USA: 5 Organizations That Can Help You Manage Psoriasis

From health.yahoo.com

Psoriasis is more than skin deep. For the more than eight million people in the United States who are living with this chronic skin condition, it can leave a lasting physical, emotional, and social impact.

Organizations that have expertise in psoriasis, as well as patient advocacy groups, can provide you with educational resources, offer practical tips for managing your daily tasks, and connect you with others who understand what you're going through.

Whether you are newly diagnosed or have been managing the condition for years, these resources can help you navigate life with psoriasis.

National Psoriasis Foundation

The National Psoriasis Foundation (NSF) is the leading patient advocacy group for people living with psoriasis and other forms of psoriatic disease, such as psoriatic arthritis. Founded in 1967, the non-profit organization is committed to finding a cure and improving the lives of people living with these conditions.

Along with providing educational information about diagnoses and treatment options, the NPF offers free assistance for people with psoriasis, their families, and their caregivers through the Patient Navigation Center. You can call their centre directly with any question at all - from how to find a specialist to how to handle insurance issues - or submit your question online to receive a response within three business days.

The NPF also hosts a One to One program, where they can connect you by phone, email, or text to another person with psoriasis who understands what you're going through. If you've had psoriasis for a while, you can also volunteer to become a One to One mentor.

One of the NPF's major goals is to support research to find a cure for psoriasis - and in the meantime, improve the health of everyone living with psoriatic disease. They host various community events to connect people with psoriasis locally (or virtually) while raising funds to support these initiatives. You can find updates on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

American Academy of Dermatology Association

Founded in 1938, the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA) is the largest professional dermatology organization in the world, representing more than 20,500 experts from all areas of the globe. The organization is committed to spreading awareness and finding treatments for psoriasis, among other dermatological conditions, as well as enhancing patient care.

The AAD's website offers information about psoriasis; tips for hair, skin, and nail care; dermatologist-approved insider secrets for managing the condition; and a searchable database to find a dermatologist near you who specializes in psoriasis. You can find updates from the AAD on Facebook and X.

Psoriasis Association

The Psoriasis Association is a United Kingdom-based charity dedicated to improving the lives of people with psoriasis or other forms of psoriatic disease. Over the years, the Psoriasis Association has donated millions of pounds to fund psoriasis research that aims to understand more about the causes, nature, and care of psoriasis.

The Psoriasis Association hosts an annual Psoriasis Awareness Week, as well as other initiatives and fundraisers to spread knowledge about psoriasis to a wider audience. They also provide educational information directly on their website about psoriatic disease, including how it's treated and how it can affect your day-to-day.

Notably, the Psoriasis Association invites members of the psoriasis community to share their stories about what life with the condition is really like. They offer peer-to-peer support through their Facebook group and various forums, as well as an opportunity to connect with others, share experiences, and seek support.

Inspire's Psoriasis Community Forum

Inspire is an online community that connects people with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis (and their loved ones) to healthcare professionals. Think of it as a place where you can share health information, seek advice, and find support.

To participate, visit their Psoriasis Community forum, an online group for people with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis that counts more than 300,000 people as members. You'll need to create a free account to log in; afterward, you can read posts and comments and interact with other members.

PsoriaSis Collective

Ayesha Patrick founded the PsoriaSis Collective after experiencing a particularly bad psoriasis flare during the COVID-19 pandemic. Frustrated by the lack of available resources for people of colour, she started a Facebook support group, Sistas With Psoriasis, as a safe space to support women of colour who are living with psoriatic disease.

Patrick shares her personal experiences with the world through her blog and connects directly with others through her Facebook group.

https://health.yahoo.com/your-body/dermatology/psoriasis/articles/5-organizations-help-manage-psoriasis-180000582.html

What You Should Know About Psoriasis Remission

From healthline.com

Psoriasis remission is different for everyone, but there are still some things that people have in common. Keep reading to learn more about the process 

What Is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease affecting 2 to 3 percent of the population. Typically, infections cause your body to fight against foreign bacteria or viruses. Autoimmune diseases cause your body to overreact and attack itself.
In other words, your body thinks its own cells are dangerous, so it tries to destroy them. As a result, your body destroys or damages perfectly healthy cells.

Psoriasis is also a chronic condition. After the symptoms first appear and you’re diagnosed, you’ll deal with the condition for the rest of your life. The most common symptoms of psoriasis include:

• red, inflamed patches of skin
• whitish-silvery scales, also known as plaques
• cracked skin that may bleed or ooze
• burning, itching, and soreness
• swollen, stiff joints
• thick, ridged nails

Fortunately, you may not always show symptoms of psoriasis. That’s because psoriasis comes and goes in cycles. Psoriasis may be active, or flare, for a period, and then your condition may improve, or go into remission.

Each person’s cycle is different, but most people can follow the same tips to make remission periods as long and successful as possible.

What Can You Expect During Psoriasis Remission?

For some people, psoriasis remission means your skin will clear almost entirely. You won’t show any physical symptoms of psoriasis. More severe cases of psoriasis can cause scarring. Even during a remission, those scars may remain. Symptoms won’t be triggered by the presence of these scars.

Symptoms may not disappear for everyone. For some people, symptoms may subside enough to no longer be bothersome. This may still be classified as remission depending on your experience and history with psoriasis.

Possible Causes for Psoriasis Remission

The goal of psoriasis treatment is to reduce the symptoms and hopefully end the flare. If treatments are successful, psoriasis may go into remission.

Even without treatment, psoriasis may disappear. Spontaneous remission, or remission that occurs without treatment, is also possible. In that case, it’s likely your immune system turned off its attack on your body. This allows the symptoms to fade.

This doesn’t mean that you won’t ever have another flare. Watch for symptoms of psoriasis so that you can begin treating them if they reappear.

Is There a Timeline for Psoriasis Remission?

Psoriasis is unpredictable, and psoriasis remission has no timeline. Sometimes, remission can be lengthy. You may not experience symptoms for months, even years. Remission can also be short-lived. You may start experiencing symptoms again within a few weeks of them disappearing.

One common psoriasis cycle involves having fewer symptoms and flares during summer months and more symptoms and flares during winter months. That’s likely because of how the two very different environments affect
your skin. The weather in these two seasons can trigger psoriasis symptoms.

Being aware of these triggers and others can help you reduce flare frequency and extend remission periods.

The Most Common Psoriasis Triggers

Although psoriasis may return on its own, something may prod its return. These things are called triggers. Being aware of the most common ones can help you reduce the likelihood of flares and possibly extend periods of remission.

Stress

For some people, overwhelming or unusually high stress can turn up disease activity. Find ways to relax and manage your stress levels to keep psoriasis from flaring.

Weather

The dry, cold environment of winter is harsh for most people’s skin. It’s even worse for delicate skin that’s prone to psoriasis flares. During colder months, keep your skin hydrated and moisturized with lotions and creams.

Sunlight

Just as winter’s cold weather can cause a flare, summer’s bright sun can, too. Too much sunlight can cause skin damage or a skin burn. This can trigger a flare.

Some people react well to small bits of sunlight for treating their psoriasis, but it’s important you work with a doctor to decide how you can sun yourself safely to prevent a flare.

Scrubbing

When you shower, avoid scrubbing with sponges or towels. Being rough on your skin may invite a flare. Instead, gently wash and lather your body and then towel dry your skin.

Chronic Infections

If you have a weakened immune system, you may experience more flares and fewer remissions than other individuals with psoriasis. Bacterial and viral infections, such as chronic strep throat or HIV, can
trigger flares.

An Unhealthy Lifestyle

Smoking, alcohol consumption, and obesity are three of the most common triggers. Taking care of your body includes:

• kicking your tobacco habit
• eating a healthy diet
• getting more exercise
• trying to avoid infections or illnesses

Takeaway

Many treatments are successful at both easing the symptoms of psoriasis and helping bring about remission.

With your doctor’s help, you can find a treatment course that’s right for you. If and when a flare occurs, you’ll feel fully prepared to tackle it and meet the returning symptoms with confidence.

https://www.healthline.com/health/psoriasis/psoriasis-remission?utm_source=ReadNext

12 Ways to Treat Psoriasis at Home

From healthline.com

You may be able to manage mild psoriasis symptoms at home with supplements, moisturizers, or other remedies. Everyone is different, so it’s important to find what works for you and your symptoms.

Although there is no cure for psoriasis, many treatments exist to ease its symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe topicals, systemics, or phototherapy. There are also over-the-counter treatments suitable for mild psoriasis.

There are also home treatments for psoriasis. It is important to note that these treatments should not replace anything your doctor has prescribed, but rather complement it.

You should always talk with your doctor before starting any new treatment for psoriasis, even if it is available over the counter.

1. Take dietary supplements

Dietary supplements may help ease psoriasis symptoms from the inside.

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, dietary supplements that may help mild symptoms of arthritis include:

• fish oil
• vitamin D
• glucosamine
• chondroitin
• methylsulfonylmethane
• s-adenosylmethionine

Check with your doctor before taking supplements to make sure they don’t interfere with other health conditions you may have or medications you’re taking.

2. Prevent dry skin

Use a humidifier to keep the air in your home or office moist. This can help prevent dry skin before it starts.

Moisturizers for sensitive skin can keep your skin supple and moisturized. Try to select heavy creams or ointments instead of lotions. Use moisturizers after showering or washing your hands to lock in moisture.

3. Try aloe vera

Aloe vera has been shown in some cases to reduce the severity of psoriasis. A 2023 review noted that the average Severity Index of Psoriasis Area (PASI) value decreased by 7.7 points in the group using aloe vera after eight weeks.

More human research is needed to show for sure if aloe vera can improve symptoms of psoriasis.

4. Avoid fragrances

Most soaps and perfumes contain fragrances that may irritate your skin. Avoid such products when you can, or choose those with “sensitive skin” labels.

5. Eat healthfully

Diet may play a roleTrusted Source in managing psoriasis.

Foods that may be beneficial include:

• fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon
• fruits
• vegetables

Foods that you may want to avoid include:

• processed red meat
• foods high in added sugar
• foods high in saturated fat

Healthful recipes to try

These recipes contain fish, fruits, and vegetables:

• One-Pan Salmon and Roasted Veggies with Quinoa
• Spicy Salmon Bowls
• Veggie Bibimbap Bowls with Tofu and Kimchi
• Kefir Fruit Salad

6. Soak your body

A lukewarm bath with Epsom salt can soothe the itching and help remove scales. Some anecdotal evidence suggests that oatmeal baths can also be helpful.

Be sure that the water is not hot. Hot water can cause more irritation.

Moisturize immediately after your bath to lock in additional moisture.

7. Try light therapy

Light therapy involves exposing your skin to ultraviolet light under the supervision of a doctor.

Ultraviolet light can help slow the growth of skin cells triggered by psoriasis. This therapy often requires consistent and frequent sessions.

Sitting in the sun may also help reduce plaques. Sunlight contains both UVB and UVA, but UVB works best for psoriasis. UVB from the sun works in the same way as phototherapy. Further, sunlight is not as effective in treating psoriasis compared to prescription phototherapy.

Too much sunlight and tanning beds aren’t the best options as they can also increase your risk of skin cancer. Moreover, certain psoriasis treatments, such as coal tar, can make your skin more susceptible to sunburn.

Using sunlight to treat psoriasis may not be appropriate for everyone. Talk with your healthcare provider to find out if sunlight for psoriasis is right for you.

Light therapy should always be done under the supervision of a doctor.

8. Reduce stress

Stress can be a trigger for psoriasis, and experiencing a psoriasis flare can also increase your stress.

In addition to reducing stress whenever possible, consider incorporating stress-reducing practices such as yoga and meditation.

9. Avoid alcohol

Alcohol can be a trigger for many people who have psoriasis.

According to a 2022 study, increased alcohol use is associated with more severe psoriasis symptoms. Alcohol can also decrease the efficacy of some psoriasis treatments.

Alcohol can also further increase your risk of developing other conditions that you may already be at an increased risk of from psoriasis. These include:

• psoriatic arthritis
• cardiovascular disease
• cancer
• liver disease

Try mocktails

If you enjoy having a drink at the end of the day or in social settings, consider mocktails. Check out the ones compiled here.

10. Try turmeric

Turmeric contains curcumin, an active ingredient with anti-inflammatory effects. It has been found to help reduce psoriasis flare-ups.

Turmeric can be taken as a pill or supplement, or sprinkled on food. Even though turmeric is available over the counter, check with your physician before starting any supplement.

11. Quitting smoking

Avoid tobacco. Smoking may increaseTrusted Source the severity of psoriasis symptoms.

12. Maintain a healthy weight

Being overweight or obese puts you at a greater risk of developing psoriasis. Obesity is also associated with more severe psoriasis symptoms. Studies have found that losing weight can help improve these symptoms.

The takeaway

There isn’t a single “right” way for managing psoriasis symptoms. What works for one person may not work for another.

Some at-home treatments you may consider include aloe vera, avoiding alcohol, and eating healthfully.

While these remedies for psoriasis may help with mild cases, prescription therapy is required for more severe cases. Talk with your doctor before seeking treatment on your own.

https://www.healthline.com/health/psoriasis/treat-symptoms-home#dietary-supplements