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

Rosacea treatments: What works?

From health.harvard.edu

By Julie Corliss

A range of therapies can address the facial redness, pimples, and other symptoms of this chronic skin condition

There’s no cure for rosacea, a skin condition marked by flushing, redness, and pimple-like bumps, mainly on the cheeks and nose. While many prescription creams and gels can help manage rosacea symptoms, a new scientific review suggests that two products—ivermectin 1% cream (Soolantra) and encapsulated benzoyl peroxide cream (Epsolay) — are the most effective topical options for bumps (see “A review of rosacea treatments”).

“The findings aligned with what we often see when treating people with rosacea,” says lead author Dr. John Barbieri, a dermatologist who specializes in inflammatory skin diseases at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital. But rosacea can cause a range of symptoms that can appear at different times, either alone or in combination. As a result, the optimal treatment for each individual might include one or more medications, including those you spread on the affected area (topical), take as a pill (oral), or that are  light-based (such as laser therapy).

What is rosacea?

Rosacea usually begins between the ages of 30 and 60. While the exact cause is unknown, experts believe genetic factors play a role, along with a weak skin barrier (which lets irritants in and moisture out), inflammation, and certain microorganisms like bacteria and Demodex mites (which are naturally present on everyone’s skin). “People with rosacea may also have extra-sensitive blood vessels and nerves, or what’s called neurovascular reactivity,” says Dr. Barbieri. That likely explains the recurrent flushing and redness, which can affect the cheeks, nose, chin, or forehead.

Over time, the redness may become more pronounced and persistent, and people may develop small, pimple-like bumps, known as papules or pustules. “Some people have tiny, broken blood vessels called telangiectasia. And some develop rhinophyma, which is a thickening of the skin on the nose,” says Dr. Barbieri. Rosacea can also cause irritation of the eyelids and eyes, which may appear bloodshot.

Rosacea is more common in women, who are more likely to have flushing and redness. Men are more likely to develop rhinophyma, but both sexes can experience all of the symptoms.

What causes rosacea flares?

Rosacea symptoms often flare up in response to certain environmental or lifestyle factors. Common examples include sun exposure, emotional stress, hot or cold weather, hot drinks, alcohol, and spicy foods. All can increase blood flow and cause the small blood vessels in the face to widen. “If you have rosacea, it can help to be aware of your triggers and try to avoid them when possible, but don’t make yourself miserable by being too restrictive,” Dr. Barbieri advises.

The best rosacea treatment for you

The best treatment for anyone with rosacea should be tailored to address the most bothersome symptoms. Ivermectin cream works by killing Demodex mites and helps calm inflammation. Benzoyl peroxide, which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, is also used to treat acne, but it can irritate the skin. The encapsulated version is formulated to help minimize irritation. Even so, the recent review found that compared to people using other products, those using encapsulated benzoyl peroxide were more likely to stop due to side effects such as pain, itching, and swelling. Other topical treatments for pimple-like bumps include metronidazole (MetroCream, MetroGel) and azelaic acid (Azelex, Finacea). They help eradicate the bacteria thought to contribute to rosacea, says Dr. Barbieri.

If papules and pustules don’t improve with topical medications, dermatologists may prescribe oral antibiotics such as doxycycline (Oracea) or minocycline (Emrosi). These are usually taken for several months and sometimes longer. These pills may also help people with ocular rosacea, which causes eye-related symptoms such as redness and dryness, and affects about 10% of people with rosacea.

For people whose main symptoms are flushing and redness, medications that constrict the tiny blood vessels on the face can help. These include the topical drugs brimonidine (Mirvaso) and oxymetazoline (Rhofade). Procedures such as vascular laser therapy can also be helpful, especially for telangiectasia.

No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

https://www.health.harvard.edu/skin-and-hair-health/rosacea-treatments-what-works

Her Hand Eczema Lasted a Year, and the Culprit Was Hiding in Her Moist Toilet Paper

From medicaldaily.com

For a year, a 53-year-old teacher in Madrid tried cream after cream for eczema on both hands. Nothing worked for long. The answer turned out to be in her bathroom: the moist toilet paper she used every day.

Dermatologists at Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón and Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal described the case in the journal Contact Dermatitis, writing that "to our knowledge, this is the first reported case" of allergic contact dermatitis caused by benzyl alcohol in moist toilet paper. The ingredient is common in cosmetics and medicines, and it is the American Contact Dermatitis Society's Allergen of the Year for 2026.

(Editorial Illustration via AI)

A Clue Hidden in Which Hand Was Worse

The woman, who was right-handed, had no relevant medical or skin history and no chemical exposure at work or in her hobbies. Her eczema affected both hands but was worse on the left.

Topical corticosteroids gave only partial relief, and the rash returned soon after she stopped them. Some formulations of one steroid cream, methylprednisolone aceponate, actually made her worse. Those products turned out to contain benzyl alcohol as an inactive ingredient, meaning the treatment itself may have been feeding the problem.

Patch testing, in which small amounts of suspected allergens are taped to the skin and checked days later, produced strong reactions to the preservatives methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone, and to butylhydroquinone. Benzyl alcohol produced only a "doubtful" reaction, as did Peru balsam. None of her other hygiene or cosmetic products contained the allergens that tested strongly positive, so the search continued.

The Bathroom Product Nobody Suspected

The patient ultimately found the answer herself. Benzyl alcohol was listed among the ingredients of the moist toilet paper she used routinely, holding it in her left hand, and occasionally used to clean her hands. That explained why the left hand was worse.

After she stopped using the product, her eczema cleared completely within two months. Doctors confirmed the link with a repeated open application test, applying the moist toilet paper to her forearm for a week, which produced a positive reaction.

There was a bonus. Stopping the product also resolved a long-standing itch that had been blamed on haemorrhoids.

The case authors wrote that benzyl alcohol sensitization typically occurs in people with chronic skin disease who use topical medicines such as corticosteroids, antifungals, antibiotics and antiseptics. That pattern fits a patient whose steroid cream contained the very ingredient she was reacting to.

They also noted that "most reactions to benzyl alcohol are weak, doubtful or irritant-like," which makes it "a diagnostically challenging allergen." In this case, the weak patch test result could easily have been dismissed.

Why Benzyl Alcohol Is Getting a Closer Look

Benzyl alcohol is used as a preservative, solvent, and fragrance ingredient in personal care products, medications, and injectables. In naming it the 2026 Allergen of the Year, the American Contact Dermatitis Society pointed out that it is not included in many standard patch test series, so allergies may go undiagnosed.

True allergy remains uncommon, and experts still debate how much it matters. A large analysis from a German-led network of dermatology clinics in Germany, Austria and Switzerland found that of 70,867 patients patch tested with benzyl alcohol from 2010 to 2019, 146, or 0.21%, reacted, and 89% of those reactions were only weakly positive. Those researchers concluded that sensitization occurs very rarely, mainly in people with a leg-skin condition called stasis dermatitis.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's guidance on allergens in cosmetics lists fragrances and preservatives among the common culprits and notes that there is no federal standard or definition for "hypoallergenic." The agency advises consumers to check ingredient labels.

Moist Toilet Paper Has a History with Skin Allergies

The product category is not new to dermatologists. In 2010, Mayo Clinic researchers reported in Archives of Dermatology on four adults whose rashes around the anus and genitals were traced to the preservative methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone in moist toilet paper. Their rashes improved dramatically after they stopped using it.

Preservatives in wipes became a bigger concern in the years that followed. The American Contact Dermatitis Society named methylisothiazolinone its Contact Allergen of the Year for 2013. An analysis of North American patch test data from 2011 to 2014, published in Dermatitis, found that 79 of 9,037 patients, or 0.9%, reacted to allergens associated with wet wipes, and methylisothiazolinone accounted for most of those reactions.

What sets the Madrid case apart is the ingredient and the location. Allergic reactions to wet wipes usually show up where the wipes are used most, around the buttocks and genitals. Here, the most visible sign was on the hands.

That matters because hand eczema is common. A 2021 meta-analysis in Contact Dermatitis estimated that 14.5% of people develop it at some point, with women affected more often than men. Most cases have other causes, but a persistent rash that resists treatment can point to a hidden allergen.

The American Academy of Dermatology says a dermatologist may recommend patch testing when skin keeps itching and breaking out in rashes. The case is a single report and does not mean moist toilet paper is unsafe for most people. It does suggest that when eczema will not quit, the products people handle every day deserve a second look.

Key Questions Answered

What caused the woman's hand eczema?

Doctors linked it to benzyl alcohol in the moist toilet paper she used daily, including occasionally to clean her hands. Her eczema cleared completely after she stopped using the product.

Why was her left hand worse?

She held the moist toilet paper in her left hand, so that hand had the most contact with the ingredient.

How did doctors confirm the allergy?

Her patch test reaction to benzyl alcohol was only doubtful, so doctors applied the moist toilet paper to her forearm for a week. That test produced a positive reaction.

Is benzyl alcohol allergy common?

No. In a study of nearly 71,000 patch-tested patients, about 0.2% reacted to it, mostly weakly. It was named the 2026 Allergen of the Year partly because standard testing may miss it.

Should people stop using moist toilet paper?

This is a single case, and most people use these products without problems. People with a persistent rash should talk with a dermatologist, who may recommend patch testing.

https://www.medicaldaily.com/moist-toilet-paper-benzyl-alcohol-hand-eczema-479243