The social experiences of young people with visible differences

From psoriasis-association.org.uk

The Centre for Appearance Research have published their findings after speaking to young people with visible differences about their social media experiences. We're sharing the results as Psoriasis can be classed as a visible difference. 

Researchers spoke to people aged between 13-17 years (9 girls, 3 boys) who expressed how using social media makes them feel.

“I was constantly comparing myself to other people’s lives, which made me quite unhappy”

“You've got people commenting horrifying things to people just because there's that screen and there’s the anonymity”

Young people talked about how spending time on social media can be harmful to their mental health.

They felt that beauty standards and social comparisons could negatively impact their self esteem and daily life. They felt that online interactions could be harsher due to anonymity, leading to unwelcome comments and questions about their visible differences.

“If people are negative, you can just block them.”

I’ve got a private account that I just let a few people follow and that’s where I usually put my day-to-day stuff”

Young people talked about ways they protected themselves online, such as being mindful of their audience when sharing content, and using strategies to cope with negative reactions.

“I think it just feels good that people are supporting me and what I go through”

"A lot of people I’ve found similar to me that I probably wouldn't have found if I didn't use social media”

“I feel like this [an image of a midsize model with vitiligo] shows I don't have to be perfect. I don't have to be perfectly slim. I don't have to be ashamed of my birthmark.”

Young people found social media valuable for connecting with others who have visible differences, sharing their experiences, and forming supportive relationships.

They felt that increased representation on social media could help reduce stigma and positively impact their self-esteem and how they felt about their appearance. Supportive reactions to posts about visible difference boosted their confidence and sense of belonging.

Many young people wanted to use social media to support and uplift others.

They believed that increasing representation of people with visible differences doing everyday tasks could challenge narrow beauty ideals, prompting people to question their own beliefs and ultimately encouraging societal change.

“If they [people who react negatively to visible differences] see more stuff on social media with visible differences, and they get more used to it, they'll stop commenting on it so much and they'll stop commenting badly on visible differences”

“[My goal is] to help other people that are also going through alopecia to know that they're beautiful and then just to make a stand as well."

Young people used social media intentionally, choosing content and setting limits to maintain a healthy balance.

They found it helped them remember happy memories, express emotions, and show gratitude. They felt the impact of social media depended on how people chose to use it, including who they follow and how much time they spend online.

So what?

• This study provided valuable information about what it is like to use social media for young people with visible differences.
• Centre for Appearance Research will be combining these results with results from two other studies - one with adults with visible differences, and one with influencers with visible differences.
• This will give us a better understanding of what it’s like to use social media for people of different ages and roles who have visible differences.
• The findings will be used to create resources to help increase awareness of the risks of social media and tips to use it in a positive way.
• These resources will emphasise the importance of peer support and involving young people with visible differences in decision making, helping their voices be heard.

https://www.psoriasis-association.org.uk/news/the-social-media-experiences-of-young-people-with-visible-differences

Try This Anti-Inflammatory Diet for Psoriasis

From healthcentral.com

A first-of-its-kind study shows that an anti-inflammatory eating pattern may dramatically improve psoriasis symptoms 

A new treatment is making waves in the psoriasis community and it doesn't involve drugs. Researchers behind a randomized clinical trial published in JAMA Dermatology found that following a Mediterranean diet rich in extra virgin olive oil, polyphenols, and omega-3 fatty acids led to dramatic improvements in psoriasis severity in just 16 weeks. The findings add weight to growing evidence that nutrition could be a powerful tool in managing the condition and offer people with psoriasis an effective way to take control of their health.

How Diet and Psoriasis Are Connected

Psoriasis happens when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, triggering chronic inflammation and causing thick, scaly patches called plaques. While this immune misfire isn’t fully understood, its effects go far beyond the skin. Psoriasis is now recognized as a systemic inflammatory condition that can affect the heart, metabolism, and other organs.

People with psoriasis face higher rates of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar, all of which raise the risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. That’s why lifestyle approaches that calm inflammation can be especially meaningful.

“Improving blood sugar control may reduce systemic inflammatory signalling that sustains the disease,” says Javier Pérez Bootello, M.D., dermatologist at Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal in Madrid and lead author of the MEDIPSO study. One of the most effective ways to lower inflammation levels? Rethinking what’s on your plate.

Powerful Proof: Food Matters

In the new study, 38 adults with mild to moderate psoriasis who were already using topical medications were split into two groups. One received standard low-fat diet advice. The other completed a 16-week Mediterranean diet program with ongoing nutrition counselling.

The results? Nearly 70% of participants following the Mediterranean diet saw at least a 50% reduction in psoriasis severity, without changing their medications. Almost half saw a 75% reduction. (By comparison, none of the control group reached that level of improvement.)

The more closely someone followed the diet, the better their psoriasis became. Participants also reported less anxiety and insomnia and an overall boost in quality of life.

An added bonus: The Mediterranean diet group improved their A1C, which measures long-term blood sugar and corresponds to heart disease risk. “This dietary pattern simultaneously targets inflammation—the core of psoriasis biology—and addresses an additional major disease burden that affects long-term prognosis,” says Dr. Bootello.

And importantly, people didn’t need to lose weight to benefit. “The Mediterranean diet group showed a significant reduction in A1C despite minimal weight change,” Dr. Bootello says. “This suggests that improved metabolic control, not just weight loss, may be one of the mechanisms through which diet helps improve psoriasis.”

Why Go Med?

                                                                                               GettyImages/vaaseenaa

While previous research has suggested that very low-calorie diets may help reduce psoriasis (weight loss alone has also been linked to symptom improvements), simply trying to “eat healthier” doesn’t always lead to measurable changes, says Jessica Kaffenberger, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist specializing in psoriasis at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

That’s where the Mediterranean diet comes in. “Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory disease, and the Mediterranean diet has a well-documented anti-inflammatory and antioxidant profile,” says Dr. Bootello. Its abundance of extra-virgin olive oil, omega-3s, fibre, polyphenols, and antioxidants helps lower oxidative stress, metabolic dysfunction, and inflammation—all key pathways involved in psoriasis.

Try It Yourself

The Mediterranean group didn’t count calories or track macros. Instead, they focused on eating more of certain foods and less of others. Key guidelines included:

• 4+ tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil daily

• 2+ servings of vegetables (at least one raw) a day

• 3+ pieces of fruit daily

• 3+ servings each of legumes, nuts, and fish weekly

• Pick poultry and lean meats over red or processed meat

• Choose whole grains, not refined ones

• Avoid sugary drinks, pastries, and ultra-processed foods

While those guidelines led to symptom improvement in the study, it’s still important to stick with your current psoriasis treatments, says Dr. Kaffenberger. Dietary changes work best alongside prescribed therapies, not instead of them.

Still not sure what to eat? Get guidance if you can. Nutrition counselling helped participants turn the diet into real, sustainable habits. Monthly check-ins with a dietitian made it easier to personalize goals, troubleshoot challenges, and stay motivated.

Bottom Line

Early research suggests the Mediterranean diet may be a powerful add-on to standard psoriasis treatment, helping lower inflammation and support overall health. It’s not a cure, and it doesn’t replace medication, but it may offer a meaningful, everyday tool to help people feel and function better. If you’re considering a dietary shift, work with a dermatologist and a registered dietitian to help tailor a plan that fits your personal health needs and long-term goals.

https://www.healthcentral.com/news/psoriasis/mediterranean-diet-for-psoriasis?ap=nl2060&rhid=67ec2b8321f52bf01b0cca01&mui=&lid=141093361&mkt_tok=NTQxLUdLWi0yNDMAAAGexqegy_Iz7vkXBBwGMxpD0ACyFW_VzLsHR41tpu-bxfpNf9GqHNA7_IsQMlUK4IohM9M5x20c_09QyhT0NqF3ni4qbW4UzfYI1h5uHzOQHM0_H8g

Why Winter Is the Perfect Season for Skin Treatments

From healthcare.utah.edu

When we think about skin care, summer often comes to mind—sunshine, vacations, and plenty of selfies. But summer isn’t the best time to treat skin conditions like acne, rosacea, and psoriasis. Winter is actually the ideal time to start.

According to Robert Sylvester, DNP, who specialises in paediatric dermatology at University of Utah Health, winter offers unique advantages for skin health, especially for treatments involving lasers, retinoids, and moisturizing regimens.

Here’s why:

1. Winter Air Increases Dryness

Cold, dry air naturally pulls moisture from the skin, making existing conditions like eczema and psoriasis more noticeable. While that might sound like a drawback, it makes issues easier to treat effectively.

2. Gentler Sunlight Means Safer Recovery

Treatments that involve lasers or retinoids leave skin extra sensitive to UV light for a period of time. Winter’s weaker sunlight reduces that risk, which means easier recovery and opens the door to more treatment options.  

3. More Time Indoors = Better Care

Cold weather often keeps us inside, which creates an excellent opportunity to take care of your skin post-treatment. This allows you to consistently apply proper skin care products and adhere to the treatment plan set by you and your dermatologist.

“Winter doesn’t have to be a time to hide your skin—it can be a time to heal,” Sylvester says. “Take this time to focus on proper moisturization, avoid hot water, and give your skin a little extra TLC through skin care treatments.”

Tips for Healthy Winter Skin

1. Choose thick creams. Switch from water- or alcohol-based lotions to thick creams. The greasier, the better!
2. Moisturize frequently. Apply creams at least twice a day, especially after cleansing, to hold in moisture.
3. Use a humidifier. Add moisture to the air in your home to prevent excessive dryness.
4. Don’t skip sunscreen. UV rays are weaker in the winter but not absent! Sunscreen is especially important in high altitudes or when UV light is reflected off snow or water, which increases your chance of UV damage.

https://healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed/2025/12/why-winter-perfect-season-skin-treatments 

Did you know your nails can signal psoriasis? Doctor shares 5 changes in hands and nails indicating underlying disease

From hindustantimes.com

Your hands and nails can offer warning signs of underlying disease and even chronic conditions like arthritis or psoriasis. Dr Sood shares 5 signs

Long before a health condition becomes obvious, the body often sends out quiet, easily overlooked signals that something isn’t quite right. While some warning signs are well known, others can seem unusual or unrelated at first glance - making them harder to recognise or connect to an underlying illness. This is where awareness becomes powerful, especially when it comes to subtle changes in the hands and nails that can offer valuable clues about what’s happening inside the body.

Dr Kunal Sood, an anaesthesiologist and interventional pain medicine physician, has highlighted five key changes in the nails and hands that may signal underlying health issues - and in some cases, chronic conditions such as arthritis or psoriasis. In an Instagram video shared on December 9, the physician explains that recognising these subtle signs early can aid in identifying serious health conditions and support timely diagnosis and treatment.

Clubbing

According to Dr Kunal Sood, clubbing causes the fingertips to appear rounded with curved nails as the soft tissue enlarges - a physical change that can sometimes signal underlying lung or heart disease. He explains, “It occurs when megakaryocytes bypass the lungs and release growth factors like VEGF and PDGF at the fingertips. It is linked to chronic lung disease (lung cancer, bronchiectasis, pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis) and heart conditions with long-term low oxygen such as cyanotic congenital heart disease or endocarditis.”

Spoon-shaped nails

Koilonychia or spoon-shaped nails might be an early warning sign of iron deficiency anaemia. Dr Sood highlights, “Koilonychia creates thin, concave nails due to impaired keratin formation when iron-dependent enzymes weaken. It often reflects iron deficiency from blood loss, heavy periods, low intake, malabsorption, or increased need in pregnancy. These nail changes can precede other symptoms for months.”

Red nail streaks

If you notice red streaks on your nails, Dr Sood states that it might be an indication of blood vessel inflammation. He explains, “Splinter haemorrhages look like red-brown lines under the nails from ruptured capillaries. While trauma is common, multiple streaks or those near the nail base raise concern for systemic conditions such as vasculitis, lupus, connective-tissue disease, or infective endocarditis.”

Swollen finger joints

Swollen joints on your fingers are a classic sign of arthritis. The physician points out, “Swelling may reflect osteoarthritis from cartilage loss or inflammatory arthritis like rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis involving synovial inflammation. Because trauma, gout or metabolic issues can mimic this finding, clinical exam and imaging help distinguish causes.”

Pitting in nails

According to Dr Sood, pitting in nails is a hallmark sign of nail-matrix involvement in psoriasis. He elaborates, “About one-third of psoriasis patients show pits, and prevalence increases with disease duration. It may accompany discoloration, thickening or onycholysis and is common in psoriatic arthritis, making it a useful early clue.”

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/did-you-know-your-nails-can-signal-psoriasis-doctor-shares-5-changes-in-hands-and-nails-that-indicate-underlying-diseas-101765380863882.html

 

Cleansers for Psoriasis: What to Look For, What to Avoid

From everydayhealth.com 

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that usually involves patches of dry, itchy, painful skin, known as plaques. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in the body, causing inflammation that leads to skin symptoms.

The skin involvement in psoriasis means it’s important to choose a soap, body, or face wash that doesn’t aggravate your symptoms or increase dryness. Harsh soaps can exacerbate psoriasis issues by disrupting the skin’s natural functions.

That’s why gentle, moisturizing cleansers are a good bet — they’re less likely to irritate and can even soothe. There are also medicated products available, which can help manage more severe symptoms.

The right cleanser can make you feel more comfortable in your skin every day. Here are our expert-backed picks.

Best Product Types and Ingredients to Look For

Gentle, moisturizing soaps, facial cleansers, and body washes can help you care for your skin barrier when you have psoriasis. Your skin’s barrier serves a crucial role — it protects you from environmental damage, infection from microbes, and helps regulate hydration, among other essential functions — so maintaining its integrity is key, especially when you have psoriasis.

“Psoriasis skin is characterized by impaired barrier function,” says Kseniya Kobets, MD, the director of cosmetic dermatology at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care in Elmsford, New York. “It’s also more prone to water loss through the skin, which makes it more likely to become irritated, dry out, and crack.”

According to Dr. Kobets, the best cleansers for psoriasis are:

• Gentle
• Moisturizing
• Fragrance-free 

These three qualities help support skin barrier function and prevent irritation due to dryness, Kobets says. With the right cleanser, you can help reduce flares, and keep your skin smoother and more comfortable.

Synthetic Detergent (Syndet) Bars and Liquid Cleansers

Synthetic detergent, or syndet, bars and liquid cleansers — both body and face washes — are commonly marketed as safe for sensitive skin, and they can typically be used with psoriasis. They have a lower pH than traditional alkaline soaps, which means they’re less likely to throw the skin’s naturally slightly acidic pH level out of balance. Keeping the skin’s pH stable helps preserve the skin barrier and may prevent irritation.

Kobets says using syndets can improve skin hydration, reduce flaking, and decrease itching.

Look for these cleanser ingredients when you’re dealing with psoriasis:

• Ceramides
• Glycerol (also called glycerine)
• Petrolatum (also called petroleum jelly)
• Paraffin
• Urea
• Hyaluronic acid

“Ceramides have been shown to improve the appearance of the skin as well as helping with itching and improving cracks in the skin,” says Kobets.

She says that ingredients like petrolatum, paraffin, glycerol, and urea will help with dryness, flaking, and itching as well.

Hyaluronic acid is often found in formulations made for psoriasis. This is because it may reduce symptoms by hydrating skin, repairing the skin barrier, and reducing inflammation.

Colloidal Oatmeal Cleansers

Colloidal oatmeal soaps, facial cleansers, and body washes are another option to soothe psoriasis. Colloidal oatmeal's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties can calm skin and prevent cellular damage.

“Oat-derived ingredients have also been shown to be helpful for mild to moderate psoriasis,” Kobets says.

 “Some of these components include oat flour, oat oil, and oat extract.” You can also look for natural oils, like olive or coconut. These soothing ingredients can ease dryness, itching, and scaling.

Coconut oil, however, is comedogenic — known to clog pores — so if you have acne-prone skin, ask your dermatologist before you try it.

Goat’s Milk Soap

Goat’s milk soap is another natural option to soothe skin that’s irritated from psoriasis. Kobets notes that evidence of its efficacy in psoriasis is limited, though.

Goat milk is rich in fatty acids and vitamins that can nourish the skin. Plus, it contains lactic acid, which provides mild, non-irritating exfoliation.

Kobets says that goat milk also naturally contains the bioactive compounds lactoferrin and lysozyme, which have antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects. These compounds may even help regulate the immune response in people with psoriasis.

“We do not have good clinical trials that support the use of goat milk soaps in psoriasis at this time,” Kobets says. 

She recommends goat milk over cow’s milk, as it’s less likely to contain allergens. “I [also] typically recommend avoiding fragrance and other additives in the products due to the risk of increased irritation,” Kobets says.

Medicated and Exfoliating Cleansers

If you have stubborn symptoms that don’t respond to other products, you may want to try a medicated option. 

It’s important to speak to your doctor before using them, though. Medicated and exfoliating cleansers can be irritating, and shouldn’t be used on sensitive areas or broken skin.

Coal Tar Soap

Coal tar is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an over-the-counter treatment for psoriasis, in formulations that contain 0.5 percent to 5 percent of the active ingredient. “Coal tar soaps work by preventing both rapid skin cell growth as well as reducing inflammation,” says Kobets.

There are potential side effects, including:

• Irritation of the skin
• Folliculitis (a bumpy rash)
• Allergic reactions
• Staining of the skin, clothing, and countertops
• Worsened psoriasis symptoms
• Increased sensitivity to ultraviolet light, which can lead to sunburn 

That means it’s important to follow proper dosing to avoid staining, burning, and irritation. Follow the package insert or your doctor’s instructions for use.

Kobets says that coal tar should be avoided during pregnancy because of safety concerns.

Salicylic Acid Cleansers

Cleansers with salicylic acid can help with absorption of topical psoriasis medications by removing flaky scales prior to application. “Salicylic acid can be helpful to soften the thick plaques and to reduce the amount of scaling,” says Kobets.

The acid helps soften, dissolve, and exfoliate thick plaques, which allows medications to penetrate the skin more deeply. It’s important to note that concentrated salicylic acid products can cause irritation if left on too long. Kobets says that salicylic acid cleansers may also cause allergic reactions. 

“It should also not be used in children under 12 years old or in people who have impaired kidney or liver function,” she says. “It can also only be used sparingly in pregnant and breastfeeding women. In pregnancy we try to limit the use to small areas and for shorter durations to prevent significant absorption by the body.”

Sulfur or Zinc Pyrithione Soap

Sulfur and zinc pyrithione soaps can reduce the flaking and itching associated with scalp psoriasis. These ingredients also have antifungal and antibacterial properties.

“Sulfur soaps and shampoos can be helpful for people with psoriasis,” says Kobets. Sulfur “is a good anti-inflammatory agent and can help break down the dead skin seen in the scaling of the plaques of psoriasis.”

She says that zinc pyrithione may not do much for plaque psoriasis, or most other forms of the condition. “Zinc pyrithione has been shown to be helpful for scalp psoriasis but does not seem to be helpful for any psoriasis outside of the scalp,” Kobets says.

Cleanser Types and Ingredients to Avoid

Good psoriasis management means paying attention to how your skin responds to products and treatments and tweaking your routine as you go. It’s not one-size-fits-all.

“Choosing the wrong soap can make psoriasis worse,” says Kobets. “For example, harsh and alkaline soaps can further disrupt the skin barrier and create more dryness.” This skin irritation can potentially trigger a flare or cause itching.

Ingredients to avoid include:

• Fragrance and dyes
• Alcohols
• Sulfates, like sodium lauryl sulfate
• Physical exfoliants, like those in scrubs

Fragrances and dyes are common allergens and irritants that can cause redness and itching and may trigger new psoriasis plaques.

“Alcohol in [cleansers] significantly dries out the skin, leading to irritation and impaired barrier function,” says Kobets. “It strips away the natural oils from the skin layers that are important for keeping the moisture in the body and keeping the skin barrier intact. Alcohol topically can also make skin cells divide more rapidly (not what we want in psoriasis), and stimulate inflammation.”

Sulfates are strong detergents used to create a rich lather. They can be too harsh for sensitive skin. “Patients should avoid harsh detergents in their soaps like sodium lauryl sulfate because they can disrupt the skin barrier and cause irritation,” says Kobets.

Physical exfoliants irritate the skin. This includes abrasive exfoliants and scrubs that are sometimes added to cleansers. Any trauma to the skin, such as forceful scrubbing, can trigger the Koebner phenomenon, causing a new plaque to form at the site of the injury.

If you’re looking for specific products that might be helpful or you aren’t sure if something you want to try is safe, ask your dermatologist.

The Takeaway

• With psoriasis, gentle, mild cleansers without harsh ingredients are the best options for cleansing your skin.
• Soothing and moisturizing ingredients include oats, goat milk, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides; they can help ease symptoms and restore hydration.
• Medicated soaps with coal tar, salicylic acid, and sulfur can reduce scaling, but they may be irritating.
• Choose cleansers without fragrance, alcohols, sulfates, and rough exfoliants to avoid irritating your skin.

https://www.everydayhealth.com/skin-conditions/cleansers-for-psoriasis-what-to-look-for-what-to-avoid/

Your guide to preventing psoriatic arthritis flare-ups, from medication and symptom tracking to lifestyle changes

From mcpress.mayoclinic.org 

Living with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) can be frustrating. On top of causing psoriasis — a condition that causes thick, scaly patches to form on the skin — PsA also has classic arthritis symptoms such as joint stiffness, pain and swelling.

“Psoriatic arthritis can present in different ways and affect any joint, including small joints like the hands or feet and, rarely, bigger joints like the knees and shoulders and even the spine,” explains Delamo I. Bekele, M.B.B.S., a clinical rheumatologist and inflammatory arthritis specialist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

And just like symptoms of psoriasis, PsA symptoms are often cyclic, meaning they flare up and then calm down. At times, flare-ups may only cause mild joint discomfort. But other times, the pain, swelling and stiffness may be so severe that you have trouble working, moving and completing your daily tasks.

PsA can get worse over time, especially in people who have multiple joints affected, have joint damage or have PsA that doesn’t respond to treatment. Understanding and treating flare-ups — and how to prevent them — can help you protect against joint damage, keep you as mobile as possible and minimize the impact PsA has on your quality of life.

                                                                                                                      Getty Images

What is a PsA flare-up?

With PsA, a flare-up does not necessarily involve skin symptoms, though for some people it does. Most of the time, “a flare-up means an acute worsening of joint pain, stiffness and swelling in someone who usually has chronic psoriatic arthritis,” explains Dr. Bekele. “This can range from one joint to multiple joints and tendons,” he says.

The length and intensity of a flare-up depends on the person. For some, a flare may be intense and last several weeks, while for others, a flare causes only mild symptoms that linger for a day or two. During a flare, you may notice that a new joint or area of the body is affected.

In rare situations, Dr. Bekele says a flare may involve dactylitis — swelling of the fingers or toes. Dactylitis can give a sausage-like appearance to the fingers and toes. As a result, you may hear this type of inflammation called sausage digits.

While flare-ups can’t always be prevented, there are a few tell-tale signs that can help you predict the onset and severity of a flare-up, including:

• Morning stiffness that lasts more than an hour.
• Visible swelling of joints or tendons.
• Reduced range of motion.
• Pain or tenderness in the joints or tendons.

What to know about preventing PsA flare-ups

PsA is a chronic, lifelong condition. Currently, there aren’t treatments that can cure PsA or completely prevent flare-ups. But there are a number of treatment options that can help protect your joints, manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.

The most effective way to prevent flare-ups is with medication — and the sooner therapy is started, the better protected your joints will be. A range of medications is available for PsA and, depending on the situation, your care team may recommend a pill, an injection or an infusion. Topical medications also can help with your skin symptoms, though you may need to see a dermatologist to get these treatments to apply to your skin.

Your medication options may include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which help reduce pain and swelling during a flare. These medicines include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve), which you can buy without a prescription..
• Conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), which help prevent joint damage and control joint inflammation by targeting the immune system broadly.
• Biologic DMARDs, which target specific parts of the immune system to control joint and skin inflammation and prevent joint damage. Typically, Dr. Bekele says biologics are used if conventional DMARDs aren’t effective.
• Targeted synthetic DMARDs, which may be prescribed if conventional DMARDs and biologic agents aren’t options or aren’t tolerated. These medicines include Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors.

Although finding the right PsA medication can take time, Dr. Bekele says the goal is to achieve remission — a time when your PsA is either inactive or minimally active. “We know there’s clear data for people who are in remission that the risk of flare-ups is extremely low, if non-existent,” Dr. Bekele says. Taking medications consistently as prescribed is very important to achieving remission.

In addition to prescribing medications, your care team will likely discuss other lifestyle modifications that can help you prevent flares. You may be told to:

• Minimise stress. Too much stress can trigger an inflammatory response from the immune system, which can make your pain, swelling and skin symptoms worse.
• Quit smoking. As with many other chronic conditions, smoking can make your symptoms worse.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight can increase production of certain proteins called cytokines that exacerbate PsA symptoms. Also, too much extra weight can make some PsA medications less effective. Working on weight loss can help improve your PsA symptoms and overall health.
• Improve your sleep hygiene. Sleeping can help reduce stress levels and support your overall health.
• Maintain a PsA-friendly diet. Anti-inflammatory diets, such as diets that follow principles similar to those of the Mediterranean diet, can help you manage your symptoms.
• Exercise regularly. Dr. Bekele recommends low-impact activities such as walking and pool-based therapy to keep your joints mobile.

Tracking your flare-ups can help you and your care team identify what seems to worsen your PsA symptoms. Triggers can range from certain foods, such as gluten, to changes in the weather. To get started, consider using the, online psoriatic disease flare guide and symptom tracker, a free product offered by the National Psoriasis Foundation.

What to do for a flare-up

Sometimes — despite your best efforts — flares happen. To best cope with a flare-up, work with your healthcare professional to develop a care plan ahead of time.

For the first step, Dr. Bekele recommends assessing the severity of your symptoms — such as pain level, stiffness and swelling — as soon as you notice them. If you have severe pain, have trouble walking or are unable to perform your typical tasks, call your care team immediately or seek emergency care.

In some situations, your care team may recommend steroid injections. But Dr. Bekele says steroids are used sparingly, as they can worsen joint and cartilage health in the long run and may cause unwanted side effects, such as weight gain or worsening skin symptoms.

If your flare is minimal to mild, Dr. Bekele says you may consider using non-prescription anti-inflammatory medicines, such as ibuprofen and naproxen sodium. Ice, rest and, if possible, time off work also can help you manage your flare symptoms.

https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/psoriatic-arthritis/your-guide-to-preventing-psoriatic-arthritis-flare-ups-from-medication-and-symptom-tracking-to-lifestyle-changes/