"How Psoriasis Affects My Work"

From blogs.webmd.com

By Jordan Mendiola

As a soldier in the United States Army, I have run into several issues with my psoriasis.

A couple of years ago I had a one-month training in the desert at Fort Irwin, CA. It was intense. We had to survive out in the desert without any showers or hot food -- just snacks and MREs (Meals, Ready-to-eat). My psoriasis had a terrible flare-up throughout the entire training exercise. I came out of it with red splotchy marks all over my body from being dirty and dry in the hot sun.

If it weren’t for a nice clean shower, body lotion, and some skin healing medicine, I would have had more scars from the entire experience. That’s an extreme story, but it still cripples a soldier in the Army.

In normal training environments, especially cooler environments, I don’t experience as many issues. As a soldier, you can always layer up to cover your skin, but you can’t undo the dirt and dry heat of the desert.

Ever since my traumatic experience in California, I made sure to always keep my skin moisturized and to clean any exposed areas as much as possible. It was a great learning lesson and I plan on making sure that my skin care comes first before going on missions and doing anything outside of my comfort zone.

My second job, in marketing, offers as a better environment for my skin. Working from home in a clean environment without the effects from the outdoors is a game changer. Ever since working from home, I haven’t had to deal with many psoriasis issues.

When winter comes, I’ll likely bundle up with extra layers to ensure the cold air doesn’t trigger any flare-ups. Anytime my face or skin is exposed is when I’m most vulnerable.

Advice I would offer to someone dealing with psoriasis is to always have extra clothes in your car just in case the weather takes a turn for the worse. That’s because getting to and from work is probably the worst part for someone with psoriasis. A sunny morning could lead to a chilly evening where flare-ups are more likely to occur.

Additionally, on-the-go lotion is a great way to keep your skin moisturized to combat dryness. Dry is bad. Moisturized is good. Being self-sufficient in caring for your skin will help you get to and from work in a much less psoriasis-filled way and help you focus on the tasks at hand.

https://blogs.webmd.com/psoriasis/20210928/how-psoriasis-affects-my-work

Should You Remove Scalp Psoriasis Scales, and How Can You Do It Safely?

From healthline.com

Scalp psoriasis is a chronic condition where skin cells build up too quickly, forming silvery-red patches that can flake, bleed, and itch. Simply put, it’s plaque psoriasis of the scalp.

Over 8 million people in the United States have psoriasis, and it’s estimated that close to half have scalp psoriasis.

Not much is known about the cause of psoriasis apart from it being an autoimmune disease. Psoriasis is generally believed to be caused by a combination of genetic factors and environmental triggers. 

Psoriasis scales on the scalp can be a setback to feeling confident and moving comfortably throughout your day. You may feel eager to scrape off your scales quickly. But approach this with caution. Removing these scales incorrectly can result in additional pain and infection.

When done properly, mitigating the scales and flakiness of scalp psoriasis can provide cosmetic benefits, pain relief, and help your medications work better.

Is it safe to remove psoriasis scales?

The short answer is: yes. It’s safe to remove psoriasis scales if you’re doing it the right way.

Before you start picking at them, however, speak with a primary care doctor or dermatologist.

The biggest concern regarding flake removal is ripping healthy skin away. This can lead to additional pain, discomfort, and scarring. By picking your scales, you risk enlarging the affected area.

How to properly remove psoriasis scales

The scalp is a tricky place to treat psoriasis, since many people want to balance maintaining their hair health with treatment.

It’s important to be patient and gentle throughout this process to ensure you’re protecting your hair and healthy skin.

The following steps will help to remove scales and aid in the overall treatment of your psoriasis. But you should see a doctor before getting started.

1. Use gentle chemical exfoliants

The American Academy of Dermatology stresses the importance of using active ingredients to remove scales from your skin. This is important because they soften the attachment of the scale to the skin, making the scales easier to remove.

Locate the scales that you want to remove

Your approach will be different if the scales are hidden under hair, sitting right at your hairline, or behind your ears.

Choose a spot treatment or shampoo

If your scales are surrounded by hair, it’s best to use a medicated shampoo to soften them. Although shampoos have milder ingredients than topical spot treatments, they provide the added benefit of gentle physical exfoliation.

A spot treatment might have stronger ingredients and should be applied directly onto hairless skin.

For expert recommended shampoos, check out this list from the National Psoriasis Foundation.

Choose your ingredients

Look for the following ingredients, either in shampoos or topical creams:

• Salicylic acid is a powerful exfoliating ingredient that can be found in shampoos and creams. It helps lift and soften scaling and is best as a spot treatment. Shampoos with salicylic acid should be used sparingly, as they can dry your scalp and may lead to more flaking.
• Coal tar is one of the most common ingredients in psoriasis shampoos. It helps soften any scaling on the scalp.
• Lactic acid and urea work similarly to salicylic acid. They’re scale lifters that soften and break down the thickness of your flakes. They can be found in shampoos or spot treatments.

2. Physical Removal

Once the scales on your scalp have been softened, it’s safe to work toward physically removing the scales from your head.

Shampoo

Start by shampooing your hair with a psoriasis shampoo. Slowly work the shampoo into your head and use your fingertips to gently massage the scalp.

This light exfoliation technique detaches the softened flakes from the bed of your scalp. You shouldn’t feel unusual pain or resistance.

Scalp mask

Consider a scalp mask before you rinse out your shampoo. Lock in the active ingredients with some warm (not hot) water by wrapping the affected skin in a towel or plastic wrap for 15 minutes.

This can accelerate the softening of your scales.

Comb

Remove the flakes with a gentle fine-toothed comb. In the process of exfoliating your scalp, some flakes might get stuck in the strands of your hair. A fine-tooth comb will be able to pick up any detached scales.

Gently run the comb through wet hair for removal, cleaning the comb and discarding the flakes as you go.

3. Maintenance

Consistent use of medicated shampoo should help improve the symptoms of psoriasis and limit flaking.

But you should speak with a doctor before deciding which one to use for your skin and hair.

If you need to remove scales quickly, but you’re not in a position to go through the three steps above, consider keeping an oil or occlusive ointment handy. A quick pat of oil or petroleum jelly to the affected area can help flatten the scales, easing your symptoms and disguising the flakes temporarily.

Scalp psoriasis treatments

Improving the symptoms of flaking associated with scalp psoriasis involves consistent treatment. Here are a few scalp treatments you can consider trying at home or discussing with a doctor.

• Coal tar. This is most commonly found in shampoos. It counteracts the rapid skin growth caused by psoriasis and improves the overall appearance of the skin.
• Keratolytics. Just like salicylic acid, lactic acid, and urea, these can be found in creams, shampoos, or foams. They’re peeling agents that help loosen and remove scales.
• Hydrocortisone. This is an ingredient that helps reduce the itching and inflammation associated with scalp psoriasis.
• Steroid injections. Applied directly into scalp plaques, these injections must be administered at a doctor’s office. They can help reduce inflammation.
• Prescription medicated shampoo. This may be necessary if you find that over-the-counter shampoos don’t work well enough for you. A doctor might be able to prescribe something stronger to treat your scalp plaques and ease your symptoms.
• Oral retinoids. These help reduce redness and swelling while slowing rapidly growing skin cells.
• UV light treatment. This treatment can work to combat psoriasis by applying UV light directly onto the plaque. This can be done by parting the hair carefully (to expose the affected area) or by using a hand-held UV comb.

When to see a doctor

If you notice that home treatments worsen your symptoms, or if your symptoms persist, see a doctor.

They’ll be able to properly diagnose your symptoms and help devise a treatment plan that works for you.

Takeaway

Removing the scaling caused by scalp psoriasis is safe to do when done with care.

Avoid pulling at existing scales. Instead, treat psoriasis scales with active ingredients that soften them and help them break off from the scalp. The safest physical removal of scales is from shampooing and gently combing the scalp.

With some patience, and the help of a doctor, you can reduce the discomfort caused by scalp psoriasis.

https://www.healthline.com/health/psoriasis/how-to-remove-psoriasis-scales-from-scalp?slot_pos=article_1&utm_source=Sailthru%20Email&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=psoriasis&utm_content=2021-09-28&apid=39239719&rvid=058431b717dcfa59c0cdd27cd0a9313769e8b3dd4ad59d88efd0ded7ddb4774e

Vitamin D deficiency: Watch out for this major sign on your skin

From timesnownews.com

Vitamin D deficiency is often symptomless until it reaches a critical stage. However, despite the limitations, there could be a few unusual symptoms on your skin that you could be missing out on

New Delhi: Of the many essential nutrients that we need for a healthy being, vitamin D holds a prestigious place. The sunshine nutrient that keeps your bones, teeth and skin strong and healthy can be obtained from food, and is also even generated by your body in a unique way. When exposed to sunlight, the skin absorbs ultraviolet rays and then converts them into vitamin D. However, despite being available in abundance across dietary sources and supplements, one may often suffer from vitamin D deficiency. And what’s worse, this one often comes without any prominent symptoms.

For healthier skin and muscles, and stronger bones and teeth, our body needs plenty of vitamin D which is not easy to obtain through diet alone | Photo credit: Pexels 

Vitamin D deficiency: The symptoms you need to know

Vitamin D deficiency is often symptomless until it reaches a critical stage. However, despite the limitations, there could be a few unusual symptoms on your skin that you could be missing out on.

A vitamin D deficiency may trigger skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis upon becoming very severe. In the initial stages, the same can be predicted with dry skin. If you are noticing dryness – mostly during winter – it could be due to the nutrient deficiency. In order to make up for it, experts recommend getting some sunshine to let your body generate its own share of vitamin D. And on the diet front, include the following foods in your regimen to boost vitamin D intake.

1. Fortified foods like breakfast cereals and fat spreads
2. Oily fish like mackerel, sardines and salmon
3. Egg yolks
4. Liver
5. Red meat
6. 
   

How does vitamin D benefit your body?

For healthier skin and muscles, and stronger bones and teeth, our body needs plenty of vitamin D which is not easy to obtain through diet alone. Therefore, it is advisable to get some sunshine and let your body make its own vitamin D as well.

Additionally, vitamin D helps with calcium absorption in your body which further improves skin, bone and teeth health. Therefore, if you are eating a diet rich in calcium but are deficient in vitamin D, you may not be able to get maximum benefits from the same.

In older adults, vitamin D deficiency can also result in osteomalacia – a condition that induces softening of bones.

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

https://www.timesnownews.com/health/article/vitamin-d-deficiency-watch-out-for-this-major-sign-on-your-skin-psoriasis-eczema-dryness-calcium-vitamind-vitamind-foods/817076

8 Over-the-Counter Psoriasis Treatments

From healthline.com

There’s no cure for psoriasis, but certain over-the-counter (OTC) treatments can ease itchy, scaly, or uncomfortable skin.Trusted Source

OTC products are often sold online or in stores without a doctor’s prescription. They come in different formulations, such as:

• lotions
• creams
• gels
• oils
• foams
• tars
• bath solutions
• shampoos

In this article, we take a look at the most commonly used OTC products for psoriasis, and how they work to help relieve symptoms.

Talk with a doctor before trying OTC treatments

It’s always a good idea to talk with a doctor before trying any OTC treatments for psoriasis. Be especially cautious of products sold over the internet that promise miracle cures. Your doctor can help you determine what type of topical medication is safe to use and might work best for your symptoms.

1. Salicylic acid

OTC topicals that contain salicylic acid, a peeling agent, are commonly used to treat symptoms of psoriasis. This ingredient has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating psoriasis. It works by prompting the outer layer of the skin to shed, which helps lessen scaling and swelling.

It’s important to use salicylic acid as directed because too much can cause irritation and worsen your condition.

2. Coal tar

Tar is another ingredient that’s FDA-approved to treat psoriasis. It comes from coal and wood and can slow the growth of skin cells. Many people report smoother skin with less scaling, itching, and inflammation.

Coal tar products can irritate your skin and make it more sensitive to the sun. You should use sunscreen when outdoors. Additionally, some studies have shown that very high amounts of coal tar, such as those used in industrial paving, are linked to cancer. You might want to talk to your doctor about this risk. 

3. Moisturizers

Keeping your skin moisturized and hydrated can help with redness and itching. Heavy creams or ointments that lock in water are preferred. They relieve dryness and help your skin heal.

You can even use shortening or coconut oil to keep your skin lubricated.

4. Bath products

Some OTC bath products help remove scales and soothe irritated skin. To create your own solution, add any of the following items to your bath:

• essential oils
• Epsom salts
• Dead Sea salts
• oatmeal

Try to soak for about 15 minutes.

5. Scale lifters

OTC scale lifters, also known as keratolytics, usually contain ingredients like:

• salicylic acid
• lactic acid
• urea
• phenol

Products with these ingredients help loosen and eliminate scales, which lets medications reach the psoriasis plaques. It might help to take a warm, 15-minute bath before using a scale lifter. 

6. Skin covers (occlusion)

Occlusion refers to covering the skin, so it can absorb topical medications or moisturizers better. You can cover the area with:

• cellophane
• plastic wrap
• waterproof dressings
• cotton socks
• a nylon suit

Talk with your doctor about this method before using it. It’s important to know which topical treatments are safe to use beneath a skin covering.

7. Anti-itch creams

OTC anti-itch products may contain the following ingredients:

• hydrocortisone
• calamine
• camphor
• menthol

These medications can help relieve itchiness caused by psoriasis, but they can also irritate and dry out your skin.

8. Skin soothers

Other OTC treatments that can soothe your skin and relieve itching may include the following:

• capsaicin
• zinc pyrithione
• aloe vera
• jojoba

While the effectiveness of some of these ingredients hasn’t been proven, many people with psoriasis report relief anecdotally.

What to consider when using these OTC products

Some OTC treatments can irritate or dry out your skin. You may want to use a moisturizer along with them to counter this effect.

It also might be helpful to test products on a small area of the skin first to see how you respond to the treatment. Some topical medications can be applied on top of a moisturizer to minimize side effects.

Treatments that contain coal tar can stain clothing or bed linens, so you might want to protect these items with a towel or other barrier.

It’s also important to know that the concentration of ingredients can vary depending on the brand and product. Typically, the higher the concentration, the stronger the medication.

Ingredients to avoid

Some ingredients to avoid when choosing OTC psoriasis products include:

• fragrances
• alcohol
• harsh chemicals

Takeaway

Several OTC products are available to help treat symptoms of psoriasis. While many of these offer relief, it’s best to talk with a doctor before using a new therapy for your condition.

If these treatments don’t work, your doctor can recommend a prescription medication that might do a better job of easing your symptoms.

https://www.healthline.com/health/psoriasis/over-the-counter-psoriasis-treatment#summary

What to know about COVID-19 vaccines and psoriasis

From medicalnewstoday.com

Psoriasis is a skin condition in which dry, itchy patches of skin develop. As the treatment options for psoriasis include immunosuppressants, some people with this condition may have concerns about COVID-19 vaccination. However, current evidence suggests that the vaccines are safe and effective for those living with psoriasis, and experts recommend that they receive the vaccine as soon as it is available to them.

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition involving an overproduction of skin cells that form plaques and scales on the skin. The symptoms can be painful, and ongoing treatment may be necessary.

Some people may have concerns that psoriasis medications could reduce the effectiveness of the vaccine or that the vaccine may cause psoriasis flares. However, no current evidence supports this. As COVID-19 can cause severe problems in people with psoriasis, expert guidance advises that people get the vaccine when it becomes available to them.

In this article, we discuss the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccinations in people living with psoriasis.

Should people with psoriasis get the vaccine?

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Both the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) and the Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance recommend that people living with psoriasis receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Additionally, the NPF Covid-19 Task ForceTrusted Source advises that those with psoriatic disease who do not have contraindications to vaccination should receive the vaccine as soon as it becomes available to them.

People with chronic health conditions, including those with psoriasis, have a higher riskTrusted Source of severe illness if they develop COVID-19. People with psoriasis may also take medications that suppress their immune system, such as cyclosporin or methotrexate. People taking these types of medications have an increased likelihood of experiencing severe COVID-19.

COVID-19 vaccination can significantly reduceTrusted Source a person’s risk of developing the disease and experiencing severe complications. Although the vaccines may not be as effectiveTrusted Source in people with psoriasis taking immunosuppressant drugs, they are still likely to provide some degree of protection against COVID-19, which is better than none.

In some cases, it may be advisableTrusted Source for those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised to receive an additional dose. Regardless, experts recommend that people living with psoriasis undergo COVID-19 vaccination to prevent the potentially severe complications of the disease.

Vaccine effectiveness

According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Trusted Source all COVID-19 vaccines that have received approval in the United States effectively reduce the risk of COVID-19. They can help protect people from becoming sick or requiring hospitalization due to the virus. Trusted SourceThree vaccines are available in the U.S.:

• Johnson & Johnson
• Pfizer-BioNTech
• Moderna

Evidence indicates that these vaccines are effectiveTrusted Source in both clinical trial and real world settings. Although there is little evidence specifically investigating the vaccines in people with psoriasis, a 2021 article suggests that they are safe and effective for these individuals.

Vaccine safety

The CDCTrusted Source states that the COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. However, as with any medicine, the vaccines can cause side effects. These may includeTrusted Source:

• swelling, discoloration, and pain at the injection site
• fever
• headaches
• tiredness
• muscle pain
• chills
• nausea

Possible severe side effects include anaphylaxis in people who are allergic to a substance in the vaccine. However, the CDC states that any serious health problems are rare following the COVID-19 vaccine.

According to the NPF, there is no evidence that people with psoriasis are at an increased risk of side effects or complications due to the COVID-19 vaccination.

Psoriasis medication

Various treatments are available for treating psoriasis. Doctors will determine the right kind of treatment depending on factors that include the type and severity of psoriasis. The standard types of psoriasis medications include:

• Topical treatments: These are medications that a person applies directly to the skin. For example, a doctor may prescribe topical steroids, which can reduce inflammation of the skin.
• Phototherapy: This is a type of therapy that involves applying UV light to the skin. The treatment may take place at home or at a clinic.
• Systemic therapies: Systemic drugs can manipulate the immune system to help reduce symptoms of psoriasis.
• Complementary and integrative medications: Some people make lifestyle changes, such as following a more nutritious diet and increasing physical activity, to treat some symptoms of psoriasis.

According to the NPF, it is unclear whether psoriasis treatment reduces the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccinations. However, due to the dosing schedule of the vaccine, the organization advises that people continue with their psoriasis treatment plan when getting the vaccine. Anyone with any concerns can discuss them with their doctor.

Will the vaccine make psoriasis worse?

There is no evidence that COVID-19 vaccination worsens psoriasis and no theory to suggest that it would.

However, illness is a potential trigger of a psoriasis flare. Due to the immunosuppressant nature of some psoriasis treatments, people taking them may have a higher risk of a potential infection and ensuing flare. As a result, doctors may recommend receiving some vaccinations, such as those against singles or pneumococcal infections, before starting a systemic therapy. However, evidence does not suggest that this applies to COVID-19 vaccines.

While some research acknowledges case reportsTrusted Source of psoriasis exacerbation after COVID-19 vaccination, experts still recommend this preventive treatment and advise people to contact their healthcare provider if they notice a flare.

Which vaccine to get?

The Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer-BioNTech, and Moderna vaccines have all received approval for use in the U.S. These vaccines are all effectiveTrusted Source in preventing COVID-19.

The NPF recommends that people with psoriasis take the first vaccine available to them because none of the vaccines are less safe or effective for people with psoriasis than they are for people without this condition.

Summary

Evidence indicates that the COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective for people living with psoriasis. Experts advise people to get the vaccine as soon as it becomes available to them. While some research suggests that the vaccines may be less effective in immunocompromised individuals, they are still likely to provide some degree of protection.

Although the vaccines may cause some mild side effects and, in rare cases, exacerbate symptoms, they can protect people with psoriasis against severe complications from COVID-19. A person should contact their doctor about any concerns they have regarding the vaccine.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/psoriasis-and-covid-vaccine

Psoriasis Diagnosis: Questions, Tests, and More

From healthline.com

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes your body to make new skin cells too quickly. These skin cells pile up and cause scaly patches and itching. A dermatologist, a doctor who specializes in conditions of the skin, hair, and nails, can generally diagnose this condition in a single office visit.

Psoriatic arthritis is a painful type of arthritis that can develop in people who have psoriasis. There is no specific test for this condition, but a healthcare professional can run tests to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms.

Psoriasis diagnosis

A dermatologist generally diagnoses psoriasis. They will ask you questions during your appointment to help pinpoint whether your skin symptoms are psoriasis. Common questions include:

• Are you experiencing itching, swelling, or redness?
• Are you experiencing any joint stiffness or swelling when you first wake up?
• Have you seen thick and scaly patches on your skin?
• When did you first notice your symptoms?
• Do you have any family members with psoriasis?
• Have you recently been under increased stress?
• Have you recently recovered from a major illness?

A dermatologist will also examine your skin, scalp, and nails for any signs of psoriasis. A skin examination is often enough to diagnose psoriasis. A skin biopsy will be done if more information is needed to confirm the diagnosis.

A skin biopsy is performed by removing a tiny piece of skin. The skin sample is then examined under a microscope to look for signs of psoriasis.

Psoriatic arthritis diagnosis

There is no definitive test for psoriatic arthritis. However, your doctor might suspect it if you have psoriasis and have been experiencing joint pain and swelling. They’ll start the diagnostic process with a physical exam.

Your doctor will check your fingernails for any abnormalities such as pitting. They’ll also examine your joints and feet for any tenderness.

Your doctor might order an X-ray to see if there have been any changes to your joints that are common in psoriatic arthritis. It’s likely your doctor will also order a series of tests to be performed to help rule out other causes of pain or types of arthritis.

Tests might include:

• A blood draw to look for the rheumatoid factor antibody that is a sign of rheumatoid arthritis. 
• A joint fluid test to look for uric acid crystals that are a sign of gout.
• A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to test for structural issues with your joints and ligaments.

Next steps

There is no cure for psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. However, diagnosis is the first step to getting treatment. There are multiple treatment options available for psoriasis. It can take time to figure out the best treatment approach for your specific situation.

Treatments can include:

• Topical creams. Corticosteroids creams are commonly prescribed treatments for psoriasis and come in multiple strengths and forms. Corticosteroids can be used during flare-ups or to prevent flare-ups. Other common topical options include vitamin D creams and calcineurin inhibitors.
• Light therapy. Light Therapy exposes your skin to controlled amounts of light to help it heal. This includes planned daily exposure to sunlight and targeted laser treatment.
• Medications. Prescription medications can help when topical creams are not doing enough to manage your psoriasis. This might include oral medications or injections. Common options include:
  • steroids
  • retinoids
  • immunosuppressives
  • biologics
  • medications that reduce itching

Treatment for psoriatic arthritis will focus on:

• managing your pain
• reducing inflammation
• preventing joint damage

You’ll likely be prescribed a pain reliever and immuno-suppressives. You’ll also be prescribed medications called disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) that can slow the progression of arthritis. You might also receive steroid injections to help reduce inflammation.

The bottom line

Psoriasis can often be diagnosed in a single office visit. A diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis can take more time. Your doctor might need to rule out other conditions such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis before a diagnosis can be confirmed.

Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are chronic conditions, but they can be managed with a treatment plan designed to address your specific needs.

https://www.healthline.com/health/psoriasis/psoriasis-diagnosis