Mental Health Spotlight: What You Need to Know About the Stress-Psoriasis Connection

From healthline.com

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes red, scaly patches of dry skin. It can appear anywhere on your body, but it often affects the elbows, scalp, and knees.

Psoriasis occurs when an overactive immune system sends faulty signals, speeding up the growth of skin cells. This causes new skin cells to form before the old cells shed.

Different factors can trigger psoriasis flares, such as:

• infections
• weather
• medications
• stress

Here’s what you need to know about the stress-psoriasis connection, as well as how you can manage stress and reduce flares.

How does stress trigger psoriasis?

Between family, work, and other personal responsibilities, it can feel as if you’re being pulled in multiple directions. And while everyone deals with everyday stressors, too much stress (or chronic stress) can impact your health and make conditions like psoriasis worse.

The exact link between psoriasis and stress isn’t known. But psoriasis flares and relapses are likely due to a physiological reaction to stressful situations.

When under stress, your body turns on the fight-or-flight response. This is a natural, automatic reaction to a perceived threat. This prompts your body to release a surge of hormones, like adrenaline and cortisol.

Adrenaline gives you an energy boost. Cortisol, on the other hand, temporarily curbs the functioning of systems in your body that decrease the effectiveness of the fight-or-flight response. These might include digestion and your immune system.

Although cortisol is important to health, chronic stress can lead to too much cortisol in your body. This can throw your immune system out of balance, triggering a psoriasis flare.

Problems with your immune system can also cause an inflammatory response. Inflammation is how your body reacts to a threat. But these threats don’t only include bacteria or viruses.

Your body can also perceive chronic stress as a threat, in which case your immune system triggers an inflammatory response as a defence mechanism.

Keep in mind, too, that stress isn’t always caused by external factors such as work, family, or finances. A psoriasis diagnosis can also cause emotional stress, which can make your condition worse.

Plus, psoriasis is unpredictable. So while some people have mild symptoms, others have severe symptoms that may make them self-conscious.

Even though psoriasis isn’t contagious, self-consciousness may cause you to limit your association with others. You may also feel anxious or stressed if treatment doesn’t immediately work or if psoriasis returns after a period of remission.

How to manage and reduce stress when living with psoriasis

Learning how to manage your stress levels can help you feel better. If you’re less stressed and anxious, the appearance of your skin may improve.

Here are several techniques to help you manage chronic stress:

Exercise

Regular physical activity can improve your mental outlook. Exercise releases feel-good hormones like endorphins and dopamine.

Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week. You can start slow, with low impact exercises like:

• brisk walks
• biking
• light aerobics
• swimming

Get plenty of sleep

A lack of sleep can worsen anxiety. Most adults need between 7 and 8 hours of sleep each night.

To promote restful sleep:

• Limit daytime naps.
• Avoid bright screens about 1 to 2 hours before bedtime.
• Avoid big meals and liquids before bedtime.
• Keep your room dark, quiet, and comfortable.

Deep breathing

Breathing techniques can help clear your mind and promote relaxation.

With your eyes closed, breathe in through your nose, hold for a couple of seconds, and then exhale through your mouth. Repeat several times to reduce your heart rate, stress level, and blood pressure.

Get a massage

Massage therapy can help relieve tension, stress, and chronic pain — which can help you feel more relaxed.

Make time for hobbies

All work and no play also contributes to stress. Find enjoyable activities to take your mind off work or your health. Spend a few minutes each day engaged in a relaxing hobby.

Identify stressful triggers

It also helps to keep a stress journal and identify your stress triggers. Record what you do each day and how you feel. Once you identify possible stress triggers, take steps to reduce these from your life.

Talk it out

Keeping your feelings inside can also increase your stress level. Whether you’re stressed about psoriasis or other problems, talk about how you feel. Confide in a relative, a trusted friend, or your doctor.

The takeaway

Psoriasis is a lifelong condition with no cure. Even after achieving remission, relapses can happen.

Although different factors can trigger a flare, there’s a strong connection between stress and psoriasis.

Learning how to manage stress levels — along with traditional treatments — can help improve your condition, resulting in clearer skin.

https://www.healthline.com/health/psoriasis/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-stress-psoriasis-connection

A Large-Scale Problem: What Is Plaque Psoriasis?

From greatist.com

What’s flakier than your latest online dating match and more irritating than people who talk at the movies? Why, plaque psoriasis, of course!

Plaque psoriasis fast facts

What is it?

Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis, an autoinflammatory skin condition.

Characteristics

The condition causes raised, inflamed, itchy patches (called plaques) covered with a silvery build-up of dead skin cells. They may look red, purplish, or dark brown, depending on your skin tone.

Causes

Experts don’t know the exact cause. Many consider plaque psoriasis an autoimmune disorder. It may run in families or develop as a reaction to stress, injury, infection, or other factors.

Treatment

Topical creams and ointments, including corticosteroids, are common. Alternatively, phototherapy, oral medications, or biologics can help.

Psoriasis is a serious autoimmune disease that affects the skin — and anyone can develop it. Just ask the 125 million people currently living with it worldwide.

Plaque psoriasis is the most common type, affecting 80 to 90 percent of people with psoriasis.

Although it’s easy to mistake the symptoms for eczema, psoriasis is no joke and can even lead to psoriatic arthritis and other health conditions.

Here’s what to know.

Lumina/Stocksy United

What is plaque psoriasis?

Plaque psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition that usually shows up as silvery, well-defined scaly patches on the skin. The patches, which are called plaques, can also be super itchy.

They may look red, dark brown, or purple, depending on your skin tone.

Although they can appear almost anywhere on your body, plaques are most likely to occur in the following areas:

• knees
• elbows
• palms
• soles of feet
• scalp
• face

(It’s like heads, shoulders, knees, and toes, but much less fun.)

Psoriasis symptoms will come and go. They become worse during flare-ups, but they may completely resolve during remission periods.

There’s currently no cure for psoriasis, but treatments are available to make you more comfortable and reduce flare-ups.

Plaque psoriasis in pictures

If you think you’ve got plaque psoriasis, knowing what to look for can help. Here’s what the plaques can look like. Click through the slideshow to see what plaque psoriasis looks like on different areas.

Other types

Not content with only one type, nature has cunningly designed several types of psoriasis (psoriases? psoriasises? psoriasi?) to ruin your day with itchy vibes. But none of them are contagious.

Plaque psoriasis, or Psoriasis vulgaris, is the most common. Here are the other scratchy and scaly forms of the condition:

• Guttate psoriasis. This form causes small discoloured or red spots on the skin, especially on the arms, thighs, and torso.
• Inverse psoriasis. Sweaty groins, butt cracks, and other folded skin areas may become home to this type of psoriasis.
• Pustular psoriasis. This rare form of psoriasis shows up as pus-filled blisters or bumps.
• Erythrodermic psoriasis. This is the least common type. It causes your skin to look burnt and can lead to severe illnesses, including congestive heart failure.

Do I have psoriasis or eczema?

People often confuse eczema and psoriasis because the two conditions have some symptoms in common. Some people may even experience both skin disorders.

Like eczema, psoriasis causes red patches on the skin, but they’re more raised and scaly. In plaque psoriasis, the skin is usually thicker and more inflamed.

Eczema tends to appear in different places, especially bendy areas like your inner elbow and the backs of your knees.

Possible causes

Some experts believe plaque psoriasis is an autoimmune condition, although the exact causes are still unknown.

A mixture of genetics (thanks, Mom and Dad), an overactive immune system, and environmental factors seems to trigger the effects of psoriasis.

If one of your parents has psoriasis, you have a 16 percent chance of developing the condition too. If both parents have it, that chance increases to 50 percent. But in some cases, the onset of psoriasis is a complete mystery. It can pop up in people with no family history at all.

Psoriasis research has shown that the affected skin contains a whole bunch of immune cells that produce inflammatory molecules called cytokines.

If you have psoriasis, inflammation in your body causes keratinocytes (or skin cells) to divide more quickly than expected.

Rapid cell division means immature skin cells are pushed to the skin’s surface, and the skin doesn’t naturally lose the outer cells as it should. These immature skin cells build up on the outermost layer, causing the trademark scaly patches and bumps.

Triggers

Psoriasis is not a one-size-fits-all condition, meaning the triggers can vary from person to person. It’s a good idea to track your symptoms so you can pinpoint your triggers and avoid them.

Some factors that can affect psoriasis are:

• stress
• extreme weather
• hormones
• skin infections or general infections like colds
• medications like antidepressants and blood pressure meds
• family history of psoriasis

In a 2014 study looking at psoriasis triggers in 90 people, more than 70 percent of participants reported stress as a major trigger.

If you love a ciggie and a beer, you may want to reconsider, because both smoking and alcohol also showed up as significant triggers. And about one-third of females in the study found that the hormonal changes of puberty and menopause contributed to flare-ups.

How to treat plaque psoriasis

There’s currently no cure for plaque psoriasis (dang and blast). But there are a ton of treatment options to help soothe those itchy patches and help you get through the day.

Take your time finding the treatment that’s best for you. It may take some trial and error.

Most people with psoriasis can treat the symptoms at home. A quick slather of moisturizer and a short blast in the sun may be enough for some people (here’s hoping). But you may also need medical treatment.

It’s best to talk with a doctor or dermatologist who can help work out the best treatments for you.

Topical treatments

Topical treatments are products you apply to your skin. They’re often the first choice to help manage plaque psoriasis.

Using these treatments can help reduce inflammation and itching, prevent your skin from drying and cracking, and slow down the growth of new skin cells.

Corticosteroid creams, gels, or lotions can reduce inflammation and itching. Use them sparingly, though — applying them over a long period can thin out and discolour your skin.

Your doctor may start you off with a potent topical corticosteroid to ease the immediate symptoms and then prescribe topical treatments containing synthetic forms of vitamins D and A.

If your plaque psoriasis affects parts of your skin where the sun doesn’t shine (yes, like your butt crack — we know your brain went there), it may be best to avoid corticosteroid products.

Salicylic acid is another option. This acid works by encouraging the outer layer of skin to shed, meaning you’ll be extra flaky for a little bit, but then less so (hopefully).

Emollients are moisturizers that soothe and promote healing in sore, inflamed skin. Choose fragrance-free products and apply emollients after washing your hands and showering.

Phototherapy

Phototherapy is ultraviolet (UV) light therapy. You can use both natural and artificial light to help with psoriasis.

Phototherapy aims to reduce inflammation and slow down enthusiastic skin cell production. It can be a good option for folks who aren’t having much luck with other treatments.

But, like any other treatment, it has drawbacks. Repeated and long-term use of phototherapy might increase your risk of skin cancer.

Treatments may use UVA or UVB light. During phototherapy, you expose your skin regularly to an artificial light source for a set amount of time.

Some people with plaque psoriasis use excimer laser therapy to apply phototherapy treatment (but try this only if your dermatologist thinks it’s a good idea — they know best).

Alternatively, your doc may recommend PUVA, a treatment combining a medication called psoralen with UVA light exposure. Psoralen makes your skin more receptive to the effects of the phototherapy.

(And no, tanning beds are not a suitable replacement for phototherapy. Don’t go there.)

Oral treatments

Who doesn’t love oral treatments? They work well for people with moderate-to-severe psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis, because they work throughout the body.

Systemic oral treatments include:

• acitretin
• cyclosporine
• methotrexate
• apremilast (Otezla)

These therapies reduce inflammation, and some change or reduce immune system reactions. These effects, in turn, calm psoriasis symptoms.

Biologics

Biologics are a class of drugs that affect the immune system and aim to target the underlying cause of psoriasis (which is your immune system being an asshole).

Dermatologists usually reserve these drugs for people with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Biologics have an excellent safety record, but you might need blood tests to see if these treatments are right for you — not everyone reacts well.

Some common biologics are:

• adalimumab (Humira)
• certolizumab (Cimzia)
• etanercept (Enbrel)
• ustekinumab (Stelara)
• guselkumab (Tremfya)
• risankizumab-rzaa (Skyrizi)
• ixekizumab (Taltz)
• secukinumab (Cosentyx)

Takeaway

Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis.

It has a ton of possible triggers. Maybe it runs in your family, you’ve been super stressed, or your hormones are out of whack. Maybe it’s all three.

Although this condition can feel frustrating AF and has no cure, there are plenty of ways to tell your angry skin to cool its heels, including topical creams and ointments, light therapy, oral medications, and biologics.

But your best bet is to have a chat with your doctor or dermatologist before trying anything. They’ll help you manage the condition and suggest the most suitable treatments.

https://greatist.com/psoriasis/what-is-plaque-psoriasis#treatment

What You Need to Know If You Have Psoriasis on Your Lips

From healthline.com

Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune skin condition. It’s characterized by patches of thick, red skin covered by white, silvery scales.

Psoriasis can occur anywhere on the body, including on the lips. However, psoriasis on the lips is rare.

Can you get psoriasis on your lips?

Facial psoriasis occurs in around 50 percent of people who have this condition. However, psoriasis on the lips is rare.

Lip psoriasis may look similar to plaque psoriasis on other parts of the body. In some instances, it may be accompanied by lesions in the mouth or plaques on other areas of skin.

Current scientific literature cites only a handful of case studies about individuals with psoriasis on their lips.

In one case study of a 21-year-old woman, plaque lesions appeared on the lips but didn’t occur inside the mouth or anywhere else on her face, body, or scalp. Researchers noted that only six known cases of lip psoriasis (not accompanied by plaques elsewhere) had ever been documented.

In another, older case study of a 38-year-old man, psoriatic plaques developed on the fingers 3 years after they initially appeared on the lips.

What are the symptoms?

Since it’s rare, lip psoriasis may be mistaken for other, more common conditions, such as cold sores or eczema. It may also be confused with lip lesions caused by lupus, another autoimmune condition.

The main symptom distinguishing lip psoriasis from other conditions are the white, silvery scales that form over red or white raised patches of skin.

Unlike psoriasis, cold sores (fever blisters) are caused by a viral infection. They look like tiny, clustered, fluid-filled blisters, which may burst or ooze and then crust. Psoriasis on the lips may be long lasting, whereas cold sores resolve within 2 to 3 weeks.

Lip eczema is often caused by environmental irritants or allergens, such as the ingredients in lipsticks, lip balm, or toothpaste. Lip eczema can sometimes resemble lip psoriasis.

Symptoms of lip psoriasis include:

• cracked skin
• red or white plaques covered with white, silvery scales
• scaling
• itching
• burning
• tingling
• swelling

Lip psoriasis may be accompanied by psoriasis in the mouth. If so, you may see:

• small white bumps that bleed when scraped
• red or white plaques on your tongue or gums

How is psoriasis diagnosed?

There’s no specific blood or imaging test that your doctor can use to aid with a diagnosis of psoriasis on the lips.

Your doctor will take a history of your overall health and symptoms to determine whether allergic triggers may be playing a part. They’ll also ask whether you lick your lips often or have any other behaviours which might impact your lips.

They’ll look for evidence of psoriasis on other parts of your body, such as the elbows, knees, fingers, and scalp.

Some people with psoriasis have a family history of this condition, but others don’t. A family history of psoriasis or of other autoimmune conditions may be a clue.

In some instances, a biopsy may be done. This test doesn’t definitively diagnose psoriasis, but it can be helpful at eliminating other possible causes.

Boy_Anupong/Getty Images

How is psoriasis on your lips treated?

There’s no cure for lip psoriasis, but there are treatments that can help you manage it. They include:

• Moisturizers. Topical lotions and oils that alleviate dryness, scaling, and cracked skin can make other topical treatments more effective. Moisturizers to try include coconut oil and emollient creams that don’t contain perfume or other potentially irritating ingredients.
• Topical vitamin D. Calcipotriol, a vitamin D derivative, has been found to be effective at treating lip psoriasis.
• Corticosteroids. Prescription-strength corticosteroids can reduce itching and relieve inflammation.
• Tacrolimus ointment. This prescription cream weakens the immune system, reducing allergic reactions. It’s used to treat eczema but has also been found to be helpful at treating lip psoriasis.
• Phototherapy (light therapy). This in-office treatment exposes skin to ultraviolet light on a regular basis. Several treatments may be required before you see an improvement in symptoms.
• Methotrexate. If your symptoms are severe or widespread, your doctor may prescribe this oral medication for you. Methotrexate slows the growth of skin cells, which stops psoriasis scales from forming.

What causes psoriasis on the lips?

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition caused by an overreaction of the immune system. Psoriasis speeds up the growth cycle of skin cells, causing them to accumulate and form raised plaques.

It’s not clear why psoriasis might occur on the lips as opposed to other parts of the face or body. Since this condition is very rare, no large-scale studies have been done that specifically analyse why it might manifest on the lips.

Can you prevent psoriasis on your lips?

There are no scientifically documented strategies for preventing psoriasis on the lips.

If you’re able to identify your triggers for lip psoriasis, avoiding them may help reduce or eliminate flare-ups.

What are common risk factors for developing psoriasis on your lips?

Anyone can get psoriasis. Currently, there are no known risk factors specific to developing psoriasis on your lips.

Finding care for psoriasis on your lips

If you suspect you have lip psoriasis, finding the right specialist, such as a dermatologist, can help. Here are some resource for finding medical support:

• American Academy of Dermatology
• National Psoriasis Foundation
• Skin of Color Society (SOCS)

What’s the outlook people with psoriasis on the lips?

Psoriasis is a chronic condition which currently has no cure.

Lip psoriasis is very rare. If you have lip psoriasis, it may flare up and recede periodically.

Your doctor can help to identify treatments that alleviate flare-ups when they occur. In some instances, you may need to take a trial-and-error approach to the medications and topical treatments you try.

https://www.healthline.com/health/psoriasis/psoriasis-on-lips

10 ways to relieve psoriasis itching

From medicalnewstoday.com

Psoriasis is a chronic condition that can cause itchy, flaky patches of raised skin known as plaques. Several treatments and home remedies can help a person find relief

Medications that a doctor prescribes can help reduce the severity of symptoms and increase the time between flares. A person may also find that certain at-home treatments are effective in providing relief.

The following are some potential ways that a person can find relief from the itchiness associated with psoriasis.

1. Treat the psoriasis first

A person should work with their doctor to determine the best therapies for them. Following a proper treatment plan is the first step toward reducing itchy psoriasis patches.

A person should let their doctor know if their symptoms are worsening or not improving with a particular treatment so that the doctor can recommend a different therapy.

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF), a doctor will likely suggest at least one of four main therapies. These are:

• phototherapy
• topical treatments, such as corticosteroids
• medications, such as oral medication or biologics
• alternative or complementary therapy

A treatment plan may sometimes include a combination of these therapies to help reduce the severity of symptoms and prevent flares.

2. Treat and prevent scales and flakes

Psoriasis flakes are dead skin cells that the body is in the process of shedding. This process can make itchiness worse. There are several methods of preventing and removing the scales or flakes on a psoriasis plaque to reduce itchiness.

According to the Global Healthy Living Foundation, a person could try using tea tree oil, coconut oil, or aloe vera to moisturize and prevent flakes. For scalp psoriasis, a person can also try using dandruff shampoos and moisturizers that contain salicylic acid to help the flakes fall off.

The NPF also recommends using products that contain salicylic acid to help safely remove flakes and scales. Another recommendation is to use products containing coal or wood tar to slow skin growth and reduce scaling and itchiness.

Ranee Sornprasitt/Getty Images

3. Limit the duration of showers or baths

Psoriasis symptoms can worsen when the skin is dry. People can help prevent flares or worsening symptoms by limiting their total bathing time.

The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) recommends that a person only take one bath or shower a day. It also advises showering for no more than 5 minutes or bathing for a maximum of 15 minutes to prevent drying out the skin.

Following a bath or shower, a person should pat their skin dry and apply moisturizer.

4. Limit hot water use on the skin

The AAD recommends using warm water when bathing or showering instead of hot water.

Hot water can dry or irritate the skin, causing psoriasis symptoms to worsen.

5. Try over-the-counter products

Over-the-counter creams, ointments, and moisturizers can often provide some relief. The AAD recommends the following products to help manage psoriasis symptoms, including itchiness:

• Hydrocortisone cream: This can help reduce itching and inflammation.
• Scale softeners: These products contain salicylic acid to help remove flaking and reduce itchiness.
• Coal tar: Many products contain this active ingredient, which can help reduce itchiness, redness, swelling, flaking, scaling, and skin growth.
• Heavy, oil-based moisturizers: A person should apply these at least once a day or when skin is dry.
• Anti-itch creams and ointments: A person should look for products that contain ingredients such as camphor or hydrocortisone.

6. Ask the doctor about topical steroids

Topical steroids are one of the most common treatments for psoriasis, according to the NPF. Corticosteroids come in various strengths, and they can help reduce the body’s inflammatory response.

A person can discuss with their doctor whether topical steroids might be suitable for them. The NPF suggests:

• avoiding using the cream around the eyes
• using only a small amount of the cream
• limiting its use to 3 weeks at a time, unless the doctor advises otherwise

The NPF also notes that while stronger creams are better at clearing symptoms, they can have worse side effects than less potent medications.

Due to this, lower strength steroids may be a better option for sensitive areas, such as the groin, breasts, and face.

7. Moisturize

Dry skin can make psoriasis symptoms worse. Both the NPF and the AAD recommend using moisturizers as part of the overall treatment of a person’s psoriasis. They suggest using fragrance-free moisturizers, as products with added scents can irritate the skin.

A person can keep their skin moisturized by using a gentle, moisturizing soap during their bath or shower.

They can then apply a fragrance-free moisturizer to all of their skin within 5 minutes of the shower or bath.

8. Use lotion instead of scratching

Several lotions are available to purchase over the counter. The NPF recommend a range of products that people can consider using to get relief from psoriasis symptoms.

A person may need to try different lotions to find the one that works best for them. They should apply the lotion at least once daily, ideally after showering or when the skin is particularly dry.

9. Use cold compresses

According to the AAD, applying a cold compress to the skin can help relieve itching. This technique works because the cold numbs the nerves that send itch signals to the brain.

A person can wrap an ice pack in a towel or cloth and put the compress on the itchy area of skin. However, it is important not to keep the cold compress on the skin for any longer than a few minutes.

10. Try acupuncture

Acupuncture may relieve psoriasis symptoms for some people. In one review of studies focusing on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) approaches for psoriasis, researchers found acupuncture to be one of the most effective CAM options for managing psoriasis.

A person interested in trying acupuncture to manage their psoriasis symptoms can ask their doctor for a recommendation or use the find-a-practitioner tool that the American Society of Acupuncturists provides on its website.

The takeaway

Home remedies and alternative therapies can fit into a treatment plan for psoriasis, but a person should not use them as a substitute for medical treatment. A person should work with their doctor to best manage their psoriasis, which will also help control the itchiness.

People with psoriasis can also take several steps at home to lessen their symptoms. These include limiting their shower or bath time and using a fragrance-free moisturizer regularly.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-to-relieve-psoriasis-itch

5 Ways Weight Affects Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis

From healthcentral.com

Look, we’d never dream of telling anyone that they need to lose weight—that’s simply not our style or our place. But, because there’s a well-established link between obesity and symptom severity among folks with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, we figured it could be helpful to hit you with some facts on the subject, along with some easy, actionable steps you can take should you be interested in losing a few pounds in hopes of improving your symptoms.

The Challenge: Obesity Increases Inflammation

Low-grade systemic inflammation is already prevalent in people with psoriasis, and having obesity—or a body mass index (BMI) of 30 to 34.9—adds more inflammation, which can exacerbate psoriatic lesions, says Dr. Pooja Sodha, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist based in Washington, D.C. The daily low-grade inflammation associated with obesity can also put you at a higher risk for developing psoriatic arthritis, especially if you already have psoriasis.

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Your Intake of Inflammatory Foods

Foods and bevs that are high in sugar can spark inflammation in the body, so do your best to save sweet treats and alcohol for special occasions. Speaking of alcohol: Dr. Sodha highly recommends avoiding it. “You definitely want to minimize your alcohol intake as it can induce immune dysfunction, which can worsen psoriasis—plus it causes weight gain,” she says. If you’re someone who’s accustomed to drinking fairly often, try experimenting with making fun mocktails, as there are so many delicious and refreshingly alcohol-free recipes out there that are also low on sugar.

The Challenge: Being Overweight Puts You at Risk for Other Ailments

Obesity is also associated with diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia; not coincidentally, having psoriasis also puts you at risk for these cardiovascular challenges. That being said, if you have psoriasis and want to lower your chances of acquiring one of these diseases, it’s definitely in your best interest to maintain a healthy weight if you’re able to. After all, the last thing you want to deal with is another medical condition that affects your quality of life.

Your Rx: Count Your Calories (in Moderation)

Tracking your calorie intake can be a helpful weight-loss technique for people with psoriasis, as it allows you to see what’s working (and what’s not) for your body. “If you can mentally handle it, try counting your calories,” says Dr. Joshua Zeichner, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. “If you take in less calories than you burn off, the weight will come off and your symptoms can improve.” Apps like Noom can help you set (and stick to) daily calorie goals.

                                            iStock

The Challenge: Being Overweight Can Lead to Inverse Psoriasis

People with psoriasis who are overweight or obese may experience heightened discomfort in areas of the body where we have skin folds, such as under the breasts and in the groin area, due to the constant friction. Being overweight actually puts you at risk for inverse psoriasis—a form of the disease characterized by red, shiny lesions that appear in the skin folds. Having symptoms in these sensitive areas can be especially debilitating because of the continual friction, which makes it more difficult to manage and treat.

Your Rx: Sleep More and Minimize Stress

This one is a biggie. “Lack of sleep and excessive stress encourages excessive calorie intake and reduces the ability to exercise, thereby leading to weight gain that can worsen your psoriatic symptoms,” Dr. Sodha says. So it’s extremely important to get adequate sleep and reduce stress as much as possible. Making meditation and breath-work part of your day can be very effective ways to get your stress down—and they don’t take long. To help with sleep, try shutting off all your screens an hour before bedtime to signal to your brain that it’s snooze time.

The Challenge: Carrying Extra Weight Can Impact Certain PsA Drugs

How rude, right? And yet, unfortunately true. Being obese can in fact make certain medicines, like biologics, less effective because they’re dose-dependent—meaning a certain amount of the medication is needed to reach clinical efficacy, and if someone is obese, it could be dangerous to give them the amount that they require to effectively treat their symptoms. This obviously isn’t good, especially for those with severe cases of psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis who could really benefit from biologic medications.

Your Rx: Implement a Daily Exercise Routine

No, it doesn’t have to be intense. In fact, it doesn’t even have to be a full half-hour, but when it comes down to it, the more you can get your body up and moving, the better. “Do whatever you can to get off the couch,” says Dr. Zeichner. “Whether it’s a walk in the neighbourhood or a game of tennis, exercise helps burn fat and build muscle, which can subsequently potentially improve your psoriasis symptoms.” In addition, Dr. Sodha says that when you combine a low-calorie diet with daily exercise, it’s almost a surefire way to achieve a healthy weight that you can maintain.

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The Challenge: Extra Weight Puts Stress on Your Joints

According to Dr. Sodha, being heavier inherently puts more stress and pressure on your joints, which can lead to even more joint pain and discomfort, as well as the potential for injury and heightened inflammation during the healing process. As if that wasn’t enough, if you already have psoriatic arthritis and are overweight, it also increases your risk of developing osteoarthritis—a.k.a. the most common type of arthritis, which results from wear and tear.

Your Rx: Amp Your Nutrient Intake

In addition to reducing your intake of inflammatory foods, one of the best things you can do for your body is add more good into your diet. Think: nutrient-dense foods in all different colours of the rainbow. The more healthy vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants you can incorporate into your meals, the better. At the end of the day, if you eat more fruits, veggies, and good-for-you grains, and fewer fatty, sugary foods, you’ll be doing yourself—and your PSO or PsA—a big favour.

                                           iStock

https://www.healthcentral.com/slideshow/how-weight-affects-psoriasis-and-psoriatic-arthritis

Foods to avoid with psoriasis

From medicalnewstoday.com

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes skin cells to build up and form lesions on the skin. Food is one of many potential triggers that may make a person’s psoriasis symptoms worsen or flare

People with psoriasis are at a greater risk of developing other conditions, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

Making dietary adjustments may help prevent these secondary conditions and reduce symptoms.

Certain foods may act as triggers for some people.

This article explores what foods may trigger psoriasis flares and how a person can identify them.

Foods containing gluten

Gluten is a protein in certain grains, including wheat. For example, bread, pasta, and baked goods contain gluten in varying amounts.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that causes a reaction to gluten when a person consumes products that contain wheat.

A 2018 study found that people with psoriasis had the same prevalence of an antibody that people with celiac and gluten sensitivities have.

Researchers also found that when people who tested positive for the antibody ate a gluten-free diet, they saw a reduction in their psoriasis symptoms.

Red meats

Red meat contains a polyunsaturated fatty acid called arachidonic acid. These fats create by-products that contribute to psoriasis lesions.

As a result, avoiding red meat, such as hamburgers or steak, may help reduce the severity of psoriasis lesions.

Avoiding red meats has the added benefit of helping to prevent heart disease.

According to some research, red meats create by-products that increase a person’s likelihood of developing heart disease.

For a person living with psoriasis, avoiding red meat may help prevent heart disease even if it does not affect their psoriasis symptoms.

Dairy

Like red meat, dairy also contains arachidonic acid.

A 2017 review suggested that the arachidonic acid in dairy products may irritate the intestinal tract’s inner lining and worsen psoriasis symptoms.

However, researchers called for more studies to confirm this link.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that some people have experienced fewer psoriasis symptoms after eliminating dairy from their diets.

Another 2017 study investigating the effects of diet on psoriasis, reported that one of the most common food triggers participants chose to remove from their diets was dairy.

Processed foods

Processed foods can contribute to various health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.

Obesity has associations with inflammation and an increase in the severity of psoriasis symptoms.

A person with psoriasis who also has obesity may find that cutting out or reducing processed foods may also help them manage their weight. This could improve their psoriasis symptoms.

The term processed food means any food that manufacturers change during production.

Alcohol

According to a review of studies, alcohol adversely affects psoriasis.

Drinking alcohol can increase the severity of psoriasis symptoms because it can cause inflammation in the body.

A person with psoriasis could try limiting or eliminating alcohol from their diet to see how it affects their psoriasis symptoms.

Caffeine

Caffeine may trigger psoriasis flares in some people.

Some research indicates that people with psoriasis could consider avoiding caffeine. However, the researchers state that they do not fully understand the exact relationship between dietary caffeine from coffee, tea, or other sources.

However, some people may find reducing or eliminating caffeine helpful.

Nightshades

Nightshades include the following vegetables:

• tomatoes
• peppers
• potatoes
• eggplant

One study indicated that people living with psoriasis often avoid nightshades because they believe it helps with their psoriasis symptoms.

However, the Global Healthy Living Foundation states that the number of nightshades a person typically eats would not be enough to trigger an inflammatory response. Though they focused primarily on arthritis, researchers believe the same chemicals trigger psoriasis responses.

Still, some people may find that reducing their consumption of nightshades may help reduce their psoriasis symptoms.

Foods to include

During a 2017 study on the effects of certain foods on psoriasis flares, researchers found the following foods had a positive result on the skin symptoms of participants:

• vegetables
• fish oil or omega-3
• oral vitamin D
• fruits
• probiotics
• organic foods

Diets

The National Psoriasis Foundation notes that no specific diet will cure psoriasis but may reduce the severity of the symptoms. They also note that eating healthier foods may help a person avoid other conditions, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. They recommend eating:

• A heart-healthy diet: This diet can include fish, lean meats, low fat dairy, whole grain, reduced-sodium foods, and plant-based fats.
• A balanced diet: This diet can consist of various fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fat-free or low fat dairy products, and lean proteins.
• Gluten-free diet: If a person is following this diet, they should avoid wheat-based products.

Journaling

Some people may find keeping a food journal helpful.

A food journal can help people look for patterns in what they eat and improve their psoriasis symptoms.

Other potential triggers

Several environmental factors, or triggers, can cause psoriasis symptoms to flare.

Some potential psoriasis triggers include:

• cold or dry weather
• stress
• alcohol, particularly heavy drinking
• injuries to skin
• infections, such as strep throat
• tobacco use
• certain medications, such as:
  • prednisone
  • lithium
  • hydroxychloroquine

Some people may find they have other triggers. Others may be unable to identify their triggers.

A person should talk with their doctor about what may trigger their psoriasis flares if they have any questions.

Summary

Certain foods may trigger psoriasis flares in some people.

A person can take steps, such as keeping a food journal, to help determine what foods may help and which may cause triggers.

Generally, the most helpful diets for psoriasis include fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, low fat dairy, whole grains, and plant-based fats.

These diets may not help prevent a flare, but they may reduce symptom severity and help prevent other conditions, such as diabetes, obesity, or heart disease, from developing.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/foods-to-avoid-with-psoriasis

Psoriasis is more than skin deep

From zululandobserver.co.za

Red, scaly patches on the skin, the itch that won’t go away, the stares, invasive questions and comments, and the never-ending physical pain

Living with psoriasis is more than a skin condition. This disease is a daily physical, an emotional and psychological battle for one million South Africans living with this chronic disease, and can cause mental stress, anxiety, low self-esteem and depression. On top of this, people living with psoriasis also face social stigma, as the disease is often difficult to hide. The stigma can negatively impact their mental health and can result in people living with the disease, isolating themselves. 

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a serious lifelong skin condition, where the body makes new skin cells at an alarming rate, causing the cells to pile up on the skin’s surface. This causes thick, scaly lesions, called plaques.

Psoriasis can affect children, as young as 15-years-old, women and men across all racial lines. And the impact of psoriasis can be devastating to other organs and tissues in the body.

Many people diagnosed with psoriasis are often overweight and have higher cholesterol. These health concerns, coupled with the severity of psoriasis, leading to an increased risk for vascular disease, causing heart attacks, strokes, and premature death, as the inflammation can harm the arteries and veins.

Symptoms associated with psoriasis  

Although psoriasis can present on any part of the body, it is most common on the knees, elbows, lower back, scalp, legs, face, palms and the soles of the feet. Symptoms are different for everyone, and can include:

• Red patches covered with thick, silvery scales
• Stiff, swollen and painful joints
• Itching and burning
• Dry and cracked skin

Clear skin is achievable

Although there is no cure for psoriasis, people living with this disease don’t have to suffer. Dermatologists can prescribe treatment options that can reduce or eliminate symptoms, bringing much-needed relief to people living with psoriasis. These treatment options can include topical treatments to help prevent the skin from becoming too dry, oral medication, light therapy, and breakthrough biologics that makes it possible for a patient to achieve clear skin.

People with symptoms of psoriasis should seek medical treatment from a dermatologist who will prescribe effective treatment options. Should you need ongoing treatment, enquire with your medical aid to access effective treatment to help achieve clear skin. Remember, effective psoriasis treatment can also prevent other serious health concerns like diabetes or psoriatic arthritis, and help people with the condition live a fulfilled and healthy life.

People living with psoriasis should also educate themselves about this debilitating disease, recognise what triggers cause their psoriasis to flare up, and then make lifestyle changes to avoid the triggers. The #MoreThanSkinDeep Facebook page is a valuable resource that shares information about the impact of living with psoriasis. Lastly, remember a good skincare routine and healthy lifestyle can help.

https://zululandobserver.co.za/246043/psoriasis-is-more-than-skin-deep/

The link between social anxiety and psoriasis

From medicalnewstoday.com

Psoriasis is a skin condition that can cause areas of skin to become flushed, inflamed, and flaky

The appearance of psoriatic lesions may cause a person to feel anxious, depressed, or embarrassed. However, resources are available that may help people manage these conditions.

The link between psoriasis and anxiety

Scientists do not fully understand the link between psoriasis and anxiety or depression. However, some research has suggested that psoriasis and mental health conditions are strongly linked.

In one study, researchers found that several factors, including a person’s age at psoriasis onset, can directly affect social anxiety and depression.

They found that people who developed psoriasis before the age of 18 years experienced social anxiety related to feelings of stigmatization.

They also found that people who developed psoriasis after the age of 18 years developed social anxiety related to feelings of their appearance affecting their self-worth.

Social anxiety

Social anxiety disorder is a type of anxiety disorder. A person with social anxiety and psoriasis may not want to spend as much time with friends or family due to possible feelings of embarrassment or shame.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, social anxiety can cause a person to:

• fear that others will judge them
• avoid other people
• feel sick to their stomach
• feel embarrassed or self-conscious in front of others
• experience physical symptoms, such as trembling, a rapid heartbeat, or blushing
• avoid eye contact or speak in a soft voice
• find interactions with others scary

Stress

There is also a strong link between stress and psoriasis.

The American Psychological Association (APA) describes a fine line between stress and anxiety.

Both cause similar symptoms, but stress is typically a response to a trigger, such as overworking or having exposure to conflict. On the other hand, anxiety is associated with long-term worry over situations with no obvious triggers related to a specific situation.

Some research has suggested that perceived stress does not affect the severity of psoriasis symptoms. However, the researchers noted that stress can increase the level of perceived impact on a person’s daily life. They also stated that people who associated psoriasis with psychological factors such as stress were more likely to be anxious.

The National Psoriasis Foundation states that stress can affect the severity of psoriasis symptoms and make itchiness worse. As a result, it recommends that individuals manage stress as part of their overall treatment plan.

Can psoriasis cause anxiety?

Having psoriasis can cause a person to develop anxiety.

The APA defines anxiety as persistent and excessive worries that continue and do not go away even with no stressor causing the worry.

Anxiety affects people in several ways. It may lead to:

• physical reactions, such as a racing heart, feeling weak in the legs, or a dry mouth
• nervousness or panic
• behaviours such as avoiding social situations or drinking before an activity to calm one’s nerves
• negative thoughts about oneself or others

For example, a person with psoriasis may avoid going to a social gathering because they believe that others may make fun of them or find their psoriasis “gross.”

By avoiding social gatherings, the person may feel more alone and could develop symptoms of depression due to social isolation.

Can stress and anxiety cause psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a condition independent of stress or anxiety. However, stress or anxiety can trigger or worsen psoriasis symptoms.

One study has suggested that anxiety and psoriasis have a cyclical relationship. This means that psoriasis can cause anxiety and that anxiety can cause the symptoms of psoriasis to worsen.

As a result, a person with both conditions may notice symptoms of psoriasis during a period of stress or anxiety.

How to get help

The Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance provides several strategies to help a person deal with general anxiety and social anxiety. These include taking steps such as:

• practicing breathing exercises and other relaxation techniques
• recognizing and changing negative thoughts
• learning different ways to handle a variety of social situations and people
• joining a support group
• getting plenty of rest

A person can also ask a doctor about mental health services. They may recommend a psychologist or psychiatrist to help the person cope with stress and anxiety related to psoriasis.

The National Psoriasis Foundation offers a service called One to One. It connects people with psoriasis to mentors who can help them learn to cope with the condition. This may be helpful for people who feel that they do not have anyone to relate to.

The takeaway

Psoriasis is linked to several mental health conditions, including anxiety, stress, and depression. Some evidence has suggested that anxiety and stress can trigger psoriasis flares and that psoriasis flares can trigger anxiety or stress.

A person with psoriasis should work with a healthcare professional to develop effective mental health treatments so that they can live their life without fear of social stigmatization or negative judgment.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/the-link-between-social-anxiety-and-psoriasis#how-to-get-help

Can I put honey on my face? What does it do?

From medicalnewstoday.com

Honey is becoming increasingly popular in the skincare and beauty industry and features in many products. But people have been using honey for its benefits to skin health for centuries

A 2016 research paper showed that raw honey has several potential health and skincare benefits, including antimicrobial effects and wound-healing properties.

These properties may make honey an attractive alternative therapy for people living with certain skin conditions, such as acne, psoriasis, or eczema.

A person may wish to use honey on their face to take advantage of these benefits, but they should be careful of potential risks if they are allergic to pollen.

The following article explores what research has shown about using honey on the skin and face, including the possible benefits and risks. It will also provide information on how a person can use honey as a face mask.

Benefits

Witthaya Prasongsin/Getty Images

Honey may help with certain skin conditions if a person applies it to their face.

For cuts and burns

In traditional medicine, people have used honey since 2,000 BC to treat wounds and burns on the skin. They would apply it topically to the skin.

Today, these practices are still in use all over the world. Notably, in New Zealand, people sometimes use manuka honey on wounds and burns to help prevent infection thanks to its cleansing properties.

For acne

In the United States, acne affects approximately 50 million people a year, and several million seek treatment for it each year. Honey could be a solution for people looking for alternative treatments.

In a 2016 study, researchers found that honey from all over the world provides antimicrobial activity. This property may make honey an effective source of treatment for skin conditions such as acne.

In another study from 2016, researchers found that the use of medical-grade kanuka honey in combination with 10% glycerine was more effective than using only antibacterial soap to treat acne.

It is unclear how much honey a person would need to apply to their skin for the treatment of acne. It is possible that applying a small amount of honey to affected areas may help with clearing up acne breakouts.

For eczema

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a condition that causes itchy rashes and flushed skin. It often develops during childhood, but it can affect adults as well.

According to a small 2017 study, researchers found that manuka honey helped to reduce the size of eczema lesions on the skin.

But this study only had 14 participants, and calls for large clinical trials to prove that honey may help with eczema.

It is unclear whether regular honey would be effective if used to help ease symptoms of eczema.

For psoriasis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that causes an overgrowth of skin cells. This can result in itchy patches of skin that have built up. Psoriasis can appear anywhere on the body, but one in three people with psoriasis experience symptoms on the face.

In a 2014 study, researchers examined the effect of medical-grade kanuka honey on psoriasis. The small study showed that kanuka honey was just as effective as aqueous cream in managing psoriasis lesions. But the researchers called for larger studies in order to confirm the effectiveness of honey for the treatment of psoriasis for a larger population.

In a 2017 case study, researchers found similar results. Testing their theory on one participant, they showed that honey is an effective treatment for mild psoriasis lesions. Like the earlier study, they stated that additional, larger studies are needed to prove honey’s effectiveness in treating psoriasis.

Types of honey

There are several types of honey a person can purchase at their local grocery store or specialty shops. Some options include:

• Raw honey: This is the least processed form of honey. Manufacturers bottle raw honey straight from the hive. It is often cloudy and may contain small pieces of debris from the honeycomb.
• Pasteurized honey: This type of honey is processed honey that manufacturers have heated to kill germs and preserve shelf life. It may contain added sugar or other ingredients.
• Pure pasteurized honey: This type of honey has no added ingredients. Manufacturers filter and heat it to kill microorganisms and preserve shelf life.

The categorization of honey depends on the type of honey bee making the honey and the type of flowers they used to make it. For example, manuka honey is the result of honey bees feeding on the manuka tree.

According to the National Honey Board, there are over 300 different types of honey in the U.S. alone. The color of honey can range between dark, light, or golden, depending on its type.

Forms

Traditionally, people used honey for skin health by applying it directly onto the skin.

Nowadays, countries including Australia, New Zealand, Europe, the U.S., Canada, and Hong Kong have also approved the topical use of honey for skin health in the form of:

• gels
• ointments
• dressings

Face masks

A homemade face mask may be a good way for someone to reap the benefits of honey for their skin.

Basic honey face mask

A person can apply raw honey to a wet face and leave it for around 20 minutes before washing it off thoroughly.

Lemon and honey face mask

Lemon essential oil can be a great addition to honey for a face mask because of its vitamin C content.

A 2014 study on mice found that applying vitamin C to the skin can help prevent skin damage.

A person could use the following recipe for a honey and lemon face mask:

Honey and lemon mask

Combine 2–3 tablespoons of honey with a drop of lemon essential oil.

Leave the mask on for 15–20 minutes then wash off thoroughly.

But a person should be careful when applying lemon to broken skin as it may cause burning due to its citric acid content.

Other face mask ingredients

For alternative additional ingredients, a person can combine honey with these other wet ingredients with known skin benefits to make a face mask:

• essential oils
• egg whites
• coconut oil
• yogurt
• avocado

A person may find that putting essential oils directly on their skin causes irritation. They should only add one drop of essential oil for a face mask, or they can dilute the essential oil with water and add one drop of that to make it weaker.

Spices such as cinnamon or turmeric may also be a great addition to a honey face mask.

Skin tests

A person should also be cautious when applying any homemade mask that uses different ingredients.

They should test a small amount on a small patch of skin first.

If a rash or other reaction occurs, they should not use the mask.

Washing off the face mask

Due to the sticky nature of honey, people sometimes believe it is difficult to wash off. It is easier to wash it off wet skin than dry skin.

A person should make sure they are washing their face thoroughly to avoid blocked pores or infections.

Over-the-counter products

There are also many over-the-counter products that contain honey. They are available at pharmacies or online.

A person can understand the honey content in a product by reading the ingredients list.

When using an over-the-counter product, a person should follow all instructions on the product and talk with their doctor if they are using other medications that may interact with it.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/honey-for-face

Mental Health Spotlight: The Stress-Psoriasis Connection

From healthline.com

Living with a chronic condition can be stressful. That’s especially true of any visible condition, like psoriasis.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the body and red, scaly, itchy patches on the skin. Often, these patches are in visible places like the knees, elbows, and scalp.

While there’s no cure for psoriasis, treatments can prevent skin flares and relieve related stress.

The link

The connection between stress and psoriasis is complex, and it goes both ways. Stress is a known trigger of psoriasis flares. And people who develop these patches may stress about the way psoriasis makes them look and feel.

Could stress actually cause psoriasis? “In and of itself, stress is not going to be something that causes psoriasis to develop out of the blue,” says Evan Rieder, MD, assistant professor of Dermatology at NYU Langone Health.

He adds, “But it could cause a flare of the disease in someone who is already genetically predisposed to having psoriasis.”

Researchers have discovered more than 80 genes linked to psoriasis. When your relatives have this condition, you’re more likely to get it. If both of your parents have it, your risk is 75 percent. If only one parent has it, your risk is 15 percent.

Exactly why stress causes flares, researchers don’t know. People with psoriasis seem to have a problem with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the system that controls their body’s reaction to stress.

They have lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which normally helps tame inflammation. So when they are under stress, inflammation starts, and psoriasis flares up.

The stress of living with psoriasis can escalate this process and make symptoms even worse. Psoriasis patches are itchy and cause discomfort. There is also a stigma from having plaques on your skin.

People you meet might react to the redness by making comments or by shrinking away from touching you. “You can imagine what that does to someone’s self-esteem,” Rieder says.

Stress management tips

One effective way to manage stress is with relaxation techniques such as meditation and deep breathing. Exercise is also a good stress reliever, and it’s great for boosting self-esteem.

Hypnosis and biofeedback are other techniques to help ease stress. It takes regular practice of relaxation techniques for them to be effective.

Self-advocacy is important when it comes to managing psoriasis, according to Rieder. Your dermatologist may focus only on your skin and not ask questions about your mental health.

“People with psoriasis can get depression and anxiety, and it doesn’t necessarily correlate with what’s going on with their skin. Their skin can look clear,” he says.

In addition to seeing your dermatologist, he recommends talking to a therapist. “Focus on whatever is getting in the way of you being able to live your best life,” he says.

You might want to consider seeing a therapist who has experience working with people with psoriasis or other chronic conditions.

Benefits of support groups

A support group is a place where you can connect with other people who have psoriasis, and learn from their experiences. “I think they can be very helpful,” Rieder says. “Unless you’re living with the condition, it’s very hard to truly empathize.”

Support groups are held in places like hospitals, community centres, and churches. You’ll also find them online. The best place to start looking for a support group is through an organization like the National Psoriasis Foundation.

How to talk to your friends

It may be hard to talk to people about your psoriasis, even those closest to you. But starting the conversation can help the people that love you most give you the support you need.

For people in your outer circle, your explanation can be brief and to the point. Say something like, “It’s not infectious and you can’t get it from me,” Rieder suggests.

Be more open and honest with friends and family. Help them understand what it’s like for you to live with this disease. Once they understand, they can be better allies.

Benefits of therapy

Having clearer skin can go a long way toward emotional improvement. When you’re less stressed about your skin, you may find you get fewer flares.

At least one psoriasis treatment — biologic drugs — serves double duty. Biologics are genetically engineered medications that target certain molecules in the body involved in causing inflammation, helping your immune system to operate properly.

In the case of psoriasis, these medications help relieve depression and improve quality of life while they clear the skin.

You have many options for treating psoriasis. The treatment dermatologists usually try first is a topical steroid, which slows cell production and brings down inflammation in your skin. Other, nonsteroidal topicals include anthralin, synthetic vitamin D3, and vitamin A.

Phototherapy exposes your skin to UV light to stop skin cells from growing. You can get this treatment at your doctor’s office or at home.

Systemic (body-wide) treatments such as biologics, methotrexate, and cyclosporine stop your immune system from causing inflammation in your skin. You may get one of these treatments if your psoriasis is severe or it doesn’t respond to topical treatments.

The key to getting on the right treatment is to find a doctor you trust. “Make sure you see a board certified dermatologist and get the best recommendations,” Rieder says.

“Psoriasis is a difficult condition to live with, but there’s never been a better time to live with psoriasis. We can get people clear or almost clear in the majority of cases.”

These treatments “can really improve people’s quality of life and the way that they feel,” he adds.

The takeaway

Stress and psoriasis are closely linked. You’re more likely to have flare-ups when you’re stressed, and psoriasis can increase your stress levels.

Seeing a dermatologist and getting on the right treatment can lead to clearer skin and less stress. A counsellor or other mental health provider will help you manage the emotional symptoms of psoriasis while your treatment goes to work.

https://www.healthline.com/health/psoriasis/stress-psoriasis-connection

The connection between psoriatic arthritis and heart disease

From medicalnewstoday.com

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an inflammatory form of arthritis that can affect the skin and joints. An increasing body of research links the condition to heart disease

PsA is an autoimmune disease, meaning that it occurs when the immune system mistakenly launches an attack on the body. This attack can trigger inflammation and pain.

There is a known link between PsA and heart health, with research showing that PsA increases the risk of cardiovascular conditions. It is likely that specific symptoms of PsA and the increased likelihood of other risk factors play a role.

In this article, we explain the connection between PsA and heart disease. We also cover what the latest research says and suggest strategies to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease when living with PsA.

What does the research say?

Most of the existing research exploring the link between heart disease and rheumatological diseases has focused on rheumatoid arthritis. Recently, however, there has been a growing body of research that links PsA and cardiovascular disease.

In a 2016 meta-analysis, researchers examined data from 11 studies involving a total of more than 30,000 people with PsA. They found that people with PsA had a 43% higher risk of cardiovascular disease than those without PsA. This finding suggests that PsA is an independent risk factor in the development of cardiovascular disease.

However, research also suggests that specific symptoms of PsA, such as inflammation in the sacroiliac joints in the back, can increase a person’s chance of a cardiovascular event. In a 2014 study, researchers identified an association between inflammation in the sacroiliac joints and increased aortitis. Aortitis is the term for inflammation of the aorta, which is a known predecessor of cardiovascular disease.

PsA and most forms of heart disease are inflammatory conditions. When the immune system launches an inflammatory response, it affects systems all over the body, including the joints, skin, and heart. Chronic inflammation is a known risk factor for heart disease, and it can also cause damage to blood vessels.

In addition to the risk factor of body-wide chronic inflammation, people with PsA are also more likely to have traditional risk factors for heart disease, such as diabetes or obesity.

In a 2019 study, researchers found that those with PsA were more likely to have type 2 diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia (high levels of fat in the blood), and obesity. These are all risk factors for heart disease.

Metabolic syndrome is an umbrella term for a group of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease. In another study, researchers found that 44% of those with PsA had metabolic syndrome. People with severe PsA were more likely to have metabolic syndrome.

Strategies for prevention

People with PsA can take steps to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and morbidity.

Understand the risk factors

Individuals with PsA should consider whether they are already at higher risk of cardiovascular disease due to other risk factors, which include:

• high blood pressure
• high cholesterol
• type 2 diabetes
• history of smoking
• sedentary lifestyle
• excess body weight

If a person with PsA has any of these risk factors, they should talk with their doctor about what they can do to improve their heart health.

In 2019, the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association (AHA) put out new guidelines for preventing heart disease. In these guidelines, they include psoriasis and other rheumatic inflammatory diseases as risk enhancers for heart disease. They advise that risk-enhancing factors such as PsA should guide preventive interventions for adults who are at risk of heart disease.

Those with PsA may benefit from regular screening for heart disease risk factors, including blood pressure, cholesterol, and excess body weight.

Review medications with a doctor

Some medications for PsA may reduce the risk of heart disease, while others may increase it.

For example, steroids can raise cholesterol levels and cause the body to become less sensitive to insulin. In turn, this can contribute to the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Conversely, biologics and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) can not only ease pain in the joints but also protect the heart.

Make lifestyle adjustments

A person can make simple changes to their diet and everyday habits to help reduce PsA symptoms and improve heart health.

Eating a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and fish but low in red meat can help minimize inflammation. Fatty fish, such as salmon and mackerel, contain anti-inflammatory fatty acids. Research has indicated that consuming these fish may protect those with PsA from heart disease.

Reducing sugar intake also helps lower inflammation.

In addition, excess weight can increase the risk of both PsA and heart disease. Losing weight can help with symptoms of PsA, such as joint tenderness, and also lower the risk of heart disease.

Medications to control cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar may be useful for some people living with PsA.

For smokers, quitting smoking will lower the risk of heart disease. It will also promote better overall health.

The takeaway

PsA is a chronic condition with known links to cardiovascular disease. Research suggests that PsA is an independent risk factor in developing heart disease. People with PsA are also more likely to have other risk factors for heart disease, such as metabolic syndrome.

However, these individuals can take several steps to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and morbidity. These include learning about and being aware of risk factors, undergoing regular screening, and adopting a healthy lifestyle. A doctor can offer advice on whether any medications might also be helpful.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/the-psoriatic-arthritis-heart-disease-connection#takeaway