Scalp psoriasis: Let these 4 home remedies come to your rescue

From healthshots.com

If your scalp is itchy, flaky, and irritable due to psoriasis, here’s some much-needed help from a dermatologist

You know how sometimes your scalp just breaks into a terrible type of dandruff that you just cannot seem to bring under control? Perhaps, it goes on to become itchy, scaly, or even painful, where the skin from your scalp literally starts peeling off due to dryness, giving all your t-shirts a full-fledged snow-fall feel.

You probably know it in your heart that this problem is way more serious than dandruff, but you just can’t seem to figure out what it is. Well, here’s some clarity on the matter: The flakiness, itchiness, and irritation on the scalp could be a result of a condition known as scalp psoriasis. 

“Psoriasis is an immune-mediated, genetically-determined skin condition which can affect skin, scalp, nails, and joints. When it involves the scalp, we call it scalp psoriasis. It is characterised by thick purple-red plaques with white scaling on them commonly described by patients as excessive dandruff,” says Dr. Bhawna Bhuraria, consultant dermatologist, Kaya Skin Clinic, Gurgaon.

“It can affect any age group but is most common in young adults and can get aggravated by factors like throat infection, selected medications, fever, variety of emotional and physical stress, diabetes, hypertension, obesity,” she adds.

While a lifestyle change involving healthy eating habits and regular exercise along with professional treatment prescribed by an expert is the best way to combat this problem, these home remedies for scalp psoriasis recommended by Bhuraria can help you a great deal as well.

Check ‘em out:

1. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil has antifungal and antibiotic properties. It also helps in the removal of scales or flakes caused due to dryness of the scalp. You can thus, mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a base oil like coconut or olive oil and massage it into your scalp. Leave it on for 10 minutes before washing it out with a mild shampoo.

2. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is known for its anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties that can help reduce skin irritation. Hence, apply aloe vera gel topically on the scalp, leave it on for 15 minutes, and then wash it off with a mild shampoo for a softer, well-nourished scalp.

                               Stress is not good for your hair. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

3. Yogurt
Yogurt has soothing properties and can also be used as an exfoliating agent and help you get rid of the dead skin and flakes on the scalp that can prevent it from breathing. So, mix 2-3 tablespoons of plain yoghurt into a mashed banana or with an egg, massage it into your hair and scalp, leave it on for 15 minutes before washing it out thoroughly, again, using a mild shampoo that suits you.

4. Apple cider vinegar
According to several studies including the one published in the journal Science Reports, apple cider vinegar possesses anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. It can, thus, help you get rid of the flakes and any fungal or bacterial accumulation on the scalp.

You can try this remedy if your scalp psoriasis hasn’t gone out of whack because apple cider vinegar can sometimes backfire and spark off irritation in the scalp as well. The best way to use it is to dilute it in almost 3-4 parts of water and rinse your scalp with it after shampooing, followed by washing it off with water.

https://www.healthshots.com/beauty/hair-care/scalp-psoriasis-let-these-4-home-remedies-come-to-your-rescue/

COVID-19 lockdown can be used to manage psoriasis

From newindianexpress.com

Psoriasis can be an ordeal for those living with it even in the best of times

HYDERABAD: Psoriasis can be an ordeal for those living with it even in the best of times. However, if the right techniques are utilised to manage this chronic condition, the ongoing COVID-19 lockdown could be utilised to manage this auto-immune condition. Managing psoriasis while staying at home not only gives more time to be cognizant about skin health, but also keeps one safe from the risk of contracting Covid-19 infection.

The prolonged period of time spent at home, may also help psoriasis patients understand the patterns of their remissions better, thereby improving overall therapy plans and lifestyle habits with advice from their medical experts. During the lockdown, psoriasis patients might not be able to visit their dermatologist for consultation.

Therefore, it is important to touch base with them through teleconsultation to discuss any changes that they may be required in their treatment regime. Keep the dermatologist informed if you experience any noticeable changes with the skin. Being confined to home, isolation, or overburden of managing office and housework, could put people under stress, which is a trigger for psoriasis flare-ups. Hence, it is important to stay positive, which would not only help manage the symptoms of psoriasis, but will also benefit overall physical and mental well-being.
– Dr Vijaya Bhaskar Mallela, MD, FAAD, Head, Department of Dermatology, Omni Super Specialty Hospitals, Hyderabad

What is prosiasis?
1. It is an auto immune condition and is not contagious.

2. In psoriasis, new skin cells develop more rapidly (three-four days), than they normally do (30-40 days), not allowing body enough time to shed the older ones


3. This leads to a build-up on the skin’s surface and appears as dry, itchy, flaky and red patches.

Medical experts recommend
1. Follow the treatment plan recommended by your dermatologist. Get adequate amount of sleep, wear loose cotton clothing, and forgo fried and processed food


2. Avoid using alcohol-based hand sanitisers, as they can make your already dry psoriasis skin worse. A gentle cleanser used appropriately (at least 20 seconds with warm water) will do the job


3. Wearing face masks and gloves, and using chemical disinfectants in the home may harm skin


4. Consuming a diet loaded with fruits and green vegetables that are rich in Omega 3 and Vitamins is beneficial. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to psoriasis. While this deficiency does not cause psoriasis, it may impact the body’s ability to keep the skin healthy which may increase flare ups


5. Practice meditation, and relaxation breathing exercises


6. Avoid soaking in a hot bath and opt for shorter and lukewarm showers. Moisturise your skin adequately with the right solution

https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/hyderabad/2020/may/27/covid-19-lockdown-can-be-used-to-manage-psoriasis-2148361.html

5 lifestyle changes that can help fight psoriasis

From freemalaysiatoday.com

Psoriasis is an auto-immune disease that affects your skin and has no cure. But changing one’s daily routine can help.

Here are five lifestyle changes to help keep psoriasis in check so you can perform daily activities with less discomfort.

1. Manage stress through meditation

The link between stress and psoriasis is undeniable — stress is seen as a likely cause of inflammation in the body, which in turn results in skin flare-ups.

It is important to take steps to alleviate stress, starting with meditation, which has been touted as one of the most effective (and cost-effective) methods to do so. In fact, studies have shown that daily meditation can relieve stress and ease anxiety.

A study published in Frontiers in Immunology concluded that meditation, which includes yoga and tai chi, is capable of altering a person’s DNA.

Researchers also found that those who consistently practise exercises involving the mind and body as part of their lifestyle produce fewer cytokines (proteins that can cause inflammation). This results in a reduced risk of psoriasis as well as cancer and depression.

2. Re-evaluate eating habits

Taking baby steps today can result in giant strides towards better health tomorrow. While this may be a general belief on maintaining good health, it particularly rings true for individuals with psoriasis. Making small tweaks to your diet can help subdue the skin disease and its symptoms.

Making small tweaks to your diet can help subdue the skin disease of psoriasis and its symptoms. (Rawpixel pic)

These proven methods include eating more vegetables, replacing white bread and rice with whole grains or doing away with processed foods altogether. Avoiding foods that contain saturated fats, trans-fatty acids and excessive amounts of salt can also help prevent inflammation in your body.

Alternatively, following a diet focused on weight loss is beneficial for keeping psoriasis under control. Obesity has been linked to an increased risk of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, apart from reducing the effectiveness of medications.

Eating more fish, lean meat, fruit, and vegetables and consuming fat-free or low-fat dairy products, coupled with a disciplined fitness routine as part of one’s lifestyle, will encourage weight loss as well as ease life with psoriasis, boosting the effectiveness of your medicines and lowering the risk of heart disease.

3. Sweat your way to better psoriasis control

Regular exercise, which particularly incorporates aerobic workouts, is considered one of the best ways to alleviate the stress that can contribute to the onset of psoriasis.
Be it a dance class or the practice of yoga flow, an aerobic workout has been proven to provide immediate positive mental benefits to the body.
It can be difficult for individuals suffering from psoriasis to incorporate exercise in their lifestyle, given that visible plaques, scaly and flaky skin can be uncomfortable and make one self-conscious, especially in the gym.

The only motivation needed to make this a daily priority is to understand its role in improving one’s overall mood, lowering stress and controlling one’s weight.

Regular exercise also reduces the risk of other diseases associated with psoriasis, such as Crohn’s disease, liver, kidney and heart problems.
And, if going to the gym is too uncomfortable, there are plenty of other ways to get a good workout — go on a trail run, cycle around the neighbourhood or even follow a workout video routine at home.

4. Choose the right body and skincare products

For those with psoriasis, certain types of skincare products may do more harm than good. These include deodorant soaps and body scrubs, which should be avoided at all cost.

Others you should avoid include those with fragrances, dyes and chemicals as they can dry out the skin, causing a burning sensation and redness. Opt for natural bath products such as Epsom salts or moisturising ointments, which can help alleviate scaly skin and itching.

When applying makeup, always ensure the products used are labelled “non-comedogenic” or “non-acnegenic”.

Non-comedogenic refers to products that will not clog the pores upon application, while non-acnegenic refers to products that will not cause acne for those with acne-prone skin.
Using alcohol-free, fragrance-free and hypoallergenic skincare products is also good for individuals with psoriasis as they tend to be less irritating to the skin than their more abrasive counterparts.

5. Quit smoking

Cigarette smoking has been associated with psoriasis as nicotine is seen as the link between the two.
Nicotine alters the immune system, increasing the risk of it attacking and killing normal tissue instead of foreign invaders, resulting in chronic inflammation that leads to psoriasis.

It is said that other ingredients contained in cigarettes cause “oxidative” cell damage that can worsen psoriasis.

Quitting smoking offers a host of benefits when it comes to keeping psoriasis in check. It enables increased responsiveness in certain individuals to medications used to treat psoriasis.
It reduces the risk of developing other diseases associated with psoriasis, such as Crohn’s disease, or illnesses that affect the heart, liver and gums. It helps increase the number of psoriasis remission periods during which there are little or no skin flare-ups.

Psoriasis is a long-term skin condition that can come and go at any time during an individual’s lifetime.
And while a number of different environmental and lifestyle factors can trigger a flare-up, gaining an understanding of these and making the necessary lifestyle changes can help improve your symptoms, making it easier to live with the condition.

This article first appeared on Hello Doktor and was medically reviewed by Dr Joseph Tan. The Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/2020/05/21/5-lifestyle-changes-that-can-help-fight-psoriasis/

Causes and treatments for cracked skin on hands and feet

From medicalnewstoday.com

For many people, cracked skin appears or gets worse during the winter, when dry air can lead to dryness on the hands, lips, or feet.

Sometimes cracked skin occurs due to a skin condition, such as eczema or psoriasis, or because the skin came into contact with an irritating substance.
Cracked skin can also be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. For example, people living with diabetes may notice cracked skin on their soles.

In this article, we will cover some common causes of cracked skin on hands, feet, and lips plus treatments and home remedies that may help.

What is cracked skin?

According to the American Association of Dermatology (AAD), the fissures, or cuts, that mark cracked skin typically occur when a person’s skin is dry or irritated. Dry and cracked skin can:

• itch
• flake
• bleed

Some people may feel unpleasant sensations when applying any product to cracked skin. Their skin may also feel more sensitive to water temperature and household cleaning products.
Cracked skin can appear on any part of the body, but it is especially noticeable on exposed areas, such as the hands.

Causes

Cracked skin on the hands, feet, and lips can develop for a variety of reasons.

Dry skin

The AAD note that harsh winter temperatures and wind can irritate the skin. When air humidity drops, the skin can become dry and start to crack.
In cold or dry weather, many people also develop dry and cracked lips. Licking, biting, and picking can make cracked lips worse.

Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is an itchy, dry skin rash that develops when a person comes into contact with a specific substance. This may occur because a person has an allergy, or because the substance is toxic or irritating.

For example, someone with a latex allergy may develop contact dermatitis while wearing latex gloves. During the flu season, frequent hand washing can also cause dryness, itchiness, or cracking. This also applies to hand washing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Eczema

People with eczema, or atopic dermatitis, have dry and itchy skin. The skin may look red and inflamed. Often, scratching will make the rash worse.

Eczema occurs when the skin barrier allows too much moisture to escape. The lack of moisture leads to dryness and, sometimes, cracked skin. It is not always clear what causes eczema, but it can run in families.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that affects the skin. People with psoriasis have patches of extremely dry skin, typically on the scalp, trunk, and around the joints. However, patches can appear anywhere on the body. Some people with psoriasis also experience pain.

Athlete’s foot

Athlete's foot, or tinea pedis, is an infection of the feet caused by ringworm. Ringworm is a type of fungus. Symptoms of athlete’s foot include:

• itchiness
• a rash between the toes
• skin peeling
• cracking of the skin

People are more likely to get athlete’s foot if they spend a lot of time in water, sweat a lot, or wear shoes that do not allow the skin to breathe.

Diabetic neuropathy

People living with diabetes may develop problems with their feet. This includes dry or cracked skin.
Due to changes in their nervous system, people with diabetes have feet that sweat less. While too much moisture is a risk factor for athlete’s foot, too little can make the skin dry, causing fissures.

As some people cannot see the soles of their feet, they must rely on a partner or their doctor to check them. Cracked skin on the feet can go unnoticed until the person develops an infection or a painful skin ulcer.

Treatment

The treatment a person tries will depend on the cause and location of their cracked skin.
For cracking that occurs in cold weather or as a result of frequent hand washing, The AAD recommend keeping the skin hydrated. A person can do this by applying fragrance- and dye-free hand cream or ointment immediately after washing the hands.

When choosing a moisturizer for cracked skin, people should look for these beneficial ingredients:

• olive oil
• jojoba oil
• shea butter
• lactic acid
• urea
• dimethicone
• hyaluronic acid
• glycerin
• lanolin
• mineral oil

As alcohol-based hand sanitizers can also cause dryness, dermatologists also recommend applying moisturizer after using them.

People with eczema and psoriasis also benefit from moisturizers to prevent flare-ups and protect the skin. However, they may require additional treatments to control flare-ups. This can include:

• corticosteroid creams
• calcineurin inhibitors
• medications
• UV light therapy

If the skin has become infected, a doctor may also prescribe antibiotic ointment or tablets.

According to one article, people with athlete’s foot may need to change their footwear or apply talc to prevent sweating. They may also need to use antifungal products to treat ringworm.

An article in the International Journal of Nursing Studies suggests that a lack of blood flow in the feet can contribute to cracked skin in people with diabetes. Managing blood flow to the feet by wearing compression stockings may help.

Home remedies

To prevent cracked skin from getting worse, people should avoid washing their hands with hot water. Hot baths and showers can worsen dry or cracked skin. Dermatologists recommend:

• using warm rather than hot water
• closing the door of the bathroom to lock in moisture
• limiting time in the shower to a maximum of 10 minutes
• washing with a small quantity of a gentle fragrance-free cleanser
• drying the skin by blotting, not rubbing
• applying moisturizer immediately after blotting

Doctors also recommend that people wear gloves to protect their hands when:

• going outside in the winter
• performing tasks that get the hands wet
• using harsh chemicals, degreasers, and other substances

Some dermatologists recommend using a humidifier in the house if the air is dry. According to the AAD, humidifiers may also help to treat dry lips.

Lip balms can also help soothe dry or cracked lips. However, some lip balms may cause burning or stinging due to their ingredients. It is important to choose a non-irritating lip balm if you have cracked lips.

Certain fabrics can irritate dry skin. It may help to wear smooth, breathable fabrics, such as cotton or silk, and to avoid textured materials, such as wool. Using hypoallergenic laundry detergents and fabric softeners may also help to reduce irritation.

Complications

People with cracked skin are more prone to infections because the skin barrier is broken. Bacteria and other germs can get inside the skin and cause an infection.
People who notice pain, redness, inflammation or pus at the site of the fissure must see a doctor. Fissures can also start to bleed.

People living with diabetes have poor circulation in their feet and may have dysfunctions in their nervous system. These conditions can cause dry skin and cracks that are slow to heal.
Sometimes fissures on the soles of the feet can develop into painful ulcers, which can make it challenging for people to stand or walk. According to one article, some people with diabetes may require amputation if their ulcers become severe.

When to see a doctor

If moisturizing frequently and avoiding behaviours that cause cracked skin do not help, a person should speak with a doctor. The doctor can check for any underlying conditions.
A pharmacist can help a person choose an appropriate cream or ointment to soothe cracked hands and feet.
People who have signs of complications from cracked skin must also speak with a doctor. These signs include skin that is:

• red
• inflamed
• painful
• hot

People with diabetes should see a doctor if they develop ulcers from cracked skin on the soles of the feet. Ulcers can make it difficult to walk and require medical attention.

Summary

Cracked skin on hands and feet is common in winter, but can also occur with certain skin conditions, such as eczema and athlete’s foot. To prevent cracked skin, people should avoid using hot water and harsh chemicals, and moisturize after washing.

People with skin conditions that lead to cracked skin may require medication to treat the underlying cause. If moisturizing frequently and avoiding triggers does not help, a person should speak to their doctor.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cracked-skin#summary

How Drinking Can Affect Your Psoriatic Arthritis

From healthcentral.com

If you have psoriatic arthritis (PsA), you may be wondering if you should give up your nightly glass of wine or your weekend cocktails. Well, that depends. There actually haven’t been a whole lot of studies on the relationship between alcohol and psoriasis, and even fewer on alcohol and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). To help you weigh the risks of drinking when you have PsA, here’s an overview of what experts know about the relationship between the two right now.

Research Is Cloudy, But There Are Helpful Takeaways

Take for instance a recent review that looked at the available research on alcohol and psoriasis. The scientists concluded that “more research is needed” to get a better handle on whether alcohol does indeed trigger or worsen psoriasis and if so, how much alcohol it takes. (We know. Super helpful.) That said, other studies have found several links between drinking, psoriasis, and PsA, especially where medication is concerned, so there is some evidence that alcohol could potentially have negative effects.

If You Have Psoriasis, Alcohol Could Up Your Risk for PsA

A 2020 study in The British Journal of Dermatology (BJD) investigated whether factors such as obesity, smoking, and drinking put people with psoriasis at a higher risk for developing PsA. They found that having up to three drinks per day increased the odds by 57%. But this isn't a guarantee, notes Brett Smith, D.O., a rheumatologist at Blount Memorial Physicians Group in Alcoa, TN. Plus, “you can do everything ‘right’ by maintaining a normal BMI, not smoking and not drinking, and still develop a rheumatic disease,” Dr. Smith says.

Drinking May Worsen Your Quality of Life

Alcohol is a potential trigger for flare-ups because it increases inflammation, particularly in your joints. "Alcohol can also make patients more tired, have more pain, and become less functional,” says Shaiba Ansari-Ali, M.D., a rheumatologist at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, IL. Plus, the extra calories can increase your weight over time, potentially escalating inflammation, Dr. Smith adds. If you notice that your PsA symptoms get worse after drinking, try tracking your alcohol intake and symptoms to see for sure. Simply cutting back may make a difference.

                                                                Getty Images      

Alcohol Could Further Raise Your Heart-Disease Risk

Heavy drinking can make you more prone to metabolic syndrome, a group of conditions that puts you at higher risk for heart disease. Both heart disease and metabolic syndrome are already more common in PsA patients anyway, thanks to underlying inflammation, says Dr. Ansari-Ali. So while an occasional drink may be fine, you could be increasing your risk for heart disease and other health problems later on if you regularly overdo it.

Drinking May Interfere With Your Medication

Alcohol may reduce your medication’s effectiveness, which could decrease your response to treatment, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation. Drinking can also increase your risk of side effects. For instance, consuming alcohol when you’re taking something as seemingly harmless as over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin, Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen) ups your chances of having a faster heartbeat, upset stomach, bleeding, and stomach ulcers.

You Shouldn’t Drink at all With Certain Medications

Experts do know for sure that alcohol can lead to serious issues when you’re taking specific medications. Avoid alcohol altogether if you’re on one of the most common types of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) like Otrexup or Trexall (methotrexate), Azulfidine (sulfasalazine) or Arava (leflunomide), advises Dr. Smith. Why?

Alcohol Can Contribute to Liver Damage

First off, having PsA increases your risk for non-alcoholic fatty-liver disease (NAFLD), or “fatty liver.” NAFLD can eventually cause cirrhosis, which is scarring. Second, many PsA medications are processed through the liver; if you have NAFLD, too, “this ‘double hit’ can lead to more liver damage,” Dr. Ansari-Ali says. Adding alcohol to the mix is a potential triple whammy. “You could have NAFLD and normal liver function on blood tests, but over time, alcohol consumption can scar the liver permanently, especially in combination with various medications,” says Dr. Smith.

What’s Best for You May Not Be What’s Best for Another PsA Patient

As you can see, the evidence isn’t exactly crystal clear on precisely how alcohol contributes to or affects PsA. “Complete avoidance of alcohol is not necessarily needed, but it does depend on each individual’s circumstance,” Dr. Smith says. Weighing the benefits and risks may help if you’re trying to make a decision. For instance, if alcohol is clearly making your symptoms worse, you already have heart or liver disease, or you’re taking certain medications, it might be reasonable to teetotal. Cutting back can also help if you're trying to lose weight.    

Wondering if You Should Make a Change? Ask Your Doctor

Don’t forget to let your rheumatologist weigh in. They may have some valuable insight on your unique health challenges and needs, plus they can answer questions and give you other resources to help if you think you need to quit for good, especially if you’re having a hard time.

https://www.healthcentral.com/slideshow/psoriatic-arthritis-alcohol