly called crabs, and is found on the skin and hair of your pubic area and on eyelashes. Over-the-counter lotions or shampoos are