What Can I Do About Facial Psoriasis?

From healthline.com

Psoriasis is a common chronic skin condition that speeds up the life cycle of skin cells, which causes extra cells to build up on your skin. This build-up results in scaly patches that can be painful and itchy.

These patches — often red with silver scales — can come and go, flaring up for weeks or months before cycling to a less prominent appearance.

Although psoriasis is more likely to affect your elbows, knees, lower back, and scalp, it can also appear on your face. It’s rare for people to have psoriasis only on their face, though.

The majority of people with facial psoriasis also have scalp psoriasis. Some have moderate to severe psoriasis on other parts of their body, as well.

Symptoms of facial psoriasis

There are several forms of facial psoriasis. They all involve skin that’s itchy, painful, and irritated.

Psoriasis around the eyes can lead to red, crusty eyelids, and eyelashes potentially rubbing against the eye. Psoriasis can also appear inside and around the ear, potentially affecting your hearing.

Scratching psoriasis lesions can also lead to broken skin and, in some cases, infection. Psoriasis can affect your self-image and general quality of life, too.

Plaque psoriasis is the most common form, and it tends to appear as raised, scaly patches. Guttate psoriasis, on the other hand, comes with pink spots that are smaller and less thick.

Erythrodermic psoriasis is rare. It tends to come with a widespread red rash, swings in body temperature, and a potentially increased vulnerability to infection.

Other types of psoriasis may appear alongside facial psoriasis — for instance, scalp psoriasis affects about half of people with psoriasis.

There’s some evidence Trusted Sourcethat facial psoriasis is a sign of more severe psoriasis compared to psoriasis on other parts of the body.

Types of facial psoriasis

The three main subtypes of psoriasis that appear on the face are the following:

Hairline psoriasis

Hairline psoriasis is scalp psoriasis (plaque psoriasis) that’s extended beyond your hairline onto your forehead and in and around your ears. Psoriasis scales in your ears can build up and block your ear canal.

Sebopsoriasis

Sebopsoriasis results in symptoms of both psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis. A chronic form of eczema, seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition that usually affects the scalp, causing dandruff. It may affect other parts of the body as well.

Sebopsoriasis is often patchy at your hairline. It can appear on:

• your eyebrows
• your eyelids
• your beard area
• the area where your nose meets your cheeks

Even though sebopsoriasis is commonly associated with diffuse scalp psoriasis, the patches are often thinner, with a lighter colour and smaller scales.

Facial psoriasis

Facial psoriasis can appear on any part of your face and is associated with psoriasis on other parts of your body, including your:

• scalp
• ears
• elbow
• knees
• torso

It can be plaque psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, or erythrodermic psoriasis.

Causes of facial psoriasis

As with psoriasis on other parts of your body, there’s no clear cause of facial psoriasis. Researchers have determined that heredity and your immune system both play a role.

Psoriasis and psoriasis flare-ups can be triggered by:

• exposure to sun and sunburn
• stress
• a yeast infection, like Malassezia
• certain medications, including lithium, hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), and prednisone (Rayos)
• cold, dry weather
• tobacco use
• heavy use of alcohol

Risk factors for facial psoriasis

There are several risk factors that may increase your chances of having psoriasis.

Family history is one example. Having a parent with psoriasis increases your chances of having it too.

A compromised immune system may also be a concern, as psoriasis may particularly affect people who have HIV or other autoimmune disorders like lupus, or who are undergoing chemotherapy.

Skin injuries from scratches to sunburns may also factor in. So too can obesity and certain medications, including lithium, antimalarials, and beta-blockers.

Smoking and alcohol use can also be risk factors for psoriasis.

Diagnosis of psoriasis

To diagnose facial psoriasis, a doctor or dermatologist will ask questions about your symptoms, like itchy skin. They may also ask about your family history and whether your close relatives have also had psoriasis.

In addition, they may take a small sample of your skin, or biopsy, to study under a microscope and confirm your diagnosis. You may also get questions about changes in your life too, like whether you’re under more stress or on new medications.

It’s worth making sure you have the right diagnosis. Psoriasis can be mistaken with other skin conditions from seborrheic dermatitis to ringworm to a drug reaction.

Eczema vs. psoriasis

While similarities exist between eczema and psoriasis, the causes differ, as can the treatments. The two can also overlap in some cases. Both can affect the face, and neither’s contagious.

Psoriasis is a chronic condition that leads to an overproduction of skin cells, while eczema is an overreaction to an irritant, like certain clothes, soaps, or animals.

The two have some triggers or risk factors in common, including cold dry weather, but eczema may also stem from encounters with pollen, moulds, or even certain foods. 

Eczema can be intensely itchy, and while psoriasis may itch too, it can also be painful. Skin affected by psoriasis tends to be thicker and redder than with eczema. Silvery scaling also tends to be unique to psoriasis.

Treatment for facial psoriasis

Because the skin on your face is very sensitive, facial psoriasis needs to be treated carefully.

Corticosteroids

Your doctor might recommend a variety of treatments, including mild corticosteroids in the form of an ointment, lotion, or cream. These might be applied daily when symptoms are at their worst.

Avoid your eyes when applying any medication to your face. Special steroid medication is made to be used around your eyes, but too much can cause glaucoma and cataracts. 

Vitamin D analogues

Some of the other possible topical treatments are essentially forms of vitamin D. They are:

• betamethasone/calcipotriene (Enstilar, Taclonex)
• calcitriol (Vectical)
• calcipotriene (Dovonex, Sorilux)

Calcineurin inhibitors

Calcineurin inhibitors stop the action of calcineurin, an enzyme that’s involved in some immune system processes. They can be applied around the eyes. While they won’t cause glaucoma, they may sting for the first few days of use.

Examples include tacrolimus (Protopic) and pimecrolimus (Elidel).

Retinoids

Retinoids like tazarotene (Tazorac) work by slowing the overproduction of skin cells and reducing inflammation.

If retinoid creams and gels aren’t helpful, a dermatologist may prescribe oral or injected medication, including a retinoid in pill form called acitretin (Soriatane). As with topical retinoids, these work by slowing skin cell production.

Phototherapy

Another possibility is phototherapy, or light therapy. This method uses ultraviolet (UV) light in a controlled setting.

Natural sunlight may sometimes help as well, but it’s not the same as prescription phototherapy. With sunlight, don’t overdo it. Keep in mind that your risk of sunburn may be higher when using some topical medications.

Home remedies for facial psoriasis

Along with medication recommended by your doctor, you can take steps at home to help manage your psoriasis.

• Reduce stress. Consider meditation or yoga.
• Avoid triggers. Monitor your diet and activities to see if you can determine the factors that result in flare-ups.
• Don’t pick at your patches. Picking off scales typically results in making them worse or initiating new rashes.
• Use moisturizer. Have your doctor recommend a moisturiser that can help reduce dry skin and scaling on your face.
• Get emotional support. Sometimes, having patches on your face can make you feel self-conscious and even depressed. Your doctor might have a recommendation for a support group or psychologist that can help.

Skin care products to try for facial psoriasis

Finding a skin care routine that helps with your facial psoriasis is key, although you may have to experiment a bit with different products to perfect it.

In addition to discussing prescription creams with your doctor, you may find it helps to use an over-the-counter emollient. These soothe the skin and can create a barrier of oil to protect your skin from drying out.

Humectants, like glycerin and aloe vera, can also help hydrate your skin.

You may also want to look for products with salicylic acid, which can help your skin shed psoriasis scales, or coal tar, which can reduce itching and inflammation.

Contact a doctor about facial psoriasis

Talk with a doctor to determine the type of psoriasis that’s appearing on your face. They can recommend a treatment plan for your type of psoriasis, including medical and at-home care.

Because psoriasis on your face can be emotionally upsetting for some people, your doctor may also have suggestions for managing any self-consciousness about your facial psoriasis.

For example, they may recommend a support group or even types of makeup that won’t interfere with your treatment.

https://www.healthline.com/health/facial-psoriasis?slot_pos=article_2&utm_source=Sailthru%20Email&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=psoriasis&utm_content=2021-10-26&apid=39239719&rvid=058431b717dcfa59c0cdd27cd0a9313769e8b3dd4ad59d88efd0ded7ddb4774e#see-a-doctor

 

Are COVID-19 Vaccines Safe If You Are Taking Psoriasis Medication?

From healthline.com

Psoriasis is a chronic condition in which itchy, red patches appear on the skin. It happens when the immune system becomes dysfunctional, leading to increases in inflammation in the body and the rapid accumulation of skin cells.

Since psoriasis is an immune-mediated condition, its common treatments involve the use of drugs that suppress the immune system. These can include:

• corticosteroids like prednisone
• traditional immunosuppressants like methotrexate or cyclosporine
• biologics like adalimumab (Humira) and infliximab (Remicade)

Because these drugs weaken the immune system, some people with psoriasis may be concerned about receiving COVID-19 vaccines. COVID-19 vaccines are both safe and effective for people with psoriasis.

Let’s dive deeper into what we know so far about COVID-19 vaccines and psoriasis medications. 

Are COVID-19 vaccines safe for people with psoriasis and taking psoriasis medications?

Currently, all of the available evidence suggests that COVID-19 vaccines are safe for people taking psoriasis medications.

Let’s explore some of the concerns regarding vaccine safety for people with the condition.

Psoriasis medications can weaken the immune system. This makes people taking these medications more vulnerable to contracting and becoming seriously ill with various infections.

Similarly, vaccines containing live versions of a germ aren't typically used in people with a weakened immune system, as they may replicate in the body and cause illness. Some examples are the flu nasal spray vaccine and the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. 

However, none of the currently available COVID-19 vaccines contain live virus. Instead, they contain either an mRNA molecule or a modified adenovirus that cannot replicate within the body.

While researchers continue to study COVID-19 vaccines in people with a weakened immune system, research indicates that other inactivated vaccines, such as the flu shot and the hepatitis B vaccine, are safe for people with immune-mediated inflammatory conditions like psoriasis.

However, vaccination may trigger a flare of any autoimmune condition, including psoriasis. It’s important to discuss this possibility with your doctor.

Immunosuppressants like methotrexate and COVID-19 vaccines

Methotrexate was initially used to treat cancer, but was approved to treat severe psoriasis in the 1970s. It works by inhibiting an enzyme that leads to rapid skin cell growth.

One of the potential side effects of taking methotrexate is a weakened immune system, specifically due to low levels of infection-fighting white blood cells. This increases infection risk.

Because of this, people taking methotrexate are at an increased risk of serious illness from COVID-19. This makes vaccination vital.

People taking methotrexate are not at an increased risk from the COVID-19 vaccine. However, it appears as if those taking methotrexate generate a reduced immune response to COVID-19 vaccination. More on that later.

Are COVID-19 vaccines effective in people with psoriasis and taking psoriasis medications?

According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), researchers are still learning how well COVID-19 vaccines protect people with a weakened immune system, including those on immunosuppressive drugs.

In fact, people taking immunosuppressive drugs were excluded from the COVID-19 vaccine trials. This is actually a standard practice for vaccine trials. It allows researchers to evaluate the immune response to the vaccine without the confounding effects of immunosuppressive drugs.

Future research will examine those with weakened immune systems more closely. For now, we do have indications that the COVID-19 vaccine is effective for those taking psoriasis medications, particularly biologics. 

Two 2021 reports on people taking biologics for psoriasis found that antibodies to the novel coronavirus spike protein were developed following vaccination. How long this protection lasts is currently unknown, though.

COVID-19 vaccines and methotrexate

Current data suggests that the immune response to COVID-19 vaccination may not be as strong in people taking methotrexate.

Trusted SourceA 2021 study compared the immune response to the first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine:

• A total of 17 healthy individuals and 84 people with psoriasis were included in the study. Of the people with psoriasis, 17 were taking methotrexate and 67 were taking biologics.
• Compared to the healthy individuals, immune response rates were lower in those taking psoriasis medications. The lowest immune response was seen in people taking methotrexate.
• Healthy individuals and people taking biologics more readily produced antibodies that could neutralize the coronavirus.
• The cellular immune response, which involves CD8 T cells that specifically target cells infected with the coronavirus, was preserved across all three groups.

Another 2021 study supported these findings. It compared the immune response to two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in both healthy individuals and people with immune-mediated inflammatory conditions, predominantly those with psoriasis:

• Two groups were used in the study:
  • The first group included 26 healthy individuals and 51 people with immune-mediated inflammatory conditions.
  • The second group included 182 healthy individuals and 31 people with immune-mediated inflammatory conditions.
• Healthy individuals and those taking biologics had a robust antibody response following vaccination 90 percent of the time.
• Individuals taking methotrexate had an adequate antibody response only 62.2 percent of the time.
• Unlike the previous study, activation of CD8 T cells did not increase in people taking methotrexate.

You may now be wondering why the immune response to the COVID-19 vaccine seems to be lower in people taking methotrexate compared to those taking biologics. The answer could be the ways that these medications impact the immune system.

Biologics only target very specific parts of the immune system. Traditional immunosuppressants like methotrexate are very general in their effects. It could be that this broader effect could be dampening the immune response to the COVID-19 vaccine in people taking methotrexate.

Should people with psoriasis get vaccinated?

It’s important for people with psoriasis to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The CDC recommends that  everyone aged 12 and older get vaccinated for COVID-19.

Additionally, a task force organized by the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) recommends that all people who don’t have contraindications to the vaccines receive it as soon as it’s available to them.

Taking psoriasis medications is not a contraindication for COVID-19 vaccination. In fact, the NPF task force recommends that those receiving the COVID-19 vaccine continue to take their psoriasis medications in most cases.

They do note that some people taking methotrexate may, in consultation with their doctor, suspend their medication for 2 weeks after vaccination to help promote an improved immune response. This guidance applies to people who meet all of the following criteria:

• are going to receive the Johnson and Johnson vaccine
• are 60 or older
• have at least one other health condition that increases their risk of serious complications from COVID-19

According to the CDC, the only contraindications for a COVID-19 vaccine are:

• a severe allergic reaction, called anaphylaxis, to a previous dose of the COVID-19 vaccine or to an ingredient in the COVID-19 vaccine
• an immediate allergic reaction, such as hives or wheezing, to a previous dose of the COVID-19 vaccine
• a known allergy to an ingredient in the COVID-19 vaccine

Should already vaccinated people with psoriasis get a vaccine booster shot?

People with a weakened immune system that have received both doses of either mRNA vaccine may not develop the same level of immunity as those with a healthy immune system.

This includes people that are actively taking immunosuppressive medications, such as psoriasis medications.

The CDC recommends that individuals who are moderately to severely immunocompromised receive a booster shot at least 28 days after their second dose. The aim is to improve the immune response from the initial vaccine series.

Currently, this only applies to the two mRNA vaccines: Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna. Additional data is needed to determine the benefits of a vaccine booster in individuals who received the Johnson and Johnson vaccine.

The NPF task force also recommends that individuals with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis that are currently taking immunosuppressive drugs should receive a booster shot.

They’ve also identified groups that are more likely to benefit from a booster, including people:

• who are 50 years old or older
• who are taking the following psoriasis medications:
  • corticosteroids
  • traditional immunosuppressants like methotrexate, cyclosporine, and leflunomide
  • the biologics abatacept (Orencia) and tofacitinib (Xeljanz)
• who received their second dose over 6 months ago
• who have additional health conditions that increase risk of serious COVID-19 illness

Can COVID-19 vaccines cause psoriasis or make the skin condition worse?

Now that we’ve discussed COVID-19 vaccinations and psoriasis, you may be curious if the COVID-19 vaccines can cause or exacerbate psoriasis.

Can COVID-19 vaccines cause psoriasis?

There’s currently no evidence that the COVID-19 vaccines can cause psoriasis.

Other vaccines, specifically the flu shots used between 2009 and 2010, have been linked with new-onset psoriasis.

However, the authors of the 2015 study reporting this finding note that in addition to it being very rare, they could not directly prove a direct causative relationship between the vaccine and psoriasis.

Can COVID-19 vaccines cause psoriasis flares?

Vaccine-related psoriasis flares are a concern for some. A 2021 study of 142 people who were reluctant to receive a COVID-19 vaccine found that 21 percent listed the risk of a psoriasis flare as a concern.

There have been reports of psoriasis flares following COVID-19 vaccination. However, researchers have been unable to directly link them to the vaccines themselves.

It’s important to note that, in these reports, people experiencing a flare after vaccination were reported to either not be taking any medications for their psoriasis or only be using topical treatments to manage their condition.

Three further reports have found that people taking psoriasis medications, specifically biologics, experienced no flares after COVID-19 vaccination. However, whether certain treatments affect the likelihood of a flare after vaccination is currently unknown.

Additionally, other factors may lead to psoriasis flares, with stress being one example. It’s possible that stress related to the pandemic or to receiving a vaccination could contribute to a flare after vaccination.

Trauma to the skin, including injections, can also lead to psoriasis symptoms at the injury site. This is called the Koebner phenomenon. The incidence of the Koebner phenomenon is estimated to be between 11 to 75 percent in people with psoriasis.

Takeaway

Medications for psoriasis can weaken the immune system. Because of this, people with psoriasis may be at an increased risk of serious illness from COVID-19.

The available evidence indicates that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective for people taking psoriasis medications. Additionally, taking psoriasis medications isn’t a contraindication for vaccination.

The NPF recommends that people with psoriasis receive the vaccine as soon as they can. Additionally, booster vaccines are now recommended for immunosuppressed people, including those taking certain psoriasis medications.

If you have concerns about receiving the COVID-19 vaccine or how your psoriasis medications will impact the vaccine, be sure to discuss them with a doctor.

https://www.healthline.com/health/psoriasis/covid-vaccine-and-psoriasis

Can Dead Sea Salt Help Treat Psoriasis?

From southfloridareporter.com

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that causes skin cells to grow quickly. Dead Sea salt is an alternative treatment for psoriasis flares.

Psoriasis causes thick layers of plaques on the skin that may be itchy or painful. There is currently no cure for psoriasis, but some people use Dead Sea salt to reduce symptoms. Salt from the Dead Sea has high concentrations of magnesium, potassium, and calcium.

                                                                             Texture of Dead Sea

What is Dead Sea salt? 

The Dead Sea sits between Jordan, Israel, and the West Bank. It has a salt content of 34.8%, making it one of the saltiest bodies of water in the world. It is also rich in other minerals, including:

• magnesium
• potassium
• calcium
• sulfur
• iodine
• bromine

Some beauty and health products contain Dead Sea salt, including products for psoriasis and other skin treatments.

Possible benefits for psoriasis

In an older study, participants each bathed one of their arms with psoriasis symptoms in a solution containing 5% Dead Sea salt for 15 minutes at a time over 6 weeks. They bathed the other arm in tap water during the same period for comparison.

The arms submerged in Dead Sea salt water showed improved skin hydration and reduced roughness and redness after 6 weeks. This may be due to the magnesium salts enhancing the binding of water into the skin.

Another older study from 2001 evaluated the effectiveness of Dead Sea salt baths compared with common table salt baths over 3 weeks to treat psoriasis flares.

There was a greater reduction in symptoms for the group treated with Dead Sea salt baths than those bathing with common table salt.

Dead Sea salt vs. Epsom salt

Epsom salt is a popular home remedy for sore muscles and aching joints. Some people also use it as a treatment for psoriasis. Epsom salt contains magnesium sulphate, which can also hydrate the layers of the skin.

However, there is a lack of evidence that the magnesium in Epsom salt can penetrate the skin and provide the same benefit as Dead Sea salt.

A 2017 review examined Epsom salt and Dead Sea salt studies to see if the magnesium present could penetrate the skin. The review found one study where Epsom salt could increase blood magnesium levels, but this was not published in a scientific journal.

Another study mentioned in the review asked participants with psoriasis to bathe daily in the Dead Sea over 4 weeks. Blood tests revealed increased levels of electrolytes and magnesium, suggesting that the Dead Sea salt minerals were able to penetrate the skin.

Risks

There is low risk when using Dead Sea salt for treating psoriasis. It is also useful for washing hair, cleansing the face, and soaking fingers or toenails to alleviate fungus.

It is not for oral consumption, as the minerals and magnesium give Dead Sea salt a bitter taste. Product manufacturers typically remove the elements that cause a bitter taste when using Dead Sea salt in foods.

How to use Dead Sea salt

Dead Sea salt for psoriasis is easy to use. It is available at many shops or through the internet. However, it may take some experimentation to determine the amount to use, as psoriasis affects people differently.

It is safest first to test how the skin reacts to Dead Sea salt. Mix one teaspoon of Dead Sea salt with warm water and apply to a small patch of skin before soaking in a bath. If there is an allergic reaction, do not proceed with a bath.

Begin with half a cup of Dead Sea salt in a full bath and soak for 15–20 minutes. If psoriasis scales do not loosen or respond with reduced itching, add Dead Sea salt in quarter-cup increments for each bath.

Where to buy

Dead Sea salt is widely available on the internet through major retailers and independent shops. It is also available locally at many retail chains and pharmacies.

It comes in amounts ranging from 1 pound to over 50 pounds.

Dead Sea salt looks similar to table salt. For this reason, some retailers offer a certificate of authenticity that confirms it is from the Dead Sea region.

Can people make Dead Sea salt at home?

It is not possible to make Dead Sea salt at home because of the specific chemical makeup of minerals in the Dead Sea.

Look for Dead Sea salt at local pharmacies or stores that supply bath soaps and salts. It is also available online. Certificates of authenticity are available from some retailers to prove that the salt came from the Dead Sea region.

Summary

Psoriasis is a chronic disorder that causes the overproduction of skin cells, which form scaly plaques. There are medical treatments for psoriasis, but some people experience uncomfortable side effects.

Alternative treatments to psoriasis include Dead Sea salt, which may moisturize the skin and remove plaques.

Some people travel to the Dead Sea to experience the effects of mineral waters, but others purchase Dead Sea salt for use at home. Dead Sea salt is available online or at local pharmacies or bath and beauty retailers.

Soaking in a Dead Sea salt bath solution at regular intervals over several weeks could help treat psoriasis.

https://southfloridareporter.com/can-dead-sea-salt-help-treat-psoriasis/

Q&A: Psoriasis, mental health care affected by socioeconomic burdens

From healio.com

In this issue’s cover story, experts discussed how reducing psoriasis in the patient is the best way to curb the negative impact on mental health that stems from disease stigma.

However, not everyone in the United States is offered the same level of care to do so.

Paul Wallace

Healio Psoriatic Disease spoke to Paul Wallace, MD, MPA, a Los Angeles-based, board-certified dermatologist and researcher, about how socioeconomic status can affect the level of care for patients with psoriasis.

Healio: How does socioeconomic status affect the stigma of psoriasis and the ability to receive care?

Wallace: There has always been a stigma regarding skin disease. It is something you cannot hide. Most patients with moderate to severe psoriasis want to be invisible, or like everyone else in regard to their skin.

People look at psoriasis and think it is contagious. It is red, it is inflamed, sometimes it can be bleeding.

For some with psoriasis it is an inconvenience, but it is something that can be worked through. But, say you are a blue-collar worker – not necessarily someone in the supervisor or corporate level – and you need light therapy. Here in the Los Angeles area, it could take an hour to get there, it is a 30-minute treatment, and then an hour to get back. And you need to do it three times a week. To miss 2.5 hours of work three times a week is unacceptable. As you move from one economic level to another you might not have the luxury to do the treatments.

This is a solvable, controllable problem and we have not been making this accessible to everyone in this country.

Healio: How do insurance companies and different levels of coverage affect psoriasis patients’ ability to get proper treatment?

Wallace: There is clearly a 2-tier, perhaps even a 3-tier, system in this country. If you have commercial or employment insurance and a PPO, you can get all of the FDA-approved biologics at no cost to you. But if you are on a government assisted program, you have to go through a tremendous number of hurdles to get the medication.

That is one of the most frustrating things for me as a physician. This is so far away from the practice of medicine in being dictated by insurance companies.

For example, we know the efficacy of methotrexate is far below the least-effective biologic. And there has been a number of studies that show it is cost effective to get these patients’ disease under control to improve their quality of life and their ability to be productive citizens. But many government programs mandate 3 months of methotrexate before moving on to biologic treatments.

There is a gap in the type of care some individuals get. It is not unusual that those on state insurance plans have as much as a 6 month wait before they can get into our office. They need to get approval by their insurance company and many times a referral from their primary care doctor before they see a specialist.

Healio: In this issue’s cover story we discuss the importance of mental health help for psoriasis patients who are suffering from the effects of stigma from their disease. How is the ability to receive mental health care impacted by socioeconomic status?

Wallace: If it is possible I send all of my patients to a psychologist to have either one-on-one or group sessions to help them understand they are not alone.

The problem is in 90% or more of insurance plans, especially those with government plans, counselling is not included.

Availability and accessibility for all in this country would be the best approach.

https://www.healio.com/news/dermatology/20211013/qa-psoriasis-mental-health-care-affected-by-socioeconomic-burdens?utm_source=selligent&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=news&M_BT=6459271603417

Which Vitamins Can Help Treat or Manage Psoriasis?

From healthline.com

Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes painful flareups of dry and flaky skin. These flareups occur due to the over-producing and shedding of skin cells. Psoriasis can be diagnosed by a dermatologist upon physical examination or biopsy. 

Although psoriasis has no cure as of now, there are several ways that it can be treated and managed. People with psoriasis might look to topical treatments, light therapy, and oral or injected medications.

Because psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, it’s important to maintain your overall health to limit inflammatory triggers. Monitoring the variety and dosage of vitamins in your diet is a good way to understand your overall health.

While no evidence suggests that increasing vitamin intake will cure psoriasis, some studies show that adding vitamins on top of other treatments can relieve symptoms.

Vitamins and psoriasis

There can be a ripple effect between the status of our overall health and the severity of the conditions we face. A diet rich in a variety of vitamins is a simple way to ensure a strong baseline of health to fight psoriasis. Additionally, a lot of vitamins and nutrients rely on one another to operate at full efficiency.

It’s helpful to understand what your current vitamin intake looks like by having a blood test administered by a doctor. Using your blood work results and some tips below, see what vitamins you could use more of.

Vitamin A

There are two main groups associated with vitamin A; retinoids and carotenoids. 

While retinoids are known for skin care benefits, they are also prescribed orally or topically for psoriasis.

According to an older study from 2011,Trusted Source people with psoriasis were found to have less vitamin A in their skin, particularly carotenoids, than people without psoriasis.

Although more studies are needed to understand the relationship between psoriasis and vitamin A, implementing more vitamin A into your diet could improve symptoms of psoriasis. Foods with high levels of vitamin A include:

• kale
• spinach
• pumpkin
• avocado
• carrots
• sweet potatoes
• corn
• egg yolks

B vitamins

Biotin (B-7) and B12 have been found to help improve the symptoms of psoriasis.

Biotin deficiency is rare and has not been directly linked to healing psoriasis. That being said, biotin supplements may help build a healthy baseline for skin health. You may find that biotin supplements, which support healthy cell growth, ease symptoms.

Vitamin B12 is a strong topical treatment for psoriasis. Studies have shownTrusted Source that B12 deficiencies in the body can be linked to psoriasis. B12 is found in most animal products, but vegetarians can likely find plant-based foods fortified with B12.

Vitamin C

Oxidative stress occurs when the body has an imbalance between free radical activity and antioxidant activity. It’s been found that oxidative stress increasesTrusted Source in the body while fighting psoriasis. Increased occurrencesTrusted Source of vitamin C in the body have been found to help control oxidation in the body.

A case studyTrusted Source of one participant with severe psoriasis found that increased vitamin C (among other diet changes) eradicated the person’s psoriasis within 6 months. More research is needed to determine whether dietary vitamin C may improve the symptoms of psoriasis.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is created by the body when exposed to sunlight and is vital to our overall health. Vitamin D deficiencies have been linked to psoriasis, although not proven to be directly related.

One of the greatest benefits of Vitamin D is its immune-strengthening powers. People with psoriasis can benefit from keeping their immune systems as healthy as possible to improve their autoimmune response.

If you’re looking to up your vitamin D intake, consider taking an oral supplement, safely getting more sun exposure, and eating foods like:

• cheese
• egg yolks
• fatty fish
• fortified cereals

Other nutrients that may help treat psoriasis

Several other nutrients contribute to the health of our skin, body, and joints.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids decrease inflammation in the body while improving the immune system. This makes them a great supplemental candidate for people with psoriasis. This nutrient is most readily available in fish oil capsules, but can also be found in:

• vegetable oils
• nuts and seeds
• soy

Glucosamine and chondroitin

One symptom of psoriasis is psoriatic arthritis. Glucosamine and chondroitin are known to promote cartilage elasticity, formation, repair, and inhibit the breakdown of cartilage in the body. Supplementing with these nutrients may help to ease some of the arthritic symptoms related to psoriasis.

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)

Trusted SourceInitial studies have shown that MSM may help to combat inflammation and joint pain. These symptoms are commonly associated with psoriasis. Although more research is needed to confirm the link between MSM and psoriasis symptoms, MSM is considered a safe sulfur-containing compound that can be found in supplement form.

Side effects and precautions

There are several considerations you should make before committing to any dietary or nutritional changes.

Talk to a doctor before you use or take any vitamins, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or looking to become pregnant.

While taking vitamin supplements is beneficial to your overall health and psoriasis symptoms, it is not a replacement for the treatment you are receiving from your doctor.

Oversight

Supplements are not closely regulated by the FDA. They may contain ingredients not listed on the label, or may contain ingredients in different percentages than listed on the label. Always buy supplements from a reputable dealer, and take them according to product instructions.

How what you eat can affect the health of your skin

Maintaining healthy doses of vitamins in your body can be extremely beneficial to the overall health of your skin. Our skin is maintained by vitamins that promote healthy cell growth, cell turnover, and have anti-inflammatory properties.

Supplements can be a great way to fill in any gaps in our diet when purchased from reputable manufacturers and used correctly. That being said, it’s recommended to improve your diet before you turn to supplements.

Vitamins and nutrients are most potent in their natural form, where they are accompanied by hundreds of helpful non-essential nutrients that might not be in your supplements.

If you are deficient in any nutrients, consider speaking with a nutritionist to discover how you can incorporate a more well-balanced diet into your day-to-day life.

Conventional psoriasis treatment

Though psoriasis has no cure, its symptoms are generally managed under the supervision of a dermatologist with the following treatments:

• Light therapy. Some people with psoriasis see benefits by implementing brief exposures of natural and artificial light directly onto the affected area.
• Topical therapy. Applying prescription-strength ointments, creams, gels, and lotions to the affected area can help to relieve and improve symptoms.
• Injected medications. For cases of mild to severe psoriasis, steroid shots and prescription oral medication have been found to help ease symptoms

When to see a doctor if you think you have psoriasis

If you notice that your skin is going through cycles of scaliness, redness, cracking, itchiness, and pain, schedule an appointment with a primary care doctor or dermatologist as soon as possible before changing your diet or taking supplements.

The benefits of a dietary change might take months to show signs of improvement. A doctor can help you find immediate or short-term relief.

Takeaway

While there is no cure for psoriasis, there are plenty of ways to make living with psoriasis more comfortable and manageable.

A healthy vitamin-rich diet is beneficial for both skin health and overall health. Supplements may also help, but see a doctor first.

Building a strong immune system, lowering your exposure to inflammatory triggers, and developing a baseline of skin health are great ways to help ensure that psoriasis symptoms will not become worse.

https://www.healthline.com/health/psoriasis/vitamins-for-psoriasis?slot_pos=article_1&utm_source=Sailthru%20Email&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=psoriasis&utm_content=2021-10-12&apid=39239719&rvid=058431b717dcfa59c0cdd27cd0a9313769e8b3dd4ad59d88efd0ded7ddb4774e