Psoriasis and Alcohol: What's the Connection?

From healthcentral.com

Drinking can trigger psoriasis flares and interfere with your medication. Here’s why—and how to drink safely with psoriasis 

If you have psoriasis, you know that specific behaviours, from smoking to using certain laundry detergents, can make your skin worse. One of these triggers is drinking alcohol.

"For patients who have psoriasis, alcohol use is associated with a more severe form of the disease," explains Brendan Camp, M.D., a dermatologist with MDCS Dermatology in New York. Frequent drinking could also make your psoriasis meds less effective and even increase your risk for health problems that are more likely with psoriasis.

At the same time, people with psoriasis (PsO), tend to be heavier drinkers, in part because of how psoriasis can affect mental health. It's a complex relationship, for sure. Let’s take a closer look at the interplay between alcohol and psoriasis and what you can do to support your skin—while still indulging in the occasional drink.

Why Alcohol May Trigger Psoriasis Flares

Booze alone doesn't cause psoriasis. But drinking could make it harder to keep your skin condition under control. People with psoriasis who drink tend to have more severe symptoms, according to a review on psoriasis and alcohol published in the journal Psoriasis: Targets and Therapy.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition driven by excess inflammation. And any kind of stressor, whether it's emotional or environmental, has the potential to ramp up skin inflammation and trigger a flare, says Erum Ilyas, M.D., a dermatologist with Schweiger Dermatology Group in Philadelphia.

While you might think of it as an activity that helps you unwind, drinking alcohol is actually one of those stressors. Chemicals that your body produces when metabolizing alcohol can trigger systemic inflammation, which can lead to an uptick in psoriasis symptoms, explains the Psoriasis: Targets and Therapy review. These same chemicals have also been found to spur the growth of skin cells, which drives the development of psoriasis scales and plaques, as well as negatively impact the fatty barrier that protects the outer layer of the skin, the article notes.

That's not to say a single cocktail or a glass or wine will send your skin from zero to 60. Rather, it's thought that regular drinking could add to your body's overall stress burden, creating a higher level of baseline inflammation that could add up to more aggressive symptoms. "Alcohol, smoking, stressful lifestyles… all of these things are compounding factors. They can introduce more inflammation and make it more of an uphill battle to manage your psoriasis," says Dr. Ilyas.

And psoriasis that isn’t well-controlled can make a person more prone to related health conditions. That includes psoriatic arthritis, heart disease, liver disease, and cancer, reports an American Journal of Clinical Dermatology review.

Alcohol and Psoriasis Treatment

Booze doesn't just have the potential to irritate your skin. It can also make psoriasis harder to manage by making your meds less potent. "The use of alcohol can negatively impact a patient's response to systemic treatment," Dr. Camp says.

Oral psoriasis medications like methotrexate and acitretin are processed through the liver, the same organ that processes alcohol, per an International Journal of Molecular Sciences review. (There aren't any known interactions between alcohol and psoriasis meds such as biologics, steroids, or traditional DMARDs.) "So there can end up being a competition. Will the alcohol get metabolized or the drug? If you can't metabolize the drug the right way, how will that affect your psoriasis? It could make it harder to control one's symptoms, Dr. Ilyas says. And in the long-term, this competition could force the liver to work harder, and potentially lead to liver damage.

Regardless of what type of drug you're on, there's something else to consider: Drinking might make it tougher to stick to your treatment regimen. In one Archives of Dermatology study that attempted to figure out what factors reduce psoriasis patients' medication compliance, alcohol use was at the top of the list.

So, Can You Drink if You Have Psoriasis?

Alcohol probably doesn't have to be entirely off-limits if you have psoriasis, say Dr. Ilyas and Dr. Camp. But if you choose to drink, you should aim for moderation. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), men who have more than two drinks per day or women who have more than one a day may experience fewer or no remissions or notice that their treatment is less effective or stops working.

You'll reap big benefits, on the other hand, by keeping your alcohol intake in check. Think: Longer stretches where you're symptom-free, milder symptoms when you do flare, a lower risk of related health problems, and less chance for liver damage, the AAD says.

Psoriasis and Alcoholism

Even though alcohol can worsen psoriasis, on the whole, people with psoriasis tend to drink more compared to those without the condition, and heavier alcohol intake is tied to a higher risk for psoriasis, according to the Psoriasis: Targets and Therapy review. It's no secret that psoriasis can be a big emotional burden, and some patients turn to alcohol to help them carry that weight, according to the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology review.

"Seeing psoriasis on your skin is a stressor in itself, and it may make people more prone to depression," Dr. Ilyas says. But drinking as a means to cope can make you—and your skin—feel worse. "We wouldn't want these things to have a domino effect where you're dealing with a flare, you drink more because you're under more stress, then you flare more. It can spiral," she adds.

That said, there's not enough evidence to show that heavy drinking causes psoriasis, or that having psoriasis automatically predisposes someone to alcohol abuse, say Dr. Ilyas and Dr. Camp.

When to Seek Help

Some dermatologists make it a point to discuss lifestyle habits like drinking with their patients and may even use screening tools to identify alcohol use that's potentially problematic, Dr. Camp says. Two common options, which aren't specifically geared towards psoriasis patients but are still effective, include the CAGE and AUDIT screeners. They're available to anyone for free online. CAGE is a simple yes-or-no questionnaire on high-risk alcohol behaviours and AUDIT involves multiple choice questions assessing a person's drinking habits.

If a screening test suggests that your drinking could be problematic, or if you feel like your alcohol consumption could be interfering with your psoriasis, let your dermatologist know. Together, you can come up with a plan to address the issue and get your drinking, and your psoriasis, under control.

The Bottom Line on Psoriasis and Alcohol

Frequent drinking can be bad for your psoriasis, but having psoriasis might make you more prone to heavier intake. There's a good chance that your symptoms will ease up by keeping alcohol in moderation. So keep an eye on the number of drinks you consume each day or week—your skin will thank you.

https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/psoriasis/alcohol-and-psoriasis

Scalp Psoriasis: Causes, Symptoms and Cure

From moneycontrol.com

Do you enter a room looking like you just came from a wintery Hallmark movie, with snowflakes on your hair, but in the middle of June? You cannot stop scratching your head and have to deal with that constant, irritating itchiness! Stop, and take note. You could be suffering from Scalp Psoriasis, a dermatological disease that can cause much harm if you don't take care of it in time. 

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease with unpredictable relapses characterised by plaques and papules (raised skin tissue less than 1 cm), often crowned by silver scales. The variants of psoriasis may include Guttate Psoriasis (drop-like lesions), Rupioid Psoriasis (limpet/shellfish-like scales), Penile Psoriasis (in both circumscribed and un-circumscribed males), and Scalp Psoriasis, among others. 

Scalp Psoriasis: Recognising the condition 

Scalp psoriasis mostly affects adults than children. In its worst form, the scales on the scalp can be massive, spilling on to the forehead, even on the nape of the neck. It either presents as diffused patches or spreads on the entire scalp. It is believed that skin colour is responsible for the varied appearance of scales in different individuals. 

Dark red or salmon-coloured scales are observed in lighter skin tones, whereas in people of colour, red, brown, or purple scales are predominant. Warmth in the affected area, tenderness, and lymph node swelling may occur if left untreated. 

Causes of Scalp Psoriasis  

It takes weeks for new cells to form on the scalp. However, scalp psoriasis can accelerate cell division, making shedding older cells taxing. This build-up on the scalp surface results in scaly patches, characteristic of scalp psoriasis. Burns, cuts, lacerations, infections like pharyngitis, and elevated stress levels can flare the symptoms and worsen existing condition. A few drugs like lithium and antimalarials also take the blame. It is, however, a non-infectious disease, meaning it cannot spread from one person to another. Its generation may be attributed to a dysfunction of the immune system. A familial predisposition to such dysfunction is likely. Scales formed on the scalp may be inconspicuous but can progress to a severe form resulting in crusting sores. 

Signs and symptoms 

Symptoms of scalp psoriasis entail scaly and bumpy patches. Dandruff-like flaking is also commonly observed along with a dry and itchy scalp. Persistent scratching of the scalp can disturb the circadian and steer one towards skin infections and hair loss. Loss of your thick mane can also be due to harsh chemicals used for treatment and stress. 

Differential diagnoses 

Seborrheic dermatitis: Commonly known as dandruff, it can be confused with scalp psoriasis. Small and greasy flakes are seen in dandruff, often accompanied by discolouration of the skin. The sites affected include the eyebrows, the axilla (underarm), the trunk, and the scalp. 

Ringworm: If present on the scalp, it is referred to as Tinea capitis. It may also cause scaling and pustulation. However, it can be differentiated from scaly psoriasis by the presence of an annular or ring-like lesion spreading centrifugally. 

Sebopsoriasis: A condition that is an admixture of the symptoms of both psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis. Typically seen on the face and scalp, it presents as red (or yellow) greasy scales. Visiting the dermatologist and following up regularly can prevent the disease from becoming unbearable. 

Prevention and cure   

You can prevent scalp psoriasis flare-ups by keeping the skin moist by using a humidifier. Avoiding dry and cold weather is preferable, as it may worsen existing symptoms. 

Stress management: by practising yoga or breathing exercises can relieve anxiety and have an indirect effect on this disease. 

Medication like lithium and quinidine should be abstained from if one is susceptible to developing scalp psoriasis. A wide range of medicated shampoos are available in the market for scalp psoriasis. However, a few home remedies can provide symptomatic relief like reducing flaking and redness. Customarily used as a preservative, apple cider vinegar can be used to mitigate itchiness. Culinary additions like turmeric and omega-3-fatty acids can help contest inflammation. 

Spending some time in the sun and applying aloe vera gel over the affected areas may alleviate symptoms. Visiting the dermatologist and following up regularly is recommended. Sticking to a personalised treatment regimen can help the disease from becoming unbearable.

https://www.moneycontrol.com/europe/?url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/health-and-fitness/scalp-psoriasis-causes-symptoms-and-cure-this-one-is-a-real-head-scratcher-10640721.html 

Exercising With Psoriatic Arthritis? No Sweat!

From healthcentral.com

Get your achy joints safely moving and protect your skin as summer heats up with these pro fitness tips for PsA

After months of frigid temps, a warm sunny day could be just the enticement you need to get off the couch and back into your fitness routine. But if you have psoriatic arthritis (PsA), an inflammatory autoimmune disorder that attacks your joints and skin, you might worry as you lace up your sneakers: “Could exercising outside in the heat bring on a flare?”

Everybody with PsA responds differently to changes in the weather, but in general, people with PsA actually tend to do better when it’s warm out, says Eric Ruderman, M.D., professor of medicine and associate chief of Rheumatology at the Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, IL.

Psoriasis-affected skin is especially agreeable to summer weather. “Typically, skin psoriasis is worse in the winter,” Dr. Ruderman says. “The dryness makes the skin more irritated and itchy. In the summer, the sun actually makes it better.” In fact, phototherapy—a common treatment for psoriasis—uses the same ultraviolet (UV) rays that emanate from the sun to slow the overgrowth of skin cells. The trick is to get just enough sun exposure, but not so much that you get burned.

And there’s no need to fear that exercise might set off a flare of sore joints and irritated skin, either. In reality, the opposite is true. A review of studies on exercise with PsA published in the journal Clinical Rheumatology found that people with PsA who exercise have stronger muscles and less pain and fatigue—not to mention a better quality of life.

Wai-Kwong Hui, P.T., D.P.T., a physical therapist at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City, says his patients often prefer to exercise in warm weather. “It loosens them up a little bit and makes things flow better,” he says.

Here, our experts explain why warming up to the idea of exercising during the summer months (and all year round) will likely improve your PsA symptoms.

Exercise Is Good Medicine for PsA

There’s no overstating the benefits of movement for PsA. “Exercise is one of the most important things people with psoriatic arthritis can do,” says Rebecca Haberman, M.D., associate director of the Psoriatic Arthritis Center at NYU Langone Health in New York City. “It keeps all the muscles around the joints strong so that they can be very supportive.”

Exercise also protects your cardiovascular health, she adds. People with PsA have nearly double the risk of heart disease compared to those without it, per the Arthritis Foundation (AF). One reason is shared risk factors, like obesity. Up to 45% of people with PsA are obese, also according to the AF. And carrying around a lot of extra weight can make this disease harder to control.

A regular workout routine might even contribute to clearer skin, finds a study on lifestyle interventions for psoriasis published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. The authors suggest that fitness helps with psoriasis by promoting weight loss and reducing the inflammation that contributes to skin symptoms.

The Best PsA Exercises, Indoors and Out

The foundation of any PsA workout program is cardiovascular exercises like walking and swimming to get your heart pumping, plus strength training and range-of-motion or flexibility exercises to keep your muscles strong and your joints limber, says Hui. In the real world, he says the best exercise is whatever will motivate you to get moving.

Guidelines from the American College of Rheumatology and the National Psoriasis Foundation published in Arthritis & Rheumatology recommend low-impact exercises such as tai chi, yoga, and swimming over high-impact ones like running for people with PsA. But if you don’t have any injuries or a lot of painfully inflamed joints, these organizations are fine with you doing high-impact activities like running if that’s your exercise of choice.

GettyImages/Uwe Krejci

Swimming for PsA has added benefits. The warmth and buoyancy of the water soothes and supports achy joints, while the resistance of moving through water strengthens muscles, according to the Psoriatic and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance in the UK. Just remember, when you get into an unheated pool, it might take your joints five or 10 minutes to warm up enough for exercise, Hui warns. And keep in mind that both chlorinated and salt water can dry out and irritate psoriasis-sensitive skin. That’s why the National Psoriasis Foundation recommends rinsing off and moisturizing after you swim.

Resistance training has its own merits. Strengthening the muscles that support your joints can lead to less active disease, better function, and improved quality of life, according to a study in Clinical Rheumatology. You can use light weights or resistance bands, but make sure to gradually increase the resistance over time to keep challenging your muscles so they get stronger, advises Hui.

How to Get Moving When Your Joints Hurt

If you’ve had an exercise routine since pre-PsA, stick with it, says Dr. Ruderman. But if you’re starting a new program or getting back into a routine after a long break, ease into it slowly.

“You can’t go from zero to sixty,” he cautions. “If you’re going to start a new program, build into it gradually to give your body time to adjust and make sure you stretch before you do it.”

Hui recommends starting with a gentle form of exercise to get you going. If you’re not sure where to begin, a physical therapist can help you design a workout program that’s achievable and safe on your joints.

Protect Your Joints and Skin During Summer Workouts

Before you head outdoors for a summer run or bike ride, a few special PsA precautions are worth noting.

First, working out in the heat will inevitably make you sweat. That could be a problem if your workout clothes rub against psoriasis-affected areas of skin. “Psoriasis can flare if there is any trauma to the skin,” says Dr. Haberman. She suggests checking your workout wear to make sure nothing is rubbing. Also, consider loose-fitting cuts and sweat-wicking fabrics to avoid shirts from sticking to sensitive skin.

An injury like a fall or a muscle pull also can set off a flare, which is why Dr. Haberman urges her patients with PsA to be careful during exercise. “Don’t lift a weight that’s heavier than you can actually lift or go running on a surface that’s very uneven and easy to trip on,” she says.

While some sun should improve psoriasis plaques, too much UV exposure could damage your skin enough to set off a flare. That’s why the National Psoriasis Foundation suggests wearing a broad-spectrum, UVA/UVB-protecting sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher when you do go outside.

Proper hydration is a must for anyone who works out, but especially so for those with arthritis. Water lubricates the joints and flushes out toxins that contribute to inflammation, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Drink water throughout the day and frequently during your workout, Hui suggests.

He also advises checking with a doctor before you start any new routine. And keep a diary if you’re just starting a new workout program, “to keep track of what might trigger your symptoms.”

Finally, while an intense workout has its benefits, never exercise to the point of discomfort or pain. “I always think of pain as the body’s way of saying, ‘Stop doing that,’” Dr. Haberman says. If anything hurts, listen to your body. Stop what you’re doing and check with your doctor or physical therapist for next steps.

So, when you look out your window and the sun is shining, don’t let PsA stop you! A beautiful day with you being active in the world awaits.

https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/psoriatic-arthritis/exercising-with-psoriatic-arthritis-during-summer 

How Can Genital Psoriasis Affect Your Sex Life?

From getmegiddy.com

You can navigate both these things successfully with the right strategies and communication 

Psoriasis is a common autoimmune disorder that more than 125 million people around the globe face on a daily basis, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation. This skin condition occurs when the body produces an overabundance of skin cells as part of an autoimmune response, leading to flaking, scaling and open sores.

People who experience genital psoriasis may see these lesions on the skin of the penis, scrotum and perineum for men, and on the skin of the vulva, clitoris and perineum for women.

Genital psoriasis can often be confused with several other common skin conditions, such as allergic contact dermatitis; eczema; skin infections such as yeast or jock itch; and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as genital herpes or syphilis.

Getting genital psoriasis treated

It's important for anyone who has redness, flaking, scaling, or sores on or around their genital area—especially if it's accompanied by a burning or itching sensation—to see a healthcare provider, according to Marjorie Montanez-Wiscovich, M.D., Ph.D., a clinical assistant professor in the dermatology department at the University of Florida College of Medicine in Gainesville, Florida.

They can determine whether the issue is psoriasis, an STI or something else and initiate an appointment with a dermatologist if necessary.

Though the condition cannot be cured, a medical professional can offer several treatments, including topical creams, and oral and injected therapies. They target your genital psoriasis flare-ups and aim to reduce their length and severity.

"The goal of treatment is to reduce the number of flares and keep things as quiet as we can," Montanez-Wiscovich said. "Rarely do we get complete clearance. We try to have as many good days as possible."

If you experience genital psoriasis, learn the best techniques for managing the condition long-term, including how to navigate its impact on your sex life and relationships. It's important to debunk the common misconceptions that could prevent you from seeking care and talking to your partner.

Managing genital psoriasis long-term

Living with a chronic health condition is never easy, but genital psoriasis can be effectively managed by incorporating a few techniques into your daily routine, according to Daniel Atkinson, M.B.B.S., the general practitioner clinical lead at online healthcare provider Treated.

These techniques can include the following:

• Learn your unique triggers. "You could keep a diary to see if any particular foods, deodorants or creams are acting as a trigger," Atkinson said.
• Be mindful of your treatment routine. Once you find a treatment routine that is working, stick with it, Atkinson advised.
• Be kind to your immune system. "Psoriasis patients are at risk of inflammation elsewhere in the body, so we recommend a healthy lifestyle with attention to diet and an exercise routine," Montanez-Wiscovich said. This includes drinking plenty of water and following a healthy sleep schedule.
• Consider healthy weight loss. "If we can prevent skin from touching skin, that's helpful," Montanez-Wiscovich said. "So healthy weight loss is a good strategy with inverse psoriasis, which happens on folds or where skin meets skin. That includes the crease where the thigh begins and the lower abdomen ends."
• Practice good hygiene. Montanez-Wiscovich recommends several hygiene-conscious practices to help ease your genital psoriasis symptoms and flare-ups, such as using gentle toilet paper and fragrance-free personal care products.

Common myths and misconceptions about genital psoriasis

Montanez-Wiscovich and Atkinson take care to dispel the many rumors, myths and misconceptions that surround genital psoriasis when they visit with patients. They encourage people with the condition to speak frankly about what they're experiencing to help erase the stigma surrounding it.

"Many people think it's a taboo topic that they can't bring up with their doctor," Montanez-Wiscovich said. "I try to have a welcoming environment in my clinic, so they feel free to tell me, 'I have a rash down there.' First, I ask broadly, 'Where else do you have this rash?' If they don't mention it, I'll say, ‘You know, this condition loves the genitals and the buttocks.' When I'm more pointed, many say, 'Well yes, I do.'"

"Like most conditions, people can sometimes get the wrong idea about genital psoriasis," Atkinson added.

He pointed to two popular misconceptions. Some people think it's a contagious disease caused by poor hygiene. Others believe genital psoriasis is a sexually transmitted disease that's sexually contagious.

"Neither is true," he said. "It's a common, treatable condition that no one needs to feel embarrassed about having."

How can genital psoriasis affect your sex life?

It's understandable a new genital psoriasis flare-up could put a damper on your sexy date-night plans. And many people with the condition report it has a negative impact on their sex life, according to Montanez-Wiscovich.

"Pain during intercourse and the itch and burn associated with flares that may happen after intercourse can cause patients to avoid sexual activity and have a decreased interest in sex. This can have a great impact on the quality of life on a patient," she said. "Talk openly to your doctor about your psoriasis before it impacts your quality of life."

Luckily, medical experts have a few strategies you can try to employ, both before and after sex, that will keep genital psoriasis from getting in the way of your pleasure and your partner's.

Before intimacy, ensure the affected skin is clean and not injured

"The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends postponing sex if the skin is raw or contains fissures," Montanez-Wiscovich said. "When it's time to get intimate with your partner, if the skin isn't raw, clean with a gentle cleanser. Do not expose your partner to your prescription creams."

Use condoms and lube, but nothing scented or flavored

"Try using latex-free condoms or water-based lubricants with no perfumes in them," Atkinson said.

After sex, wash and repeat

"After being intimate, wash the affected area again to remove any irritants like sweat, and reapply the prescriptions you have," Montanez-Wiscovich said.

Stick to topical treatments if you're trying to conceive.

Only topical corticosteroids, moisturizers and emollients, or a light treatment called narrowband UVB phototherapy, are considered safe for pregnant women to use, according to the AAD.

When the time is right, don't shy away from the power of open dialogue

"Anyone with genital psoriasis is prone to feeling embarrassed, isolated or even ashamed," Atkinson said. "You don't need to be. It's a common condition that doctors know how to treat.

"While timing is important, I'd recommend sitting down with your partner and talking frankly about how your psoriasis affects you. Be clear and honest about your needs and treatment plan and explain that it isn't contagious."

Bring your partner to your next psoriasis treatment appointment.

"If you're in a long-term relationship, inviting your partner to a doctor's appointment might make it easier for them to understand the impact of the condition on your sexual health, and it can build trust," Atkinson said.

You should have a doctor you see regularly for conditions like genital psoriasis. Fortunately, telehealth makes it easy to connect with a provider who can answer your questions and evaluate your situation, often through video visits. Many of them offer same-day appointments.

Giddy Telehealth is an easy-to-use online portal that provides access to hundreds of healthcare professionals whose expertise covers the full scope of medical care.

https://getmegiddy.com/genital-psoriasis-affect-sex-life

‘RED’ ALERT! Doctor expounds on psoriasis and its treatments

From veronews.com

People living in Florida are often exposed to plant and sea life that causes temporary skin rashes, but if you have a persistent rash without any clear trigger such as poison ivy or a jellyfish sting, it could be psoriasis.

“Psoriasis presents itself as a red scaling rash,” said Dr. Kathryn Anderson, a dermatologist at Indian River Dermatology at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital. “It’s one of the most common skin conditions, affecting 30 percent of the population in the US.

It’s most commonly seen on elbows, knees, lower back and scalps, although certain types of psoriasis will appear on hands, feet and in the under folds of skin like the armpits and back of knees.”

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, 80 percent to 90 percent of people who have psoriasis develop plaque psoriasis, which appears as patches of thick, raised skin called plaques with a dry, thin, silvery-white coating called scales. It’s common for the patches to itch but scratching only thickens the patch and worsens the condition.

“Psoriasis is an interplay between genetics and the immune system,” Dr. Anderson explained. “It tends to be hereditary but not in every case. If one parent has psoriasis, a child has about a 20-to-25 percent chance of getting it. If both parents have it, the child will have a 65 percent risk of getting it. Unfortunately, once you have it, you’ll always have it, as it’s a chronic condition. Outbreaks can last from weeks to years, and while they can be controlled, they can’t be cured.

“Psoriasis usually presents itself between the ages of 55 and 65 but we do also see paediatric patients … who will have the condition.”

There is usually a trigger that incites the immune system to start producing inflammation.

That trigger can be an infection or something as simple as the weather, stress, drinking, smoking or taking medication.

Flare-ups often occur due to stress or after getting a cut, scrape, scratch or bug bite.

Different people have different triggers. That’s why it is important for people who have psoriasis to pay attention to what triggers their flare-ups and try to avoid the triggering circumstances.

If you think you might have psoriasis, it’s wise to visit a dermatologist to have it diagnosed and treated.

“In most cases, a trained dermatologist can diagnose psoriasis with just a visual exam,” Dr. Anderson said. “If the diagnosis is unclear, we can take a sample of skin and have a pathologist look at it under the microscope to confirm the diagnosis. This is a much better time to have psoriasis than 10 or 20 years ago because there are new biologic medications that have been approved within the past 5-to-10 years that are very effective at controlling the outbreaks.

“If the rash is in a small area we’ll treat it with a topical treatment like gels, creams and liquids, both in steroid and non-steroid forms. If the rash covers more than 10 percent of the body or a smaller rash didn’t respond to topical treatment, then we’ll use internal treatments like pills or an injectable. New biologic medications target the specific immune molecule that creates inflammation in psoriasis with few side effects. There is also a treatment that uses UVB light.”

Dermatologists use UVB phototherapy for psoriasis to suppress an overly active immune system, reduce inflammation, reduce the itch and allow the skin to heal. It is generally prescribed for children, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and people who have a weakened immune system or ongoing infection.

The narrowband UVB phototherapy is used effectively on the scalp, ears, armpits, groin and buttocks. It is not recommended for anyone who has a medical condition or is taking a medication that makes them sensitive to UV light or anyone who has had skin cancer.

There are some over-the-counter treatments that can be helpful in mild cases of psoriasis.

“Over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams can help relieve the itch, as can psoriasis shampoos and lotions, “Dr. Anderson noted. “Many of these treatments will contain coal tar or salicylic acid, both with a track record of reducing swelling and relieving itching.”

A pharmacist can assist you in choosing an OTC product. Buying medication online may be a bit riskier, so you should talk to your dermatologist to make sure that the product you are considering has been tested and is safe and effective to use.

Psoriasis can lead to other health conditions if not treated.

“Due to inflammation in the body, it can affect other areas,” Dr. Anderson said. “Psoriasis in the joints is called psoriatic arthritis. It causes pain and stiffness in the joints, which is often worse in the mornings. You can have psoriatic arthritis without a skin rash. About a third of the patients with skin psoriasis will develop psoriatic arthritis, but there are many cases of psoriatic arthritis without the skin rash. Inflammation in the body has also been linked to heart disease, obesity, diabetes and metabolic syndrome.”

Contrary to popular belief, psoriasis is not contagious. You can’t get it from touching, having sex with or swimming in a pool with a person who has psoriasis.

Gaining control of psoriasis involves learning and avoiding what triggers flare-ups, sticking to a good psoriasis skin care routine, living a healthy lifestyle and using medication when necessary.

https://veronews.com/2023/05/11/red-alert-doctor-expounds-on-psoriasis-and-its-treatments/ 

Scientists recruit 2,000 Britons to find a link between psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis in later life

From dailymail.co.uk

• More than 150,000 Britons suffer with psoriatic arthritis according to research 
• Researchers want to discover the link between the skin condition and arthritis 

The link between the skin disease psoriasis and developing arthritis later in life will be explored in a first-of-its-kind study.

Psoriasis causes red, flaky and itchy patches of skin all over the body, and studies show that around a third of sufferers will also eventually be diagnosed with the painful joint condition.

While more than 150,000 people in the UK have these two conditions – known as psoriatic arthritis – scientists do not know what triggers it.

Experts say this study of 2,000 Britons could help scientists uncover crucial risk factors and develop treatments that prevent this illness.

The participants, who will have been diagnosed with psoriasis but not have arthritis symptoms, will be tracked over a number of years to see if they develop psoriatic arthritis.

They will have regular blood tests and take a genetic examination to identify any tell-tale patterns in their DNA.

                            Some 150,000 Britons suffer from psoriatic arthritis and the new research will try and find a link 

                                                                                   between the two painful conditions

Scientists from the medical research group Hippocrates will be looking for common factors between patients who develop psoriatic arthritis. It is thought that specific inherited genes play a role as the condition often runs in families. Smoking and obesity have also been linked.

But Professor Laura Coates, a rheumatologist at the University of Oxford and one of the researchers, says there are other factors to consider: ‘We want to see whether you’re more likely to get arthritis if your psoriasis is very severe, compared with those who have mild symptoms. We also will explore whether medication patients take to treat psoriasis has any impact, as well as underlying health conditions like heart disease and depression.’

She hopes that the results of the study will help doctors better manage psoriatic arthritis, saying: ‘If the key indicators are weight and diet, for example, we might suggest people with psoriasis follow a certain diet.

‘It’s possible that this data will eventually lead to us discovering a treatment to stop psoriatic arthritis before it can begin to take hold.’

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-12054565/Scientists-recruit-2-000-Britons-link-psoriasis-arthritis.html 

How Psoriatic Arthritis Causes Hip Pain

From healthcentral.com

Stiff, sore joints are par for the course with this disease. We asked the experts what you can do about it 

If you’re living with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), you know how hip pain can be a major life-disrupter. The challenge with psoriatic arthritis—an autoimmune condition with no cure—is finding ways to manage chronic pain so that it doesn’t prevent you from living an active life. When it comes to your hips, there are a few tools you can use to lessen your discomfort.

Let’s take a look at how PsA affects the hips, other possible causes of hip pain, and how you can treat it. Experts say the sooner you begin treating hip pain in psoriatic arthritis, the better your health outcomes. Start here.

Psoriatic Arthritis and Inflammation

To understand the root of your hip discomfort, you need to begin with the underlying cause of PsA itself. Psoriatic arthritis is a disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body, triggering inflammation that often leads to stiff and sore joints. While the specific joints causing you pain may differ than someone else with the disease, psoriatic arthritis doesn’t discriminate when it comes to causing pain. “Psoriatic arthritis is a full body disease,” says Laura Coates, Ph.D., an associate professor and researcher of psoriatic arthritis at the University of Oxford in England. “PsA can affect many different types of tissues, including tendons, skin, and spine, and can affect any joint in the body.”

Psoriatic arthritis symptoms related to inflammation can be mild or severe and can come and go. When inflammation-driven symptoms are at their worst, it is called a flare.

Signs of Inflamed Hips

For some people, that inflammation makes it’s way down to the hips. Your hip joint sits between your thigh bone (femur) and your hip bone (pelvis). This joint is made up of a ball and socket—the round part of your femur fits into a cup-like socket in your pelvis. It is one of the largest joints in your body and involves ligaments, tendons, and muscles as well as a fluid filled sac called a bursa.

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If your psoriatic arthritis is affecting one or both of your hip joints (known as bilateral hip pain), it won’t come as a surprise to your rheumatologist. In a study published in the journal Annals of Rheumatic Diseases, almost half of the participants with PsA developed hip pain within one year after the onset of the disease.

So what are the signs to look for with psoriatic arthritis-related hip pain? “Hip involvement with PsA can be tricky to identify since swollen hips are hard to see or feel,” says Coates. These are a few red flags to watch for:

• Arthritis in other joints. Pain in hands and/or feet may indicate a higher risk for hip pain, says Coates.

• Back pain. “Some patients with hip pain have significant spinal arthritis,” Coates explains.

• Morning hip pain. Also, pain at night when you are lying in bed.

• Pain at rest

• Pain when going from a seated position to a standing position

• Walking pain

Diagnosing Hip Pain in Psoriatic Arthritis

When diagnosing hip pain, the type of pain as well as location can reveal a lot. Is the pain short and sharp? Throbbing? Or a constant dull ache? With psoriatic arthritis, hip pain is likely to feel like significant morning stiffness, pain with activity, and limited range of motion, per The American Journal of Orthopaedics.

What’s more, it’s important to determine if the pain is directly related to the hip or if it’s what doctors call referred pain, meaning it originates somewhere else on your body even though you feel the pain sensation in your hip area, says Waseem Mir, M.D., a rheumatologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. “It’s possible the pain is coming from the bursa, back, or knee,” he says. Pain related to the bursa is known as psoriatic arthritis hip bursitis.

“If the pain is coming from the hip, then it needs to be determined if the pain is due to osteoarthritis (caused by wear and tear) or inflammatory arthritis,” Dr. Mir says, adding that there are some clues that can help differentiate between the two types of arthritis. “Some hints that can help include the age of the patient—if someone is in their 60s or 70s, it’s possible the pain is due to osteoarthritis,” he says. “An x-ray can help us understand more. If the x-ray is normal, then it is more likely it is due to inflammation.”

Another piece of information your doctor will use in making a diagnosis? Whether your hip pain is following a previous pattern of joint pain. “We can narrow it to inflammation-related psoriatic arthritis pain if it is following a pattern, such as previously there was hand pain, then elbow pain, then knee pain,” Dr. Mir explains.

Other Conditions That Can Cause Hip Pain

While hips are a common target of psoriatic arthritis, other causes of hip pain that should be investigated, according to the Mayo Clinic, include:

• Bursitis

• Hip fracture

• Hip labral tear

• Inguinal hernia

• Iliotibial band syndrome

• Infection

• Sprains

• Osteoarthritis of the hip

• Osteonecrosis of the hip

• Rheumatoid arthritis

Treating Hip Pain Due to Psoriatic Arthritis

The good news: “There are lots of different treatments we can use to help hip pain,” says Coates. For short term relief, local therapies are used to reduce the inflammation around the hip, such as a steroid injection into the hip joint, she says.

“For longer term relief, the whole-body inflammation caused by psoriatic arthritis needs to be addressed,” Coates adds. “We use systemic treatments, particularly if people have quite a few joints involved.” These include:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs

• Corticosteroids

• Methotrexate and other traditional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs)

• Biologic therapies

There are also ways to help manage the pain at home, which—while no substitute for medication—may offer temporary relief, including:

• Gentle stretching

• Ice packs

• Moderate exercise

• Moist heat

Physical therapy for psoriatic arthritis may also be an important tool to ease hip pain both short term and long term. “Physical therapy should happen alongside treating the inflammation,” says Coates. “It’s really important for controlling pain and maximising function.” Usually, she explains, your rheumatologist will work to control inflammation first and then use physical therapy as a supplementary treatment to people regain strength and muscle tone that can be lost from lack of activity in people with PsA-related hip pain.

Complications of Psoriatic Arthritis Hip Pain

Even if you feel like you are learning to live with stiff and achy hips, you should still bring it to your provider’s attention, says Dr. Mir. “Untreated psoriatic arthritis is erosive, and the constant inflammation can damage joints over time,” he explains.

Left untreated, psoriatic arthritis hip pain can result in complications that include causing you to walk with a different gate or put less weight on that leg, called compensation. Over time, that can lead to weakness on one side of the body, or the development of new pain further along the kinetic chain (interconnection of muscles that are involved in specific movements like walking). In the worst cases, hip pain can become so severe that you’re unable to walk, according to Harvard Medical School.

Though it’s little consolation, if you are living with PsA, it’s not surprising that you have hip pain. The experience is common—and also treatable. Whether it’s a signal to your rheumatologist that you need more or different medication to control the inflammation associated with your disease, or it’s a sign that you should adopt certain lifestyle changes to lessen your hip discomfort, there are meaningful ways to manage PsA hip pain.

https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/psoriatic-arthritis/psoriatic-arthritis-hip-pain