Winter skincare tips: How to deal with acne, psoriasis, eczema

From timesnownews.com

Skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, eczema tend to worsen during the winter season because of the dry air. A dermatologist tells us some of the most common skin issues during winters and how to fix them.

Key Highlights

• Opt for milder soaps or body washes that are not very rough on the skin
• Eat foods that promote immunity building and help replace lost moisture in the skin
• A product with a broad spectrum UVA and UVB radiation will help protect the skin during long hours out in the sun during winter

                                                   Photo Credit: Getty Images

New Delhi: People who are already prone to developing dryness in some parts of the body such as the palms, feet, ankle, neck, forearms, etc. might observe more dryness in these areas during the winter season. Conversely, people with oily skin may find that the dry weather exacerbates the oiliness. Individuals who are already suffering from a skin-related disorder such as psoriasis, eczema, find it especially difficult to manage their condition during the cold winter season. It is important to identify your skin type and cope with it accordingly.

People with oily skin may feel the need to repeatedly wash their face, leaving them with dry, tight skin after washing and with very oily skin again a few hours later. Using a gentle, low pH face wash will help remove extra oil without excessively stripping the skin of its natural oils.

How to deal with common winter skin problems

As the temperatures and humidity levels drop, people experience an increase in skin-related issues, particularly dryness in the skin. In this article, Dr Shireen Furtado, Consultant - Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery, Aster CMI Hospital, tells us some of the most common skin issues during winters and how to deal with them:

Sun damage
Often people assume that the sun’s rays will not affect them during the winter season, however, this is not true. Since we don’t feel the heat of the sun’s rays during winters, even those who regularly apply sunscreen tend to forget this step in their routines during the winters. UVA radiation and narrowband UVB radiation can pass through even during winter and cloudy days. A product with a broad spectrum UVA and UVB radiation will help protect the skin during long hours out in the sun during winter.

Flare-ups
Skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, eczema or dermatitis tend to worsen during the winter season because of the dry air. Try to maintain a consistent temperature within the body by wearing warm clothes outside and invest in a humidifier to help increase the moisture content in the air. Use dermatologist-approved skincare products that are light for cleansing the skin and non-comedogenic moisturisers for the problem areas.

Dandruff-related itchiness
It is common to see an increase in dandruff during the colder season. To manage this, use products that have zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole and selenium sulfide. Identify first whether the scaly patches on your scalp are actually dandruff or dry skin because dry skin can easily be treated by using nourishing oils like ghee or coconut oil with a bit of tea tree oil which will help moisturise the scalp.

Winter skincare tips

Eat immune-building foods: Eat foods that promote immunity building and help replace lost moisture in the skin - such as carrots, citrus fruits, ginger, broccoli, leafy greens like spinach. Also include ghee, nuts, fish, seeds, probiotics like curd in your diet to help strengthen your immune system. These foods are also beneficial to the skin - your good health will reflect with clear and glowing skin.

Don’t forget to hydrate: ‘Winter dehydration’ happens because people drink less water during the winters. The urge to drink occurs more often during the summer season and dehydration is usually associated with the hotter seasons. If the skin appears tired (instead of firm), leaves behind white marks upon scratching, wrinkles easily, these are signs of dehydration. Moisturising with quality products/natural items like curd, ghee, etc. while simultaneously consuming moisture-rich foods and drinking ample amounts of water will keep the skin firm and well-hydrated.

Avoid hot showers and harsh soaps: Long hot showers during the winter season are incredibly comforting but are bad for the skin, leading to dryness. Similarly, some soaps are harsher than others and can strip the skin of essential oils and nutrients. Opt for milder soaps or body washes that are not very rough on the skin. Soaps enriched with moisturising properties are even better for the winter season.

Face oils: Face oils such as rosehip oil, argan oil, moringa oil, etc, are lighter and easily absorbed during this time. Also, opt for water-based moisturisers over oil-based moisturisers to help your skin absorb it better. On the other hand, people with dry skin can use oilier moisturisers such as shea butter, coconut oil, malai to replenish the skin of lost nutrients.

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purpose only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.

https://www.timesnownews.com/health/article/winter-skincare-tips-how-to-deal-with-acne-psoriasis-eczema/545490

What is psoriatic arthritis? Symptoms, causes, treatment; tips to improve your joint health

From timesnownews.com

An orthopaedic & joint replacement surgeon tells us all you need to know about psoriatic arthritis- symptoms, causes, risk factors, treatment and lifestyle measures to improve your joint health.

Key Highlights

• Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune condition where the body attacks its own tissues
• The exact cause of the condition is not clear, and symptoms can vary from person to person
• Diagnosis for psoriatic arthritis is usually based on history and physical examination of the joints, skin, and nails

                                                          Photo Credit: Getty Images

New Delhi: Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a form of inflammatory arthritis associated with psoriasis - a skin condition characterised by red, scaly skin patches. The prevalence of psoriasis in the general population is one-three per cent, whereas the prevalence of PsA can range between five per cent and 40 per cent amongst people with psoriasis. It is more common in males and it usually appears in the third to fifth decade of life.

Basically, psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune condition where the body attacks its own tissues. The exact cause of the condition is not clear, however, genetic and environmental factors are known to play a role in its manifestation. PsA can be triggered by stress, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and some infections.

Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis

According to Dr Siddharth Shah, Orthopaedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon, SL Raheja Hospital, Mahim - A Fortis Associate, patients usually develop psoriasis before experiencing joint symptoms, adding that symptoms of PsA can vary from person to person. Some of the common symptoms include:

Joints related symptoms: PsA causes joint inflammation resulting in pain, swelling, stiffness, and deformity. It commonly affects fingers, wrists, toes, ankles, and knees. Many joints of the body can be affected at the same time. Arthritis can also be symmetrical, i.e. the same joint on both sides of the body can be affected. There may be generalised fatigue. Advanced cases of PsA can result in deformities which are usually seen in the hands and the feet.

Tendon and ligament inflammation: This commonly presents as ankle or heel pain. Sometimes, a combination of tendon and joints inflammation in the hands can result in ‘sausage-shaped’ hand deformity.

Neck and back pain: PsA can affect the joints of the spine which can result in neck and back pain.

Skin and nails: Psoriasis causes dry, red, scaly, and itchy skin rash due to rapid turnover of skin cells. It is commonly seen on the scalp, knees, and elbows, although any part of the body surface can be involved. It can also affect the nails resulting in their discolouration and pitting.

How is psoriatic arthritis diagnosed?

Diagnosis for psoriatic arthritis is usually based on history and physical examination of the joints, skin, and nails. Your doctor may also prescribe certain blood tests and X-rays in order to confirm the diagnosis.

How is psoriatic arthritis treated?

You may be prescribed medicines to control inflammation in your joints and prevent further damage. Topical applications may be prescribed for controlling your skin symptoms. Sometimes, injections may be given inside the affected joints to control symptoms.
Joint reconstruction surgery may be required in cases of advanced or irreversible joint damage.

Lifestyle measures to improve your joint health

1. Regular exercise: Exercising regularly can help maintain bone and joint health and joint flexibility. It is recommended that one exercises for 30 minutes daily or at least three-four times per week. Avoid exercises that result in excessive strain on the joints. Depending on the joints involved, your doctor can advise exercises which are suitable for you.
2. Weight management: Being overweight can result in overloading of the joints which causes worsening of symptoms. Maintaining a healthy body weight will help to improve your joint pain and symptoms.
3. Smoking cessation: Smoking is a risk factor and a trigger for psoriasis. Cessation of smoking can help control your condition.
4. Limit alcohol consumption: Excess alcohol can worsen your symptoms and can also react with some of your anti-psoriatic medications.
5. Effective stress management: Stress is an important trigger for psoriasis. Effective coping and stress management strategies coupled with relaxation techniques can help prevent disease ‘flare-ups’ 

There is no cure for psoriatic arthritis, but lifestyle modification along with medication, when necessary, can help keep the disease under control. Timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help prevent joint destruction and permanent disability.

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purpose only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.

https://www.timesnownews.com/health/article/what-is-psoriatic-arthritis-symptoms-causes-treatment-tips-to-improve-your-joint-health/543587

Tips to live a healthy, fulfilling life with Psoriasis

From timesnownews.com/health

People with psoriasis should learn to accept their condition, learn to manage it well and live a full life despite the condition, says a dermatologist. Here's how to stay positive with the skin condition.

Key Highlights

• In psoriasis, people develop thick, itchy and painful skin patches all over the body and often feel embarrassed if their condition is severe and the patches are visible
• Being diagnosed with psoriasis also puts patients at a higher risk of several other medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, eye problems and arthritis
• And here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re living with psoriasis

                 Tips to live a healthy, fulfilling life with Psoriasis  |  Photo Credit: Getty Images

New Delhi: Psoriasis is a lifelong skin condition that can sometimes feel like a heavy burden to carry every single day for the rest of a patient's life. In psoriasis, people develop thick, itchy and painful skin patches all over the body and often feel embarrassed if their condition is severe and the patches are visible. What makes it even worse is the common misconception that psoriasis is contagious, which can make others distance themselves from the patients.

Being diagnosed with psoriasis also puts patients at a higher risk of several other medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, eye problems and arthritis. All of this can affect both the physical and mental health of the patient. Yet, the stress on the patient’s body and mind can worsen the condition, thus, creating a vicious cycle. There is no cure for psoriasis, but patients can manage the symptoms.

How to live better with Psoriasis

“I would like to encourage people with psoriasis to learn to accept their condition, learn to manage it well and live a full life despite psoriasis. What is needed is a deeper understanding of the condition and how to manage it better,” said Dr Arshdeep Kaur, Consultant Dermatologist, Kubba Skin Clinic, New Delhi. And here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re living with psoriasis:

1. Bring your weight under control: Many patients respond better to their psoriasis medication after they have lost the extra kilos and are within their ideal weight range.
2. Follow a healthy lifestyle: Patients can lower their risk of high blood pressure, high lipid, and high blood sugar levels by staying physically active and exercising regularly which significantly improves psoriasis management also.
3. Take care of your mental health: There is a clear link between psoriasis and a higher risk of depression and anxiety. If this is caused by the social stigma they face then it is vital for patients to know that there is no need to be embarrassed because of psoriasis. Instead, they should focus on participating in activities that make them happy, feel relaxed and reduce stress.
4. Give up the ‘vices’: For patients with psoriasis, smoking and alcohol consumption are likely to reduce the effectiveness of treatment and cause the worsening of symptoms. They should talk to their doctor about how to gradually cut down and give up alcohol and cigarette smoking.

Additionally, women with psoriasis who fall in the reproductive age group should also remember the following points:

If you are planning to get pregnant: Speak to your doctor - It is important to bring symptoms under control before trying to conceive. The doctor may also need to change some of the prescribed medications to ensure that the medicines are safe for the baby.

If you are expecting a baby: In some women, psoriasis symptoms can worsen during pregnancy, while for others, the symptoms may get better. In some cases, a doctor may have to lower the dosage of the prescribed treatment dose.
It has been observed that patients who are better informed about their condition are able to manage it better, which improves their overall quality of life. It is also important that patients take their medication as prescribed and visit the doctor as often as recommended.

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a professional healthcare provider if you have any specific questions about any medical matter.

https://www.timesnownews.com/health/article/tips-to-live-a-healthy-fulfilling-life-with-psoriasis/539941

Psoriasis treatment: Including this food in your diet may help relieve the skin condition

From express.co.uk

PSORIASIS is a condition that affects the skin, causing red, flaky and crusty patches of skin and can prove very irritating. But what can you do to treat it? Including a certain food in your diet could help.

Psoriasis often heavily impacts a sufferer’s everyday live. It tends to appear on the elbows, knees and scalp, but any part of the body can be affected. Many sufferers will have tried multiple topical and systemic treatments to tackle the condition to get some relief from their symptoms.
But it can be hard and time consuming to find the right creams and formulas to work, as every case is different.

There is unfortunately no cure for psoriasis although there are several effective medical treatment options, and symptoms may also be improved by understanding specific triggers.

Dr. Daniel Glass of The Dermatology Clinic London, shares his tips on how to help naturally reduce the severity of this condition with Express.co.uk, one of which is to include oily fish in your diet.
Dr Glass explained: “One of the most frequently asked questions by patients with psoriasis is whether dietary changes can improve their condition. Although there are a limited number of controlled trials that address this question, there are some emerging trends which show some promise for psoriasis sufferers.

                                                                       (Image: GETTY)

“A survey of 1206 patients with psoriasis in 2017 showed 40 percent reported modifying their diets to try to help their psoriasis. Although no single diet was adhered to by all patients the most common diets tried included gluten free diet, a palaeolithic diet, low carbohydrate/high protein diet, a Mediterranean diet and a vegetarian diet.

“Those with psoriasis consumed statistically significant lower amounts of sugar, whole grain fibre, dairy products, and calcium (P<.001). Patient diets also included significantly more fruits, vegetables, and legumes.

“Certain foods stood out as more frequently reported to affect symptoms, particularly fish oil, fruits, vegetables, and water, which were all reported by at least 10 percent of people to positively affect their psoriasis. Reductions in consumption of alcohol, gluten, nightshades, and junk foods were associated with skin improvements in at least 50 percent of patients. 

“Consider increasing the amount of oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, tuna and other fish rich in omega 3 into your diet, as well as supplementing with an omega 3 capsule.  Vitamin D has also been shown to improve symptoms in some psoriasis sufferers and is one of the key ingredients of a topical cream I often prescribe to my patients.”

Dr Glass added people with psoriasis have an increased risk of also having coeliac disease and even if not diagnosed with coeliac have increased levels of anti-gliadin antibodies which is found in coeliac disease.

He advised: “Avoidance of gluten can be beneficial in a proportion of patients with psoriasis. In fact, one study of psoriasis patients who were tested positive for antigliadin antibodies found that the majority (82 percent) experienced a decrease in antibody levels and affected skin area after following a gluten-free diet.

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1226115/psoriasis-treatment-diet-oily-fish-omega-3

Ways to keep yourself warm this winter without aggravating psoriasis

From timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Psoriasis is a skin disorder, in which skin cells build up and form scales and itchy, dry patches. This makes the skin build up into rough red patches covered with white scales. They can grow anywhere in the body but most of the time, it appears on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back.

Psoriasis usually appears in early adulthood. Many of the people who are suffering from Psoriasis might have noticed that during winter the Psoriasis symptoms start appearing (especially new onset) and during the summer it subsides naturally. Many of us will ignore this condition thinking that it’s just a skin condition or else some consult doctors and take medication so that symptoms disappear.

The National Psoriasis Foundation estimates that there are 10 to 30% of people with psoriasis can also get a type of arthritis called psoriatic arthritis. It causes pain and swelling in the joints.

Why does psoriasis signs and symptoms get worse in the fall and winter?

Cold and dry weather extracts any moisture from your skin, Psoriasis is a chronic relapsing skin disorder, which causes rapid build up of cells on the surface of the skin. A combination of dry skin, decreased sunlight exposure and cold temperature, all contribute to flare up of psoriasis in winters.

Combating the drying effects of cold temperature and indoor heating can reduce this. The main goal of treatment is to stop rapid growing of skin cells,

Apart from medical treatment, psoriasis can be managed symptomatically by daily lifestyle measures, such as moisturizing, quitting smoking and most important stress management.

Signs of Psoriasis

• Red patches of skin 
• Itching, burning or soreness
• Small scaling spots
• Dry cracked skin that may bleed
• Thickened, pitted or ridged nails
• Swollen and stiff joints

Emollients help hydrate the skin by forming a greasy layer over the skin surface, thereby preventing water loss and retaining moisture in the skin. Commonly used are white soft paraffin and liquid paraffin. For best effect these should be applied immediately after bath and between treatment periods on a regular basis.

Winter Psoriasis treatment strategies

• Moisturizing soap should be preferred during the winter months
• Fragrance free products should be used to avoid allergic reactions
• Short warm baths are preferred over long showers in hot water
• Humidifier should be used to keep indoor air moist and to prevent dryness
• It is of utmost importance to drink plenty of water to keep skin hydrated not only in summers but also in winters.  
• Multiple layers of cotton clothes or a layer of cotton clothes underneath the woollen clothes is preferred, as woollen fabrics can cause irritation and trigger flare-ups
• When outdoors always use a scarf/ hat along with gloves to protect exposed areas of skin.

Natural sunlight contains UV rays, which have an immunosuppressant effect and thus reduce symptoms of psoriasis. This treatment option can be discussed with the doctors. But excessive sun exposure may also trigger flare up of psoriasis. Wearing a sunscreen and limiting sun exposure can prevent this.

If a patient always experiences a flare up during winters, treatment plan should be modified in advance.

DISCLAIMER : Views expressed above are the author's own.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/voices/ways-to-keep-yourself-warm-this-winter-without-aggravating-psoriasis/