Do antihistamines help psoriasis?

If you’re reading this article, chances are, you or someone you know has psoriasis. As a recurring skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide (approximately 125 million), psoriasis can be frustrating to manage due to its unpredictable nature.

While there are several treatment options available for psoriasis management (they include topical treatments, phototherapy and systemic medications), one question that is often asked by patients is whether antihistamines help with the symptoms of psoriasis? In this article, we will examine what an antihistamine is and if it’s worth considering as a solution for your psoriasis issues.

What Are Antihistamines?

Before diving into their efficacy in treating specific conditions such as psoriasis (a fancy way of saying “before we get carried away”), let’s clarify what antihistamines are.

Antihistamines are drugs used primarily to treat allergic reactions. They work by blocking histamine receptors in the body that produce allergy symptoms like itching and hives. Some common examples include Benadryl (diphenhydramine), Claritin (loratadine), and Zyrtec (cetirizine).

How Does Histamine Relate To Psoriasis?

Histamine production isn’t limited specifically to allergies. It plays other physiological roles in the body too; including regulating blood vessel dilation and immune system function.

Inflammation associated with skin plaques caused by excess activity from T-cells was once thought to cause irritation inducing a production of itch promoting factors such as histamines-which acted on specialized neurons known DrD2 receptor-containing itch sensory nerve fibers eventually leading towards feelings of pruritus.(Wow! Big words!)

Some dermatologists believe that inflammation in certain areas could prompt histamine release — contributing further towards Skin sensitisation responsiveness . If reducing histamine levels could manage these symptoms, then antihistamines would prove to be a useful medication for skin conditions like psoriasis.

Types Of Antihistamines

Antihistamines are generally divided into two categories: first-generation and second-generation antihistamines.

First-generation antihistamines refer to earlier versions of the medication that typically cause drowsiness because they cross the blood-brain barrier (think Nyquil).

Second-generation drugs don’t have similar sedative side effects as their predecessors which has led them to become preferred alternatives in most circumstances where possible.

While selecting an appropriate treatment approach involves collaboration between patient and dermatologist; your choice of therapy depends on multiple factors including age, tolerance and comorbidities such as allergic rhinitis, liver or kidney disease etcetera

First-Generation	Second-Generation
Chlorpheniramine (chlor-trimeton)	Loratadine (Claritin)
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)	Cetirizine (Zyrtec )
Doxylamine succinate(Sounds like rocket science!) ( Unisom Nighttime Sleep Aid)	Fexofenadine(Why do they always name medicine so hard?)(Allegra)

As previously mentioned some medications can impair cognitive abilities more seriously than others so it’s important not only to choose what is effective but also satisfyingly non -groggy.

The belief that by taking one drug you can simply wipe itching away while keeping your energy levels at peak performance is but an elusive whim! Choosing wisely means striking a balance between therapeutic response and maintaining functionality throughout the day

Can Antihistamines Help With Psoriasis?

If there’s any consolation regarding heavy-duty itching, there’s much research indicating responses towards Anti-histaminic compounds even though their effectiveness regarding psoriasis is still debated.

Some studies have demonstrated that antihistamines improve skin conditions when used together with other topical creams such as steroids, vitamin D analogs and calcineurin inhibitors (“when used with specific treatments assuming that the right dosage and interval of application are given”). When taken alone or applied topically, however; antihistamine medication has not been shown to significantly relieve psoriasis symptoms(talk about disappointment).

Despite what we know about histamine playing a role in some types of inflammation caused by Derms, most recommendations do not suggest anti-histaminic drugs for treating chronic inflammatory dermatitis like Psoriasis(such an unfortunate circumstance).. In fact,Eular guidelines state (strongly recommend? Who are these people anyway?) following:
“Reducing or avoiding contact with irritants (soap, wool), using emollients/cleansers instead of soaps, wearing gloves at work whenever necessary”

Are Antihistamines Safe For People With Psoriasis?

While antihistamines can be helpful for managing allergies or general itches from insect bites etcetera ; they may cause side effects including dryness of eyes and mouth , drowsiness especially among older adults which would severely impede functionality levels .

Antihistamines come under scrutiny now more than ever owing to controversies around long term use where possible links towards dementia have emerged(Scary isn’t it!?)

Another complication involves The Cytochrome P450 enzyme problem complex which breaks down different classes of drug . This could theoretically lead towards increased serum concentrations ultimately worsening problems related liver disease
(In short :”liver no likey”)
There’s not enough concrete evidence yet to say whether antihistamines worsen psoriatic symptoms over time but practitioners might still encourage monitoring response through regular check ups while taking note common issues like dry mouth and changes in mental awareness.

Conclusion

So, do antihistamines help psoriasis? Well. Yes and no: While some studies suggest that they could be effective when used together with other medications; generally speaking , there isn’t enough evidence to support using only antihistamine medication for the treatment of psoriasis .

That’s not to say that if you suffer from general itching or minor allergies that can worsen your situation, taking an antihistamine just wouldn’t work . Remember : talk to a licensed Dermatological physician about what form of therapy is best suited specifically towards your individual case!.

In summary, Psoriasis is life long (or so they say) but there are various means which can empower you take control over powerfully irritating,maddening itch!