What to know about living with psoriasis

From medicalnewstoday.com

Living with psoriasis can involve many challenges, as the condition may affect physical, mental, and social health. However, people can take steps to manage this condition. Living a balanced lifestyle, regularly attending appointments, and practicing stress management techniques are among the ways to minimize symptoms and improve the quality of life.

It is also important to focus on self-care, as taking good care of the skin, hair, and nails can help reduce the severity and frequency of certain symptoms, such as itching. Some people may also benefit from seeking support from friends, family members, or support groups.

Keep reading to learn more about lifestyle and self-care practices that may be helpful for those living with psoriasis.

Quality of life with psoriasis 

Navinpeep/Getty Images

Psoriasis is a chronic disease that affects the skin, and although it is unlikely to result in severe health complications, it can have a detrimental effect on a person’s quality of life.

People with psoriasis may also experience comorbidities. The National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) notes that living with psoriasis increases the risk of developing other health problems, such as heart disease, depression, and type 2 diabetes.

The difficulties that people with psoriasis face may extend beyond physical health. A 2020 study on living with this condition highlights the stigma that these individuals frequently experience. The authors state that social and clothing restrictions, prevention of activities, and lack of a cure can all contribute to a lower quality of life.

However, they add that the following could help improve the quality of life for people with psoriasis:

• improving public awareness
• building acceptance of the disease
• improving multidisciplinary care
• developing more effective medications
• reducing stress

These conclusions are consistent with those of an older study, which notes that well-being improves with better management and treatment of the condition.

By implementing various lifestyle practices and self-care tips, a person with psoriasis may be able to reduce some of these negative effects.

Lifestyle practices

Doctors may recommend the following:

• Eating a healthy diet: The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) reports that there is evidence to suggest that the Mediterranean diet may reduce the severity of psoriasis. This anti-inflammatory diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, olive oil, and fatty fish.
• Stopping smoking: A 2016 article states that individuals who smoke have a higher risk of psoriasis. Smoking may also make the condition more severe and reduce the effectiveness of treatment.
• Maintaining a moderate weight: The AAD advises that losing excess body weight may lead to fewer flare-ups and make medications more effective.
• Only drinking alcohol in moderation: A 2019 article notes that alcohol consumption may trigger or worsen psoriasis. However, the authors say that more research is necessary to prove the link and determine the amount of alcohol that may cause negative effects.
• Reducing stress: Stress often triggers flare-ups of psoriasis. Stress-reducing strategies, such as meditation, exercise, and deep breathing, may help reduce the severity or frequency of flare-ups.
• Getting regular exercise: Research indicates that psoriasis improves with regular workouts. People should check with their doctor before starting an exercise routine, but most individuals with psoriasis who are otherwise healthy can benefit from physical activity.
• Joining a support group or seeing a mental health practitioner: Living with psoriasis can affect mental health  and increase the risk of conditions such as anxiety and depression. Getting support can help a person better manage their mental health.
• Visiting healthcare providers regularly: Although there is no cure for psoriasis, a doctor can prescribe medications and other treatments that may help control symptoms.
• Help with healthcare costs: If healthcare finances are contributing to stress, people can check whether their insurance plan may help cover costs.

Self-care

Alongside lifestyle practices, self-care can play a role in minimizing symptom frequency and severity. The AAD offers the below tips for taking care of the skin, hair, and nails, as well as for relieving itch.

Skin care

People with psoriasis typically experience dry skin that can easily become irritated. Measures to prevent further drying and irritation include:

• taking a short bath or shower with warm water instead of taking a long, hot bath
• using a moisturizing soap that is suitable for sensitive skin
• applying a fragrance-free moisturizer after showering or bathing

Hair care

If psoriasis affects the scalp, it can make it dry and irritated. Measures to prevent scalp flare-ups include:

• being gentle when brushing the hair
• avoiding tight hairstyles
• limiting the use of hot rollers or curling irons
• avoiding the use of hair colorants, relaxants, and perms when symptoms are worse

Nail care

When psoriasis affects the nails, the following measures may protect them from injuries:

• keeping the nails short and avoiding pushing up the cuticles
• avoiding biting the nails or applying artificial nails
• wearing gloves when doing manual work, such as dishwashing or yard work

Itch relief

The following measures can help relieve a persistent itch:

• getting medical treatment for psoriasis
• removing scales with medications, such as salicylic acid
• avoiding scratching
• using an itch-relieving product, such as one with camphor or menthol
• applying products containing coal tar, which can be effective for scalp psoriasis and plaques

Clothing choices

Anything that comes into contact with the skin may irritate psoriasis. The Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance recommends wearing loose clothing, especially during flare-ups, to prevent further irritation from clothing. It may also be advisable to avoid constrictive garments, such as elasticized waistbands, tights, and socks.

Caregiver tips

A caregiver for a person with psoriasis may be a family member, friend, or neighbour. Some caregivers give occasional help, while others provide extensive day-to-day services. The type of support varies, but it may include everything from making doctor appointments to encouraging someone with psoriasis to take prescribed treatment.

Some helpful tips for caregivers include:

• Learning about the condition: The more caregivers know about psoriasis, the more they can help.
• Asking the person with psoriasis what they need: Those with the condition may have many needs, so it could be easy to overlook something that is especially important to them.
• Organizing medical information: Keep an up-to-date file that includes the individual’s medical history, allergies, and medications, along with their insurance contact information and legal documents.
• Practicing self-care: As being a caregiver can be physically and mentally taxing, someone in this role can benefit from taking steps to protect their own health. These may include eating a nutritious diet, joining a caregiver support group, and staying active, as well as taking breaks and asking for help.

Support

Some people with psoriasis may benefit from joining a psoriasis support group. These groups may help reduce the negative self-image and other effects of the condition that can adversely affect mental health. Below are some options:

• MyPsoriasisTeam is the online community of the NPF.
• The Inspire Psoriasis Support Community offers online discussion forums.
• A person’s doctor may be able to suggest a local support group.

Summary

Living with psoriasis can present unique challenges that may make certain aspects of life more difficult. However, taking steps to promote overall health and manage the condition can help people maintain a good quality of life.

The most effective strategies will likely vary among individuals, but they may include adopting a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, practicing self-care, and attending support groups.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/living-with-psoriasis

10 Ways to Deal With Psoriasis in Your Ears

From msn.com

Understanding psoriasis in your ear

When you hear the word "psoriasis," you probably picture scaly patches on the elbows or knees. But this common skin condition can appear almost anywhere on your body. That goes for the ears.

It may seem like a simple matter of location, but there's a particular risk that comes with psoriasis in the ears. Scaly plaques that sometimes show up on, around, or in the ears can affect hearing

So how to do you manage this condition? Here, experts offer top tips for treating ear psoriasis.

What is psoriasis?

Affecting about eight million people in the United States, psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition that occurs when your immune system goes into overdrive and amps up skin cell production.

Skin cells pile up on the surface of the skin instead of shedding. They can form raised, reddened plaques that itch and burn and may be covered with thick, silvery scales.

You might notice these plaques on your knees, elbows, feet, lower back, face, palms, or almost anywhere else on the body. Including, of course, the ears.

"Some people may have psoriasis just on their ears, but it is usually scalp psoriasis and ear involvement combined," says Jerry Bagel, MD, a dermatologist at East Windsor Dermatology in East Windsor, New Jersey, and a member of the National Psoriasis Foundation's board of directors.

Psoriasis is more than just a skin condition. A growing body of research suggests that it also ups your risk for heart disease, depression, and type 2 diabetes, likely because of underlying inflammation.

As many as one in three people with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis, which is characterized by swelling, stiffness, and pain in the joints.

There's a mental health aspect too. When plaques occur on visible parts of your body, psoriasis can dampen your self-confidence, dramatically affecting your quality of life.

Ear psoriasis symptoms

In general, ear psoriasis can cause itching, redness, discoloration, and scaling. Annoying, but probably not as worrying as another possible symptom: impaired hearing.

The scaly build-up of skin cells can inch its way into your ear canal, and you may develop temporary hearing loss.

"This is the bigger problem," says Dr. Bagel. "All of that scaling is packed into your ear canal and can impair hearing. People think they are going deaf."

If your ears are clogged, it can affect your balance, too, and may result in vertigo.

"It feels like there is cotton in your ear canal, and you can lose a lot of hearing," adds Bruce Strober, MD, clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University and founder of Central Connecticut Dermatology Research in Cromwell, Connecticut. 

Diagnosing ear psoriasis

When researchers set out to get a better understanding of how ear psoriasis is diagnosed and treated, they polled members of the National Psoriasis Foundation's medical board.

They found that ear psoriasis is often a result of scalp psoriasis that had spread to the ears.

Doctors said they look at the ears when diagnosing and assessing psoriasis, but three-quarters don't look in the ear canal, according to the study. It was published in a 2020 issue of the Journal of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis, of which Dr. Strober is editor in chief.

If you suspect you have psoriasis in your ears, make sure your doctor does more than just inspect the outside of the ear. He or she should inspect the ear canal too.

Ear psoriasis and hearing loss

It may be hard to know what type of doctor to see for ear psoriasis, particularly when your hearing is affected. A good rule of thumb is to let your symptoms guide you.

"If you can't hear, see an ear, nose, and throat specialist," says Dr. Bagel. "But if you can hear and have psoriasis anywhere, including your ears, see a dermatologist first to start on therapy that will prevent hearing loss."

An ear, nose, and throat specialist (aka an ENT) can remove the build-up of scaly skin (a process known as debridement) to help restore hearing, he adds.

After this initial professional cleaning, your doctor can teach you how to do it yourself using hydrogen peroxide diluted with water.

Treating psoriasis in ears

There is no cure for ear psoriasis, but there are plenty of at-home treatments and doctor-prescribed medications to help ease symptoms.

Topical steroids

Topical steroids, such as DermOtic Oil drops, are first-line treatments for ear psoriasis, says Dr. Strober.

Skin thinning is a known side effect of topical steroids, but you won't be using high-strength steroids in the ear area.

"This will cause skin to thin out too much in an area where it is thin to begin with," Dr. Bagel explains.

Instead, mild- or moderate-strength steroid lotions and ointments are recommended for ear psoriasis, he says.

To get the best bang for your buck, Dr. Bagel suggests soaking a gauze pad in warm water and placing it on the affected part of your ear for five to 10 minutes.

"This will soften up the scales, and then you can apply the mild- or medium-strength steroids to decrease inflammation," he says.

In general, topical treatments can help with pain and itchiness.

Steroid-free creams

Once the psoriasis improves, other topical therapies may play a role in keeping the ear area clear, says Dr. Bagel.

Your doctor may recommend topical calcineurin inhibitors such as tacrolimus ointment (Protopic) and 1 percent pimecrolimus cream (Elidel). These steroid-free creams are used off-label for psoriasis to reduce inflammation and itch.

Other options may include calcipotriene, a form of vitamin D that slows down skin cell growth.

Light therapy

Light therapy, also known as phototherapy, is a staple in psoriasis care, using ultraviolet light to target skin affected by psoriasis.

But it only has a limited role in ear psoriasis because the area can be hard to target with light-based devices.

Before starting a UV light therapy treatment, you'll want to talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks, which include a higher likelihood of skin cancer.

Systemic treatments

If ear involvement is part of widespread psoriasis, biologics or oral disease-modifying drugs, like adalimumab (Humira), may help, says Dr. Strober.

Biologics block specific proteins, such as tumour necrosis factor (TNF), that increase inflammation in psoriasis.

Extraction

Your doctor can manually remove the skin that's affecting the ear canal. Sometimes, this resolves hearing problems.

A word of warning: do not try to do this yourself or insert anything into your ear canal. You could damage your eardrum and raise your risk of hearing loss.

Lifestyle changes for ear psoriasis

Psoriasis is often marked by periods of flares and disease-free remissions where skin is clear, or pretty close to it.

Recognize triggers of flares

The best way to minimize the risk of psoriasis flares, including those that affect your ears, is to guard against the things that cause you to flare.

Common triggers include stress, injury to the skin (even a seemingly minor one), illness, and sometimes even the weather. You may not be able to avoid or change all of those things, but you can do your best to modify your behaviour to reduce the likelihood of a flare-up.

If stress tends to cause you to flare, for instance, find a healthy way to cope with stress. Try practicing meditation or yoga, or take a time-out and listen to music.

Moisturize

Good skin care also makes a difference. Keeping your skin moisturized can help relieve some of the symptoms of psoriasis, such as dry skin, itching, and flaking.

Need help getting started? This is the best skin care routine for psoriasis, according to top dermatologists.

Eat psoriasis-friendly foods

It's also important to watch what you eat. Some foods may increase your risk of a psoriasis flare.

These psoriasis-triggering foods may include dairy, tomatoes, or chili peppers.

Avoid picking or scratching plaques

It's sure is tempting to pick or scratch raised skin. But never pick or scratch at psoriasis plaques—it can lead to an infection, says Dr. Bagel.

If that occurs, you may need a topical or oral antibiotic. Signs of infected ear psoriasis include oozing and crusting.

Check in with your doctor

Talk to your doctor on a regular basis to make sure you are doing everything you can to keep your psoriasis in check.

This includes following your doc's orders about medication use, identifying your triggers, and making lifestyle modifications to keep your flare-ups at bay.

The post 10 Ways to Deal With Psoriasis in Your Ears appeared first on The Healthy.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/medical/10-ways-to-deal-with-psoriasis-in-your-ears/ar-AAKcQau?li=BBnb7Kz

How Are Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Connected?

From self.com

They sound similar but have major differences

You may have heard that psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis are connected, but might not understand how. Although the conditions share a similar name, they can have some very different symptoms and treatments. People with psoriasis are at a greater risk of developing psoriatic arthritis, and sometimes people with psoriatic arthritis develop psoriasis later on, meaning it’s helpful to have an understanding of both conditions if you are diagnosed with one, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Untangling the nuances between these two conditions can be a bit complicated. That’s why we spoke with experts about the important things you should know about psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis, including how the two are linked.

Psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis are both autoimmune conditions.

Both conditions happen when your autoimmune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in your body, causing inflammation. With psoriasis, new skin cells grow too quickly and build up, resulting in thick, scaly rashes that can make it painful to move, according to the Cleveland Clinic. People with psoriatic arthritis also have inflammation, but their symptoms generally result in stiff, painful joints, and swollen skin surrounding the joints, according to the Mayo Clinic.

The exact causes of autoimmune diseases are not clear. Some experts theorize that injuries might trigger psoriatic arthritis and that infections could trigger psoriasis, according to John Hopkins University. Doctors commonly suspect that genetics may determine whether someone is susceptible to autoimmune disorders, but the specifics explaining how or why are up in the air.

Both conditions are lifelong diseases that can alternate between periods of remission where you have very few symptoms and flares in which your symptoms are worse.

There are various forms of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

There are five types of psoriatic arthritis, and the disease can trigger symptoms in different areas of your body depending on the type you have, according to NYU Langone Health. They are:

• Asymmetric oligoarthritis can cause pain and stiffness in up to five joints on either side of your body.
• Symmetric arthritis is characterized by painful, swollen joints on just one side of your body.
• Spondylitic arthritis When you experience arthritis symptoms in your spine, or you might have neck pain and difficulty moving your head.
• Distal interphalangeal predominant psoriatic arthritis involves inflammation in your fingernails and toenails.
• Arthritis mutilans is a rare but severe form of psoriatic arthritis that causes damage in the bones of your toes and fingers, according to NYU Langone.

The Mayo Clinic explains there are six types of psoriasis, and your symptoms may vary depending on the type you have.

• Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of the disease and is marked by dry, raised skin lesions. The plaques can be itchy, and tender, and generally appear on your elbows, knees, back, and scalp.
• Nail psoriasis causes pitting, breaking, and discoloration in your fingernails and toenails.
• Guttate psoriasis usually appears after someone has a bacterial infection such as strep throat. This form leaves small lesions on your arms, trunk, or legs.
• Inverse psoriasis lesions appear in spots like your groins, buttocks, and breasts. The lesions get worse when there’s friction or sweat in the area.
• Pustular psoriasis is rare and characterized by pus-filled lesions.
• Erythrodermic psoriasis, the least common type of psoriasis, involves a peeling rash that itches, burns, and covers your entire body.

Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis do share one common symptom: fatigue, which is likely due to high levels of inflammation, according to NYU Langone Health.

The majority of people with psoriasis won’t develop psoriatic arthritis.

About 7 million Americans have psoriasis, and only a fraction of them will ever develop psoriatic arthritis, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Estimates vary depending on the source, but the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that roughly 10% to 20% of people with psoriasis go on to develop psoriatic arthritis.

In contrast, the Cleveland Clinic estimates that up to 30% of people with psoriasis will develop psoriatic arthritis. That said, “having psoriasis is the single most significant risk factor for developing psoriatic arthritis,” Naomi Schlesinger, M.D., chief of the Division of Rheumatology at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, tells SELF.

If you have psoriasis, it’s extremely important to watch for any joint symptoms, such as swelling, pain, or stiffness—the most common signs of psoriatic arthritis—and report them to your physician, says David Giangreco, M.D., a rheumatologist at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital. Psoriatic arthritis is a progressive disease, meaning it can get worse over time. And if you happen to get diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis in its early stages, then your doctor can prescribe treatments that slow the disease’s progression and help preserve your joints.

You can develop psoriatic arthritis anytime before or after your psoriasis diagnosis.

Medical experts used to believe that people with psoriasis could only develop psoriatic arthritis within 10 years of their initial psoriasis diagnosis, according to the Cleveland Clinic. However, studies have shown that this isn’t true. In fact, up to 15% of people with both diseases actually experienced their psoriatic arthritis symptoms first, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Some people may develop psoriatic arthritis before psoriasis, and others may have had psoriasis for years without realizing it, according to Dr. Giangreco. “Psoriasis can remain hidden from patients on the back of the scalp or buttock area and go unnoticed for long periods of time,” Dr. Giangreco tells SELF. If you have psoriatic arthritis and suddenly notice changes in your skin and nails, then you don’t want to rule out the possibility of psoriasis. Rarely do people have psoriatic arthritis without getting psoriasis, too, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Experts aren’t sure why psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are linked.

Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are clearly connected, but experts don’t know why some people develop both conditions. However, genetics appears to be involved. Researchers have pinpointed a family of genes called the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) complex as a possible contributor to psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. (The HLA complex helps your immune system recognize your body’s proteins compared to proteins from foreign pathogens such as viruses and bacteria, the organization explains.) People with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis have HLA genes that are different from people who don’t have either condition, according to a May 2021 paper published in The Journal of Rheumatology. And people with psoriasis who have a specific HLA gene mutation are more likely to develop psoriatic arthritis, according to the same paper.

Medical experts also believe that psoriatic arthritis may be inherited. About 40% of people with psoriatic arthritis have a family member with either psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis can severely affect your quality of life.

People with either condition frequently say that their health informs their decision-making, from the clothes they buy to their careers. That’s because both conditions can drastically change your life, making it difficult to sleep, work, and do the things you love, like playing with your children or baking. For example, when you have a psoriasis flare, even rolling over in bed or wearing tight clothing can be extremely painful. Some people with psoriasis choose clothing that hides their flares to avoid getting comments about their skin’s appearance. Similarly, joint pain from psoriatic arthritis can make it really hard to sit on the floor with your kids, get out of bed for work, or follow through on plans. This can all become overwhelming, and understandably make some people feel self-conscious about their health conditions.

Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis treatments can make it easier to live a full life with these conditions.

There are no cures for either disease, but an effective treatment plan can minimize symptoms for both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. With psoriasis, doctors generally prescribe treatments that prevent your skin cells from growing too quickly, according to the Mayo Clinic. There are many treatment options for this, including creams, light therapy, or oral or injected medications, the Mayo Clinic explains.

As for psoriatic arthritis, treatments generally focus on controlling inflammation to minimize your joint pain and damage. Your doctor might suggest pharmacological options that target your immune system to lower inflammation, along with exercise or other lifestyle modifications, according to the Mayo Clinic. With each condition, the best treatment depends on your particular situation.

Bottom line: Talk to your doctor if you have psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis symptoms.

Both conditions can cause a lot of physical and emotional pain—but you can find some relief with the right treatment plan. If you think you have psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis (or both), talk to your doctor about how you can live more comfortably.

https://www.self.com/story/connection-psoriatic-arthritis-psoriasis

Sunscreens and Self-Tanners for Psoriasis: Do’s and Don’ts

From everydayhealth.com

By Celia Shatzman, Medically Reviewed by Ross Radusky, MD

Prepping for a summer with psoriasis? Dermatologists weigh in on their favourite sunscreens and self-tanners and the best ways to apply them

When it comes to sunscreen, finding just the right formula can be tricky — but it’s definitely out there. If you have psoriasis, the search for the perfect sunscreen might seem even more challenging, but sun protection is extra important.

Although some exposure to sunlight may help alleviate psoriasis symptoms, too much can lead to sun damage and potentially skin cancer, says dermatologist Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, of Laser and Skin Surgery Center of New York. “Excess sun exposure can cause increased irritation and discomfort on the skin of someone with psoriasis,” she adds.

Another reason to be diligent about sunscreen if you have psoriasis: It can be a challenge for doctors to diagnose certain types of skin cancer, such as basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma, because they can often look very similar to psoriasis, says Orit Markowitz, MD, assistant professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and founder of OptiSkin in New York City.

What’s more, Dr. Markowitz says, “Many psoriasis patients are already at a higher risk for developing melanoma because they undergo light treatment therapies, making it important that they do their best to protect their skin from UV damage from the sun.” And people with psoriasis who receive light therapy also have an increased risk of basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, according to a review article published in October 2019 in JAMA Dermatology.

If you’re using certain topical medications like steroids, you likely have increased photosensitivity, meaning you sunburn more easily, Markowitz adds. She recommends asking your doctor if any of your medications make you more sensitive to sunlight.

What to Look for When Picking Out a Sunscreen

When shopping for sunblock, it’s best to start with an SPF of at least 30. Dendy Engelman, MD, a dermatologist at the Shafer Clinic in New York City, recommends looking for broad-spectrum sunscreen that offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

Opt for mineral, or physical, sunscreen with zinc oxide and titanium oxide, Dr. Engelman says. She recommends fragrance-free formulations for sensitive skin, like La Roche Posay Anthelios Mineral Zinc Oxide Sunscreen SPF 50 or Baby Bum Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion, which is also available as a spray and a face stick.

Markowitz’s go-to spray is Coola's Mineral Body Organic Sunscreen Spray SPF 30. “I love this sunscreen because it is a mineral sunscreen, which I find to be more protective than the traditional aerosol sunscreens. It is a thick formula, but it has the same allure [as spray formulas] — easy to apply and reapply, no messy lotions,” she says.

Another fan favourite among people with psoriasis is the Glow Oil SPF 50 from Supergoop, says Dr. Murphy-Rose, adding that she loves the formula for psoriatic patients because the oil allows for smoother application.

For the face, her top picks are Skinceuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 and EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46.

Before buying any sunscreen, be sure to check the label and make sure the product doesn’t contain formaldehyde, parabens, or other strong preservatives, as these can irritate and damage skin, says Engelman.

How to Apply Sunscreen to Skin with Psoriasis Plaques

If you have very active psoriasis, rubbing lotions or creams into your skin can be tricky. Markowitz recommends applying Aquaphor beforehand because it can make sunscreen go on more smoothly.

“Apply sunscreen gently by patting it on, rather than rubbing,” Engelman suggests. “If you are especially concerned about your symptoms, spray sunscreen is a contact-free option — just be sure to apply very liberally, as you need to use much more than you think in order to reach the SPF protection on the bottle.”

Be sure to reapply every two hours and right after breaking a sweat or getting your skin wet, she adds.

What About Tanning Beds and Self-Tanners for Psoriasis?

If you’re curious about tanning beds, forget it, says Engelman. “Although tanning beds seem like a good idea because they expose you to UVB rays — which can be helpful in alleviating psoriasis symptoms — they do more harm than good, since the quantity of dangerous UVA rays is much higher. I would recommend avoiding tanning beds entirely,” she warns.

The only safe tan is one that comes from a bottle, but thanks to self-tanners, you can still get glowing.

Products that are both a moisturizer and self-tanner are best for psoriasis, says Murphy-Rose, adding that those designed for sensitive skin are ideal. She says the best types are those that are formulated with rich moisturizers and a light shade, since they gradually develop a tan without sudden, deep darkening of some areas compared with others.

Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer is a great choice, says Murphy-Rose. Some areas of skin, like active psoriatic plaques, can darken quicker, so she suggests avoiding those areas the next time you self-tan to help it look more even.

SOL by Jergens Deeper by the Drop Serum can be added to any moisturizer you already use and know works well with your skin, Murphy-Rose says.

When going the self-tanner route, it’s important to prepare your skin first. “Prep skin the day before by exfoliating with a chemical exfoliator containing hydroxy acids, for example,” Murphy-Rose says. “Always moisturize skin after exfoliating.”

Before adding any self-tanner to your shopping cart, be sure to do a careful check of the ingredients on the label, Engelman suggests, noting many self-tanners contain ingredients that can irritate your already sensitive skin, such as fragrances and alcohol. She recommends opting for spray-on tanners or lightweight mousses, to avoid rubbing and irritating your psoriasis, and applying gently, just as you would with lotion or sunscreen.

Desireé Delia, a New York City–based makeup artist and licensed esthetician, suggests using self-tanners with caution, especially when you’re dealing with a flare-up. “Tanning products react with dead skin cells, so the psoriasis will soak up product, leaving the skin looking patchy,” she says.

Her go-to self-tanner is Alpha Beta Glow Pad for Body Intense Glow by Dr. Dennis Gross.

The Bottom Line

Whether you choose to protect your natural skin tone with sunscreen or get a faux tan, your priority needs to be staying safe in the sun.

“Although it may be tempting to go out into the sun unprotected, you still need to protect your skin from damage,” Engelman says. “Wear sunscreen to reap the benefits of sunlight without risking a sunburn that can worsen symptoms."

https://www.everydayhealth.com/psoriasis/sunscreens-and-self-tanners-for-psoriasis-dos-and-donts/

Surprising Signs Psoriatic Arthritis is Impacting Your Vision

From prevention.com

The inflammation that affects your skin and joints can also damage your eyes

When you hear the word “psoriasis,” you likely think itchy, scaly red elbows. “Arthritis” conjures up painful, swollen joints. But you can have both at the same time; it’s called psoriatic arthritis, or PsA.

Like psoriasis, PsA is an autoimmune disorder where your overactive immune system attacks healthy parts of your body, causing inflammation. It can flare up anywhere, including the eyes.

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, one of the most common eye disorders associated with PsA is uveitis (you-vee-EYE-tis). Uveitis is characterized by inflammation (redness and swelling) that occurs in the uvea, the layer and structures beneath the white of the eye. About 7 percent of those with PsA will develop the disease, a much higher percentage than found in the general population, according to the National Eye Institute.

Identifying uveitis

If you have PsA and something feels off with your eyes or vision see an ophthalmologist for an exam. “Don’t assume it’s pink eye,” says Kristin Ingraham, DO, a rheumatologist with Lehigh Valley Health Network in Allentown, PA. “Delaying a diagnosis can make flare-ups worse.”

To check for the condition, an ophthalmologist will perform a non-invasive “slit lamp” exam using a special microscope and high-intensity light to examine different structures and look for white blood cells and protein within the eye. “There should be no white blood cells inside the anterior chamber of the eye, and in uveitis you find them,” explains James Rosenbaum, M.D., professor of medicine in the Division of Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases at Oregon Health & Science University and chief of ophthalmology at Legacy Devers Eye Institute in Portland, OR. “A lot of protein in the eye suggests the blood vessels are leaky; the protein actually diffracts the lamp’s beam of light so it’s like looking through a fog.”

It’s also vital to keep an eye out for unusual symptoms between appointments. Dr. Rosenbaum recommends keeping in mind the mnemonic R.S.V.P. If you experience any of these four issues, see an ophthalmologist stat:

R – Prolonged redness

Eye redness is very common and can be triggered by allergies, a virus, or strain. (You know, from reading the tiny text on your smartphone.) But if the redness lasts for a week or more, check-in with your doctor.

S – Sensitivity to light

“Things that don’t damage the eye, like mild conjunctivitis, don’t generally cause a sensitivity to light,” says Dr. Rosenbaum. Light sensitivity may suggest a more serious problem brewing.

V – Vision change

Blurred vision, double vision, “floaters,” or any other changes in visual acuity should be checked by an ophthalmologist.

P – Pain

Many minor conditions cause some scratchiness and discomfort but not true pain, says Dr. Rosenbaum. “True pain definitely needs to be evaluated,” he says.

The importance of uveitis treatment

Waiting too long to have your eyes checked after symptoms start can delay treatment and allow damage to occur, so definitely don’t drag your feet, says Dr. Ingraham.

Treatment for moderate inflammation from uveitis often involves steroid eye drops. For some people with more severe symptoms, the medication used to treat psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis may be used to treat or prevent uveitis. Your eye doctor and rheumatologist can work together to find your best course of treatment. “Just as a conductor of a symphony coordinates multiple musicians, rheumatologists and ophthalmologists should achieve a similar collaboration,” says Dr. Rosenbaum.

What about lifestyle factors; can they prevent eye problems related to psoriatic arthritis? “Boy, I wish,” says Dr. Rosenbaum. “If you have a way to reduce stress, to be happy, to get sleep, to eat a balanced diet, do all of those things, but don’t ignore conventional medications, which we know work well.”

https://www.prevention.com/health/health-conditions/a36291837/psoriatic-arthritis-uveitis/

Intermittent fasting helps reduce skin symptoms in Psoriasis patients

From medicaldialogues.in

LUGANO - New research investigating for the first time the effects of modified intermittent fasting (MIF) on the skin of people with psoriasis has yielded promising results. Preliminary study findings presented today at the EADV Spring Symposium, show a significant reduction in scaling and thickness in patients with mild psoriasis after following a MIF 5:2 diet (eating normally for 5 days and restricting calorie intake on 2 non-consecutive days).

Psoriasis is a chronic, systemic immune-mediated inflammatory disease that causes raised plaques and scales on the skin's surface. The disease affects between 2-3% of the worlds' adult population, and <1% of children. Until now, the effect of dietary interventions on psoriasis severity has rarely been investigated, and although it is known that there is a link between obesity and psoriasis severity1, the mechanism of action of this link is still unclear. This study sought to provide mechanistic evidence to inform whether there is a link between gut health and psoriatic lesions, as well as uncover any benefits of MIF in psoriasis management.

"We had observed positive results in mice with gut inflammation and psoriasis, with inflammation in the gut driving cutaneous symptoms," shares Dr Lynda Grine, Postdoctoral Researcher, Department of Dermatology, Ghent University, Belgium "Through scientific curiosity and my own experience with fasting as a Muslim, I wanted to find out whether dietary intervention would have the same effects on human patients with psoriasis."

MIF is a form of intermittent fasting which requires participants to restrict calorie intake for a certain amount of time. It is often viewed as a more manageable form of fasting, allowing participants to adjust the rules to accommodate with their personal lives. Popular MIF diets include the 16:8 (fast for 16 hours and eat for 8) and 5:2 diet, with the latter being used as the dietary intervention for this study.

A total of 24 subjects were enrolled in the study, with one group of 12 participants instructed to modify their diet with MIF for 12 weeks, and the other 12 participants continuing on their regular diet. Replicating the 5:2 diet, the fasting group were asked to consume a total of 500 kcal twice per week on 2 non-consecutive days, but were free to consume their usual daily calorie intake for the remaining 5 days of the week. During the trial, 2 patients were excluded: 1 due to start of antibiotic use and 1 due to loss to follow-up.

Objectively, PASI (a tool used to measure the severity and extent of psoriasis) and Body Surface Area (BSA) did not differ significantly between fasting and regular diet, although PASI reduced in the fasting group (p<0.05). Waist circumference and weight were comparable at 6 weeks but reduced significantly in the fasting group at week 12 compared to the control group (p<0.05 and <0.001, respectively). Fasting subjects reported significant improvement more frequently at weeks 6 and 12 (p<0.0001), mentioning less scaling and thickening, with 30% of patients also reporting a decrease in itching. The study will be completed at the end of June.

"The effect of dietary interventions on skin health is a stimulating field of research in dermatology. The results of this study add to the growing body of evidence being undertaken to understand the relationship between the gut and skin, with some promising results for patients and the disease management of psoriasis." Says Prof. Marie-Aleth Richard, EADV Board Member and Professor at the University Hospital of La Timone, Marseille.

https://medicaldialogues.in/dermatology/news/intermittent-fasting-helps-reduce-skin-symptoms-in-psoriasis-patients-77370

How does psoriatic arthritis affect the eyes?

From medicalnewstoday.com

Psoriatic arthritis, or PsA, is a form of arthritis associated with psoriasis. PsA affects the joints and the areas of the body where tendons and ligaments connect to bones.

The National Psoriasis Foundation states that about 30% of individuals with psoriasis will develop psoriatic arthritis during their lifetime.

Sometimes, people living with PsA may develop eye conditions, which can range from irritation to vision loss.

This article explains how PsA affects the eyes and how to treat and prevent these complications.

Chronic dry eye

One eye condition that people living with PsA may experience is chronic dry eye, or keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Experts believe that about 2.7% of people with PsA have this condition. However, some studies suggest that the number may be as high as 18.75%.

In a person with this condition, the tear ducts lose their ability to produce tears, which are vital for proper lubrication of the eyes. A lack of adequate lubrication increases the risk of eye infections and can damage the cornea.

In cases where over-the-counter artificial tears prove ineffective, prescription eye drops may help increase tear production and lower inflammation. For some people, steroid eye drops may offer short-term relief to control inflammation.

Uveitis

Uveitis is a type of eye inflammation that affects the middle layer of tissue within the eyeball, called the uvea. The symptoms of uveitis include redness in the white parts of the eyes, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, pain, and floaters.

There are four types of uveitis:

• Anterior uveitis: This type involves the front of the eye and can cause inflammation of the iris.
• Intermediate uveitis: This type occurs in the middle of the uvea and involves inflammation of the vitreous.
• Posterior uveitis: Posterior uveitis involves the back of the uvea and can affect the retina.
• Panuveitis: In people with this type, inflammation affects all parts of the eye.

The treatment for uveitis usually starts with corticosteroid eye drops to reduce inflammation. If these do not work, an eye doctor may recommend injecting the eye with a corticosteroid. In cases of infection, an eye specialist may recommend antibiotics.

Cataracts

Cataracts are the result of cloudy films developing over the eye lens, leading to impaired vision. The Arthritis Foundation notes that inflammatory conditions such as PsA may advance the formation of cataracts.

Symptoms include:

• cloudy vision
• difficulty seeing colours
• increased glare from artificial lights and sunlight
• double vision
• reduced night vision

People with cataracts require surgery to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial one.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is the term for a group of eye disorders that damage the optic nerve. It can lead to vision loss.

Chronic inflammation from arthritic conditions, including PsA, can contribute to glaucoma by increasing the pressure in the eyes.

This eye condition has no symptoms in the early stages when it is the most treatable. However, an ophthalmologist may detect it when they are carrying out a regular eye examination.

Symptoms that a person may experience include pain, blurred vision, and seeing blank spots or halos around lights. A doctor may prescribe eye drops to reduce the pressure in the eyes. Some people may require surgery.

Peripheral ulcerative keratitis

Peripheral ulcerative keratitis causes the cornea, which is the transparent outer layer at the front of the eye, to become inflamed, which makes it prone to thinning.

The symptoms of peripheral ulcerative keratitis include:

• pain
• redness
• reduced vision
• light sensitivity
• tearing

Artificial tears and antibiotic drops can promote healing and prevent infection.

Management and prevention

A person can mitigate the risk of developing PsA-related eye problems by reducing inflammation in the body.

As PsA is an inflammatory condition, a doctor may prescribe medication to control inflammation within the body, improving eye conditions related to PsA.

When to see an ophthalmologist

Anyone with PsA should consider undergoing annual eye examinations and regular doctor visits to discuss any new or existing eye-related symptoms.

Some eye conditions do not have any signs in the beginning stages. Due to this, it is vital to get regular eye check-ups to detect any problems as soon as possible.

The takeaway 

Living with PsA can be challenging. In addition to the joint pain that PsA can cause, many people may develop related eye problems.

The good news is that many PsA-related eye conditions are highly treatable.

As some conditions do not have early warning signs, an eye examination is the best way to detect any abnormalities. A doctor can help a person manage any symptoms related to PsA and eye health.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-does-psoriatic-arthritis-affect-the-eyes

How to Treat and Prevent Psoriasis in Your Everyday Life

From allure.com

Figuring out how to prevent psoriasis in everyday life can feel overwhelming, but learning how to eliminate hidden triggers in your daily routine can help

For those who have never experienced living with psoriasis, it can be hard to understand exactly how frustrating, painful, and stressful the skin condition can be. For those unfamiliar with the ailment, psoriasis is a skin disease that causes red, itchy scaly patches which most commonly appear on lower back, knees, legs, elbows, soles of feet, scalp, and face, but can also be seen in other areas. But even for people who may already know a thing or two about the condition, it can still be difficult to identify psoriasis triggers in everyday life. Because so many different factors can cause flare-ups, managing symptoms can often feel like something that comes down to a series of personal trial and error. However, there are universal lifestyle changes and habits that can make a world of difference in managing psoriasis, as Dendy Engelman, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, says.

“Psoriasis presents as a build-up of skin cells, which create scaly, patches that can itch, hurt, crust up, and bleed,” she says, explaining that day-to-day management of the disease can be key to easing symptoms. “For those with psoriasis, increased inflammation in the body throws off the body's ability to regulate the immune system, which leads not only to getting sick more often, but also to flares of immune-related skin diseases, such as psoriasis and eczema.”

Engelman adds that psoriasis is not just a skin disease but also an indication of general body inflammation.

On paper, figuring out just how to cut down on inflammation in your body and address other sneaky factors that might be causing (or worsening) your psoriasis may seem overwhelming. However, as the below experts will point out, some of these changes are as simple as taking a cooler shower or wearing a different type of clothing when exercising. While none of these changes are a cure for psoriasis, they’re all still worth keeping top of mind if you’re in search of relief.

Illustration by Simone Noronha

Be Conscious of Repetitive Movements

Miami-based board-certified dermatologist Shasa Hu says that psoriasis can be triggered by something as mundane as a repetitive motion in our everyday lifjhhgghbfdne. Because psoriasis often has a unique feature known as “koebnerization,” as Hu explains, it can appear at the site of any minor skin trauma, like a scratch or mosquito bite. Koebnerization, or Koebner’s phenomenon, means that someone’s skin is vulnerable to a psoriasis outbreak anywhere a minor injury or trauma occurs, even if that area wasn’t previously affected by psoriasis symptoms. Notably, though, only about 25 to 30% of all psoriasis patients experience the phenomenon, according to research published in Dermatologic Therapy Journal.

Having said that, Hu notes that repetitive motions of body parts with “increased exposure to friction and pressure” can cause painful flare-ups. While activities like tennis or yoga can be culprits of flare-ups, there are other repetitive motions to watch out for, too, such as leaning on our elbows at a desk all day.

Eliminating or cutting back on certain motions can help, of course, but that’s not always possible, and physical activity and exercise are also helpful for general health and preventing psoriasis over time.

“For people with psoriasis and an active lifestyle, it gets more difficult to avoid sports-related Koebner’s phenomenon,” Hu says. “This is why wearing long-sleeve shirts, long pants, and comfortable, well-fitted shoes can be very helpful in reducing pressure and skin trauma.”

Prioritize Skin Barrier Hydration

Focusing on prevention can have a bigger impact on your experience with psoriasis than you might think. Engelman suggests hydrating your skin and locking the moisture in regularly to help prevent cracking, tearing, and bleeding.

“The more pliable your skin is, the less likely it will be to crack or tear. When your barrier is compromised, it is more prone to infection, irritation, redness, etc.,” she says, recommending that those dealing with psoriasis use products with ingredients that support, soften, and nourish the skin barrier, such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, peptides, and niacinamide.

Sandy Skotnicki, a board-certified dermatologist in Toronto, Canada, and author of Beyond Soap, echoes Engelman’s advice. Proper moisturization, she says, can also help the skin better absorb topical psoriasis medication.

Take Cooler Showers

If you love nothing more than a steaming hot shower, few people can blame you — but it might not be helping your psoriasis, says Engelman.

“Avoid taking hot showers, which strip the skin of natural oils,” she says, adding that she often recommends patients invest in a humidifier. “In sub-optimal humidity environments, we can experience major transdermal water loss because the environment is pulling moisture from our skin all day long,” she says. “A humidifier adds clean moisture back into the environment therefore supporting skin barrier function and reducing dryness, redness, and texture.”

Change How You Use Body Wash (and Maybe Your Body Wash Brand, Too)

Taking a shower may be one of the most mindless parts of most of our daily routines, but for those with psoriasis, it’s worth taking a second look at your bathing habits. This isn’t just true when it comes to temperature, but also regarding body wash choice.

All three dermatologists noted that avoiding harsh soaps and body washes with fragrances is a good choice, with Skotnicki adding a suggestion to “not cleanse your whole body if not dirty, only wash your bits (underarms and private parts).”

For a quick list of ingredients to watch out for on product labels, cosmetic chemist Ginger King says to stay away from ingredients such as sulfates, fragrance, and SD-alcohol. On the flip side, products made with ceramides, squalane, licorice, and shea butter are all great options.

Optimize How (and When) You Moisturize

For those with psoriasis, moisturizing is key, but there are ways to optimize the product’s effect and absorption, says Engelman.

“I recommend my patients apply moisturizer immediately after showering or cleansing because it allows the product to trap some of the water on your skin, keeping it from evaporating,” Engelman explains. “This is where an occlusive, like glycerin, will be beneficial.”

Products like Skinfix’s Barrier+ Triple Lipid Peptide Cream, which contains glycerin, could be a good fit for those looking to heed Engelman’s advice.

Engelman also notes layering as an important part of optimizing how much moisture your skin isr receiving. “Just like you layer thin, quality pieces to keep warm, the same should be done for skin-care products,” she says. “Start with the products that have the lightest consistency (oils) and finish with the thickest (creams).”

Be Dedicated to SPF Application

Another common piece of advice from each dermatologist was to avoid excessive sun exposure at all costs. This, of course, is a common rule of thumb for most people trying to take care of their skin, but is especially true for those with psoriasis.

“A blistering sunburn can trigger a whole body psoriasis flare, as sunburn can be thought of as systemic injury to the skin,” Hu says. “This is why, although natural sunlight at a very low dose and medical UV therapy are known treatment for psoriasis, sunburn is a big no-no for psoriasis patients. The same goes for tanning bed use.”

For those with psoriasis, look for a sunscreen made specifically for sensitive skin, like Neutrogena’s Sensitive Skin Sunscreen or La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios Ultra Light Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50.

Avoid Harsh Exfoliation

All three experts agreed that harsh exfoliation, whether in the form of loofahs, scrubs, or other treatments is a big no-no for those with psoriasis.

“They can cause trauma to the skin,” Skotnicki explains, naming dry brushing and mechanical exfoliation devices as other exfoliation treatments that are best to be avoided. Though dry, flaky skin can make it tempting to reach for something to buff the skin away, the key here is more moisture and less friction.

Consider Your Everyday Beauty Habits

Your beauty routine might feel like a form of relaxation — always a good thing when it comes to battling the stress that sometimes inflames psoriasis — but it can always be a trigger, explains Hu.

“Scalp psoriasis can be exacerbated by harsh hairstyling habits or chemical treatments. I often advise patients to resist the urge to use boar-hair bristle brushes or other stiff-ended brushes to descale their psoriatic plaques on the scalp,” Hu says. “Instead, use soft brushes with rounded tip, and apply scalp oil, or prescription psoriasis oil to loosen up the scale.”

Other beauty treatments that you should adjust when dealing with psoriasis? Waxing, hair-colouring, and cuticle trimming, which can trigger psoriasis of the hands and nails, says Hu.

“I also advise my psoriasis patients to avoid beauty routines such as waxing (imagine the pulling on the skin and the amount of trauma associated with it) or threading,” Hu explains, suggesting alternatives like avoiding root contact when having hair colour processed or avoiding harsh or aggressive cuticle treatments during manicures.

Experiment With Mindfulness and Meditation

While most of us know stress can be a mental and emotional challenge, it can wreak havoc on your body as well, and that includes your skin. As Hu explains, stress management is very important when managing psoriasis as well as other skin conditions such as acne and eczema.

“For people with high stress on a daily basis, seeking mental health support and practicing meditation may provide significant benefits that supplement the benefits of their psoriasis medication,” Hu suggests.

Seeking out resources like therapy and support groups can make a huge difference in feeling less alone while treating and living with psoriasis.

Get Active

For those in search of another reason to finally start running again or invest in some at-home workout equipment, preventing psoriasis flare-ups might just be an added bonus.

“Multiple studies have shown that obesity, smoking, and cardiovascular disease is linked with psoriasis and disease severity, possibly due to the shared inflammatory pathway,” Hu explains, noting that they often perform a cardiovascular health screening when treating psoriasis patients.

Focusing on daily nutrition and exercise as well as cutting back on alcohol/smoking are all things that can have a great impact on psoriasis patients — in both the short term and the long term, says Hu.

Adjust Your Diet

Engelman explains that something as simple as adjusting your food and nutrient consumption can also make a difference in preventing or healing painful psoriasis breakouts.

“Diet is very important in a couple ways. First, food contains nutrients we need to fight and kill bad bacteria,” she says. “Without them, the skin feels threatened and becomes inflamed.”

That’s because gut health and skin health are closely intertwined. “Second, your diet supports [skin health],” Engleman says. “Diets rich in antioxidants, vitamins, proteins and healthy fats support healthy skin cell turnover.”

For those with an unbalanced gut environment, Engelman explains, toxins can be released into the bloodstream and promote inflammation throughout the body (including in the skin).

Cut Back on Alcohol and Smoking

Along with eliminating smoking, as Hu mentioned, limiting your alcohol intake can also make a big difference when it comes to psoriasis flare-ups (and overall inflammation).

Both Skotnicki and Engelman listed alcohol as a common trigger for psoriasis, echoing Hu’s overarching message about the link between lifestyle choices and the skin ailment.

“Interestingly, instead of focusing on the link of mechanical trauma and psoriasis flare, one of the most impactful changes people can make to decrease their disease activity is actually activities and lifestyle choices that improve their cardiovascular health,” Hu says.

Definitively treating psoriasis is not a one-size-fits all endeavour — different lifestyle changes might work more effectively for different people. However, if you are looking for relief and have yet to explore some of the above lifestyle changes and tweaks, they could be worth exploring or talking about with your dermatologist.

https://www.allure.com/story/how-to-treat-prevent-psoriasis