Winter Skin Woes? Here’s What to Do – and What Not to Do

From webmd.com

“Eczema is my constant winter companion,” said Ali Zagat, 42, of Philadelphia. Once cold weather arrives, so do dry, red patches on her hands and painful cracks on her knuckles and fingertips. “I have sensitive skin and eczema in general, but when the air is dryer and it’s cold outside, it gets worse.”

There are clear reasons for this, said Julia Tzu, MD, a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Dermatology at New York University School of Medicine. “Our skin is constantly fluctuating with the environment. During wintertime in the Northern Hemisphere, the humidity drops sharply and the temperature goes down — it’s (an extreme drying) condition, so your skin is losing lots of water.”

All Kinds of Trouble 

Zagat’s experience isn’t unusual — research has found that as the temperature dips, eczema patients seek treatment more often. And people who live in cold climates are much more likely to have it than those who live in warmer areas. More than 31 million Americans have eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, in some form. 

Other skin conditions tend to flare up in winter, too. Cold and wind can trigger the redness of rosacea, for instance. And seborrheic dermatitis, a scaly rash (called dandruff when it’s on your scalp), gets worse with cold. In one study of several thousand people with psoriasis, more than half had more trouble in colder months. 

Amy Kelly, 44, lives on a farm on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. She’s had psoriasis since childhood and knows to expect the worst when the weather turns frosty. 

“At its worst, my psoriasis gets so itchy, I wind up compulsively scratching to the point where it bleeds,” she said. “And when scratching breaks the skin, it stings, too.” 

All these issues share a similar root: Winter wreaks havoc with your skin barrier. 

“The skin barrier is essentially a fortress that seals your body,” Tzu said. As the top layer of your epidermis, the barrier includes waxy ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids, which help to seal in moisture and keep out environmental irritants. When the surrounding air is extremely dry, as often happens in winter, it can strip the skin barrier’s natural moisture. 

What Makes It Worse?

Unfortunately, some of the things we do in response to winter weather can trigger more problems:

• Indoor heat, so necessary for comfort, sucks moisture out of the air, and eventually your skin.
• Hot water, which seems like a simple way to warm hands and body, has a drying effect. Think about how well hot water helps clean greasy dishes. On your body, that means dissolving part of the skin barrier.
• Rubbing vigorously with a towel dries you off quickly, but it also tears at your skin barrier.
• Hand sanitizer, so helpful for avoiding colds, the flu, and COVID-19 this time of year, contains at least 60% alcohol — which is very drying. 
• Wool and synthetic fabrics provide warmth but can irritate sensitive skin. You may want to reconsider your favourite knit cap or the fuzzy mittens your grandma made.

Skin care products themselves are often a culprit. A lot of anti-aging products can be too harsh for winter skin.

“Generally avoid anything irritating,” Tzu says. “If you’re using a retinoid in summertime, cut the frequency in winter. Avoid or cut down on products with ingredients like vitamin C, glycolic acid, beta hydroxy or alpha hydroxy acids, and retinols, or even physical exfoliation.” 

And it's not just the active ingredients that can cause trouble. For many people, fragrance leads to flare-ups.

“It might smell good, it might feel good, but avoid fragrance, natural or not,” said Shilpi Khetarpal, MD, a dermatologist at the Cleveland Clinic. “Poison ivy is natural, and look what it does to our skin.” 

What Makes It Better?

Once your skin is dry and flaky, it’s a short hop to itchy and burning. Here’s what you can do to relieve the discomfort:

• Focus on repairing your skin barrier. Look for products with ingredients like ceramides, cholesterol, colloidal oatmeal, glycerine, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin B5 (also known as panthenol), Tzu and Khetarpal said. You may want to skip thin lotions you dispense from a pump, and instead look for thicker creams and ointments that come in a tube or a tub. If you’re using a topical prescription medication, apply it first, then follow with moisturizer.
• For dried and cracked areas like heels or elbows, a petroleum-based product like Vaseline or Aquaphor can soften skin quickly. “But remember, oil and water repel each other,” Khetarpal said. “These products are fine to use, but you're not going to get any permanent improvement in the skin barrier. It's just going to be a lubricant that sits on top of the skin.” 

• Those barrier-forming petroleum-based products can also soothe chapped, cracked lips. Apply frequently and try not to lick your lips – that bit of moisture may feel helpful at first, but as the water evaporates, it dries you out further.
• If you use scented skin care products, switch to unscented versions or products labelled for sensitive skin. “Free and clear” laundry detergent can also help.
• Wear layers with 100% cotton as the base and cover as much of your skin as possible when going outside. Less exposure equals less drying. At home, make sure your bedsheets are 100% cotton — just think how much time you spend with your skin touching that fabric.
• It helps to cover up indoors, too. Zagat relies on gloves when she’s washing dishes, and also for sleeping. Before bed each night, she applies her prescription cream and a layer of moisturizer to her hands, then dons 100% cotton gloves. In addition to sealing in the moisture, the soft fabric keeps her from scratching too hard in her sleep.
• Use a humidifier to add moisture to indoor air. It’s fine to run it only at night, Khetarpal said. “When you wake up in the morning, you’ll notice your skin doesn’t feel as dry.”

Don’t wait too long to seek help if your skin is making you uncomfortable. “If it’s just your skin, with no obvious rash, nothing else you’ve noticed, try moisturizing for a week,” Tzu said. “If it doesn’t go away, see a dermatologist.” 

Stop Trouble Before It Starts

Even if you’ve never had problem skin in winter, issues can crop up. A few preventive measures can help you avoid discomfort in the first place:

• Wear sunscreen, every day. The sun’s UV rays aren’t as strong in winter as they are on a summer beach day, but they still reach your skin. Radiation passes through and damages skin cells. Khetarpal recommends UPF of 30 or higher, just like in summertime.
• On the other hand, some sunshine seems to be good for winter skin. That psoriasis study of thousands of people found that those who worked outdoors were less likely to report winter flare-ups. Small studies have found that vitamin D, which your body needs sunshine to make, plays a role in both eczema and psoriasis. If it’s too cold to spend time outdoors, speak to your doctor about taking a vitamin D supplement.
• Drink plenty of water, to hydrate your skin from the inside. “If you’re parched in the desert, a jar of moisturizer won’t help much,” Tzu said. “Most moisturizer only really works if you have moisture around.” 
• While indoors, put on an extra layer rather than cranking up the heat.
• Bathe and wash your hands and face with lukewarm water. Pat your skin dry and leave it a little damp. Moisturize within 3 to 5 minutes to trap that moisture in the skin. Tzu recommended carrying a travel-size container in your bag, so you can apply some every time you wash your hands.
• Watch your stress levels — both eczema and psoriasis can be triggered by it. 

Whether you’re trying to heal your skin or keep it healthy, it makes sense to take a multi-pronged approach. Amy Kelly, who has psoriasis, leaps into action as soon as the temperature begins to drop. In addition to covering up when she goes outside, she takes a vitamin D supplement and drinks plenty of water. “I also watch my sugar, alcohol, and stress — all those things combined make it worse,” she said. “If I can take other stressors out, the cold doesn’t have that much of an impact.” 

https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/eczema/news/20231226/winter-weather-skin-woes

5 Simple Ways To Detox Your Skin After Too Much Merriment

From vogue.com

If enjoying yourself over the festive period is—rightly—a priority, you may find yourself dealing with the after-effects of excessive eating and drinking, all of which ultimately show up on your skin.

When the body is exposed to high levels of glucose (or sugar), collagen and elastin proteins in the skin become impaired, causing a breakdown of its springy structure. As well as skin losing its elasticity, it can also lead to increased sebum production, dehydration and a rougher, more uneven skin surface. The copious amounts of sugar in alcohol are also problematic for skin. “Alcohol is a diuretic and leads to dehydration of our skin and body,” says Dr Zainab Laftah, consultant dermatologist at HCA The Shard. “It makes the blood vessels in our skin dilate and [become] leaky, causing flushing, redness and puffiness. Alcohol is also a known trigger for rosacea and psoriasis.”

When you consider what a tumultuous year it’s been, both locally and on a global scale, it is inevitable that stress will creep in. “Stress increases levels of cortisol and leads to inflammation, worsening inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis,” says Jason Thomson, head of medical at Skin+Me, a direct-to-consumer customized prescription-strength skincare brand designed by dermatologists.

“Cortisol can also indirectly affect the activity of oil glands and contribute to acne, [and] stress increases the skin barrier permeability leading to increased water loss and dehydrated skin,” he says. “Stress can also reduce collagen synthesis, leading to a loss of elasticity and skin thickness.” Stress can cause changes in the way we implement our skincare routines, too. “We shouldn’t underestimate the impact stress has on our daily skincare routines, which are often thrown by the wayside,” says Dr Ophelia Veraitch, L’Oréal Paris consultant dermatologist. “Our skin thrives on having a daily routine, and if this is interrupted for some reason–such as stress–then it can aggravate issues and cause flare-ups. At times when we are under stress, we may find ourselves skipping our usual skincare routines… which negatively impacts our skin.”

While the experts are divided on what the concept of detoxing actually means in relation to your skin–while your skin is adept at protecting itself from external irritants via the skin barrier, it’s not medically possible to purge toxins from the body via the skin–most will agree that all seasonally sluggish skin can benefit from a reset. “There’s no good evidence backing up any form of ‘skin detox’,” says Malvina Cunningham, consultant dermatologist at Skin+Me. “It’s a balance between looking at what you use on your skin in terms of active ingredients and cosmetics with the aim to calm and hydrate your skin, plus looking at your general health and reducing known stresses on the skin, such as lack of sleep, too much alcohol, an unbalanced diet, smoking and pollution.” Here’s Vogue’s guide to how to tackle skin that could do with a festive break all of its own…

                                                                                 Lorado

Do embark on a double cleanse routine

It’s a skincare cliché for a reason. Double cleansing (the process of cleansing twice in the morning and again in the evening), is a really effective way to remove all traces of makeup, impurities and pollutants from the skin, not to mention the 30,000 to 40,000 cells that skin sheds every day. Not only can inadequate cleansing contribute to congestion, breakouts and dullness, but not getting all that deep-set dirt out of your pores will render much of what you apply afterwards virtually useless–including that expensive serum that Santa was kind enough to deliver. 

Balms and cleansing oils that dissolve grime and penetrate deep into the skin are good first cleanse options, while creams, gels and micellar waters make for appropriate second cleanses. While Laftah recommends CeraVe’s Hydrating Cleanser, which contains three essential ceramides to help nourish the skin during the cleansing process, Cunningham makes a case for “cleansers with mild acid such as PHA (polyhydroxy acid–gentler than its cousins AHA/BHAs),” which will add “mild exfoliation to help brighten dull-looking skin without compromising barrier function.”

Rethink your routine

Skin that’s having to contend with the onslaught of a poor diet, lack of sleep and extra stress needs no extra complications in the form of fussy routines, which many of us are guilty of. “Using excessive amounts of acids and actives [results] in sensitivity, irritation and compromising your skin’s barrier function. If you have sensitive, irritated skin, then stopping products and going back to a gentle and supportive skincare routine can be considered a type of ‘skin detox,’ and will help you to get your skin back on track,” notes Cunningham.

Start by stripping your regime right back to a gentle cleanser and moisturizer, which won’t irritate or disrupt already compromised skin. Adding a brightening antioxidant such as vitamin C into your daily routine will help stimulate collagen, offer a brightening wake-up call, and counteract oxidization caused by inflammatory free radicals; we like SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic. “Consider adding in an active to your nightly regime… Retinols and retinoids are backed up with the most scientific evidence. They have been proven to stimulate collagen synthesis, even out skin tone and reduce inflammation. The key is to start slow with a retinol, initially once to twice a week, and build up gradually to nightly use over a period of weeks,” adds Laftah. Try Murad’s Retinol Youth Renewal Serum which delivers all the benefits, minus any associated irritation.

Look after your gut

Easier said than done, but banishing chocolate, salty canapés, and fatty foods from your daily diet is vital if you want skin that sings instead of groans. “A healthy diet is important for the gut-skin axis and skin homeostasis,” says Laftah. In other words, keeping your skin healthy means keeping your gut and its delicate microbiome healthy. It’s not just food that contributes to poor gut health either; alcohol causes an inflammatory response in the gut which can result in digestive discomfort, including abdominal pain and bloating. Alcohol also inhibits the production of digestive enzymes which can make it more difficult for your body to break down, digest and absorb nutrients from your food. If you can, aim to avoid booze altogether, but if the holiday season feels too alien without a glass in your hand, make it a glass of red; according to a recent study, red wine drinkers are more likely to have a healthy mix of bacteria in their gut than those who consume other forms of alcohol.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

Excess sugar, alcohol, and elevated stress levels impact the skin in various ways, but one problem they all contribute to is chronic dehydration, a condition which leaves skin looking uneven, dull and dry. You may also experience fine lines and could even be hit with itchiness and flakiness. If that’s you, take a two-pronged approach to rehydration by addressing the issue inside and out. “Don’t forget to drink lots of water to keep all your organs well hydrated,” advises Veraitch. “For the largest organ of our body–the skin–an increased water intake ensures skin cells are well hydrated, reducing dryness and increased skin elasticity. Drinking water also helps to get rid of toxins which can cause inflammation.”

To rebalance skin, look for hydrating products that contain hyaluronic acid, which as well as restoring hydration, helps repair the skin barrier which can easily become damaged after too much festive excess. “Make sure you’re using a moisturizer with barrier-friendly, moisturizing ingredients to counter the dehydrating effects of alcohol, and the reduced humidity associated with the cold weather and central heating,” adds Cunningham.

Prioritise sleep

While it’s tempting to indulge in a little too much Netflix and not enough quality shut-eye over the festive period, neglecting a regular sleep routine is bad news for skin. When we sleep our skin goes into regeneration mode, replacing damaged or dead cells with fresh new ones, and repairing any environmental damage. Good sleep also increases blood flow to the skin and contributes to its essential structural work, such as rebuilding vital collagen and elastin–the very proteins that festive excesses damage. Skipping those precious hours (at least eight, more if you can), prevents all of this vital maintenance work from happening, and instead increases levels of inflammation, slows down healing and repair systems and aggravates conditions including acne, eczema, psoriasis and allergies. “Sleep is nature’s best medicine and the same applies when it comes to looking after our skin. Eight hours sleep is another thing to try to get regularly, if not every night, to allow your body to rest and restore itself for the next day,” agrees Veraitch.

https://www.vogue.com/article/5-simple-ways-to-detox-your-skin-after-too-much-merriment 

Firsthand Advice on Managing Psoriasis Flares

From healthcentral.com

Get the inside scoop on what really works from those living with this challenging skin condition 

No matter where you sit on the psoriasis spectrum from mild to severe, experiencing a flare can seriously impact your day and your quality of life. What's your go-to plan when your symptoms begin to worsen? What's that, you don't have one?! Then you need this cocktail of smart strategies that psoriasis warriors have discovered through trial and error over the course of their disease (and many flares). Check out these go-to flare fighters that get them back to living their on-the-go lives quickly—and see which ones might work for you.

Moisturise Often

Dory Zayas of New York City is a beauty editor and writer, so she knows a thing or two about choosing a rich moisturizer—which is key for keeping the psoriasis on her wrists and elbows at bay. She chooses intensely hydrating formulas without irritating extras to soothe and lock in hydration without harming sensitive skin. Her picks: "I use CeraVe Psoriasis Moisturizing Cream ($17.99, target.com) in the morning. And at night, I'll use the Aquaphor Itch Relief Ointment 1% Hydrocortisone ($9.99, amazon.com)." You can also look for products with the National Psoriasis Foundation Seal of Recognition or our own sensitive skin awards winners.

Go for Oatmeal

Colloidal oatmeal has been studied for multiple skin concerns, and research in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found it was particularly good for psoriasis. In the study, which monitored 60 women with psoriasis using a topical cream with colloidal oatmeal over the course of four weeks, 96% reported fewer skin symptoms. It's a trick Zayas knows well: Come wintertime, she finds herself reaching for Aveeno Baby Eczema Therapy Soothing Oatmeal Bath Treatment ($8.49, walgreens.com). Not only does the oatmeal soothe her skin, but, she says, "I find that most baby products are usually very gentle and natural."

Prioritise Sleep

Suzanne S. of Louisville, KY, who asked us not to use her last name for privacy, recently started a new job, so while she's adjusting, she knows she needs to be extra careful to get enough zzz's (after all, psoriasis flares are linked to insomnia). She stays on track with designated wind-down periods before heading to bed every night. "I make sure that I have at least 30 minutes where I'm not working and I'm not active—no laundry or cooking." This helps her turn off her brain, so to speak, to help ease herself into dreamland. What may also help? Staying away from blue-light devices like your phone before hitting the hay.

Cover Your Skin and Scalp

Using protective barriers over areas of psoriasis can sometimes be helpful—that's why your doc may have advised you to (loosely!) layer on breathable clothes in the cold months to prevent moisture loss. Aasiyah Abdulsalam of New York City found that was the case for her scalp psoriasis. She explains, "My scalp was so sensitive that I couldn't put in braids or do normal styles, so I started wearing wigs." In hopes of helping others with PsO, she created a wig-fastener called the Wig Fix ($29, therenatural.com), a silicone grip band that holds the wig in place without putting stress on the hairline.

Practise Smart Cleansing

Most folks with psoriasis will probably agree that happy skin begins in the shower. This means looking for a gentle, non-irritating cleanser without extras like fragrance, to ensure you're cleaning without stripping away moisture. Zayas' favourite: CeraVe Psoriasis Cleanser ($13.99, target.com). Abdulsalam also finds going gentle with her shampoo to be key. She reaches for Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Aloe + Oat Milk Ultra Soothing Shampoo ($28, sephora.com), which also happens to contain soothing oatmeal for extra calming action! Also be sure the water isn't too hot, which can be drying.

Ask About Red Light

Abdulsalam has seen some success with red light therapy, an emerging treatment that's building buzz for its ability to reduce psoriasis plaques on the skin and scalp thanks to its anti-inflammatory action. It uses light-emitting diodes at a specific wavelength to target the skin and improve PsO patches. One review in Lasers in Medical Science found the therapy cleared between 60% to 100% of plaques with twice-a-week sessions for a month. As a bonus, Abdulsalam, adds that for the scalp, red light devices are also marketed for hair growth. Be sure to see your doctor before giving it a try.

Consider Emu Oil

Suzanne S. found the answer to her psoriasis woes in an unexpected source: emu oil. For those who can move past ethical issues of sourcing skin products from animals, know that there is some research to support the use of emu oil in preventing plaques from popping up (a study in the Journal of Research in Medical Sciences showed it to be effective at reducing itching and scales). "Use it when you get out of the shower when your skin's a little damp," Suzanne says. This locks in moisture to keep skin hydrated all day long. Try Emu Joy Emu Oil ($31.50, amazon.com).

Look at Your Diet

Here some trial-and-error comes in again, since not everyone's skin responds to foods in the same way. Suzanne S. began paying more attention to her diet over the years to help manage her psoriasis. For her that has meant cutting out foods containing a lot of white flour. "Those sorts of things seem to not do so well for my skin," she says. Another way she stays on track is to drink water all day. "I'll get a big Yeti [cup] and make sure it's filled with ice and water." The Psoriasis Foundation has a guide on specific diets for your skin.

Find Ways to Stay Positive

For Abdulsalam, a key element of keeping her scalp psoriasis from running her life is mental. "I had to detach myself from the notion that my hair was indicative of my beauty or self-worth," she says. "Going through that eventually gave me a lot of confidence." How she got there was by looking up other influencers in the space. Watching their process of cutting their own hair off on YouTube and loving the results, she says, "I was really encouraged!" The influencers on this list can help you feel less alone and that's a huge help when you're flaring.

https://www.healthcentral.com/slideshow/firsthand-advice-on-managing-psoriasis-flares

How to Care for Cracked and Bleeding Psoriasis Skin

From blackdoctor.org

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can cause patches of red, dry, itchy skin, known as plaques, which can become itchy, flaky, and sometimes even crack and bleed if not well managed. If you’re dealing with these symptoms, it’s important to know how to care for your skin properly to prevent further discomfort and reduce the risk of infection.

Understanding the Causes

Before we dive into the tips for managing cracked and bleeding skin caused by psoriasis, let’s understand why it happens. According to Dr. Saakshi Khattri, an associate professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, dryness is the primary culprit behind skin cracking and subsequent bleeding. The more parched your skin, the more likely it is to develop cracks and open sores.

First-Aid Care for Cracked Skin

If you find yourself dealing with cracked or bleeding skin due to psoriasis, here are some first-aid tips to help you manage the situation:

1. Clean your hands: Before touching your skin, wash your hands thoroughly with warm, soapy water to reduce the risk of infection.
2. Stop the bleeding: Apply gentle pressure to the fissure with a clean bandage or cloth until the bleeding stops.
3. Clean the wound: Rinse the wound under running tap water and clean the surrounding area with soap. Remove any dirt, lint, or debris from the wound gently.
4. Apply a protective ointment: Petroleum jelly is an effective over-the-counter option for protecting injured skin and promoting healing.
5. Watch for signs of infection: Keep an eye out for pus, tenderness, worsening redness, or systemic symptoms like fevers or muscle pain, which could indicate an infection. If you notice any of these signs, consult your doctor promptly.

Preventing Skin Cracks and Bleeding

Prevention is key when it comes to managing psoriasis-related skin issues. Here are some tips to help you prevent skin cracking and bleeding:

1. Keep your skin moisturized: Moisturize your skin regularly, especially after bathing or washing your hands, to prevent dryness.
2. Remove scales gently: Use over-the-counter lotions and creams with salicylic acid to reduce scale build-up, but be gentle to avoid causing further damage.
3. Be gentle with your skin: Avoid using abrasive products or aggressive measures that could worsen skin damage.
4. Identify and avoid triggers: Understand your psoriasis triggers and take steps to avoid them, which can help prevent plaques from forming.

Consulting Your Doctor

Lastly, if you find that your psoriasis symptoms, including skin cracking and bleeding, are persistent or severe, it’s essential to consult your doctor. They can help you develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs, which may include medicated topical treatments or systemic therapies like biologics. Working closely with your doctor can help you effectively manage your psoriasis and improve your quality of life.

Treatment Options for Psoriasis

In addition to self-care strategies, there are various treatment options available for managing psoriasis. These treatments aim to reduce inflammation, control skin cell growth, and alleviate symptoms. Here are some common treatment options your doctor may recommend:

1. Topical treatments: These are applied directly to the skin and include corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs, retinoids, and coal tar. They help reduce inflammation and slow down skin cell growth.
2. Phototherapy: Also known as light therapy, this treatment involves exposing the skin to ultraviolet light under medical supervision. It can help reduce inflammation and improve skin appearance.
3. Systemic medications: These are taken orally or by injection and work throughout the body to control the immune system’s response. Biologics, methotrexate, and cyclosporine are examples of systemic medications used to treat psoriasis.
4. Oral medications: In some cases, oral medications like apremilast may be prescribed to help control psoriasis symptoms.
5. Combination therapies: Your doctor may recommend a combination of treatments to effectively manage your psoriasis, especially if one treatment alone isn’t providing sufficient relief.

Developing a Personalised Treatment Plan

The effectiveness of psoriasis treatment can vary from person to person, so it’s essential to work closely with your doctor to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and concerns. Your doctor will consider factors such as the severity of your psoriasis, the location of your plaques, your overall health, and any other medications you may be taking.

It’s important to follow your treatment plan as prescribed by your doctor and attend regular follow-up appointments to monitor your progress.

If you experience any side effects or have concerns about your treatment, don’t hesitate to discuss them with your doctor. Open communication is key to ensuring that you receive the most effective and appropriate care for your psoriasis.

The Importance of Self-Care

In addition to medical treatments, self-care plays a crucial role in managing psoriasis. Here are some self-care tips to help you manage your condition:

1. Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and managing stress can help improve your overall health, which may in turn benefit your psoriasis.
2. Avoid triggers: Identify and avoid triggers that exacerbate your psoriasis symptoms, such as certain foods, stress, or environmental factors.
3. Protect your skin: Use gentle skincare products, avoid hot water and harsh soaps, and protect your skin from extreme temperatures and sun exposure.
4. Stay informed: Stay up-to-date with the latest research and developments in psoriasis treatment and management. Knowledge is power, and being informed can help you make informed decisions about your care.
5. Seek support: Living with psoriasis can be challenging, so don’t hesitate to seek support from friends, family, or support groups. Talking to others who understand what you’re going through can be incredibly helpful.

Final Thoughts

Living with psoriasis can be challenging, especially when dealing with symptoms like cracked and bleeding skin. However, with the right care and treatment, it is possible to manage the condition effectively and improve your quality of life. By following the tips outlined in this article and working closely with your doctor, you can take control of your psoriasis and enjoy healthier, more comfortable skin.

https://blackdoctor.org/how-to-care-for-cracked-and-bleeding-psoriasis-skin/ 

Psoriasis Getting Worse? Here’s What You Can Do About It

From healthline.com

If you live with psoriasis, you know that managing flare-ups is a key part of reducing this chronic condition’s impact on your day-to-day life. It’s also important to understand any factors that might be causing your psoriasis to worsen.

Since psoriasis is an autoimmune condition, identifying what’s going on underneath your skin is the first step. Unlike some other common skin conditions, using general over-the-counter products won’t target
the underlying issue.

By learning more about the deeper causes behind your flares, you may be able to identify triggers and other issues. In turn, you may have better control over your symptoms. 

What causes psoriasis to flare up and worsen?

Sometimes, psoriasis flare-ups can be completely random. But they can also occur in response to specific triggers.

The severity of a flare-up varies from person to person. That’s why it’s helpful to find out whether you’re doing anything that may cause your psoriasis to worsen. Here are nine triggers that have been linked to flares:

• Stress. An increase in stress levels or living with ongoing, chronic stress can cause your psoriasis to flare up. Psoriasis itself can also be a source of stress.
• Cold and dry weather. When the temperature drops and the air gets dry, you may see your symptoms of psoriasis worsen.
• Trauma to the skin. According to Melanie A. Warycha, MD, FAAD, a board certified dermatologist at CareMount Medical in New York, trauma to the skin can cause your psoriasis to act up. This includes cuts, scrapes, bug bites, or a severe sunburn.
• Certain medications. If you take any medications, consider asking your doctor whether they might be worsening your psoriasis. Warycha says some medications, including beta-blockers, lithium, and antimalarial drugs, can make your psoriasis flare up.
• Weight. Gaining weight or living with obesity can cause worsening psoriasis symptoms, according to a 2019 studyTrusted Source in JAMA Dermatology.
• Smoking. In addition to triggering flare-ups, smoking is also known to increase the risk of developing psoriasis.
• Infections. Warycha says certain infections and health conditions can also result in psoriasis flares, notably Streptococcal infection and HIV.
• Alcohol. Alcohol consumption has also been linked to worsening of psoriasis symptoms.
• Diet. There’s been increased research looking at the role diet plays in the symptoms of psoriasis. A 2018 studyTrusted Source in JAMA Dermatology found that a reduction in calories in overweight people may help decrease the symptoms of psoriasis.

What are some tips to help get the condition under control?

You can take steps to feel more in control of your condition. Some of these steps you can take at home, while others need to be supervised by your doctor.

If you’re regularly experiencing flares, discuss your symptoms with your doctor. They can assess your condition and determine if your treatment plan is working effectively.

When it comes to making changes at home, these tips and lifestyle modifications are all options that you can try on your own:

Educate yourself

Understanding your condition through self-education is a solid step toward figuring out what works for you.

“Everyone living with psoriasis should educate themselves about the causes, triggers, disease course, and treatments,” Warycha told Healthline.

To start, check out the resources offered by the National Psoriasis Foundation and The American Academy of Dermatology.

Keep skin well-hydrated

Keeping your skin well-hydrated makes a real difference. Warycha recommends a daily application of a thick cream or emollient, such as petroleum jelly. This helps to keep the skin barrier intact, making trauma to the skin less likely.

“This is important as psoriasis exhibits the Koebner phenomenon — the formation of plaque psoriasis on parts of the body you typically don’t experience lesions — meaning skin injury, including cuts, scrapes, insect bites, and even tattoos, may trigger the development of a new plaque of
psoriasis at that site,” she explained.

Use a humidifier

“Using a humidifier will help maintain moisture in the skin, especially in the cold and dry winter months,” Warycha told Healthline. Consider keeping a humidifier in your bedroom to use overnight.

For an extra boost of moisture, keep a humidifier in any living space you use during the day.

Get a little sun

Exposing your skin to the UV rays from the sun can slow cell turnover. This helps to reduce scaling and inflammation, which in turn reduces the symptoms of psoriasis.

The key to this tip is to get “a little” sun. In other words, keep your exposure brief and monitor your time. Too much sun can cause sunburn and worsen psoriasis.

Also, be sure to check with your physician before exposing yourself to sunlight or UV radiation to reduce symptoms.

Maintain a healthy weight

When it comes to managing your psoriasis, Warycha says maintaining a healthy weight can help lower the levels of inflammation in the body. In addition to diet, engaging in physical activity can also help you manage your weight.

If you’re finding it challenging to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, talk to your doctor.

Avoid or limit alcohol

Drinking alcohol may impact the effectiveness of your medication. If your doctor is supervising your medical treatments, make sure to ask if or how much alcohol you can safely drink without interfering with your treatments.

Reduce your stress levels

Including daily activities that reduce stress levels may make it easier for you to manage existing flare-ups. Yoga, meditation, tai chi, breathing exercises, and physical activity can all reduce stress.

The takeaway

While there’s no cure for psoriasis, being proactive, avoiding triggers, and working with your doctor can go a long way toward helping you manage the symptoms.

If you have questions about your treatment plan or any of the lifestyle modifications that may improve your symptoms, talk with your doctor about the best approach for you.

A dermatologist can treat the thick, red, scaly patches of skin (also known as plaques) from psoriasis. They can also treat other parts of your body that moderate to severe psoriasis may affect, such as your scalp and nails. Consider checking with your dermatologist when you experience a flare or worsening symptoms.

Nearly a third of people with psoriasis develop a condition called psoriatic arthritis. This can cause swollen, stiff, or painful joints. A rheumatologist can determine if you have psoriatic arthritis and prescribe treatments to control your symptoms. This type of doctor specialises in treating arthritis and other musculoskeletal disorders.

Psoriasis has been linked to other health conditions, such as lymphoma, heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. A primary care doctor can help you find ways to reduce your risk of other conditions and improve your overall health. They can also screen you for early warning signs of psoriasis complications and refer you to a specialist, if necessary.

While psoriasis has no cure, it can be treated with a variety of prescription medications (like immunosuppressive drugs) and over-the-counter drugs (such as topical ointments). A pharmacist can provide information and tips on following your treatment plan and can make sure your medications are safe to take together. They can also answer questions or address concerns about your medications.

Stress has been shown to be a trigger for psoriasis flares. A psychologist, licensed professional counsellor, or clinical social worker can help you develop personalized ways to manage stress. Self-care techniques — such as breathing exercises, journaling, meditation, yoga, and stretching — can also help you ease stress.

Cutting back on foods that trigger psoriasis flares can help reduce symptoms. A dietitian can help you develop a nutritious eating plan that may potentially reduce inflammation in the body. They can also help you maintain a healthy weight to avoid obesity and reduce your risk of psoriasis-related complications, such as diabetes and heart disease.

https://www.healthline.com/health/psoriasis/why-psoriasis-worsening?slot_pos=article_1&utm_source=Sailthru%20Email&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=psoriasis&utm_content=2023-12-19&utm_term=s:hl_n:pso&apid=39239719&rvid=058431b717dcfa59c0cdd27cd0a9313769e8b3dd4ad59d88efd0ded7ddb4774e