The post Personal Beliefs About Drugs Influence Brain Activity appeared first on University Health News.

In a study involving 80 participants, researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) found that twice-weekly heated yoga sessions, conducted over a period of eight weeks, were associated with reduced depressive symptoms in adults with moderate-to-severe depression. The findings, published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, also suggest that once-a-week sessions may be beneficial, too.

The participants were divided into two groups: one that received 90­minute sessions of Bikram yoga and one (the control group) that was placed on a waitlist and completed their yoga sessions after the first group concluded theirs. The individuals in the heated yoga group experienced significantly greater symptom reduction compared with those in the control group. Though the researchers aimed to have volunteers participate in two yoga sessions per week for eight weeks, by the end of the eight-week study, they attended an average of 10.3 classes.

“Yoga and heat-based interven­tions could potentially change the course of treatment for patients with depression by providing a non-medi­cation–based approach with addi­tional physical benefits as a bonus,” says lead author Maren Nyer, PhD, director of Yoga Studies at the Depression Clinical and Research Program at MGH. 

Yoga and Depression

Previous studies suggest that traditional yoga may be helpful in reducing depressive symptoms. The rhythmic breathing practices, along with the meditative/relaxation elements of yoga, are designed to promote calm and reduce stress, depression, and anxiety.

Dr. Nyer says new studies will try to determine specific benefits of heat and yoga in easing depressive symptoms. David Mischoulon, MD, PhD, a senior author of the study and director of the Depression Clinical and Research Program at MGH, notes that this research is of particular interest given the encouraging findings of studies of whole-body hyperthermia as a depression treatment. Whole-body hyperthermia involves spending supervised time in a personal sauna­like device. Whole-body heating appears to activate cells in the brain that synthesize the neurochemical serotonin, a substance that plays a key role in depression. The treatment also activates certain regions of the brain that tend to have lower activity levels in people with depression.

“Future research is needed to compare heated to nonheated yoga for depression to explore whether heat has benefits over and above that of yoga for the treatment of depression, especially given the promising evidence for whole-body hyperthermia as a treatment for major depressive disorder,”Dr. Mischoulon says.

Hot Yoga and Seniors

Yoga also supports better physical health by improving joint and muscle flexibility, muscle strength, and circu­lation. It can also help with balance.

The addition of a heated environ­ment can further enhance yoga’s ben­efits. The higher temperatures facili­tate safer stretching, for example. Bikram yoga practitioners sweat out toxins from their glands and skin.

Bikram yoga is also well-suited for many older adults, because it steers clear of some of the more ambitious traditional yoga postures, such as headstands or difficult arm balances. Heated yoga classes for seniors are also usually conducted with safety in mind, meaning that if a posture is too difficult or the heat is a problem you can rest or end your session early.

Heated yoga also comes with some important safety concerns. Individuals with cardiovascular problems, who take dehydrating medications, or are in active cancer treatment should consult their doctors before trying heated yoga, or just about any new exercise program.

Because heat helps loosen muscles, it can be easy to overstretch and strain muscles, tendons or ligaments. The extended time spent perspiring in the heat also raises the risk of becoming overheated or of becoming dehydrated. Consume fluids before, during, and after heated yoga. Dr. Nyer suggests trusting your instincts about your body (what you think you’re capable of) and paying close attention to any signs of distress. She adds that older adults may want to start with gentle stretching yoga before trying heated yoga.

The post MGH Study: Hot Yoga May Help Ease Depression Symptoms, but Be Mindful of Health Concerns appeared first on University Health News.

The Facts. Also called cowpea, southern pea, or black-eyed bean, the black-eyed pea (Vigna unguiculata) is part of the pea family (Fabaceae). Black-eyed peas grow in long green pods, which are shelled fresh or dried on the vine. Legumes, they nourish the Earth—taking nitrogen from the air and converting it into nutrients that improve soil quality—as well as our bodies. A half-cup serving packs almost half the day’s recommended amount of folate, for healthy immune function and digestion, and, together with a healthy 12% DV (DV=Daily Value, based on 2,000 calories/day) of iron, protects against anemia. A good source of dietary fiber (23% DV) and manganese (21% DV), black-eyed peas can help satisfy appetite and maintain a healthy weight.

The Findings. Legumes, such as black-eyed peas, are abundant in many vitamins and minerals, an economical source of fiber, health-protecting phytonutrients, and protein. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), legumes are an important inclusion in the diet with well-known benefits for human and planetary health. Regular consumption has been linked with reductions in risk of disease, notably, coronary heart disease and all-cause mortality (Nutrients, 2022). According to a review of 32 studies involving more than one million participants, higher legume consumption was associated with lower mortality from all causes and stroke (Advances in Nutrition 2023).

The Finer Points. A warm weather crop, black-eyed peas may be enjoyed fresh before the first frost, or, more commonly, dried or canned. Dried black-eyed peas store best in a sealed container in a cool, dry place. Before use, soak them in water overnight, or cover with water and boil for two minutes, and soak for one hour. Try replacing your usual beans with black-eyed peas as a side dish on their own or mixed with brown rice, or make them into a salad with tomatoes, red onion, and vinaigrette.

The post Black-Eyed Peas, Please! appeared first on University Health News.

The Facts. Despite its name, the sweet potato, a member of the morning glory family of plants, is not related to the potato (Solanum tuberosum). There are about 400 varieties in different skin and flesh colors (white, purple, yellow, orange), some round or oblong, like a potato, others long and slender with tapered ends. Common varieties like Garnet or Japanese Purple have different textures (firm and dry or soft and moist) and degrees of sweetness. One medium sweet potato has just 103 calories, yet packs 438% DV (DV=Daily Value, based on 2,000 calories/day) of vision-protecting vitamin A, 37% DV of antioxidant vitamin C, and the powerful, health-promoting plant compounds, beta carotene and anthocyanins, that give the yellow/orange and purple varieties respectively, their color.

The Findings. Antioxidant capacity of sweet potatoes is mainly due to anthocyanin and carotenoid content, consumption of which is associated with lower risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and cognitive performance (Antioxidants, 2022). Orange-fleshed sweet potato ranked number one among all vegetables from a dietary point of view and nutritional perspective, according to a review of studies in different countries (Food Science & Nutrition, 2019), due in part to its significant vitamin A content, especially needed in countries with vitamin A deficiencies.

The Finer Points. Peak season for sweet potatoes is October through December, but they are available all year. Select small and medium sweet potatoes for a sweeter, moister flesh. Choose those with smooth, firm, and blemish-free skin.  Store in a cool, dark, well-ventilated place, but never refrigerate them. Sweet or savory, these taters will not disappoint. Bake them whole and top with yogurt, nuts, and maple syrup, mash with regular potatoes, or cut into fries and roast.

The post Savor the Sweet Potato appeared first on University Health News.

The causes of migraine, including vestibular migraine, are not completely understood and symptoms can vary greatly. Evidence suggests that dietary factors may play a role in several of the triggering mechanisms. According to a review of studies, the most commonly reported foods and drinks that have been identified as migraine triggers include chocolate, cheese, nuts, citrus fruits, processed meats, monosodium glutamate (MSG), aspartame, fatty foods, coffee, and alcohol. While it is generally accepted that migraines are sensitive to diet and that diet may trigger migraine attacks, there is no definitive list of these foods. According to a study published in the journal Nutrients, the following foods have been noted in the scientific literature as potential contributors to migraine:

• Chocolate
• Citrus fruits
• Nuts
• Ice cream
• Tomatoes
• Onions
• Dairy products
• Alcoholic beverages
• Coffee
• Caffeine
• Monosodium glutamate (MSG): commonly found in fast food, chips and snack foods, seasoning blends, frozen meals, canned soups and soup and noodle mixes, processed meats, and condiments
• Histamine: found in alcohol and other fermented beverages and foods, like yogurt and sauerkraut, dried fruits, avocados, eggplant, spinach, processed meats, shellfish, aged cheese
• Tyramine: found in aged cheese, cured meats like salami and pepperoni, pickled and fermented foods, dried fruits, alcoholic beverages
• Phenylethylamine: found in chocolate, wine, natto, eggs, some nuts and seeds like almonds, walnuts, and flaxseeds, and some beans like soybeans, lentils, chickpeas, and green peas.
• Nitrites: added to foods such as cured deli meats, bacon, and sausage.
• Aspartame: artificial sweetener added to some sugar-free sodas, ice cream, gum, yogurts, dressings, etc.
• Sucralose: sweetener that may be found in packaged baked goods, beverages, chewing gum, frozen dairy desserts, etc.
• Gluten: found in beer, breads, cakes, candies, cereals, cookies, crackers, muffins, pancakes, etc.

Research has also suggested that it can take high amounts of some of these foods to trigger a headache, withdrawal from some of these foods, notably caffeine, or fasting. According to one systematic review, fasting was shown to be a migraine trigger for 44 percent of people. In addition, some diets, such as Atkins, Mediterranean, ketogenic, low-sodium, and low-fat have been reported to reduce migraine attacks.

There are no official dietary guidelines for vestibular migraines, but an elimination diet, where common trigger foods are removed from one’s diet, one by one, is often used. Using a food diary, people note how they respond to the removal of certain foods that they suspect may worsen their symptoms, and then slowly reintroduce these foods to determine those that may trigger migraines.

In addition to following an elimination diet, researchers are exploring the role of probiotics in the changing of the gut microbiome in people with migraine. Foods that are high in probiotics include olives, apple cider vinegar, yogurt, kefir, kimchi, miso, kombucha, and pickles. Note, however that several of these probiotic-rich foods appear on the common trigger food list for migraines.

Whichever dietary routes you try to lesson and prevent migraine headaches, it’s generally good advice to seek out a mostly whole foods diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, minimally processed meats, poultry, and fish, eggs, healthy fats and herbs and spices as a way to enjoy healthy, nutrient-rich foods as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Access our Free Guide for Headache Relief. 

The post Vestibular Migraine Diet appeared first on University Health News.

There is no single or official recommended diet for people with POTS, but the goal to alleviate symptoms is to keep blood pressure at the right levels. These dietary changes to raise blood pressure levels with diet may help.

• Drinking water has been shown to benefit people with orthostatic (low blood pressure when standing up) syndromes, such as POTS by improving standing blood pressure and reducing standing heart rate. Staying hydrated can help maintain blood flow to the head, which can help resolve dizziness. People with POTS tend to be more sensitive to dehydration, so increasing fluid intake is a recommended dietary strategy. The fluid doesn’t have to be water and increasing water-rich foods, such as soups and fruits and vegetables, especially cucumbers, tomatoes, apples, celery, lettuce, and more, can help maintain hydration.
• Increase Salt. Higher amounts of salt can help increase blood pressure, so this is a common dietary recommendation for people with POTS. The amount of salt will vary by person, so it’s important to check with a healthcare provider. Indicators that you may need more salt include dry mouth, infrequent urination, dark colored urine, abdominal cramping, and dizziness upon standing. Including foods that have higher salt, or sodium, can help. Consider healthy soups, dry roasted and salted nuts, canned beans, and keeping the salt shaker at hand to add at meals.
• Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals. Eating a large meal directs blood flow to assist in digestion, which means moving it to the lower part of the body, rather than the upper, where people with POTS need to maintain healthy blood volume and circulation to avoid dizziness. Eating smaller meals more frequently, such as six small meals rather than three large meals, has been shown to improve POTS symptoms.
• Choose Nutrient-Rich Foods. Some people with POTS have digestive issues, so eating more foods that support gut health is sometimes recommended. Include fiber-rich foods, such as beans, oats, broccoli, berries, popcorn, apples, and dried fruits; probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and other pickled vegetables; prebiotic-rich foods, such as garlic, bananas, onions, beans, chickpeas, and nuts.

These are the foods people with POTS may want to avoid:

• Caffeine. Although it’s not clear whether caffeine is helpful or harmful for POTS sufferers, it may worsen symptoms in some people, so it makes sense to avoid foods and beverages that contain caffeine. Talk to your healthcare provider if you want to consume caffeine. Common sources of foods and beverages with caffeine include:
  • Coffee
  • Tea
  • Energy Drinks
  • Soda
  • Chocolate

• High Carbohydrate Foods. There is some evidence that higher carbohydrate foods and meals can play a role in the lowering of blood pressure in POTS patients, especially those people who experience POTS symptoms after eating. Certain carbohydrates have been linked with gastrointestinal issues in some people who may not digest them as easily. These carbs, known as FODMAPS (Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides And Polyols), include certain dairy products, wheat, and onions. Ultra-processed foods, foods with added sugars, and foods sweetened with artificial sweeteners are often high in carbohydrates.
• Avoiding alcohol may help avoid POTS symptoms because alcohol is not only dehydrating, it may lead to low blood pressure, both of which can increase dizziness.

There is not yet a cure for POTS, but some relief of symptoms can be achieved with a POTS diet. In addition to dietary changes, your healthcare provider can suggest additional lifestyle changes, like exercise, healthy sleep habits, and keeping cool, that may further alleviate symptoms.

The post Can a POTS Diet Relieve Symptoms? appeared first on University Health News.

Lymph nodes in your neck are located in front of your ear (preauricular), under your chin (submental), under your jaw (sub mandibular), down the side of your neck (anterior cervical), down the back of your neck (posterior cervical), and just above your collar bone (supraclavicular). There are many possible causes of the swollen nodes. Doctors do a history and physical, exam to determine the cause. They may also order lab tests, imaging studies, and in some cases a biopsy to determine the cause and best treatment.

What causes swollen lymph nodes in the neck?

The most common cause is an infection, usually from a virus or bacteria. White blood cell cancers and cancers of the head and neck, or cancers from other parts of the body are uncommon causes. Overall, less than one percent of lymph nodes are cancer, but after age 40 the number goes up to four percent.

The location of the node or nodes is a good clue to the cause. Preauricular lymph nodes are usually due to a scalp or ear infection. Submental and submandibular nodes may be caused by an oral infection, tonsillitis, infected tooth, mononucleosis, and rarely head and neck cancers. Supraclavicular nodes may be caused by lung or stomach cancer.

After infections, other causes can include autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus. Several medications can cause lymphadenitis including some antibiotics, seizure medications, blood pressure, and gout medications. Cancers that cause neck nodes include head and neck cancers, white blood cell cancers, and cancers that spread to lymph nodes from other parts of the body.

How to treat swollen lymph nodes in the neck naturally

You should not treat swollen lymph nodes at home unless the cause is a typical cold virus. If you are being treated by your doctor for an infection like tonsillitis or an infected tooth, home care can include a warm compress and an over-the-counter pain and fever medication like Tylenol or Advil. There are no herbal supplements or other home treatments that are recommended.

When to worry about swollen lymph nodes in the neck

Call your doctor about swollen lymph nodes in your neck if a node or nodes:

• Have no obvious cause
• Have not gone away within two weeks
• Are red, warm, and tender or draining pus or fluid
• Are painless but hard and hard to move under your skin
• Occur with other symptoms like persistent fever, night sweats, weight loss, or fatigue

The post Swollen Lymph Nodes in Your Neck: What You Need to Know appeared first on University Health News.

See Xiaflex’s “Bent Carrot” commercial.

Peyronie’s’ Disease Symptoms: What Does Peyronie’s Disease Look Like?

Peyronie’s disease is caused by a thick scar – called a plaque – that forms under the skin of the penis. To get an erection, the penis has two tubes that fill with blood, called corpora cavernosa. To keep the blood inside, the corpora cavernosa are encased in an elastic sheath called the tunica albuginea. The scar forms on the tunica albuginea, so when the penis fills with blood it is unable to form a normal looking erection.

Think of blowing up a balloon that has lost its elasticity in one area. Depending where the plaque forms, the penis can have a slight bend, a more severe bend, or even an hourglass type narrowing. The most common deformity is a penis that bends upward during an erection.

Other Symptoms of Peyronie’s Disease

Peyronie’s disease has three main symptoms. One is the deformed penis. Another symptom is pain, especially during an erection. The third is a plaque that can be felt under the skin of the penis.

Symptoms of the disease come in two phases. The first is the active phase. During this phase the plaque is forming and growing. It can be felt and it causes pain along with deformity. The symptoms may get gradually worse, and a man may be unable to get or maintain an erection. If the bend is 30 degrees or more, sexual intercourse may be impossible. Many men have symptoms of anxiety and depression during this phase which can last from three to 12 months or longer.

Eventually the plaque stops growing and the pain gets less, although the deformity usually remains. This is called the chronic phase. Stress, anxiety, and the inability to have sexual intercourse may also continue. This disease can start at any age but is most common in men between the ages of 50 and 60.

What Causes Peyronie’s Disease?

Peyronie’s disease was first described by the French physician Francois de la Peyronie in 1743, but the cause is still a mystery. The plaque is a type of scar tissue that is made up mostly of a protein called collagen. One cause may be an injury to the penis from blunt trauma during an accident or contact sport. Why the injury heals with an abnormal plaque is not known. The penis can also be injured during vigorous sexual intercourse or it may be a very gradual type of injury that builds up over time. This sometimes happens when men with weak erections have sex. In all these cases, the plaque seems to be an abnormal type of scarring.

However, most men with Peyronie’s disease have no history of trauma. The collagen protein that forms the plaque – which can get as hard as bone – is the building block of body tissues called connective tissue. These tissues give the body shape and structure. Peyronie’s may be a connective tissue disease caused by genetic changes in collagen cells. Support for this theory is that the condition tends to run in families, and many men with this condition have other connective tissue diseases like Dupuytren’s contracture (scarring in the palm of the hand) and plantar fasciitis (scarring in the arch of the foot).

Is Peyronie’s Disease Permanent or Can Peyronie’s Disease Heal Itself?

There is no cure for Peyronie’s disease, but in some cases, it can heal itself and go away. According to Johns Hopkins, about 20 percent of men will have the deformity gradually correct itself. For other men the deformity is permanent without treatment. Some men have only minimal deformity and good sexual function. In those men, treatment may not be necessary. The doctors who treat Peyronie’s disease are urological surgeons, called urologists.

Because the extent of the deformity can’t be determined until the acute phase has stopped, most urologists do not start treatment or consider surgery during this phase. Treatment during the acute phase may include pain management and erectile dysfunction medication. The new medication approved by the FDA is called collagenase, because when it is injected into the plaque it breaks down the collagen. It is approved for men with a bend of at least 30 degrees. The brand name for this drug is Xiaflex.

According to the American Urological Association, these injections can be started in the chromic phase for men who don’t want surgery. Other than surgery, injection therapy is the only approved treatment. No oral medications have been effective, and other treatments need more study. These include stretching the penis (called penile traction), applying heat, using medications applied to the penis (topical therapy), and shock wave therapy.

Surgery for Peyronie’s Disease

After waiting at least one year, surgery may be recommended for men who have not responded to injection therapy. There are three surgical options. Plication surgery straightens the penis with sutures. Incision and graft surgery removes the plaque and replaces it with a graft. Penile implant surgery may be the best choice for men who have a more severe bend, or erectile dysfunction. Surgery is often successful, and penile implant prosthesis is most successful, says Johns Hopkins.

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for Peyronie’s disease, but the disease can be managed for most men. Fifty percent of men with this condition suffer from depression, so emotional support is also important. For men who develop symptoms of Peyronie’s, a primary care provider is a good place to start. Most men will be referred to a urologist for diagnosis and treatment. A urologist who specializes in sexual health is the best bet for a surgical option.

The post “The Bent Carrot” Is Peyronie’s Disease appeared first on University Health News.

Acetaminophen vs Ibuprofen

The other common OTC pain and fever reliever is acetaminophen, with the brand name Tylenol. Although acetaminophen and ibuprofen both reduce fever and pain, acetaminophen is not an NSAID, so it does not reduce inflammation. Inflammation is swelling, redness, and warmth caused by the body’s defense system, called the immune system.

Both acetaminophen and ibuprofen may work for pain and fever, but if you also have inflammation, ibuprofen is the better choice. Inflammation is your body’s response to an infection, injury, foreign body (like a splinter), or irritation from a chemical or toxin (like a bee sting). Inflammation is a sign that your immune system is active, but it can be uncomfortable because it causes swelling, pain, heat, and redness. It can also cause loss of body functions, like loss of smell if your nose is inflamed or loss of movement if a joint is inflamed.

Ibuprofen Side Effects

The most common side effect of ibuprofen and other NSAIDs is stomach and intestinal irritation that causes heartburn, nausea, gas, constipation, or a stomachache. If you take ibuprofen for a long time or at a high dose, you can have more serious and dangerous complications like developing a bleeding ulcer or kidney damage.

You may have read or heard that ibuprofen increases your risk of stroke or heart attack. This risk is not significant if you do not already have a history of heart or blood vessel (cardiovascular) disease. If you do have a history of cardiovascular disease, ask your doctor about taking ibuprofen. It may increase your risk of heart attack or stroke by about 0.1 to 0.2 percent.

Acetaminophen Side Effects

Acetaminophen side effects are less common than ibuprofen side effects, although a few people may have nausea, vomiting, or a headache. The most serious side effect of acetaminophen only occurs if you take an overdose of more than four grams or four thousand milligrams (4000 mg). This could happen if you take more than eight extra-strength Tylenol tablets at one time. At this dose Tylenol can be very toxic to your liver, and may even be life threatening. Taking high doses of Tylenol if you are also drinking alcohol can be even more dangerous because both Tylenol and alcohol can be toxic to the liver. If you have liver disease you should talk to your doctor about acetaminophen and limit the dose to 3000 mg per day.

Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen for Headache?

For pain without inflammation, like a headache, both ibuprofen and acetaminophen will work. Some studies say that ibuprofen is a little stronger. Both drugs last about the same time and can be taken every four to six hours. Pain caused by an injury or infection that causes inflammation responds better to ibuprofen. Examples would be a sprained ankle, toothache, or infection. For women, pain caused by menstrual cycles responds better to ibuprofen because it reduces menstrual cramps.

To avoid side effects, adults should not take more than 1200 mg of ibuprofen or 3000 mg of acetaminophen in a single day. Always use these medications at the lowest dose and shortest time that gives relief. Alternating ibuprofen and acetaminophen may reduce pain more than taking either one alone. New OTC pain relievers that combine both drugs are now available.

The post Acetaminophen vs Ibuprofen: Uses & Side Effects appeared first on University Health News.

What Causes Scalp Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is not contagious. All psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, which means your body’s defense system – your immune system – mistakenly attacks normal cells of your body causing inflammation. With psoriasis, your immune system attacks skin cells making them grow and shed more rapidly than normal. Normally skin cells get replaced over about one month, but with psoriasis, the process can take only three to four days.

There may be abnormal genes passed down through families that cause psoriasis, and some people will have a family history of the disease. On the other hand, many people have a family history of psoriasis and never develop psoriasis and many others develop psoriasis without having a family history. The cause may be genes that need a trigger to become active. Possible triggers and causes for psoriasis to start include:

• Injury to the skin
• Sunburns
• Physical or emotional stress
• Medication reactions
• Smoking
• Drinking alcohol
• Obesity

Scalp Psoriasis Symptoms

Psoriasis plaques will look powdery, silvery, and shiny. Plaques are dry. ©szefei | Getty Images

Like dandruff, scalp psoriasis causes flaking and itching of your scalp, but scalp psoriasis also causes raised and thickened areas of the scalp and skin around the hairline called plaques. Plaques are covered with crusts of flaking skin that is powdery, silvery, and shiny. The plaques may have unusual colors like red, brown, gray, or purple. Seborrheic dermatitis is another condition that may be confused with scalp psoriasis, but this condition causes yellow crusts that are moist, not dry and flaky like psoriasis.

Symptoms of scalp psoriasis may come and go. When they get better it is called remission. When they get worse it is called a flare. These flares and remissions are unpredictable, which adds to the stress of living with psoriasis. Finally, people with scalp psoriasis are more likely to have two other autoimmune diseases, alopecia and psoriatic arthritis. Alopecia causes hair loss, and psoriatic arthritis causes joint swelling and pain. These symptoms may be added to the burden of scalp psoriasis.

Another common place for psoriasis to appear is on your hairline. ©Sergey Dogadin | Getty Images

Scalp Psoriasis Treatment

Scalp psoriasis can be diagnosed by the signs and symptoms. Although there is no cure for scalp psoriasis, and it is likely to be a lifelong problem, there are many treatment options. Treatments work differently for different people, so you need to work with a dermatologist to find the treatment that works best. Most people will have some relief with some combination of these treatments:

• Over-the-counter scalp psoriasis shampoos and creams are available. There are many products, but according to the National Psoriasis Foundation, there are only two over-the-counter ingredients you should look for that actually work. They are salicylic acid and coal tar.
• For more severe scalp psoriasis, there are prescription strength shampoos and skin creams.
• Prescription drugs that block the immune system may be used.
• For the most difficult cases, injection into the scalp with new drugs called biologics may be helpful when other treatments have been ineffective.
• A medical treatment that may help is regular timed exposure to ultraviolet light, called phototherapy.

Scalp Psoriasis Treatment at Home

Some home treatments that may help include moisturizing the scalp with aloe vera, coconut oil, or olive oil. Plaque inflammation may respond to a paste made of baking soda and water. An anti-inflammatory diet that may help can include fish with healthy omega-3 oils, like mackerel, salmon, and sardines. Other anti-inflammatory foods are olive oil and leafy green vegetables.

Preventing or reducing flares of scalp psoriasis may be possible. For some people foods cause flares, so you can keep a food journal to see if there are foods you can avoid. Basic home care tips from the Cleveland Clinic include:

• Avoid hot water showers. Hot water may irritate your scalp.
• Always use a conditioner or moisturizer after washing your hair.
• Brush or comb your hair gently.
• Don’t wear a hat if you don’t need to. Scalp psoriasis does better when it can breathe.
• Try avoiding common triggers like alcohol, smoking, citrus fruits, gluten, and nightshade vegetables (tomato, potato, and peppers).

Let your doctor know if your treatment plan is not working. Ask for help if you feel anxious, depressed, or hopeless. There are many good options for treating this frustrating and unpredictable condition, so keep working with your doctor to find the best options for you.

For more on skin health, purchase the UCLA School of Medicine Skin Care report. 

The post What is Scalp Psoriasis? appeared first on University Health News.