Tips For Navigating Psoriasis Through The Seasons

From weather.com

Everyone's skin reacts differently to the changing seasons. Recent studies show about 30% of psoriasis patients saw improvement during the summer, while 20% did better in winter. This means your symptoms may get better or worse depending on the time of year. Here are some practical tips to help you cope with the ups and downs of seasonal weather:

Spring And Summer

Warm weather is the perfect example of how seasons can be a bit of a roller coaster for psoriasis sufferers. On the bright side, UV rays have been shown to help reduce symptoms. And warm, humid weather can be great for skin. However, too much sun can cause a sunburn or dry out the skin, which then worsens some psoriasis symptoms. Overheating and sweating can also trigger flares. The seasonal allergies associated with spring and summer can also cause more people to experience frequent psoriasis flare-ups.

Follow these guidelines for sunny days:

• Check your meds, as some psoriasis medications can make you more sensitive to the sun.
• Limit sun exposure and take precautions, even on overcast days.
• Stay on top of allergies caused by tree or grass pollen. Make sure your allergy medicine is safe to take alongside psoriasis treatments.
• Pool chemicals and sea salt can irritate your skin, so remember to rinse off after swimming.

Fall And Winter

The chill of fall and winter can be a real challenge for those with psoriasis. Cold temperatures are often associated with dry conditions. Exposure to wind and dry air can dehydrate and damage the outer layer of skin leading to itchiness, cracking and dermatological problems. For psoriasis patients, keeping skin hydrated and maintaining a healthy skin barrier is crucial. Cold weather clothing usually consists of thick, non-breathable fabrics that can be uncomfortable for people with psoriasis. The cold also keeps more people indoors, where heating or fires can dry out the skin even more. Additionally, certain seasonal infections, like a cold or the flu, can trigger a psoriasis flare.

Here are some tips from The American Academy of Dermatology to help you through the cold months:

• Lower the heat to keep the indoor temperature moderate.
• Use a humidifier in your home to prevent your skin from drying out.
• Avoid hot showers, as they can strip your skin of its natural oils.
• Keep your skin well-hydrated by using a good moisturizer and drinking extra water.

The Barometric Pressure Factor

Whether it's a cold or warm front moving in, many patients with psoriatic arthritis report changes in barometric pressure significantly affecting their symptoms. Sudden pressure shifts can cause tissues to expand or contract, putting painful pressure on your joints, muscles and nerves, and potentially triggering a psoriatic arthritis flare-up.

By being mindful of these tips and making small adjustments to your daily routine, you can better "weather" your psoriasis symptoms throughout the year.

The Weather Company does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Talk with your doctor before starting any new medicine, supplement, weight loss or exercise regimen.

https://weather.com/health/psoriasis/news/2024-08-22-impact-of-seasons-psoriasis

Can Neck Pain Be Due to Psoriatic Arthritis?

From healthcentral.com

PsA can be a pain in the neck—literally—due to inflammation of the cervical joints. A mix of medications and exercise can help provide relief 

You probably already know that psoriatic arthritis (PsA) causes joint pain. But what’s less commonly known—unless you are frequently experiencing it yourself—is that the condition can also cause neck pain.

“Psoriatic arthritis could potentially affect the axial skeleton, which includes the cervical and lumbar spine,” says Elena Schiopu, M.D., a professor of medicine in the rheumatology division for the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University in Augusta, GA. The cervical spine consists of the seven vertebrae that make up the neck, while the lumbar spine consists of the five vertebrae that make up the lower back.

When psoriatic arthritis affects the neck and back, it’s sometimes referred to as psoriatic spondylitis or axial arthritis, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Statistics vary, but some research shows that up to 70% of people with psoriatic arthritis can also experience damage to the axial skeleton, according to a review published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. In only about 5% of cases, people with psoriatic arthritis just experience neck and back pain (i.e., without any additional joint symptoms), per the review.

“One of the features of axial spinal arthritis is that it typically starts in the lower spine and sacroiliac joints—where the spine meets the pelvis—and then later on will also involve the cervical spine,” says Philip Mease, M.D., a clinical professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine and the director of rheumatology research at Swedish Medical in Seattle, WA.

Determining whether PsA is causing your neck pain can help you and your health care team come up with a plan for treating it, whether that’s through medications, physical therapy exercises, or a combination.

Cause of Psoriatic Arthritis Neck Pain

When neck pain is due to psoriatic arthritis, the most likely culprit is inflammation, which also causes other types of joint pain among people with psoriatic arthritis, says Dr. Schiopu.

Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune disease, which occurs when the body attacks healthy tissues by releasing inflammatory chemicals called cytokines. Over time, this can cause damage to the joints, including those of the neck. “In general, inflammatory pain and stiffness gets better with movement and as the day goes by,” says Dr. Schiopu.

Symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis Neck Pain

“Neck pain from psoriatic arthritis is nagging and impairing, and interferes with daily functioning,” says Dr. Schiopu. “People notice the pain gets better with movement, but overall, there’s still a loss of range of motion over time.”

Other symptoms of psoriatic neck pain, according to the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology review, include:

• Limited mobility

• Neck (or back) pain and stiffness that lasts longer than 30 minutes

• Neck (or back) pain that improves with activity and worsens after longer periods of inactivity

While axial arthritis involves the entire stretch of the spine, from the head to the neck, back, and tailbone, about 25% to 50% of people with psoriatic spondylitis also have sacroiliitis, which is pain and stiffness specifically in the sacroiliac joints (the joints where the lower spine and pelvis meet), according to the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology review. With sacroiliitis, the pain typically lasts longer than 20 minutes, and gets worse at night.

                                                                                           Getty Images/magicmine

Psoriatic Arthritis vs Osteoarthritis

Psoriatic arthritis isn’t necessarily responsible for all—or even any—of the neck pain you may be experiencing. “The neck is also a hot spot for degenerative spine disease [like] osteoarthritis,” says Dr. Schiopu.

“A classic place for degenerative arthritis to show up and start to be symptomatic, even in a patient’s 30s and 40s, is at the fulcrum point of the neck, [between the fifth and sixth cervical joints], where the most bending goes when we move our head,” adds Dr. Mease. The condition becomes even more common as you get older: According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, more than 85% of people over the age of 60 are affected by cervical spondylosis, or arthritis of the neck due to joint degeneration.

That’s why it’s important to get the right diagnosis for your symptoms. “When we hear about neck pain in a person with psoriatic arthritis, it’s important for us to obtain imaging, especially MRI imaging, to determine whether there’s immunologic inflammation going on versus degenerative arthritis, which is very common,” says Dr. Mease. An MRI scan can show markers of inflammation in the bones or joints, which can help doctors determine if the neck pain is caused—in part, or in whole—by psoriatic arthritis.

Treatments for Psoriatic Arthritis Neck Pain

The treatments for psoriatic arthritis neck pain follow the same guidelines as treatment for psoriatic arthritis in general, and typically include a combination of medications such as immunosuppressants and anti-inflammatory medications, as well as lifestyle strategies and physical therapy, says Dr. Mease.

Medications

Some of the immunosuppressant medications that are used to treat psoriatic arthritis include traditional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), such as methotrexate, which broadly suppress the immune system to keep inflammation in check. A newer subset of DMARDs, known as biologics, include drugs such as adalimumab and secukinumab which block inflammation-causing proteins. Yet another recent development, targeted DMARDs called Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, include medications such as tofacitinib, which also blocks certain inflammation-causing proteins, according to the Arthritis Foundation. 

These immunosuppressants will only help relieve neck pain that’s caused by psoriatic arthritis, however—they won’t ease the pain that may be caused in part by osteoarthritis. “Let’s say that 50% of a person’s neck pain is due to psoriatic arthritis and 50% is due to degenerative arthritis,” says Dr. Mease. “[Immunosuppressants] aren’t going to help the pain that’s caused by degenerative arthritis.”

To help ease neck pain from a degenerative condition, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as acetaminophen.

Lifestyle Strategies

Neck pain can be more common among people who spend a lot of time in front of a computer or other screen, says Dr. Schiopu, who recommends taking frequent breaks from your digital devices and doing some stretches. If you work at a desk, use a high-backed chair to help improve your posture and ease some of the stress on your spine, she notes. If you use a screen in bed, try using a pillow with good neck support, which can help relieve some of the tension you may feel.

Heat or cold therapy can also help, adds Dr. Schiopu. Try taking a hot shower or bath after you wake up to ease any pain and stiffness or apply an ice pack to the area if you’re experiencing inflammation.

Neck Exercises for Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis can affect the joints in the cervical spine, which can cause the nearby muscles to become tight and stiff, says Jonathan Yu, a doctor of physical therapy at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. “Joint stiffness can be helped by stretching out some of these muscles, so the muscles can move a little bit better,” he says. “As a result, it can allow for a bit more comfort and relaxation in the joints.”

Here are a few movements to try, from Yu. With any of these exercises, stop if you feel as if you’re in pain. “You should feel more of a stretching sensation rather than a painful sensation,” he says.

Neck Forward Stretch

Starting from a seated or standing position, bend your chin into your chest until you feel a stretch in the muscles in the back of the neck. Hold the position for 10 to 30 seconds. Repeat two to three times.

Side Bend Stretch

Starting from a seated or standing position, tilt your right ear toward your right shoulder, stretching out the left side of the neck. Hold the position for 10 to 30 seconds, then repeat on the other side. Repeat two to three times on each side.

Neck Rotation Stretch

Starting from a seated or standing position, rotate your neck to the right side, then bend the neck toward your armpit. You should feel a stretch in the muscles on the left side of your neck. Hold the position for 10 to 30 seconds, then repeat on the other side. Repeat two to three times on each side.

Other Symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis

More commonly, psoriatic arthritis causes symptoms beyond neck pain. According to the Mayo Clinic, these can include:

• Eye inflammation (uveitis)

• Foot pain (especially where the tendons and ligaments attach to the bone, such as at the Achilles tendon)

• Joint pain and stiffness

• Lower back pain

• Nail pitting or denting

• Swelling in the fingers and toes

Takeaways

Psoriatic arthritis can affect the cervical and lumbar vertebrae, triggering neck pain (also called psoriatic spondylitis or axial arthritis). This neck pain is caused by inflammation, and while it tends to improve with movement, it can still cause discomfort throughout the day. Osteoarthritis may also be a cause of your neck pain, so it’s important to get the right diagnosis. To ease some of the pain and stiffness, your doctor may prescribe immunosuppressant medication and/or recommend a physical therapist who can show you how to perform certain exercises at home.

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

Doctor reveals five things about our hands that can help identify health conditions

From scoop.upworthy.com 

The doctor pointed out that watching these signs and symptoms can help a person seek treatment for serious illnesses on time

Apart from pain and other forms of illnesses, there are other more subtle details that can reveal a lot about our health. Even subtle changes to our hands can signal things that are worth a health check if nothing else. These signs can even help treat health conditions before they become serious. It might even help one avoid any unnecessary health complications a person might face going forward. Dr Donald Grant, GP and senior clinical advisor at The Independent Pharmacy told Yahoo Life how our hands can tell our health.

                                                       Representative Cover Image Source: Pexels | Juan Pablo Serrano

"From cardiovascular disease to psoriasis, our hands can tell us a lot about our health – indicating potentially serious health conditions. It’s vital to understand the tell-tale signs of illness and how to spot changes in hands to avoid a further reduction in well-being," Dr Grant told the outlet. He shared five warning signs people should watch out for. The first thing that can indicate a health condition is the changes in our nails. "A range of health issues can all lead to alterations in nail appearance and texture. Firstly, pitted nails are when small dents or pits form on the surface of fingernails and can indicate psoriasis. In severe cases, it can cause the nails to crumble." 

“Additionally, yellow nails can be an indicator of a range of health issues, including fungal infections or underlying health conditions such as lung disease. With so many potential causes, it’s vital to seek further advice from a GP to diagnose the issue and receive the correct treatment," Dr. Grant continued. Next up, the doctor advised people to watch out for any texture or colour changes on the skin of the hands. "Palmar Erythema is a skin condition causing the palms of hands to turn red, it can also bring a burning sensation and affects people for a range of reasons, including pregnancy – however, it can also be a sign of worrying health conditions such as lymphoma or liver disease," he pointed out.

                                                     Representative Image Source: Pexels | Pixabay

"Additionally, vitamin deficiencies, such as not attaining enough calcium or vitamin D can lead to dry patches of skin appearing on the hands, highlighting the need for a well-balanced diet," the doctor emphasized. On the other hand, he pointed out stiff joints could be a sign of arthritis as per Express UK. "Osteoarthritis is a common condition that can lead to swelling, pain and stiffness while reducing movement. It tends to affect the base of the thumb and middle joints of the fingers but can cause pain all throughout the hand." Cold hands are another important symptom to watch out for. It could signal poor circulation and health conditions like diabetes and anaemia.

"If you experience a long-lasting change in hand temperature, it may be best to seek additional medical advice," the doctor recommended. Thickened fingers or change in thickness is another important thing to pay attention to. "A common symptom of pulmonary fibrosis - a type of lung disease - is the widening of fingers and clubbing of fingernails," Dr. Grant shared. "Dactylitis, where fingers become much wider in appearance, can be a sign of sickle cell disease, tuberculosis, or a bacterial infection. With so many potentially dangerous causes, I strongly advise people to seek urgent medical attention if they notice any changes to their fingers." 

https://scoop.upworthy.com/doctor-reveals-five-things-about-our-hands-that-can-help-identify-health-conditions

What Are Biologics? And How Do They Treat Psoriasis?

From batonrougeclinic.com

Here’s what you need to know before deciding if this type of drug is right for you

Have you noticed a lot of advertisements for medications that treat psoriasis lately? Many of these drugs are biologics. Although not new, biologics are one of the fastest-growing drug categories in the U.S. – and they don’t just treat psoriasis. They also treat other diseases. If you have psoriasis, you may be wondering what these drugs do and the side effects they may have.

Here are answers to common questions about using biologics in the treatment of psoriasis:

What are biologics?

These drugs are developed from living organisms (human or animal) and target specific parts of the immune system to treat disease. They may also be referred to as biological response modifiers or biological agents.

What kind of diseases do biologics treat?

Biologics treat psoriasis, which is an autoimmune disorder that affects the skin. They also treat other autoimmune diseases such as psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease, as well as some cancers.

How do you take biologics?

These medicines are given as an injection or an infusion into a vein. Depending on the drug, you’ll need to take it anywhere from twice a week to once every three months.

How do biologics work when treating psoriasis?

These drugs target the part of the immune system that is overactive in people who have psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. They block reactions that cause inflammation and other skin-related symptoms including redness, scaliness, itchiness, dryness and pain. They also help stop joint pain, stiffness and swelling in people with psoriatic arthritis. Biologics are powerful drugs but are only used for moderate to severe psoriasis when other treatments have failed due to the potential for serious side effects.

What are the side effects of biologics?

The most common side effects are mild and may include infusion or injection site reactions, such as redness, swelling, pain or itching. You may also have a headache, nausea or stomach upset. One of the biggest concerns about biologics is that they may raise your risk of infection because they weaken your immune system. There may be other side effects as well.

Are biologics an effective psoriasis treatment?

For people with moderate to severe forms of the disease, biologics may be the most effective treatment available. The drugs tend to be more effective if you take them continuously, rather than starting and stopping treatment. But sometimes a biologic may become less effective over time. If this happens, using another biologic may work better.

What should I do if I’m interested in taking a biologic?

If you have moderate to severe psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis, talk with your doctor about the benefits and risks before deciding if biologics are right for you. You’ll need to have some medical tests done before it can be determined if it’s safe to take these drugs, including blood and tuberculosis tests. Other tests may also need to be performed. You’ll also need to have some tests done periodically while you’re on the medication.

https://batonrougeclinic.com/what-are-biologics-and-how-do-they-treat-psoriasis/ 

Obese kids may have higher odds of eczema and psoriasis

From upi.com 

Obese kids are more likely to develop immune-based skin problems like eczema or psoriasis, a new study says.

Analysis of more than 2.1 million Korean children between 2009 and 2020 revealed that children who became overweight had a higher risk of developing eczema.

At the same time, overweight kids who shed pounds and reached a healthy weight had a lower risk of eczema, researchers reported Wednesday in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology.

"Our findings support the importance of promoting weight maintenance among children who are already within the normal weight range because it may help reduce the risk of developing atopic dermatitis [eczema]," said researcher Dr. Seong-Joon Koh, an associate professor of internal medicine with the Seoul National University College of Medicine in South Korea.

"In addition, prevention of excessive weight gain and purposeful weight loss, including adopting healthy diet strategies in children with obesity to prevent atopic dermatitis, particularly before school age, should be promoted," Koh added.

Approximately 1 in 5 U.S. children and teens (20%) are obese, according to the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

Previous studies have looked at the link between childhood obesity and skin diseases, said researcher Dr. Seong Rae Kim, with the Seoul National University College of Medicine in South Korea.

However, those studies haven't tracked children over time to see whether changes in body weight made a difference in kids' risk of skin problems, Kim said.

The results indicate that childhood obesity can contribute to the development of skin diseases caused by problems with the immune system, researchers concluded.

These diseases include alopecia, eczema and psoriasis, and maintaining a healthy weight could potentially lower kids' risk of developing these skin problems, researchers said.

https://www.upi.com/Health_News/2024/08/21/obese-kids-higher-odds-eczema-psoriasis/8991724246494/

How Are New Psoriasis Treatments Impacting Patients' Lives?

From news18.com

With a better understanding of the underlying factors driving psoriasis, healthcare providers can now tailor treatments to individual patients’ needs

Psoriasis, a chronic skin condition characterized by red, scaly patches, has long been a source of discomfort and emotional distress for millions of people worldwide. Traditionally, treatment options were limited, offering only temporary relief and often accompanied by significant side effects.

However, recent advancements in psoriasis treatments are not only improving symptom management but also enhancing the overall quality of life for patients. These new therapies are proving to be game-changers, offering hope and relief to those who have long struggled with this challenging condition. Dr Aravind Badiger, Technical Director, BDR Pharmaceuticals takes us through it:

The Evolution of Psoriasis Treatment

For many years, psoriasis treatment relied heavily on topical creams, light therapy, and certain oral medications. While these methods could be effective, they often came with drawbacks, including limited effectiveness, frequent application, and significant side effects. The introduction of more advanced treatments marked a significant shift in psoriasis management, offering targeted and more effective options. Today, the landscape of psoriasis treatment continues to evolve, with new therapies leading the charge.

The Impact of New Treatments

1. Greater Efficacy and Long-Term Control:Newer treatments offer greater effectiveness compared to traditional methods, often achieving clearer skin with fewer side effects. Many patients who previously experienced moderate to severe psoriasis have reported significant improvement in their symptoms. The long-term control provided by these treatments allows patients to lead normal lives without the constant worry of flare-ups, significantly improving their quality of life.
2. Improved Quality of Life:Beyond the physical symptoms, psoriasis can take a severe toll on a patient’s mental and emotional well-being. The visible nature of the disease often leads to social stigma, anxiety, and depression. New treatments are helping to alleviate these psychological burdens by providing more consistent and lasting relief. Patients who achieve clearer skin report increased confidence, better social interactions, and a more positive outlook on life.
3. Convenience and Compliance:The administration of new treatments has also become more patient-friendly over time. With options that are easier to use and require less frequent application, patients find it simpler to adhere to their treatment regimens. This convenience reduces the treatment burden and allows patients to maintain their routines without frequent medical visits, contributing to a better overall experience.
4. 
   

   Advances in Topical Treatments

   While advanced therapies have been a breakthrough for those with more severe psoriasis, improvements in topical treatments have also made significant strides, particularly for patients with milder forms of the disease.
5. Safer and More Effective TopicalsNewer topical treatments offer effective symptom relief without the side effects associated with long-term use of older treatments. These topicals work by targeting specific aspects of the condition, providing a safer option for patients who require ongoing treatment. The convenience of topical application combined with improved effectiveness is helping patients manage their symptoms more effectively.
6. Oral Treatment OptionsThe development of new oral treatments has provided another option for patients. These drugs offer the benefit of oral administration, making them easy to use and integrate into daily life. While not as potent as some of the advanced therapies, they provide a middle-ground option for patients who require more than topical treatments but may not need stronger medications.
7. Personalized Treatment ApproachesAnother significant advancement in psoriasis care is the move towards personalized treatment. With a better understanding of the underlying factors driving psoriasis, healthcare providers can now tailor treatments to individual patients’ needs. Personalized treatment approaches not only improve outcomes but also reduce the risk of side effects and treatment failures, leading to better long-term management and a higher quality of life.

   The Future of Psoriasis Treatment

   The future of psoriasis treatment looks promising, with ongoing research and development aimed at further improving patient outcomes. New classes of drugs and treatment methods are being explored, offering the potential for even more effective and convenient options. As understanding of the condition deepens, future treatments may become even more targeted and personalized, bringing greater relief to those living with psoriasis.

   The impact of new psoriasis treatments on patients’ lives cannot be overstated. From the transformative effects of advanced therapies to the convenience of new topical and oral treatments, these advancements are significantly improving the quality of life for those living with psoriasis. As research continues to evolve, the hope is that even more effective treatments will emerge, bringing relief and normalcy to the lives of millions of psoriasis patients worldwide. The future for those battling psoriasis is brighter than ever before.

8. https://www.news18.com/lifestyle/how-are-new-psoriasis-treatments-impacting-patients-lives-9020777.html

Catch up with top psoriasis news for Psoriasis Action Month

From healio.com

Key takeaways:

• August has been designated as Psoriasis Action Month by the National Psoriasis Foundation.
• The month is dedicated to raising awareness and funding for psoriasis causes.

The National Psoriasis Foundation dedicated August to psoriasis education, awareness and education, designating it Psoriasis Action Month.

Its aim is to increase both funding for and knowledge about the disease by sharing information via social media and hosting events across the country.

The National Psoriasis Foundation dedicated August to psoriasis education, awareness and education, designating it Psoriasis Action Month. Adobe Stock

In honour of the month and to add to the education conversation, Healio has gathered some important news regarding psoriasis published here in the past few months.

See what’s happening in the clinical psoriasis space.

Lack of training leads to delayed dermatology diagnoses in patients with darker skin tones

Poor representation of darker skin tones in dermatology training materials has led to delayed diagnoses and worse treatment outcomes in Black, Asian and non-white Latin American patients. Read more.

Treatment advancements merit updates to dermatological disqualifiers in the military

Due to medical advancements, researchers are calling for an update to the U.S. Department of Defense’s policies restricting individuals with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis from joining and remaining in the military. Read more.

In this Healio video exclusive, Joel M. Gelfand, MD, MSCE, the James J. Leyden Professor of Clinical Investigation and professor of dermatology and epidemiology at University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine, as well as the Healio Dermatology Chief Medical Editor, discusses the connection between psoriasis and cardiovascular outcomes. Watch the video.

Early life nutrition could impact psoriasis risk

A higher risk for developing psoriasis was found in subjects who were fed formula as infants compared with those who were breastfed for at least the first 4 months of life. Read more.

With abundant psoriasis treatments available, research now aiming for higher goals

With myriad treatment options now available for psoriasis vulgaris, recent research is focusing on reaching higher goals, Anthony P. Fernandez, MD, PhD, said in this video interview from the Medical Dermatology Therapy Update III meeting. Watch the video.

https://www.healio.com/news/dermatology/20240816/catch-up-with-top-psoriasis-news-for-psoriasis-action-month 

Spotting This 1 Sign On Your Nails May Reveal Health Issues

From uk.news.yahoo.com

                                                                                                     via Associated Press

We’ve written before at HuffPost UK about the surprising things your nails can reveal about your health.

For instance, a brown stripe running vertically down your nail can sometimes belie a rare type of skin cancer.

On the slightly less medically serious side, however, Dr. Donald Grant ― a GP and the senior clinical advisor for The Independent Pharmacy ― told HuffPost UK that some skin conditions can be spotted on the nail, too.

“Psoriasis is an extremely common autoimmune condition that cannot be prevented. It comes in many forms and leaves skin itchy, irritated and inflamed,” the doctor said.

“Understanding the tell-tale signs of psoriasis is vital for ensuring early treatment is provided to minimise flare-ups,” he added.

So how does it show up on your nails? 

According to Dr. Grant, “Nail psoriasis is a common type of skin condition affecting around half of those suffering from psoriasis, according to the NHS.”

To spot it, the doctor advises we look out for “nail pitting ― when small dents or pits form on the surface of fingernails or toenails.”

“It impacts appearance and the fragility can make nails crumble in severe cases,” he added.

Though crumbling nails are classified by the NHS as “severe,” Dr. Grant says even milder nail psoriasis can affect your day-to-day life.

“Pitted nails can impact work and social lives, making writing or typing challenging while affecting people’s confidence,” he explained.

What should I do if I suspect nail psoriasis? 

The doctor says, “If your nails have changed in appearance or texture, it’s always best to seek further advice from a GP.”

That’s true whether or not you think the changes come from psoriasis.

The Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance (PAPAA) adds that while the condition can affect both fingernails and toenails, “For some unknown reason fingernails are more often involved than toenails.”

Though PAPAA says “Nail psoriasis is perhaps the most difficult part of psoriasis to treat,” they add that keeping your nails short, avoiding cleaning them with a sharp object or nail brush, and even using steroidal creams if prescribed can help.

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/spotting-1-sign-nails-may-123646644.html