How to Prepare for Seasonal Changes If You Have Psoriasis

From healthline.com

Preparing for the seasons

It’s normal for your skin care routine to change with the seasons. People generally have drier skin in the fall and winter, and experience oilier skin in the spring and summer months.

But if you have psoriasis, taking care of yourself means more than just contending with dry or oily skin. While the spring and summer months are generally more beneficial for psoriasis, there are some challenges to prepare for in all seasons.

Consider the following tips to prepare for the changing seasons if you have psoriasis. See your doctor if you experience any flare-ups that won’t go away.

Winter

Winter can be the most challenging season in terms of psoriasis management. Because the air is so cold and dry, your skin is more prone to dehydration. Your lesions may have more flakes and your skin may be itchier, too.

You can help relieve dry skin and keep your psoriasis symptoms at bay by moisturizing your skin. A heavy, creamy moisturizer works best during the winter. Petroleum jelly works as a good barrier, too. Just make sure that any moisturizer you wear is free of dyes and fragrances, as these can further aggravate your skin.

Cold temperatures also call for warmer clothing. With psoriasis, your best bet is to wear several layers of cotton clothing. Wool, rayon, and polyester fabrics can aggravate your skin, making it dry, red, and itchy.

You might also want to consider using a humidifier. This is especially helpful if you have heat running in your home. Take quick showers with lukewarm, not hot, water and make sure you use a basic cleanser instead of soap.

Spring

Springtime may bring some relief to your skin because humidity starts to rise along with the temperature. It may be warm enough for you to spend some time outside, which can help clear up your skin, too.

At this time of year, you’ll still want to wear cotton layers as needed. You may not need the heavy moisturizer anymore, but you should always have a good body lotion on hand. At minimum, you’ll need to apply lotion after bathing.

Another consideration is springtime allergies. Tree pollen is at its highest this time of year, so you may need to take an antihistamine to keep symptoms at bay. In addition to sneezing and congestion, tree pollen can cause itchy skin and eczema in some people. This can be an uncomfortable combination with psoriasis.

Summer

Typically, summer air is easier on your skin — whether you have psoriasis or not. The combination of heat and humidity decreases the dryness and itchiness of your skin. You’ll also likely have fewer lesions.

And, summertime also calls for more outdoor activities, which is great for your skin. Moderate ultraviolet (UV) ray exposure is healthy. If you plan on being in direct sunlight for more than 15 minutes though, you should wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Getting a sunburn can make your psoriasis symptoms worse.

When you’re outdoors, remember you’re sharing space with insects. Since bug bites can worsen your psoriasis symptoms, make sure you wear bug repellant without DEET, as this active ingredient can aggravate your psoriasis symptoms.

Talk to your doctor about light therapy via UV rays during the summer. While UV rays can help your symptoms, overexposure can make them worse. Your doctor can recommend ways to gradually build up the amount of time you’re outside to get the most out of the natural sun’s rays.

Swimming can also bring relief to your skin. Salt water is less irritating than chlorine, but you can still swim in chlorinated water if you rinse your skin off with fresh water right after. Be wary of hot tubs and heated pools, since they can increase skin irritation.

Fall

Depending on where you live, fall weather may signify a slight or significant drop in temperature. Yet, there’s still going to be a decrease in the humidity your skin loves so much. You can prepare by making sure you have a heavy lotion on hand. Also, avoid taking hot showers and wearing thick clothing, as this will increase skin irritation.

As the holiday season approaches, it’s critical to keep your stress under control. Stress is one of the known triggers of psoriasis flare-ups. Make sure you save some time each day for yourself, even if it’s as just 5 or 10 minutes to meditate. Reducing your stress levels will decrease inflammation in your body and can result in fewer psoriasis flare-ups.

Also, make sure you’re actively working to build your immune system during cold and flu season. Aside from managing stressors, be sure to get plenty of sleep, eat lots of fruits and veggies, and wash your hands frequently. Ask your doctor if you can get a flu shot. Unless you’re in the middle of an active flare-up, getting a flu shot with an inactive vaccine is a good way to keep yourself well during fall and into winter.

Takeaway

As the seasons change, so do your skin’s needs. By taking precautions and using the tips above, you can avoid flare-ups and get back to living your best life.

It’s important to regard these tips as complements to your current medical treatment. Talk to your doctor before trying anything new.

https://www.healthline.com/health/psoriasis/seasons?slot_pos=article_1&utm_source=Sailthru%20Email&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=psoriasis&utm_content=2023-04-25&utm_term=s:hl_n:pso&apid=39239719&rvid=058431b717dcfa59c0cdd27cd0a9313769e8b3dd4ad59d88efd0ded7ddb4774e 

Psoriatic Arthritis: Types, Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

From usnews.com

MONDAY, April 24, 2023 (HealthDay News) -- Most people have heard of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. But for some, psoriatic arthritis is the new kid on the block. Here’s what you need to know about psoriatic arthritis, including symptoms, types and treatments.

What is psoriatic arthritis?

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA), a progressive inflammatory condition of the joints and enthuses (places where the tendons and ligaments attach to bones), occurs when the immune system goes into overdrive and creates inflammation. This leads to pain and swelling. It is related to the skin disease psoriasis. Most people with psoriatic arthritis suffer from psoriasis first, although some don’t have skin issues until after the other symptoms begin.

Psoriatic arthritis types

Psoriatic arthritis comes in five forms, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine:

• Affects small joints in fingers and/or toes
• Asymmetrical arthritis in the hands and feet of one side or the other
• Symmetrical polyarthritis: similar to rheumatoid arthritis and affects both sides equally in multiple joints
• Arthritis mutilans: rare, destroys and deforms joints
• Psoriatic spondylitis: arthritis of the lower back and the spine.

Psoriatic arthritis causes and risk factors

While the causes of psoriatic arthritis are not completely understood, there are several known factors, according to the American College of Rheumatology.

• Genetics: 40% of people with PsA have a family member with psoriasis or arthritis
• Strep throat: It is suspected that the strep infection may be a trigger.

Some other factors that may put people at high risk or trigger PsA include:

• Obesity
• Severe psoriasis
• Stressful events
• Trauma to the joints or bones
• Infections.

Some scientists believe genes and an environmental trigger such as a trauma or virus might have a part in the development of PsA, according to the Arthritis Foundation.

According to a study published recently in the journal JAMA Dermatology, there seems to be a causal effect between inflammatory bowel disease and psoriasis/PsA. “These findings have implications for the management of inflammatory bowel disease and psoriasis in clinical practice,” the researchers said when the study was published.

Psoriatic arthritis symptoms

According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, symptoms of psoriatic arthritis vary greatly from person to person. They may include:

• Scaly, inflamed patches of skin (psoriasis) on the scalp, elbows or knees
• Joint stiffness, pain and swelling of one or more joints. Joint stiffness is often worse in the morning or after resting
• Tenderness in areas where tendons or ligaments attach to bones. Two commonly affected spots are the back of the heel and the sole of the foot
• Painful, sausage-like swelling of a whole finger or toe
• Frequent fatigue, abnormal tiredness, or a lack of energy
• Nails that pit, crumble, or separate from the nail bed
• Eye inflammation, resulting in eye pain, redness, and blurry vision. Prompt treatment is necessary to prevent vision loss
• Inflammatory bowel disease may occur in some people.

Psoriatic arthritis treatments

Because it affects both the skin and joints, psoriatic arthritis is a complex condition to treat, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Treatments include a combination of therapies comprised of medications and non-drug therapies such as exercise, massage, heat and cold.

Psoriatic arthritis medications include the following:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory meds such as ibuprofen or naproxen.
• Disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
• Biologics, such as TNF inhibitors such as Humira (adalimumab), Cimzia (certolizumab pegol), Enbrel (etanercept), Simponi (golimumab) and Remicade (infliximab)
• Corticosteroids, which are injected into the joint for temporary relief during a flare-up.

Non-drug therapies include:

• Exercise -- as with other types of arthritis, staying active helps
• Massage -- stress can cause flare-ups and massage helps with stress
• Heat and cold -- may help decrease the inflammation
• Physical and occupational therapy -- to strengthen muscles, protect joints from further damage and increase flexibility
• Water therapy -- some people find it easier to move while in the water, which partly supports the body’s weight.

While psoriatic arthritis can be a life-altering diagnosis, with proper treatment and lifestyle adjustments, many people with this condition can continue to live an active, fulfilling life.

https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2023-04-24/psoriatic-arthritis-types-causes-symptoms-treatments 

COVID-19 and Psoriasis: Is There a Link?

From webmd.com

April 19, 2023 – New research is shedding light on how an infection with COVID-19 may reactivate, or even cause, psoriasis. 

The  skin condition affects about 7.5 million adults in the United States, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation.  Psoriasis has several well-established triggers, including stress, skin injury, cold or warm air, and allergies. Illnesses like strep throat can also cause a psoriasis flare in some people – and it appears COVID may also do so. 

“Psoriasis flares have long been associated with bacterial and viral infections, particularly a form of psoriasis called guttate, which is characterized by tons of tiny red scaly bumps all over the body,” said Joel M. Gelfand, MD, a professor of dermatology and epidemiology at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine in Philadelphia. “Infection with COVID-19 has been associated with flares of guttate and pustular psoriasis, and even psoriasis that affects 100% of the skin, which is called erythroderma, in many published case reports.” 

Israeli researchers recently found that psoriasis patients have a slightly higher risk of getting COVID,  although they are not at higher risk of hospitalization or death. This could be because psoriasis is sometimes treated with immune-modulating therapy, which can leave patients more at risk of infections.

If you have psoriasis and test positive for COVID, arm yourself with information. Although we don’t know everything yet about the possible link between the two conditions, there are ways to treat the problem.

How Could COVID Cause Psoriasis to Flare? 

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition, and inflammation can cause symptoms.

A study from Albany Medical College/Weirton Medical Centre found that people in the study who were already diagnosed with the skin condition had an unexpected flare within a week to a month after testing positive for COVID. New psoriasis after a COVID infection was also found. The researchers think this could be because COVID causes inflammation in the body, which negatively affects previously well-controlled psoriasis. They also think it’s possible that COVID-related inflammation could trigger a genetic tendency to have psoriasis, which may explain why it can appear for the first time after a positive test.

Inflammation in the body commonly manifests itself through skin conditions. 

“The skin is the largest organ in the body,” said Robert O. Carpenter, MD, director of wellness at Texas A&M College of Medicine in  Bryan, TX. “A viral infection like COVID-19 can signal the release of pro-inflammatory factors that can appear as rashes, such as with psoriasis.”

What are the Symptoms of COVID-Related Psoriasis?

The signs are the same as those of any form of psoriasis. According to the Mayo Clinic, these signs can include: 

• A patchy, scaly, raised red rash. Psoriasis can also be purple, pink, grey, brown or silver. The rash can appear anywhere on the body. Psoriasis can also look like dandruff. 
• Dry, cracking skin that sometimes peels
• Itching, burning, or painful skin

If I Have Psoriasis, Will COVID Automatically Make It Worse?

Not necessarily.

“Psoriasis is a common condition, so people should be aware that new psoriasis that develops may not be related to COVID-19,” said Esther Freeman MD, PhD, director of global health dermatology at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

As with every aspect of COVID, doctors and scientists are still learning about how serious and widespread a problem psoriasis after COVID-19 may be. “We have seen case reports that psoriasis can flare after COVID-19,” said Freeman, who is also an associate professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School. “I will say, this has not been a tidal wave – more like sporadic cases here and there. So I do not think psoriasis flares are a major post-COVID finding, nor do they necessarily mean you have long COVID. That being said, we know that many different infections can cause psoriasis flares, and so in that respect, it's not that surprising that SARS-CoV-2, like other infections, could trigger a psoriasis flare.”

Could getting COVID more than once cause psoriasis to flare? It’s possible.

“Your body can change after having COVID-19,” said Carpenter. “We don’t know the long-term implications, but having COVID-19 repeatedly can increase the risk of long COVID, which can cause many systemic changes in your body." 

Another important point: If you take biologics, the immune-modulating therapy to treat psoriasis, getting vaccinated and boosted for COVID is an important step to take to help protect yourself. 

Is Psoriasis Itself a Potential Symptom of COVID? 

“Yes, but we don’t know the frequency at which this may occur, and a causal relationship is difficult to establish from just case reports,” said Gelfand, who’s also medical director of the Clinical Studies Unit in the Department of Dermatology at his university. “Typically, if a patient presents with a flare of psoriasis, particularly guttate, pustular, or erythrodermic forms, an infectious trigger should be considered, and testing for strep and possibly COVID-19 may be appropriate.”

If you do have a flare of psoriasis, or get one for the first time after testing positive for COVID, you should also ask your dermatologist about new treatment options.

“You could need to change the medication you take for psoriasis, or utilise medication for the first time,” Carpenter said. 

It’s important to know that the problem can be controlled. 

“Flares of psoriasis caused by infections typically improve over a period of months,” Gelfand said. “We have many safe and effective ways to treat flares of psoriasis, including new topical medications, ultraviolet light phototherapy, and pills. There is no reason to suffer with psoriasis – most patients can be helped with all of the recent advances in treatment.”

https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/psoriasis/news/20230419/covid-and-psoriasis-is-there-a-link

The “Other” Symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis

From creakyjoints.org

When you have psoriatic arthritis (PsA), being on the lookout for these non-skin, non-joint symptoms can help you head off serious complications. And if you have psoriasis, they might be early signs of PsA. 

If you have psoriatic arthritis (PsA), you’re probably aware that about 85 of people with PsA also have psoriasis (an inflammatory condition of the skin). As if dealing with joint pain, fatigue, and scaling, burning, and itching skin isn’t enough – you may also experience symptoms that go beyond your skin and joints. That’s because the chronic inflammation underlying your PsA can go to work body-wide, affecting organs, tissues, and body systems beyond the skin and joints. 

Reporting these symptoms to your doctor as soon as possible can help fend off more serious problems and lead to more effective relief for your PsA. It’s also essential to note: If you have psoriasis, these symptoms may be the earliest clues that you may have PsA. 

Symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis We Don’t Always Talk About

Here’s a closer look at some of the PsA symptoms that can fly under the radar and what you should know about them. 

Nail Problems

If you have psoriasis and have not yet been diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), or if you have unexplained joint pain without skin issues, it’s worth checking your nails. Nail pitting is one of the earliest and most common signs of PsA, affecting about 80 percent of all people with psoriasis. “It looks almost like you poked your nail with a safety pin,” says Dr. Carroll. Onycholysis, which is the splitting, easy breaking, or cracking of the nail bed, is another nail sign. 

In fact, nail issues are such a telltale sign of PsA that, according to Dr. Carroll, “when someone is coming in with new joint pain and we’re trying to figure out why they have it, and they don’t have obvious skin manifestations, I will look at the nails…sometimes that is the only skin sign.”  

This is what happened to Eddie Applegate, a TV-commercial traffic manager in Atlanta. “I was having joint pain and rashes on my face and hairline,” says Eddie, who has been living with PsA for 20 years. “I went to an urgent care doctor who looked at my nails and saw the pitting, and that helped him confirm the diagnosis of PsA. He also looked at the rash on my face and said, ‘That’s psoriasis’ — a dermatologist had earlier misdiagnosed it as acne.” 

Eye Issues

When it comes to PsA, “red eyes, changing vision, and especially painful eyes are concerning,” says Emily Carroll, MD, an internist focusing on rheumatological diseases at New York’s Mount Sinai Hospital. Those are symptoms of a condition called uveitis, or inflammation of the uvea, which is the middle layer of the eye. Left untreated, it can lead to vision loss, so it’s important to see an ophthalmologist.  

Adds Dr. Carroll, “If uveitis occurs even though a person with PsA is already taking methotrexate, this might be a reason to go to a stronger treatment, such as a biologic.”  

PsA can also be associated with less serious eye problem, including: 

• Pink eye (redness, crusting, swelling) 
• Dry eye syndrome (gritty, burning sensation) 
• Swelling of the sclera (the white part of the eye) 

Ashley Krivohlavek, 39, has had psoriasis since she was 12 years old and was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) when she was 30. She says that dry eyes are “especially tragic” for her, mainly because of the blow to her vanity.  

“When I was a kid, I got made fun of in school for glasses. Eventually, I started wearing contacts and was happy, but about two years after my PsA diagnosis, my ophthalmologist said, ‘You have extremely dry eye, and I don’t know if you’ll be able to wear contacts,” recalls Ashley. “The arthritis had already taken so much — I couldn’t play bass or piano anymore. I like to travel, and that wasn’t in the cards either — and now this.” 

Ashley had been able to wear contacts for special occasions until about six months ago, when she wore them to a wedding but found removing them so painful that she feared she had scratched her cornea. “My doctor told me I had zero chance to wear contacts ever again,” says Ashley, who now keeps her eyes lubricated with over-the-counter eye drops and may explore stronger options with her doctor. 

Shortness of Breath

Unfortunately, people with PsA are at higher risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke, says Dr. Carroll. “One reason is that PsA is seen more commonly in people who have metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and obesity,” she explains. “But even beyond that, the inflammatory nature of PsA alone raises risk.”  

The same inflammation that attacks joints also attacks blood vessels, leading to narrower arteries and plaque build-up. So, if you experience shortness of breath when doing everyday activities, tell your doctor and have it checked out. It could be a sign of heart disease.  

Luckily, Ashley, who does arthritis advocacy work through the Global Healthy Living Foundation and helps her dad run their asphalt manufacturing business in Tulsa, OK, has no heart issues, but she says, “I’ve been very diligent about checking my heart health because of the inflammation from PsA. I got tested recently, and my endocrinologist says everything looked great.”  

Eddie’s PCP does an EKG at least once a year: “He wants to make sure we get ahead, especially because I have a family history of heart disease.” 

Swollen Digits

Even before any joint problems have been detected, PsA may reveal itself with fingers or toes so swollen they look like sausages. Known as dactylitis, it affects about half of people with PsA at some point during the course of the disease and is often a signal of joint damage. “When I was first diagnosed and not on a good treatment plan, my fingers would swell so badly, I couldn’t put bracelets or rings on,” says Ashley. “The swelling in my toes was so bad that wearing anything other than big, bulky athletic shoes was really difficult.” 

If you notice symptoms — your entire finger or toe (not just the knuckle) might be so swollen you won’t really be able to use it, and it may feel warm and painful — see your doctor right away. Prompt treatment, such as with biologics or JAK inhibitors, can help ensure dactylitis doesn’t become a chronic problem. “Finding the right treatment plan really did help a lot,” says Ashley, who started managing her PsA with a biologic two years ago. “It has given me my life back.” 

Back Pain

Although PsA is known for causing peripheral arthritis — inflammation and stiffness in the hands, wrists, feet, knees, and ankles — it can also attack elsewhere.  

“One of the things people don’t really talk about is the spine in PsA,” says Ashley, who underwent physical therapy for her spine last summer. “Even my rheum, when I brought it up, said PsA doesn’t really do that.”  

However, a study in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found that about 43 percent of people with PsA also have back symptoms — also known as axial PsA or spondylitis. “It’s the worst because walking hurts, lying down hurts. It just feels very tight and almost burning, like there’s stuff rubbing together,” says Ashley.  

If you’re experiencing back pain, tell your rheumatologist — certain imaging tests can help them make an accurate diagnosis and adjust your treatment accordingly. 

https://creakyjoints.org/about-arthritis/psoriatic-arthritis/other-symptoms-psoriatic-arthritis/ 

How to Treat Cracks and Bleeding from Psoriasis on the Hands

From healthline.com

Psoriasis may cause skin on your hands to become dry, itchy, and uncomfortable. Sometimes, the skin may crack and bleed. Treating cracks and bleeding is important for preventing infections and promoting healing.

Trusted SourcePsoriasis is a chronic condition that causes scaly, inflamed patches of skin. It most often affects skin on the scalp, elbows, and knees, but it can also affect other body parts, including your hands.

Here are eight steps you can take to treat and prevent cracked skin from psoriasis on your handsTrusted Source.

1. Apply pressure to stop bleeding

If you have a crack or cut on your hand that’s bleeding, wash both hands with soap and water.

Then place a sterile piece of gauze or another sterile dressing on top of the crack or cut. Gently apply pressure to help stop the bleeding. Elevating the injured area above your heart may also help stop the bleeding.

If you bleed through one layer of gauze or dressing, don’t remove it right away. Instead, place another sterile dressing on top of the first and continue applying pressure. Apply as many layers of sterile dressing as needed.

Apply pressure until the bleeding stops.

2. Gently clean the crack or cut

After the bleeding is under control, hold the cracked or cut skin under running water to clean it. You can use soap to clean the surrounding skin, but try not to get soap in the crack or cut.

Use clean tweezers to remove any debris embedded in the crack or cut. Clean the tweezers with rubbing alcohol before you use them.

3. Protect and cover the injured area

After you clean the crack or cut, gently hold the edges of the injured skin together.

Then apply a liquid bandage or a piece of water-tight medical tape to seal the crack or cut. If you don’t have these supplies on hand, you can use the sticky part of an adhesive bandage to seal the injury.

You can find liquid bandages, medical tape, and other first-aid supplies at many pharmacies.

4. Monitor the area for infection

Monitor the crack or cut for symptoms of infection, such as:

• increased pain, swelling, or discoloration
• warm skin around the injury
• discoloured streaks around the injury
• pus or yellow or green discharge

Contact your doctor if you think the crack or cut develops an infection. They may prescribe antibiotics or other treatments. In rare cases, infections may spread and cause serious complications.

5. Protect your hands from psoriasis triggers

Exposure to certain triggers may worsen your psoriasis symptoms and increase your risk of dry, cracked skin. Taking steps to protect your hands from triggers may help limit your symptoms.

Some common triggers include:

• skin injuries, such as cuts, scraps, bug bites, and sunburns
• cold, dry weather conditions
• hot temperatures

To protect your hands from these triggers:

• Put work gloves or other protective equipment on your hands when you’re doing tasks that could scrape or cut them, such as yard work.
• Apply sunscreen to your hands before you go outside during daylight hours.
• Spray bug repellent on your hands when you’re spending time in buggy areas.
• Wear gloves or mittens to protect your hands from cold, dry weather.
• Use lukewarm water rather than hot to wash your hands.

Chemicals in cigarettes and other tobacco products may also trigger psoriasis symptoms on your hands.

If you smoke or use other tobacco products, taking steps to cut back or quit may help reduce psoriasis symptoms and provide other health benefits. Your doctor can help you learn about resources to help you quit.

Taking steps to manage stress is also important for preventing psoriasis flares.

 6. Keep your hands well moisturized

Regularly applying moisturizer to your hands can help treat and prevent dry, cracked skin.

Choosing a moisturizing cream, lotion, or balm free of fragrances, dyes, and other common skin irritants may be helpful. Consider asking your doctor if they have any recommendations.

You can also look for moisturizers and other skin care products labelled with the National Psoriasis Foundation Seal of Recognition. Manufacturers formulate these products for people with psoriasis or sensitive skin.

7. Apply medicated creams or ointments

In addition to moisturizer, applying a medicated cream, ointment, or another topical psoriasis treatment to your hands may be helpful.

You can buy low dose hydrocortisone cream from a pharmacy without a prescription. This is a topical corticosteroid that helps reduce inflammation from psoriasis. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you learn how to use it safely.

If low dose hydrocortisone cream isn’t effective for managing your symptoms, your doctor may prescribe a higher dose topical corticosteroid or another topical psoriasis treatment.

It’s generally best to avoid using high dose topical corticosteroids for more than 4 weeks. Talk with your doctor to learn about other treatments that may reduce your need for corticosteroids.

Your doctor may also advise you to apply an antibiotic ointment or another topical treatment to cracks or cuts on your hands to help promote healing.

8. Talk with your doctor about other treatment options

If topical treatments are not enough to manage psoriasis symptoms, your doctor may recommend one or more of the following treatments:

• phototherapy
• oral medication
• injectable medication

Phototherapy uses ultraviolet light from a special lamp or light unit to treat psoriasis.

Let your doctor know if you develop new or worse psoriasis symptoms or are unhappy with your current treatment plan. They can help you learn more about your psoriasis treatment options.

The takeaway

Psoriasis may cause patches of skin on your hands to become dry and cracked. The skin may also bleed. To treat cracks or cuts on your hands:

1. Gently apply pressure with a sterile dressing to stop the bleeding.
2. Then clean the injured area under running water and remove any visible debris.
3. Seal the injury using a liquid bandage, water-tight medical tape, or the sticky part of an adhesive bandage.

To help prevent cracked skin and limit other symptoms, take steps to protect your hands from psoriasis triggers. Regularly apply a moisturizing cream, lotion, or balm to your hands to hydrate your skin.

Applying a medicated ointment, cream, or another topical treatment may also help reduce psoriasis symptoms. In some cases, your doctor may recommend other treatments.

https://www.healthline.com/health/psoriasis/treat-psoriasis-hands?slot_pos=article_1&utm_source=Sailthru%20Email&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=psoriasis&utm_content=2023-04-11&utm_term=s:hl_n:pso&apid=39239719&rvid=058431b717dcfa59c0cdd27cd0a9313769e8b3dd4ad59d88efd0ded7ddb4774e 

Is it Eczema or Psoriasis?

From tampabay.com

How do you tell? 

Maybe you’ve been noticing these discoloured, itchy inflamed patches on your skin. They’re really bothersome, you’re feeling self-conscious about them and they aren’t getting better. You’re wondering, could it be eczema … or psoriasis? What’s the difference? Aren’t they basically the same thing?

Short answer: Nope, they’re not. At first presentation, both conditions look similar, so they can be confused. Plus, certain topicals and UVB therapy can soothe both conditions. So it takes the experienced eye of a board-certified dermatologist, and perhaps a biopsy, to know which condition is causing your symptoms.

First, the comparison lowdown from psoriasis.org

• Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated disease associated with systemic inflammation that can lead to comorbidities like cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, anxiety and depression.

• Eczema, according to the National Eczema Association, “is the name for a group of conditions that cause the skin to become itchy, inflamed or have a rash-like appearance. There are seven types of eczema: atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, nummular eczema, neurodermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis and stasis dermatitis.”

Some people mistakenly think of eczema as “psoriasis lite,” but eczema will not develop into psoriasis. (You can have both conditions, though that’s uncommon.) Both conditions are chronic — meaning they can’t be cured — but they can be managed. Both conditions have an immune-system link, although the links are very different. And neither condition is contagious.

Eczema tends to start earlier, often in infancy (60 percent of eczema cases present within a baby’s first year, according to a study published in The Journal of Paediatrics). Psoriasis tends to start later in life, generally between the ages of 20 and 30, or 50 and 60. Children with eczema have a higher likelihood of developing asthma and/or nasal allergies later in life. Alternately, there is a strong link between psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

While both have an immune system component, psoriasis is considered an autoimmune disease, while eczema, at least currently, is not. (Both conditions run in families, so genetic triggers are being studied.) In the case of psoriasis, skin cell turnover is sped up from every four weeks or so to every four days, leading to a build-up of new skin cells on top of older skin cells that can’t be shed quickly enough. This build-up manifests as the thickened, scaly, itchy patches called plaques (plaque psoriasis being the most common form of the condition).

This rapid cell turnover and resulting build-up is not a feature of eczema. While the exact cause of eczema is unknown, researchers do know that people who develop the disorder do so because of a combination of genes, a sensitive immune system, a dysfunctional skin barrier, skin bacteria like staphylococcus aureus and environmental triggers.

If you’re still not sure about what’s going on with your skin — and even if you are — start seeing a dermatologist. Their hard-won knowledge and expertise can help you get control over your symptoms, so you can get back to living your best life. Which is really the whole point.

Information for this article was gathered from nationaleczema.org, psoriasis.org, clevelandclinic.org, medicalnewstoday.com, healthcentral.com and self.com.

https://www.tampabay.com/sponsored/2023/04/07/eczema-or-psoriasis/