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Fibromyalgia and Psoriasis: Is there a
Connection?
Fibromyalgia is a complex chronic condition that doctors cannot
easily diagnose or treat. No one knows for sure what causes
this disorder, although there are theories involving
infections, stress and sleep disorders. There is also no known
cure for fibromyalgia, so treatment options revolve around
alleviating the painful symptoms of the disorder as effectively
as possible. There have also been suggestions that fibromyalgia
is linked to other chronic conditions, particularly rheumatic
disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and psoriatic
arthritis. In particular, we will explore a link between
fibromyalgia and psoriasis.
An Immune System Malfunction
This is where the question regarding a link
between fibromyalgia and psoriasis has come up with many
health care professionals and patients who are suffering
from both conditions. And in terms of the research that
has been done thus far, there does indeed seem to be a
link for some people. Both fibromyalgia and psoriasis may
be the result of an immune system that does not work the
way it should. With some people, the immune system may
turn on its own body and create autoimmune disorders like
psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. The immune
system may prove to be the link between fibromyalgia and
psoriasis and other conditions.
Sometimes fibromyalgia is difficult to diagnose because it is
seen in tandem with other conditions. For example, some
patients will present with both fibromyalgia and psoriasis, and
more specifically, psoriatic arthritis. This is a type of
psoriasis that is seen in about five percent of all of the
people who have psoriasis, and is characterized by the red,
scaly patches of psoriasis accompanied by pain and swelling in
the joints of the body. When a person is suffering from both
fibromyalgia and psoriasis, the body can feel pain from the
outside in. These two conditions can be excruciatingly
uncomfortable for the person suffering from them, which makes
effective treatment options even more critical.
Treatment Options for Fibromyalgia and
Psoriasis
There are some holistic remedies that can be
effective for both fibromyalgia and psoriasis. A detox
diet can rid the body of toxins that can lead to many
chronic conditions. By cleansing the body of these
toxins, some people find that the symptoms of disorders
like fibromyalgia and psoriasis can be greatly reduced. A
regular exercise program can also be an effective way to
treat the pain of fibromyalgia and psoriasis like
psoriatic arthritis. Pain medication and antidepressants
are also effective ways to treat the uncomfortable
symptoms of these conditions. If you are suffering from
both fibromyalgia and psoriasis, talk to your doctor
about treatments that can help both conditions
today.
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