Malaysian mum ostracised at work due to psoriasis shares importance of skin disease awareness

From todayonline.com

PETALING JAYA — Living with a chronic condition is tough, and even more so when that condition carries the weight of social stigma with it.

Ms Marsitah Mansor, 36, has been battling psoriasis for nearly nine years and has faced several challenges throughout her journey.                                 

One of the most difficult hurdles she had to overcome was social stigma in the workplace and her personal life. The autoimmune disease, which typically manifests in red and inflamed skin, was so severe that Ms Marsitah had to keep a personal vacuum cleaner by her desk as her skin would flake off as she worked.

In an interview with Malay Mail, she recalled an incident where she sat down at a meeting table, only to have everyone else sit across from her as they were under the false impression that psoriasis is contagious.

“There was only me sitting at one side and everyone else sat in front of me. At that time, I was so sad and felt a lot of pain inside. I was trying my best to explain that psoriasis is not contagious but it was not enough,” said Ms Marsitah.

The social stigma was so overwhelming that Ms Marsitah switched jobs four years ago because she could no longer bear the way people treated her at work.

Her self-esteem was also badly affected as the psoriasis drew unwelcome stares and questions from other people.

“I could feel strangers staring at me and it felt like they were thinking, ‘What happened to this girl?’
“I also stopped visiting my relatives’ homes because I was very defensive about the way I looked and their perceptions of my disease.

“My relationship with my husband was also affected as he is a seafarer and is often away from home, but whenever he came back, he saw my condition getting worse and worse.”

Marsitah Mansor via Malay Mail.  The social stigma caused Marsitah to leave her old job as her psoriasis continued to get worse

COMING TO TERMS WITH PSORIASIS

Ms Marsitah said her skin first became inflamed when she was five months into her first pregnancy in 2012. It started with a small circle of irritated skin around her belly button which eventually spread to other parts of her body.

The condition came as a big shock to Ms Marsitah as she had never faced any skin problems in her life up until then.

She consulted her obstetrician about the problem and was told that the inflammation was caused by a hormonal issue and would clear up once she gave birth.

“That was the first thought when I started having this disease. I just went with it because I thought that the inflamed skin would go away after my pregnancy. At that time, I didn’t take any medicine or creams to reduce the inflammation,” said Ms Marsitah.

Her condition gradually deteriorated and she began developing inverse psoriasis, which causes red and inflamed lesions in the body’s skin folds.

While she couldn’t put a name to the disease at the time, seeing her late father-in-law living with psoriasis helped Ms Marsitah find temporary relief as he offered to lend her his creams to alleviate her condition.

It worked for a while but Ms Marsitah’s condition eventually worsened during her second pregnancy in 2014. Her inverse psoriasis was so severe that it prevented her from leaving the house and playing sports as the skin lesions were too painful, especially in Malaysia’s hot and humid climate.

Ms Marsitah also developed plaque psoriasis on her scalp which makes it harder for her to wear her hijab comfortably.

THE TURNING POINT

It took Ms Marsitah five years to sum up the courage to see a specialist for her psoriasis and one of her biggest regrets is not seeking professional treatment sooner.

In 2017, the psoriasis covered 95 per cent of her skin and it was impossible to tell what her original skin colour was due to the widespread inflammation over her body.

The inflammation on her scalp was so bad that she was forced to shave off her hair as well.

“I had started getting pustular psoriasis and I even had to shave my head for a year because the psoriasis on my head was too painful. My self-esteem plummeted and the psoriasis began showing up on parts of my body I couldn’t hide, like my face and hands.”

Ms Marsitah initially took steroids to control her condition and started taking regular biologic injections in 2018, a form of treatment that has started to become more accessible in Malaysia in recent years.

Her psoriasis is now close to 95 per cent clear and she currently works at a company that is supportive of her situation.

“I have a great boss who’s very understanding and a good team who knows about my condition. Once, my psoriasis was so bad that I couldn’t even walk and they told me that I can just work in the office for a week and once I feel better, I can go out to settle our work tasks again.

“The environment is much more positive and I’m very thankful.”

STAYING AWAY FROM FALSE REMEDIES

As time went on, Ms Marsitah’s family also learned more about the problems she was facing and she’s grateful to have them as a strong support network as she deals with her disease.

She advised those living with psoriasis to not waste money on snake oil products and opened up about her experience of using such items as well.

Being in denial over her psoriasis at the beginning was a big factor that led her to spend a huge sum of money on “miracle products” promising a cure for her condition.

“I spent so much on alternative medicine and supplements because I was desperate to find a cure. Back then, I couldn’t accept that I had psoriasis and it was not easy for me to deal with the truth because I was born with healthy skin. But I strongly advise people to seek specialist advice and not to rely on supplements that make empty promises.”

Advances in technology have made it possible to provide a tailored approach to treating psoriasis through biologics.

Sunway Medical Centre dermatologist Dr Bong Jan Ling said it’s important for people living with psoriasis to seek medical advice early as the condition can be more difficult to deal with if left untreated for long periods.

“Especially for those in the category of severe psoriasis, the disease can ruin their life. Mainly, it’s not life-threatening but the quality of life (is affected) and it has significant implications.

“Skin diseases come with a great degree of stigma as well, especially if the skin is flaky, shedding, and red,” Dr Bong told Malay Mail.

Dr Bong added that Ms Marsitah’s story is important because it highlights the need to combat social stigma and dispel harmful myths about psoriasis which can lead to ostracisation.

Medical treatments backed by science are the best ways to control psoriasis and Dr Bong said it’s important for patients to know that they can still lead fulfilling lives despite their condition. 

https://www.todayonline.com/world/malaysian-mum-ostracised-work-due-psoriasis-shares-importance-skin-disease-awareness

Six common psoriasis questions, answered by dermatologists

From sierrasun.com

Psoriasis affects more than eight million people in the United States. Often painful and occasionally embarrassing, what is it, and how can it be treated? The Dermatologists at Skin Cancer & Dermatology Institute answer these and other common questions. 

Q: What is psoriasis?

A: Psoriasis is an auto-immune disorder that, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, causes the body to accelerate the production of skin cells in days rather than weeks. As cells begin to pile up on the skin’s surface, scaly patches are created. Patches can grow anywhere; however, the most commons areas are the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. Symptoms can start at any age, more often beginning between the ages of 15 and 25. Men, women, and children of all skin tones can get psoriasis.

Q: What causes psoriasis?

A: People who have certain genes are more likely to get psoriasis. If your parents, grandparents, or siblings have psoriasis, it increases the likelihood of getting it. 

Your immune system also plays a significant role. White blood cells (T-cells) are cells that help our body combat bacteria and viruses. With psoriasis, something goes awry in the immune system, causing the T-cells to attach to the body’s skin cells leading to the accelerated production of cells and the patchy areas. Once this process begins, it usually turns into a life-long concern. There is one exception for some children who get guttate psoriasis, a one-time condition that does not return.  

Q: What are the types of psoriasis and their symptoms?

A: 

Plaque psoriasis: is the most common form, affecting roughly 80-90% of those who develop psoriasis. Dry, scaly patches form anywhere on the scalp, elbows, knees, or lower back. Plaques vary in size, with small plaques frequently joining to create large plaques.

Guttate psoriasis: tiny bumps appear on the skin out of nowhere, covering most of the torso, legs, and arms and at times also developing on the face, scalp, and ears. The bumps are small and scaly, and the colour varies from salmon-coloured to pink. This type of psoriasis tends to clear up within a few months, or even weeks, and sometimes does not return. 

Inverse psoriasis: develops in areas where skin touches skin, such as armpits, and creates smooth, red patches of skin that look raw. Fungal infections can trigger this type of psoriasis. 

Pustular psoriasis: This rare form of psoriasis causes pus-filled bumps that appear on the feet and hands, sometimes mimicking an infection, although the skin is not infected. Extremely sore or painful skin with brown dots and sometimes scales as the pus-filled bumps dry. Since this type attacks mostly hands or feet, it makes activities like walking painful.

Generalized pustular psoriasis: causes pus-filled bumps, similar to pustular psoriasis, with the main difference being the bumps develop on most of the skin. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, when a flare-up occurs it causes a sequence of events: skin on most of the body suddenly turns dry, red, and tender. Within hours pus-filled bumps cover most of the skin. Typically, within a day, the bumps pop, and pools of pus leak. Within 24-48 hours, the pus dries, leaving dry, peeling skin with a smooth, glazed surface. The cycle tends to repeat itself a few days or weeks later. Fever, headaches, muscle weakness may develop in tandem. 

Erythrodermic psoriasis: causes the skin on most of the body to look burnt. Other symptoms include chills, fever, muscle weakness, rapid pulse, and severe itch. Immediate medical care is required. This is the least common type of psoriasis. 

Nail psoriasis: causes tiny dents in your nails with white, yellow, or brown discoloration under one or more nails. Some people experience crumbling and rough nails. 

Psoriatic arthritis: this occurs when psoriasis affects the joints. If you suffer from any form of psoriasis, it is essential to pay attention to any irregularities in your joints. Some signs include swollen and tender joints, especially in a finger or toe, heel pain, swelling on the back of your leg, and stiffness in the morning that fades during the day. Without treatment, psoriatic arthritis can hinder movement.

Q: What triggers a psoriasis flare-up?

A: Everyday things can be triggers and vary from person to person. Some of the most common triggers are stress, skin injury (including a bad sunburn), infection (e.g., strep throat), some medication, weather (especially cold, dry weather), tobacco, and alcohol. 

Q: Is psoriasis contagious?

A: Rest easy. Psoriasis is not like chickenpox; it is not contagious. 

Q: Can psoriasis be cured?

A: The disease is often a sub-chronic disorder which ebbs and flows but does not resolve completely.

https://www.sierrasun.com/news/six-common-psoriasis-questions-answered-by-dermatologists-advertorial/

We Don't Talk Enough About Psoriasis On Black Skin: Here's What Dermatologists Have To Say

From yahoo.com

A whopping 125 million people worldwide are living with psoriasis, so you'd think there would be more comprehensive info out there about it. Unfortunately, nope. There's still plenty of confusion...not to mention skewed representation of the condition as only really affecting people with white skin.

In fact, psoriasis affects 1.9 percent of the African American population in the U.S. and 1.6 percent of the Hispanic population, as compared to 3.6 percent of Caucasians, according to one study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. But despite the fact that the condition can affect anyone, examples of psoriasis in medical textbooks and references are often shown on lighter skin tones, leaving a gap in understanding how psoriasis shows up on deeper skin.

“While many psoriasis patients can point to a family history, others report no one in their family that is afflicted with psoriasis,” says board-certified dermatologist, Corey L. Hartman, MD, the founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama. The skin condition can develop at any time and in anyone.

Ahead, two board-certified dermatologists break down how to better understand how this chronic skin condition affects Black skin specifically—from how it appears on darker skin to how to keep it under control.

Photo credit: Michelle Mandere

Psoriasis manifests itself as scaly patches that are often painful and itchy—and this looks different on different skin tones.

Stress, illness, or injury to the skin can all cause flare-ups, says New York dermatologist Tiffany Jow Libby, MD.

On white skin, this often appears as thick red plaques that have a silvery scale and are most commonly found on the arms, shoulders, chest, and legs, says Dr. Hartman.

On patients of colour, the redness of psoriasis skin lesions can appear more subtly and often presents as a purplish-grey or dark brown colour, says Dr. Libby. And while the scaliness of these lesions is still present, it usually appears as white or grey, she adds.

The after-effects of psoriasis flare-ups are different in darker skin, too. “When psoriasis lesions resolve, they may also leave a patch of discoloration, either a dark or lighter-coloured spot, that tends to linger for months,” she says.

Since psoriasis looks different on Black skin—and there's not enough education about what this looks like—it's often misdiagnosed, says Dr. Hartman.

“Studies show that when African American patients do have psoriasis, they often have more extensive disease involvement as compared to Caucasian patients,” Dr. Libby says.

That means it's a good idea to be vigilant about spotting symptoms and bringing them to your doctor's attention.

“Look for well-demarcated areas of flaking dry skin that may have some redness or purple-fray associated with it,” suggests Dr. Libby. You’re most likely to find these lesions on the scalp, elbows, knees, torso, buttocks, and even nails, but they can appear in other places, too.

These lesions may appear locally in small areas of the body or in a more widespread distribution, Dr. Hartman adds. The patches can also be itchy, painful, and even pus-filled.

The same treatments stand, no matter what the patient’s skin tone may be.

Thankfully, there are a variety of options when it comes to treating psoriasis. You can combat the condition with topical steroids and phototherapy or with oral medications and biologics (essentially an injectable drug) for more severe cases. “I [tend to prescribe] the biologics, because of the superior way that they control the disease with a simple injection every few weeks,” Dr. Hartman says. Most of these medications can be self-injected, so you can safely administer them at home to treat your psoriasis without worrying about frequent trips back to the doctor's office.

Coping with psoriasis in between treatments can be tricky since there's no true cure for the condition, but there are topical remedies like these soothing dermatologist-approved lotions that might provide some relief in the meantime.

The bottom line: This immune disease might be more prevalent in patients with lighter skin, but people with Black skin can also suffer from psoriasis and are more likely to have severe cases of it if they do. Lesions can look purple-grey or dark brown. If you think you may have psoriasis, check with a derm.

https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/dont-talk-enough-psoriasis-black-130000042.html

Psoriasis Gave Me Major Body Image Issues. Here’s How I Overcame Them

From elle.com

After being diagnosed with psoriasis in high school, 27-year-old Tikeyah Varner spent much of her life trying to hide her condition

The summer after eighth grade, I noticed some dry, flaky patches of skin on my scalp. When they didn't go away after a few weeks, I started panicking. I went to the doctor, but he didn’t know what it was. But they were very obvious along my hairline on the top of my forehead, and I was laser-focused on one fact: High school was about to begin, and I wasn't looking my best.

Those early teenage years are such a pivotal point, when even the littlest things—let alone a visible skin disease—can really mess with your self-confidence. Determined to fix it, I went to multiple doctors. Most told me I had dermatitis (a skin irritation) and prescribed a medicated shampoo. That helped, but the patches never fully went away, so I tried to mask them with hair extensions.

When I was 16, I was finally diagnosed with psoriasis—an immune disorder that causes skin cells to multiply up to 10 times faster than they should, creating itchy, scaly patches. It took longer to figure out what it was because on my African American skin, my spots weren’t red and inflamed, as they would have been if I was fair skinned.

Feeling completely exposed

When I got to college, patches started to develop elsewhere on my skin. I'd have a flare on my back, then it'd get under control. Then patches would show up on my arms, and when they went away, they'd show up on my legs. This happened all through college.

When it was time to shop for a fancy dress, I knew I'd not only have to find a dress I liked, but one that would cover my flares. Looking at dresses on a rack, I'd have to think, "I can show my arms, but I need to cover my back." That thinking dictated what would buy. It was exhausting.

One day my senior year, I had a very bad breakout on my face—and there was just no way to hide it. I don't think anything can prepare you for someone looking you in the eyes and asking, "What’s wrong with your skin?" I didn't know how to react, so I cried.

It was hard to believe people could see me without seeing my psoriasis.

Having visible plaques (the technical term for the patches) on my face made it hard to believe people could see me without seeing my psoriasis. After all, how could they not see my plaques if the light spots all over my brown skin were so obvious?

My solution—which honestly really wasn't a solution at all—was to avoid social outings as much as I could—not easy when there are projects to present, job fairs to attend, and plenty of parties to go to.

I even spent energy hiding my condition from my best friend—to the point that I'd change in the bathroom when we were getting ready to go out so that she wouldn't see my plaques or blemishes.

It was so hard hiding something like this from her. One day, it just got too hard, so I opened up. She was immediately so understanding—and helped me realize that when she looked at me, my psoriasis wasn’t what she saw. This was a breakthrough moment, and made me realize that my disease was a way bigger deal to me than everyone else.

Reclaiming control

With the newfound support of my best friend, I decided to take charge. I started researching common triggers myself and discovered that stress and certain foods can cause flares. So I started changing my habits, especially learning to control high-stress situation—and it worked. That feeling of empowerment made me feel more confident and comfortable in my body.

The year after I graduated from college, my mom found a walk sponsored by the National Psoriasis Foundation in Atlanta, where we live, so we went. Up until that point, I had only really talked my condition with a handful of people, but the event gave me the chance to connect with others with psoriasis.

That day was the first time I felt like I could truly relate to other people.

I suddenly was part of this group of people who knew exactly what I was talking about—they immediately became friends. I asked them what was working for them and talked about what was working for me too. We also chatted so easily about things that other people without psoriasis just don’t understand. It was liberating. That day was my second real psoriasis breakthrough moment: the first time I felt like I could truly relate to other people.

The following year, I started my own team and fundraised.

Accepting my condition

I’d be lying if I said I never wonder if my psoriasis is the first thing people notice when they see me. In fact, more often than not, that thought crosses my mind if I have a flare and I’m interacting with someone other than my husband.

Despite those insecure moments, I'm so much more confident than I was before. In fact, there are times I choose not to cover up my psoriasis—and when that happens, the feeling is pure liberation. In those moments, I may have psoriasis, but my psoriasis doesn’t have me.

I may have psoriasis, but my psoriasis doesn’t have me.

In the past year, COVID hasn’t been great for my stress, which as I now understand is a known trigger of psoriasis flares. At the beginning of the pandemic, the uncertainties caused me to have a pretty bad breakout. But now I prioritize making time for things that relax me, like taking a bath, deep breathing, and drinking green tea. As a wife and a mom to a one-year-old daughter (with another baby on the way!), I know stress is inevitable. But now I’m able to better manage it.

More than anything, my psoriasis has been a teacher—something that has shown me the importance of being myself. Now, I’m able to trust that my character will shine through any kind of flare.

https://www.elle.com/beauty/health-fitness/a35591186/tikeyah-varner-psoriasis-confidence/

4 Tips for Navigating the World of Mobility Aids for Psoriatic Arthritis

From healthline.com

By Michael M. Weinstein

You may not have a choice about needing a mobility aid, but how you feel about it is completely up to you

If someone had told me at 25 that I would be walking with a cane by age 30, I wouldn’t have believed them.

In my case, the cause wasn’t injury or accident, but psoriatic arthritis (PsA) — a chronic, autoimmune disease that causes inflammation, joint pain, fatigue, and mobility limitations in 30 percent of people with psoriasis.

During the first arthritis flare-up that landed me in the hospital, I literally could not stand on my own feet. Over the next several years, as doctors prescribed one medication regimen after another, I faced a daunting new reality: I could no longer walk without assistance.

How could I find the right mobility device to suit my needs… and how could I get used to moving through the world with it?

Here are a few things I learned in my search to restore my mobility and maximize my quality of life with PsA.

You have options

Several weeks after the onset of PsA, I found I was still unable to walk, so I bought the cheapest manual wheelchair I could find. I chose a wheelchair partly because it was a familiar cultural icon, and I didn’t know much about my other options.

Once I delved more deeply into the world of mobility devices, I realized just how many options there are.

Broadly speaking, people with mobility issues have a choice between walking aids and seated mobility devices.

Walking aids include:

• canes
• crutches
• cane-crutch hybrids
• walkers
• rollators (walkers on wheels)

Seated mobility devices include:

• manual wheelchairs
• power wheelchairs
• scooters

Since physical activity has been shown to improve both PsA symptoms and overall health, most users will want to choose the device that allows them to be as active as possible while also staving off pain and fatigue.

My manual wheelchair served me well in the short term, before I was able to find the right combination of medications to manage my symptoms. However, I soon realized that I wanted to be more active — even if it meant dealing with more physical pain.

Over the course of the next several years, as biologic drugs began to suppress some of my disease activity, I transitioned to using a rollator, then forearm crutches, and then finally, a cane.

All this experimentation was expensive. I wish I had known that many device companies allow prospective users to rent or try out different mobility aids and determine which one best suits their needs.

I also wish I had consulted with a doctor, occupational therapist, or physical therapist to learn how to use these devices correctly, since improper usage cannot only decrease the helpfulness of your mobility aid, but may even have a negative impact on your posture or cause you greater discomfort.

When choosing your own mobility device(s), be open to multiple possibilities — and don’t be shy about asking for information on device usage from those in the know.

Catherine McQueen/Getty Images

Base your choice of mobility aid on what you want to accomplish

Even when I first got diagnosed with PsA, the last thing I wanted was to feel like a “sick person.”

I soon realized that I could keep my life as active and vibrant as possible by taking an open-minded, strategic approach to mobility aids.

It’s true that certain activities — like skiing, hiking, and climbing — are no longer feasible for me, but I’m lucky to be mobile enough that there are many things I can still do, if I have the right mobility aid on hand.

For instance, my arm crutches are ideal for nature walks, since they stabilize and support both sides of my body while leaving me flexible to manoeuvre.

When going to a museum or other accessible indoor attraction, I opt for a wheelchair, which lets me move through the space smoothly and view exhibits without pain or fatigue.

Now that my symptoms are mostly well-controlled, thanks to medication, I can often get by with a folding cane. It provides minimal support when I get tired, and it also serves as a signalling device to alert people that I may move slowly or need to sit down from time to time.

When choosing the mobility aid that’s right for you, think about what you want or need to get done on a particular day. Ask yourself what accessibility challenges you might encounter, and which device would help you face them with comfort and confidence.

Your symptoms and needs may change

Prior to my PsA diagnosis, I assumed that disability was a stable, fixed category — or, at least, a linear progression from wellness to illness.

One of the most surprising aspects of living with a chronic disease is how much my symptoms can fluctuate from one day or week to the next. Even in a single day, I often have periods in the morning and at night when my joints feel stiff and my range of motion is limited.

Once you know to expect these fluctuations, you become better able to plan your day — even if that means expecting a bit of unpredictability.

These emotional and logistical aspects of living with PsA require both flexibility and resilience.

It can be discouraging to lapse into an arthritis flare-up and find oneself back in a wheelchair after weeks of walking around with a less intensive mobility aid.

It can also be frustrating to find that certain devices may not work well for you at times when particular joints are giving you trouble. For instance, forearm crutches can be terrific for taking pressure off of weak knees or ankles, but they put a significant strain on a user’s shoulders and wrists.

As you pick a mobility aid, check in with yourself to figure out which body parts need extra support, and be prepared for the prospect that your mobility needs might shift depending on factors like the time of day or the weather.

Be patient with the learning curve

The changeable nature of PsA symptoms can be hard for nondisabled onlookers to understand.

I have had friends ask me excitedly if I was cured when they saw me using a cane on a good day, instead of my usual rollator.

Conversely, I’ve encountered nosiness and scepticism from colleagues who had only met me at a meeting, seated, and later ran into me on the street and demanded, “What’s with the cane?”

Try not to get thrown off by these moments, and try not to feel like you’re “pretending” or being dramatic by making use of a mobility aid. Only you are inside your body — only you know what you need.

For me, the adjustment to this new world of mobility aids was emotionally fraught, since it meant reconciling myself to the fact of my disability. After all, those of us with PsA don’t use our mobility aids in the way someone with a broken leg might use crutches.

We know that our symptoms are treatable with medication, but that PsA can’t be cured. As a result, we may feel the need to integrate mobility devices into our sense of identity.

This can be difficult, especially if one doesn’t use the same device every day. No matter what, it takes time to get used to how it feels to use a mobility aid.

Accepting that these tools are extensions of your body — tools that accompany you through the world and help you live the life you want — takes even longer.

Be patient with others, and with yourself, as you figure out which equipment works best for you.

You may not have a choice about how large a role mobility aids play in your daily routine, but how you feel about them is completely up to you.

https://www.healthline.com/health/psoriatic-arthritis/4-tips-for-navigating-the-world-of-mobility-aids-for-psoriatic-arthritis#Be-patient-with-the-learning-curve

Psoriasis Task Force Says Take the First Available COVID-19 Vaccine

From clinicaladvisor.com

The National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) COVID-19 Task Force has updated its guidance statements to recommend that individuals with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis receive the first COVID-19 vaccine offered to them, as all 3 currently available vaccines are highly effective at preventing serious COVID-19 outcomes like hospitalization and/or death. Information about methotrexate use following vaccination also was included in the update.

Co-Chair of the NPF COVID-19 Task Force Joel M. Gelfand, MD, MSCE, said that the most common concerns expressed by his patients with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis are: 1) will the vaccine flare my psoriasis?; and 2) what is the long-term safety of the vaccines?

“There is no evidence or reason to believe that the COVID-19 vaccines will flare a patient’s psoriasis,” explained Dr Gelfand, who also is professor of dermatology and epidemiology at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. Regarding safety issues, “In the long history of vaccines, safety issues typically arise within 1 to 2 weeks of vaccination. There is no reason to believe that there will be long-term side effects associated with these vaccines.”

“Patients also need to know that all 3 vaccines are highly effective,” Dr Gelfand said. “In the clinical trials, no vaccinated patient, not one of the tens of thousands of patients who received the COVID-19 vaccines, were hospitalized or died from COVID-19. In contrast, COVID-19 is known to flare psoriasis and has a significant risk for chronic disability [ie, “long haulers”, severe respiratory illness requiring hospitalization, and death].”

“I also let the patient know that I was first in line to get vaccinated once I was eligible,” Dr Gelfand noted. “Delaying vaccination to receive a particular vaccine puts individuals at unnecessary risk of death from COVID-19.”

Updates for Patients Taking Methotrexate

The updates were released in response to the recent Emergency Use Authorization of Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine. In most cases, the Task Force recommends that patients scheduled to receive the new vaccine continue taking their biologic or oral therapies for psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis.

However, patients aged 60 years or older who are taking methotrexate and have well-controlled psoriatic disease as well as at least 1 comorbidity associated with an increased risk for severe complications from COVID-19 outcomes may, in consultation with their prescriber, consider pausing methotrexate use for 2 weeks after receiving the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine to potentially improve vaccine response, according to the Task Force.

This guidance is based on data from influenza clinical trials suggesting that patients with rheumatoid arthritis who stopped taking methotrexate for 2 weeks after influenza vaccination achieved a marginally better antibody response of unknown clinical significance. It is unclear whether the same benefits found with pausing methotrexate for 2 weeks following influenza vaccination also apply to the COVID-19 vaccines.  

It is unclear whether having psoriatic disease meaningfully alters the risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection or severe COVID-19 disease; however, data generally suggest that patients with psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis have similar rates of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 outcomes as the general population, according to the Task Force.

https://www.clinicaladvisor.com/home/topics/dermatology-information-center/psoriasis-task-force-take-first-available-covid-19-vaccine/

Psoriasis and Mental Health: What Are the Connections?

From healthline.com

People with psoriasis, a long-lasting autoimmune skin condition, often experience another complication: mental health concerns.

In fact, having both psoriasis and mental health conditions is so common that it’s expected, says Dr. Anthony Fernandez, MD, PhD, director of medical and inpatient dermatology at the Cleveland Clinic.

The connection between psoriasis and mental health is multi-layered. At the simplest level, says Dr. Fernandez, psoriasis’ red, silvery patches can lead people to feel inherently flawed.

Research has found that individuals with psoriasis can experience a sinking self-esteem (along with more anger).

In many cases, the location of the psoriasis can have a more profound effect on an individual’s self-esteem, such as having patches on the face or genitals, says Dr. Fernandez.

Anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions are also prevalent in people with psoriasis.

Men, in particular, might significantly struggle because they generally tend to stay silent about mental health conditions.

They may feel embarrassed about sharing or worried about appearing weak. This often results in men keeping their anxiety and depression to themselves, which can lead to these conditions flourishing.

Psoriasis and mental health

Large-scale research all over the world has corroborated the well-known connection between psoriasis and mental health.

For instance, a 2016 study found a 16.5 percent prevalence of depression in Americans with psoriasis, regardless of the severity of their psoriasis.

A study in South Korea found that people with psoriasis were twice as likely to have depression, anxiety disorders, and sleeping disorders than individuals without psoriasis.

Research out of Denmark also found that over the course of 5 years, 2.6 percent of people with psoriasis developed mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.

Within 10 years, almost 5 percent developed these disorders.

How psoriasis and mental health are connected

While psoriasis and mental health are interconnected, there’s no clear-cut, definitive reason that explains exactly how. Instead, many reasons and underlying mechanisms have been implicated.

For example, according to this 2016 review, anxiety may result from:

• psoriasis symptoms, such as chronic itching
• its appearance on the skin and associated stigma
• lack of social support

Worrying about psoriasis and particularly how others perceive you can trigger the stress system, especially your amygdala, says Dr. Harry Barry, MD, a physician who specializes in mental health and author of “Emotional Healing: How to Put Yourself Back Together Again.”

This, in turn, activates the release of stress hormones, such as cortisol, initiating a vicious cycle, says Dr. Barry. Stress triggers psoriasis flare-ups. Flare-ups then further stress you out.

According to the above 2016 review, stigma and appearance have also been linked to depression, along with feeling dissatisfied with psoriasis treatment.

In some cases, Dr. Fernandez notes that mental health conditions may worsen when people with psoriasis can’t engage in recreational activities they enjoy because of pain.

Connections are also biological.

For example, depression and psoriasis are both associated with higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumour necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin (IL)-1B, and IL-6. These proteins stimulate the body’s immune response.

Consequently, the inflammatory process may play a role in both diseases with different theories explaining the association, as this 2017 review notes.

Depression and psoriasis may have another underlying mechanism in common.

According to another 2016 review, depression can lead to reduced levels of melatonin, which has anti-inflammatory effects.

Similarly, individuals with skin disorders, including psoriasis, may have abnormally low levels of melatonin.

Psoriasis treatment and mental health

Psoriasis treatment often improves mental health disorders.

According to Dr. Fernandez, psoriasis treatment effectively clears up significant portions of psoriasis, which leads to feeling healthy and confident.

Because of the reduction in pain, those being treated for the skin condition are also able to participate in important-to-them physical activities.

It’s also critical to pinpoint the specific reasons you’re having a hard time, because most can be resolved, says Dr. Fernandez.

For example, to resolve persistent itching that interferes with sleep, doctors can prescribe anti-itch moisturizers, suggest getting more sunlight, and refer you to a sleep specialist, he says.

When treatment adjustments don’t reduce mental health disorders, your doctor can refer you to a mental health specialist for an evaluation.

Anxiety and depression (and other mental health conditions) are highly treatable with medication and therapy.

Managing your mental health

Again, given the multi-layered and complex connections between psoriasis and mental health, know that it’s common to experience anxiety, depression, and other disorders.

Talk to your doctor about your symptoms and experiences.

In addition, here are some positive actions you can take to help manage your mental health:

Identify how psoriasis is affecting you

While you might not feel comfortable identifying your emotions, doing so is incredibly helpful for feeling better. Take some time to figure out your specific feelings, says Dr. Barry.

Here are some questions to help with that process:

• Do you feel anxious about your appearance?
• Do you worry about what others will think of your appearance?
• Are you upset that you can’t participate in your favourite activities because of pain?
• How do you feel during flare-ups?
• Do you avoid social activities because of psoriasis?
• Do you find yourself experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression even though your psoriasis is well managed?

As you start to understand the mental health effects of psoriasis, consider making an appointment with a therapist to get an evaluation.

Whether you’re feeling upset or experiencing depression, working with a therapist can help you reduce symptoms and get better faster.

Aim for 8 hours of sleep

While everyone’s sleep needs will differ, in general, getting 8 hours is a good rule of thumb. During sleep, our brains and bodies repair themselves, says Dr. Barry.

“It is also the period when our emotions are detached from our contextual memories, so vital in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression,” he adds.

Prioritize exercise

Exercise is another tool that helps you reduce stress and anxiety and boost your mood. It also aids in reducing inflammation.

Dr. Barry recommends 30 minutes of brisk exercise every day. Experiment with different activities to find what you enjoy.

Add other healthy activities

Think about other ways you can reduce stress and feel better every day. For example, you might:

• listen to a guided practice using a meditation app
• take frequent breaks during work to listen to music or stretch your body
• practice deep breathing throughout the day
• add fruits and vegetables to your snacks and meals

Challenge unhelpful beliefs

You may be holding onto beliefs that boost your anxiety and depression, such as “Because I have psoriasis, I am ugly, weird, or unlovable,” says Dr. Barry.

To challenge these beliefs, start by paying attention to the thoughts running through your mind every day. Then examine the unhelpful ones and replace them with a healthier outlook that supports you.

For example, according to Dr. Barry, “Can a person be defined as weird, ugly, or unlovable simply because they have a common skin condition such as psoriasis?” If that’s the case, then everyone with any medical or skin condition would be all those things.

Instead, you might adopt this much healthier, more accurate belief: “I am not my psoriasis. I’m a unique human being, who happens to have this condition.”

It’s also helpful, says Dr. Barry, to remember that people are more focused on themselves than anyone else and actually notice very little — including your psoriasis.

“How many of us for example [remember] what the last five people we met were wearing. The answer is very few! So too with signs of psoriasis.”

Just talk about it

Of course, if you’re still concerned about others’ perceptions (or anything else), talk with a mental health professional.

Remember, mental health concerns and conditions are common in people with psoriasis. You’re absolutely not alone. While discussing your feelings isn’t easy or comfortable, getting the right treatment can help change your life.

The first step is to be honest about what’s going on.

https://www.healthline.com/health/psoriasis/mental-health-spotlight-psoriasis#tips

Keeping an eye on food could help with psoriasis

From dailyherald.com

Q: I'm 27 years old and have itchy skin my doctor says is psoriasis. It's not all the time -- it comes and goes. Sometimes it's bad, and other times it's not that noticeable. I've heard that what you eat matters. Can my diet help prevent or control the condition?

A: Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition associated with a malfunction of the immune system. It is marked by the overproduction of skin cells, which results in raised areas of dry, reddened and flaking skin. These areas of inflammation, which are sometimes topped by silvery scales, most often appear on the elbows, knees and scalp. However, they can occur anywhere on the body. Additional symptoms can include burning, soreness and itching; nails that grow thicker than normal or develop pits or ridges; and stiffness or swelling in the joints. Susceptibility to psoriasis, which occurs in both women and men, is inherited. The condition is much more common in adults than in children.

The reasons why the immune system goes a bit haywire aren't yet fully understood. However, flares are associated with triggers such as physical or emotional stress, cold weather, the use of tobacco products and skin injuries. And you are correct that some studies have found diet may also play a role.

Research suggests avoiding inflammatory foods may help ease some psoriasis symptoms and lessen the frequency of flares. Chief among the culprits is sugar, which has long been linked to inflammation. In a mouse study published last year in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, researchers were able to trigger inflammatory changes in the skin in just a few weeks on a high-sugar diet. Other foods that have been linked to inflammation include alcohol, red meat, saturated fats and the highly refined carbohydrates found in snack foods and ultra-processed foods.

What you do eat can be just as important. Some studies have found that the so-called Mediterranean diet, with its focus on fish, seafood and olive oil, as well as a wide range of fresh vegetables, fruit and leafy greens, may also improve symptoms. These fish-forward diets are rich in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are also known as omega-3 fatty acids. These types of fats appear to have an influence on something known as eicosanoids, which are molecules that play a role in causing inflammation. With an increase of omega-3 fatty acids in the diet, researchers suspect that inflammatory processes may be suppressed.

Diet alone has not been found to either control or cure psoriasis, so it's important that you follow the treatment plan outlined by your doctor. And when it comes to food, the responses to dietary changes in people living with psoriasis are highly individual. Some patients have found that a vegetarian diet can lessen the severity of their condition. Others have reported an increased sensitivity to gluten. Pay attention to what you eat, and note whether or not it appears to consistently correspond to changes in your level of inflammation. You may uncover some personal dietary triggers that can help you in managing your condition.

https://www.dailyherald.com/entlife/20210307/keeping-an-eye-on-food-could-help-with-psoriasis

Psoriasis treatment: How food and lifestyle can impact the condition – tips from an expert

From express.co.uk

PSORIASIS is a chronic skin condition where cells in the epidermis (skins surface) divide too quickly and the skin can shed in as little as seven to 10 days. What can you do to reduce symptoms?

Skin develops by layers of skin cells pushing up to the surface as new ones are formed. Usually, these outer cells are shed so slowly it is not noticed but in psoriasis new cells are formed about one thousand times more quickly due to a disturbance in the body’s cell replication control mechanisms. This gives the appearance of red areas of skin covered in fine silvery scales known as lesions. Nails can also be affected becoming thick, pitted and cracked and may lift from the nail bed. There is a significant link between gut health and psoriasis. Nutritionist Lisa Borg from Pulse Light Clinic spoke exclusively to Express.co.uk to offer her top tips on how nutrition can affect psoriasis.

“The mechanisms that control cell division can only be balanced when the digestive system is healthy,” Lisa began.

“If the digestive lining is unhealthy, toxins can get through and affect the health of the skin.

“Your Nutritionist can advise you on tests and/or supplements that help address gut health.”

For the do’s and don’ts when it comes to one’s diet and the skin condition, Lisa recommends:

Eating plenty of fibre

Reduce the amount of alcohol to help supporting liver function

Eat more essential fats including nuts, seeds and oily fish and help to prevent skin dryness and oily fish provide

Reduce the amount of animal fats and sugar consumed which encourages inflammation. Sugars and refined/processed foods can be inflammatory too, and so must also be avoided.

Psoriasis: How your food and lifestyle can impact the condition (Image: Getty Images)

When asked what nutrients may be beneficial to psoriasis, Lisa listed the following:

Water is essential for healthy skin and aids in the detoxification processes.

Vitamin E increases the supply of nutrients to the cells and neutralises free radicals that damage the skin. Food sources include wheat germ, olive oil, avocado, nuts, seeds, eggs, olive oil.

Vitamin A is required for the maintenance and repair of skin and protects the skin tissue from free radical damage. Food sources of Vitamin A include fish, eggs and liver with food sources of beta-carotene including alfalfa, dark green leafy veg, yellow and deep orange fruits and vegetables.

Zinc is vital for skin healing with food sources including oysters, meat, whole grains, pumpkin seeds, mushrooms, and green leafy veg.

Vitamin C is vital for making and maintaining the health of collagen (a vital component of the skin) although more than 500mg should be avoided with food sources including kiwi fruit, berries, peppers, broccoli, citrus fruits.

Vitamin D

Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that inhibits the growth of psoriatic cells and plays a major role in detoxification processes. Food sources include asparagus, avocado, garlic, onions, broccoli, spinach, and unprocessed meats such as fresh turkey and chicken.

Quercetin is a plant bioflavonoid which can soothe inflammation with food source including tomatoes, apples, garlic, onions, broccoli, and green tea.

For lifestyle factors which impact psoriasis symptoms, reducing the amount of stress in your life is vital.

“Stress can be a factor in psoriasis; managing and modifying the way you react to difficult or stressful situations can help,” says Lisa.

“Relaxation techniques, physical exercise and meditation are some examples that people use in an attempt to achieve this, but ultimately one must learn to recognise when one's response is not really appropriate and do all you can to change the habit of responding with alarm to things that do not warrant or require an alarm reaction.

“The mind (what we think at the time) stimulates the release of adrenalin into the system, which is what gives us Superhuman strength, but if we are responding with alarm on a regular basis, the adrenal glands become fatigued.

“If this goes on for several years and we are then faced with a truly alarming situation, our body may not be able to respond with as much gusto as it is inherently capable of.

“Adrenalin stimulation on a regular basis upsets the body's control of inflammation, and symptoms develop thereafter.”

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1405049/psoriasis-treatment-symptoms-food-diet-nutrients-what-is

What to Know About Psoriatic Arthritis and Dental Problems

From healthline.com

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an autoimmune disease that most often attacks and damages joints in your hands, feet, wrists, knees, neck, and spine. Yet it also can affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in your jaw.

You actually have two temporomandibular joints — one on either side of your head, in front of your ears. The TMJ connects your jawbone to your skull. It allows your jaw to open and close like a hinge.

Problems with the TMJ are referred to as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). TMD causes pain and difficulty moving your jaw.

Up to 35 percent of people with PsA have TMD. When you have PsA, your TMD symptoms may be more severe.

TMJ pain makes it hard to eat and enjoy food. If you don’t get treated, damage to your jaw could be with you long term. That’s why it’s important to let your dentist and rheumatologist know if you have joint pain or any other TMD symptoms.

Can PsA cause jaw pain?

PsA can cause TMJ pain. It often starts in the morning or late afternoon. It may hurt more when you chew.

The pain can spread from your jaw to other parts of your face, as well as to your shoulder, neck, or back. Some people with TMD report having headaches or earaches.

Other symptoms of TMD are:

• a clicking, popping, or crackling sound when you open and close your jaw
• trouble opening and closing your mouth
• a feeling like your jaw is stuck or locked
• grinding your teeth, called bruxism
• dizziness
• tooth sensitivity and pain
• a misaligned bite

TMD can make you tense or clench your jaw. In turn, clenching makes TMD worse.

Eventually your TMJ can wear out completely, at which point you may need surgery.

PsA and periodontal disease

There’s also a link between PsA and gum disease (periodontitis).

Periodontitis starts when bacteria build up on your teeth and gums. These bacteria release toxins that produce inflammation, which damages your gums and can lead to tooth loss.

Psoriasis and PsA are inflammatory diseases, and they increase your risk for periodontitis and tooth decay. The more severe your PsA symptoms, the more likely you are to have gum disease.

How can PsA affect dental implants?

Dental implants are part of the treatment for tooth loss. These synthetic roots go into your jawbone to hold artificial teeth called crowns.

The biologic drugs you take to treat PsA may cause problems with dental implant surgery. These drugs dampen your immune system, which could increase your risk of infection.

So, you may need to switch arthritis drugs or take antibiotics before oral surgery to prevent infection.

It’s unknown whether having PsA might make dental implants more likely to fail. Still, it’s a good idea to let your dental surgeon know about your PsA before you have any surgery.

Research from 2017 shows that dental implants are more likely to fail in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Some of the reasons why implants fail in people with RA are:

• Their body doesn’t heal as quickly as usual.
• They have gum disease.
• They don’t make enough saliva.

How to treat

The anti-inflammatory drugs and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) that treat PsA can also prevent jaw damage. These medications bring down inflammation to relieve pain and protect your joints.

Physical therapy is another treatment for TMD. The therapist can teach you exercises to stretch your jaw and strengthen the muscles that support it. You’ll also learn how to keep your head and neck in better alignment to avoid putting extra strain on your jaw.

Along with taking medication, try these lifestyle changes:

• Rest your jaw until your symptoms improve.
• Avoid eating nuts and other hard foods and chewing gum. Stick to soft foods.
• Practice relaxation techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing, to help ease tension in your jaw.
• Ask your dentist to fit you for a mouth guard. You can wear this device when you sleep to stop you from grinding your teeth.
• Hold an ice pack or heating pad to your jaw.
• Rub on an arthritis pain cream (but ask your doctor first).

It’s rare to need surgery for TMD, but it may be an option if these treatments don’t improve your symptoms.

Arthroplasty is done through small incisions. The surgeon removes scars and thick areas of tissue that prevent your jaw from opening and closing as it should.

Open surgery may be an option if the surgeon needs to repair or replace the damaged joint. Open surgery is riskier than arthroplasty, however, and it’s only done when absolutely necessary.

The takeaway

Early treatment of TMD is key to preventing long-term joint damage.

If you notice any clicking, popping, or pain in your jaw, see both a dentist and the rheumatologist who treats your PsA. They might send you to a specialist called an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

Prevent gum disease by practicing good oral hygiene. Brush after every meal, and floss once per day to remove food particles between your teeth. See your dentist for regular check-ups.

If you plan to have oral surgery, let your surgeon know that you have PsA. You may need to go on antibiotics beforehand or take special precautions to prevent infection and other complications.

https://www.healthline.com/health/psoriatic-arthritis/jaw-pain-and-more#treatment

Tips for Managing Beard Psoriasis

From healthline.com

• Psoriasis flares can happen anywhere on the body, including the skin on your face and under your beard.
• Keeping your beard clean, using good shaving practices, and choosing the right products can reduce issues.
• Consider your skin type and the ingredients when choosing cleansers, moisturizers, and beard oils.

It’s not uncommon for beard bearers to deal with the occasional bout of irritated skin. But if you also have psoriasis, painful skin flare-ups may be something you know all too well.

The good news? By caring for the skin under your beard, you can reduce the red, itchy, irritated patches associated with psoriasis.

What is psoriasis?

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated condition that causes inflammation in the body, which leads to an increase in skin cell growth. When this happens, you may notice scales on your skin and raised plaques that can itch, burn, or sting.

Although psoriasis can appear on any part of your body, it commonly flares-up on the:

• scalp
• neck
• face
• knees
• elbows

Tips for managing beard psoriasis

Having a beard means you need to spend extra time on your skin care routine, especially if you have scalp or facial psoriasis.

Keep it clean

When caring for a beard, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says it’s critical that you wash your face and beard daily with a gentle cleanser (not soap) that matches your skin type.

Here are a few guidelines:

• If you have oily skin, stick with a cleanser that has salicylic or glycolic acid.
• Dry skin types should opt for a hydrating, fragrance-free cleanser.
• If you feel a burning sensation when cleaning your skin, stick to a creamy facial cleanser for sensitive skin.

Moisturize

After cleansing, make sure to moisturize the skin beneath your beard. A beard conditioner is best for acne-prone skin, while a beard oil is more suitable for normal to dry skin.

Exfoliate and groom as needed

If you have ingrown hairs, include a gentle exfoliating scrub into your routine at least one to two times per week.

And finally, make sure to groom your beard with a beard comb.

Shave

When it comes time to shave, a few tips make for a better experience:

• Wet your skin and beard hair first.
• Apply shaving cream or gel for sensitive skin.
• When shaving, follow the direction the hair grows.
• Try to rinse the blade after each swipe.
• And don’t forget to apply beard oil, beard conditioner, or beard moisturizer immediately after shaving to help lock in moisture.

Things to consider when choosing a product 

The skin on your face and neck is very sensitive. Because of this, you need to be careful when choosing and applying products.

You’re also dealing with the hair of your beard, so you may have some luck in using treatments designed for scalp psoriasis, like shampoos or creams.

Products that treat psoriasis are either over-the-counter (OTC) or available by prescription from a doctor.

Consider the ingredients

In general, OTC products for psoriasis contain one of two active ingredients: salicylic acid and coal tar. Although many topicals have other ingredients, these two are approved by the Federal Drug Administration for treating psoriasis.

Salicylic acid can help remove and soften skin scales. Follow the directions when applying products with salicylic acid, though. Too much may actually worsen psoriasis symptoms.

Coal tar is an active ingredient in both OTC products and prescription drugs. It works by reducing itching, flaking, redness, swelling, and scaling.

That said, it can also irritate your skin. The AAD recommends testing it out on a small area first to see how your skin responds.

Pine tar is another ingredient you may find in products for psoriasis. While not as common as coal tar, pine tar may help reduce redness, irritation, and inflammation associated with facial psoriasis, according to a 2017 review.

You may find this used as an ingredient in some beard oil products, like Beard Oil by Mountaineer Brand.

Talk with your doctor about corticosteroids

Topical corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone, are available over-the-counter. Your doctor may recommend using this short-term to reduce the severity of mild facial psoriasis.

If your psoriasis is more severe, you may need a prescription corticosteroid.

Address the symptoms

If you’re battling itchy skin, consider an FDA-approved product for treating itch, such as:

• calamine
• benzocaine
• hydrocortisone
• camphor
• menthol

Moisturizers are a critical part of your skin care routine. To reduce itchy, red skin, you’ll want to keep it lubricated with a heavy cream, ointment, or oil.

The National Psoriasis Foundation mentions ingredients like jojoba oil, aloe vera, and zinc pyrithione to help soothe, moisturize, and remove scales resulting from psoriasis.

Look for the Seal of Recognition

When shopping for products for psoriasis, look for the National Psoriasis Foundation Seal of Recognition. Products carrying this label are more likely to be non-irritating and safe to use if you have psoriatic disease.

To find a product safe to use on your beard and the skin under your beard, you can search this database by category, brand, and type. For example, CeraVe Psoriasis Cleanser and Cream are two products recommended for psoriatic skin.

What to avoid

• Fragrance. If you have sensitive skin or irritation from psoriasis, avoid products that contain a fragrance. Look for labels that say “fragrance-free.”
• Alcohol. Also, avoid lotions, moisturizers, or cleansers that contain alcohol since it can dry your skin and worsen psoriasis symptoms.
• Harsh scrubs. Avoid scrubs that may be too harsh for your skin.

When to talk with a doctor

The skin under your beard is hard to see. This can make it difficult to know if there are any problems.

That said, if your skin feels itchy, dry, or painful, or you can see red, raised patches, it might be time to reach out to the doctor.

Unexplained hair loss is another sign to consider. Although hair loss isn’t always a problem, it could indicate that something else is going on.

Some psoriasis symptoms are manageable through home remedies. But you should make an appointment with a doctor if your flare-ups are:

• getting worse
• increasingly painful
• spreading

A board certified dermatologist can recommend products to manage psoriasis and care for your beard.

The takeaway

Psoriasis is a common skin condition that can cause:

• pain
• redness
• inflammation
• flaky skin

If you have a beard, properly caring for the skin under your beard as well as beard hair can help reduce skin flare-ups caused by psoriasis.

OTC products like gentle skin cleansers, heavy moisturizers, and beard oils may help manage psoriasis symptoms.

However, if your flare-ups are getting worse, it might be time to talk with your doctor or a board certified dermatologist.

https://www.healthline.com/health/psoriasis/beard-psoriasis#takeaway

Home Remedies For Psoriasis

From iwmbuzz.com

As such, there is no cure for psoriasis. If you are opting for home remedies then you should consult your doctor before that. Also, ensure that herbal remedies don’t have interaction with medication and may be harmful if you are pregnant and breastfeeding as well as having diabetes or high blood pressure. Here we look at a few home remedies for psoriasis.

OLIVE OIL.
Olive oil is packed with Omega 3 fatty acid which may help reduce inflammation when applied to areas of the skin affected by psoriasis. You need to apply a small amount of olive oil into scaly patches to soften them and massage some olive oil into your scalp during a shower to help get rid of flakes of skin from scalp psoriasis.

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR.
For the problem of scalp psoriasis, applying apple cider vinegar several times to your scalp will reduce the itch of scalp psoriasis. To stop a burning sensation, dilute the vinegar with water and apply. Don’t apply apple cider vinegar to your skin if it’s cracked or bleeding.

BAKING SODA.
Adding baking soda in bath water will help relieve you from itching due to psoriasis.

ALOE VERA.
Applying aloe vera gel to the affected area three times a day will be beneficial for psoriasis itching. Pure aloe vera gel is generous in anti-inflammatory properties and its cooling sensation will help calm irritated skin.

TURMERIC.
Studies found that turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties and is helpful in various health conditions, which include psoriasis. Also, turmeric contains antioxidant curcumin, which protects the skin by neutralizing free radicals and accelerate wound healing. Turmeric can be consumed with rice, pasta, vegetables, or mix it with juice and black pepper and drink.

https://www.iwmbuzz.com/lifestyle/health-fitness/home-remedies-psoriasis/2021/03/01