3 Afternoon Habits That Can Impact Your Sleep If You Have Psoriasis

From eatingwell.com

Why skipping the happy hour drinks and other afternoon choices could play a key role in getting better sleep with psoriasis 

KEY POINTS

• Psoriasis symptoms, including itching skin, can create a cycle of difficulty sleeping.
• Flare-ups can be triggered by afternoon stress, skipping moisturizer or consuming alcohol at happy hour.
• Establishing a sleep routine and working with health care professionals can help manage symptoms.

Managing psoriasis can feel overwhelming at times—including at night. With all the itching and discomfort involved, this inflammatory skin condition can easily interfere with a solid night of rest. Research shows that more than 75% of people with psoriasis also have some type of sleep disorder.

“Poor sleep and psoriasis can become a cycle,” says Samaria Garrett, M.S., RDN. “Itching and discomfort make it hard to sleep, and then lack of sleep can leave the body feeling more stressed and inflamed,” Garrett says.

Interestingly, your afternoon habits may have more of an influence on this cycle than you realize. Here are three afternoon habits that can impact your sleep if you have psoriasis. 

1. Ignoring Late-Day Stress Levels

Living a high-stress life can cause problems for most people, including those with psoriasis. There’s even a bidirectional relationship between the two. Stress can increase the risk of psoriasis flares and worsen symptoms. At the same time, psoriasis can also make you feel stressed.

“People living with psoriasis often have stress associated with managing the disease, which keeps stress levels elevated,” says dermatologist Aleta Simmons, M.D.

This can lead to a cycle of stress and psoriasis flare-ups that is difficult to manage and impacts quality of life, including sleep. People with psoriasis are also often caught in an itch-scratch cycle that tends to be worse at night. And when sleep is disrupted by constant itching, stress can worsen. 

Missing out on sleep doesn’t help matters, either. “During sleep, our bodies are resting and preparing,” Simmons says. “We need adequate sleep nightly as a part of a healthy lifestyle and prevention and management of chronic diseases like psoriasis.”

2. Skipping Moisturizer

If you hop in the shower after an afternoon workout class, it’s a good idea to make time to moisturize afterward. Keeping the skin moisturized is a simple yet important way to ease psoriasis symptoms like itchy, flaking skin or prevent a flare up, which can impact your sleep. Moisturizer helps seal in water, which not only relieves dry skin but can also help the skin heal. Moisturizers that contain ceramides can be effective, since they help maintain and restore the skin barrier, Simmons says. “When the skin barrier is not being treated, psoriasis can worsen, leading to increased itching and stress, which impacts sleep greatly,” Simmons says. She recommends moisturizing twice a day—after bathing and before sleeping.

3. Having a Few Drinks at Happy Hour

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Getty Images. EatingWell design

Drinking alcohol is associated with more severe psoriasis and a reduced response to psoriasis treatments. Alcohol consumption also puts people with psoriasis at higher risk for other conditions like cancer, arthritis and heart disease.

“Psoriasis is an inflammatory condition, and alcohol tends to add fuel to the fire,” Garrett says. “While everyone’s triggers are different, many people notice their scalp and skin become more irritated, inflamed or difficult to manage after drinking, especially in larger amounts.”

Additionally, alcohol is known to have a negative impact on sleep. While you might fall asleep more quickly, drinking alcohol often makes it harder to stay asleep and get the type of deep and restorative sleep your body needs for skin repair. “For someone already dealing with itching, discomfort or night-time psoriasis symptoms, alcohol can make for a pretty restless night,” Garrett says. 

Habits to Help with Sleep and Psoriasis

• Establish a healthy sleep routine. Try to get at least seven hours of sleep each night. Aim to go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day and avoid screen time at least an hour or two before bed.
• Seek help from professionals. “See a dermatologist for treatment and management of psoriasis, which will improve itching that disturbs sleep,” Simmons says. If you’re having trouble sleeping, see a physician who specializes in sleep disorders. For anxiety, depression or other mental health challenges, see a therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist.
• Live a healthy lifestyle. “Psoriasis is an inflammatory condition, so it’s important to look at the bigger picture,” Garrett says. “Prioritizing sleep, managing stress, staying active, limiting alcohol and eating nourishing foods to support the gut microbiome can all support overall health and may help people better manage their symptoms.”
• Stay on top of the basics. “Staying on top of medical treatments, gently moisturizing the skin following a warm shower and following a consistent sleep routine can make a meaningful difference,” Garrett says.

Our Expert Take

When you have psoriasis, securing a solid night of rest goes beyond your evening routine. Many afternoon habits deserve some much-needed attention, too. This includes finding ways to keep your stress in check throughout the afternoon, applying a quality moisturizer when needed—especially after showering—and watching your alcohol intake at happy hour. Sleeping well is important for managing psoriasis symptoms and avoiding a flare-up. So if you’re struggling to sleep well, consider discussing the problem with your dermatologist or a sleep specialist.

https://www.eatingwell.com/afternoon-habits-that-impact-your-sleep-with-psoriasis-12003954

“Forget about calcium deficiency”: What white spots on your nails really mean, according to a dermatologist

From parisselectbook.com/en

You’ve noticed small, light-coloured marks on your nails and are wondering what they really mean. White spots on the nails are a common topic, surrounded by many misconceptions. Dr. Ines Zaraa, a dermatologist and venereologist in Paris, provides clear answers about their actual causes and when it’s best to see a doctor.

                                                                                                                               ParisSelectBook

White Spots on Nails: What the Experts Really Say

These marks have a specific medical name: leukonychia. They can appear as white spots of various sizes or as white streaks on the nail. According to Dr. Zaraa, they are generally benign.

However, a common misconception has been around for a long time: that these spots are a sign of a calcium or iron deficiency. That’s not true. Deficiencies can cause nails to appear ridged, spoon-shaped, or softer and more brittle, but they do not cause white spots, the dermatologist explains. So there’s no need to rush out and buy dietary supplements.

Furthermore, localized leukonychia does not indicate a serious illness. This clarification is reassuring for anyone who becomes concerned when they notice these small marks appearing in their daily lives.

Microtrauma, the leading cause of light-coloured marks

The most common cause of white spots on the nails is microtrauma. It occurs particularly at the nail root—the white crescent visible beneath the folds of skin—as the specialist explains.

These minor injuries may seem insignificant in everyday life. For example, a pedicure that’s a little too rough or a pair of shoes that’s too tight in the toes is enough to cause this type of injury.

“Nail cells normally become transparent as they keratinize and lose their nuclei, allowing light to pass through them. When certain cells retain their nucleus or exhibit abnormal keratinization—due to microtrauma, for example—they scatter light more and appear white.” — Dr. Ines Zaraa

A second possible cause is nail dehydration. Regular nail polish left on too long, or semi-permanent nail polish, dries out the surface and can give it a whitish, grainy appearance, adds Dr. Zaraa.

In some cases, these light-coloured marks may also indicate a medical condition. These can include superficial fungal infections or inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis, which causes small white spots on the nail. In much rarer cases, leukonychia may be a sign of lichen or alopecia areata.

• Shoes that are too tight in the toe area
• Injuries During Pedicures or Manicures
• Trimming Cuticles
• Any direct pressure on the nail
• Regular or semi-permanent nail polish left on too long

When White Spots on Your Nails Should Be a Cause for Concern

Caution is warranted when there is no obvious cause. If the marks cannot be explained by prolonged use of nail polish, ill-fitting shoes, or known microtrauma, a visit to a dermatologist is recommended. In addition, a specific family history is also a warning sign.

According to figures from the French National Health Insurance , nearly one-third of psoriasis cases have a family history of the condition. Psoriasis also affects the skin and scalp: the presence of other lesions in these areas makes it even more important to seek medical attention promptly. If a single finger is affected for no apparent reason, Dr. Zaraa recommends seeing a dermatologist as soon as possible.

An even more serious sign warrants attention: a uniformly white or milky-coloured fingernail may be a sign of liver or kidney disease. In this case, you should see a doctor right away.

White Spots on the Nails and Psoriasis: Signs to Watch For

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition of the skin and hair that can also affect the nails. It occurs in people with a specific genetic predisposition, which is why a family history of the condition is a warning sign that should be taken seriously.

On the other hand, if the whitish marks on the nails are accompanied by patches on the skin or a scaly scalp, the clinical presentation clearly points to nail psoriasis. In this case, only a dermatologist can make a reliable diagnosis.

Treatments and preventive measures based on the cause

Treatment depends directly on the cause of the spots. In the case of microtrauma, no special care is needed. You simply need to be patient: it takes 4 to 6 months for a fingernail to grow back completely, and 9 to 12 months for a toenail, explains Dr. Zaraa.

To prevent dryness, a few simple habits are all it takes to protect the nail surface. Take breaks between applying nail polish, choose acetone-free products, avoid soaking your hands in water, and don’t cut your cuticles. Similarly, avoid wearing shoes that put strain on your feet on a daily basis.

In cases of inflammatory conditions, a topical treatment suitable for psoriasis is prescribed, most often in the form of corticosteroid-based ointments, creams, or lotions. For fungal infections, an antifungal nail polish is used as the first-line treatment and may be supplemented with oral medication if necessary, according to Dr. Zaraa. Thus, white spots on the nails caused by a fungal infection can be treated in a targeted and effective manner as soon as the diagnosis is made.

https://www.parisselectbook.com/en/2026/06/22/rated-100-100-on-yuka-this-typology-skincare-product-made-in-france-is-billed-as-the-new-alternative-to-botox/

How to Tell the Difference Between Inverse Psoriasis and Jock Itch

From healthcentral.com

These two skin conditions can cause considerable discomfort, but their triggers and treatments are not the same 

Key Takeaways

• Jock itch is a contagious fungal infection, while inverse psoriasis is a noncontagious immune-related condition.
• Inverse psoriasis often looks smooth, shiny, and red in skin folds, while jock itch is scaly and ring-shaped.
• Jock itch is triggered by heat, moisture, and contact with infected people or surfaces, including shared towels.
• Jock itch is often treated with antifungal creams and keeping the area cool and dry; psoriasis needs different medications.
• See a dermatologist if groin itching persists or doesn’t improve after two to three weeks of antifungal treatment.

An itch below the belt is never a comfortable feeling, but deducing what’s causing it can sometimes take a little sleuth work. Both inverse psoriasis and jock itch can occur in the genital area and cause extreme discomfort. But despite a shared sensation of itch and pain, there are big differences between the two conditions, including how they are treated. We asked top dermatologists how to differentiate between jock itch and psoriasis, plus how to get them both under control.

What Is Jock Itch?

“Jock itch is caused by the same fungal infection that causes athlete’s foot or ringworm,” says Chris Sayed, M.D., an associate professor of dermatology at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. This infection (no worm is involved) is very common and can occur anywhere on your body, he adds.

Your risk of getting the fungal infection that causes jock itch increases in hot and humid weather. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, if you have a ringworm infection in the groin area, it may first appear as a red (brown or grey in dark skin) rash with swelling and itch in the crease where the leg meets the body. The infected skin often feels scaly with a raised border and sometimes appears as a roundish patch. Jock itch is contagious and commonly spreads through skin-to-skin contact or an infected surface or shared towel.

What Is Inverse Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is also a skin condition that can show up anywhere on the body, including in the genital area. The cause of psoriasis is not known exactly, but experts believe it has to do with an overactive immune system due to a complex interplay between genetics (it tends to run in families), environment (cold and dry weather can be a trigger for example), and lifestyle choices (such as smoking).

Inverse and plaque psoriasis are the two most common types of the skin condition you may see in the genital area. About one in three people with psoriasis develop inverse psoriasis. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, inverse psoriasis appears as bright red lesions in body folds (purple-ish, brown, or darker in dark skin) and may appear smooth and shiny. Psoriasis is not contagious—you can’t catch it from another person, regardless of the severity of the condition.

Inverse Psoriasis vs. Jock Itch

While psoriasis and jock itch can both cause redness, itch, and discomfort, there are a few key differences between these two conditions. Psoriasis is a chronic, whole-body disease related to irregularities in the immune system that can lead to other more serious conditions such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. While psoriasis symptoms can be managed, there is no cure for the condition.

Jock itch is a temporary condition, caused by a fungus that has invaded the outer layer of the skin. Jock itch is contagious, while psoriasis is not. Jock itch is also more common in men than women, with men being three times more likely to get jock itch than women. It is also rare for a child to have jock itch.

Psoriasis occurs fairly equally between the two genders, according to the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. Psoriasis is more common in children—every year, 20,000 children under 10 are diagnosed with psoriasis. Given their vastly different origins, different treatments are also required for each condition.

Symptoms of Inverse Psoriasis vs. Jock Itch

Despite their shared itchy, painful presentation, psoriasis and ringworm infections have symptoms that are unique to each. Knowing what they are can help you identify which one you might be dealing with. (Always see your dermatologist for an official diagnosis.)

Symptoms of inverse psoriasis include:

• Shiny, smooth, discoloured (brown, pink, purple or red) rash

• Cracks in your skin creases

• Itchiness

• Moist patch of skin

Symptoms of jock itch include:

• Burning and itching

• Skin irritation and colour changes

• Scales and flakes

• May appear in the shape of a ring

Triggers of Inverse Psoriasis vs. Jock Itch

Because psoriasis is a chronic, systemic condition, while jock itch is a temporary situation, they are typically triggered by different things. In both cases, however, the environment can play a role.

Triggers of inverse psoriasis include:

• Dysregulated lipid metabolism

• Dysregulated sex hormones

• Imbalance of skin and gut microbiota

• Lifestyle

• Medications

• Psychological stress

• Skin trauma

• Weather

Triggers of jock itch include:

• Contact with an infected surface or clothing

• Having ringworm on another body part

• Sexual contact with an infected person

• Tight pants or underwear

• Warm and moist environment

Treatments for Psoriasis vs. Jock Itch

Jock itch typically doesn’t go away on its own but there are treatments available. “Jock itch can often be treated over the counter with antifungal creams,” says Dr. Sayed. If the jock itch does not get better, you may need prescription-strength creams, ointments or pills, or a combination of these products, according to the Mayo Clinic. Keeping the area as cool and as dry as possible is also an important part of the treatment.

Psoriasis treatment will depend on the severity of the condition. If the inverse psoriasis is mild, your doctor may recommend a steroid cream that you apply at home as directed. For harder to treat inverse psoriasis in and around the genitals, your doctor may recommend a systemic medication, meaning treatment that works throughout your body to regulate your immune system. These medications may come in a pill that you take orally, or in an injection that you administer at home or in a doctor’s office.

Can You Prevent Psoriasis and Jock Itch?

The sort-of good news: Jock itch can be prevented, and psoriasis—while not preventable—can be controlled, says Shoko Mori, M.D., a dermatologist at Northwell Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.

“Tinea cruris, or jock itch, can be brought on by heat and humidity, so trying to minimize sweat and moisture in the groin area can be helpful,” Dr. Mori says. “Patients with a fungal skin infection of the feet, also called athlete’s foot, or the nails can unknowingly spread the infection to their groin area, causing jock itch, so it is also important to treat the infection if it is present elsewhere on the body.”

Meanwhile, although psoriasis cannot be prevented, “there are many treatment options, so seeing a board-certified dermatologist to evaluate any rash in the groin area is very important,” he says.

When to See a Doctor

It can be tricky to know when to see your doctor for either condition, but according to Dr. Sayed, if the itch doesn’t improve in a few weeks, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with your provider.

“When you are uncertain about a rash, or a rash you thought to be jock itch hasn’t improved within two to three weeks of an antifungal cream, it is worth having it evaluated with some simple diagnostic tests in the clinic,” he says. “It’s important to make sure something like inverse or genital psoriasis isn’t being missed.”

Outlook

Tinea cruris, or “jock itch” and inverse psoriasis can look very similar—they can both be itchy, red, and uncomfortable,” says Dr. Mori. However, important differences in treatment make it mission critical to tell them apart.

Jock itch is a temporary, fungal condition that needs a different type of treatment than psoriasis. A whole-body, inflammatory disorder, psoriasis requires a treatment that can bring down an overactive immune system. Sometimes this is a steroid cream, but depending on the severity, it could be a pill or injection. A dermatologist can help you determine the cause of your discomfort and recommend treatment that can get you quickly and comfortably back in the game.

https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/psoriasis/inverse-psoriasis-vs-jock-itch?ap=nl2060&rhid=67ec2b8321f52bf01b0cca01&mui=&lid=141093361&mkt_tok=NTQxLUdLWi0yNDMAAAGib7UVZnvbCyR54YmslVlGt-iufErbaiureIf48Y2WiIZmMVGfOGl6KVhD3uuidEkWNsHlxPQlTaISapEQgaz1-VJh9abTMTJdEqI2dd99SVoalr0

How Does Red Light Therapy for Psoriasis Work?

From healthline.com

Red light therapy (RLT) is a type of phototherapy used for many skin conditions and even cancer. Some people find it helpful in treating psoriasis, though results have been mixed.

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that involves a rapid turnover of skin cells. People with psoriasis often find rough areas of painful irritation and silvery scales called plaques on various parts of their bodies.

There’s no cure for this autoimmune disease, but treatments are available that can help ease psoriasis symptoms. These include home remedies to calm the skin, topical and oral medications, and light therapy.

Keep reading to learn more about red light therapy (RLT) for psoriasis, including how it works and if it might be right for you.

What is red light therapy?

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RLT is a form of light therapy that uses light-emitting diodes (LED) to treat conditions from acne to persistent wounds. Some people with psoriasis undergo light therapy with ultraviolet (UV) rays, but RLT doesn’t contain any UV rays.

In a hospital setting, doctors may combine RLT with certain medications. Some experts refer to this as photodynamic therapy.

You don’t necessarily need to see a doctor to test out RLT. There are various consumer products on the market aimed at cosmetic applications.

Many tanning salons, like B-Tan Tanning in parts of Florida, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, offer red light beds. These salons say that red light beds help reduce:

• cellulite
• acne
• scars
• stretch marks
• fine lines
• wrinkles

For more targeted RLT, you’ll need to consult a dermatologist first.

How long has red light therapy been around?

Scientists at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Quantum Devices, Inc. (QDI) first discovered red light as a way to grow plants in space back in the early 1990s.

Red LEDs produce light that’s 10 times brighter than the sun’s rays. They also learned that this intense light helps energy metabolism in plant cells and promotes growth and photosynthesis.

From 1995 to 1998, the Marshall Space Flight Center challenged QDI to study red light for its potential application in medicine. In other words, they wanted to see if the red light that energized plant cells would work the same way on human cells.

The primary focus of this research was to determine if RLT might affect certain conditions that impact astronauts.

Specifically, the scientists wanted to see if RLT could help with muscle atrophy and bone density issues that arise from long periods of weightlessness. Wounds also heal slowly in space, so that was another key focus area of their studies.

What is red light therapy used for today?

Through grants and clinical trials in the years since the initial research, RLT has proven effective for some medical conditions, including:

• acne
• age spots
• cancer
• psoriasis
• sun damage
• wounds

RLT can even be used to help activate certain drugs that fight cancer. Some cancer drugs are sensitive to light.

When the treated cells are exposed to certain types of light, such as red light, they die off. This therapy has been particularly helpful for treating esophageal cancer, lung cancer, and skin diseases like actinic keratosis.

Red light therapy and psoriasis

An older 2011 study in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and VenereologyTrusted Source examined the effects of RLT versus blue light therapy for individuals with psoriasis. Participants had high dose treatments 3 times per week for 4 consecutive weeks while applying a 10 percent salicylic acid solution to plaques.

What were the results? Both the red and blue light therapies were effective in treating psoriasis. The difference between the two wasn’t significant for scaling and hardening of the skin. However, the blue light therapy did come ahead when treating erythema, or reddened skin.

It’s important to remember that these treatments were done with high doses in a medical setting. The results may vary greatly if the therapy is performed at home or in a salon or wellness centre.

Risks and considerations

RLT isn’t associated with any major risks. Still, you may want to speak with your doctor if you’re taking medications that increase your skin’s photosensitivity.

There are several other types of light therapies that may help with psoriasis. Consider also asking your doctor about the following therapies:

• ultraviolet light B (UVB)
• natural sunlight
• psoralen and ultraviolet light A (PUVA)
• laser treatments

Speaking with your doctor

There’s no cure for psoriasis. However, you may find relief from your symptoms if you use the right mix of treatments. RLT is just another tool to add to your kit for finding relief. Of course, before trying anything new, it’s best to check with your doctor.

Though you can purchase red light devices for home use or arrange for therapy sessions outside of a medical setting, your doctor may have certain guidelines that will make your treatment more effective.

You may want to ask which type of light therapy would most help your specific symptoms. Your doctor may also have suggestions for how to combine oral or topical medications with light therapy, as well as what lifestyle changes will help you avoid psoriasis triggers.

https://www.healthline.com/health/red-light-therapy-psoriasis