This Is the Skin I’m In: Embracing Your Psoriasis

From healthcentral.com

Four psoriasis warriors share how they found their confidence 

Psoriasis can be challenging and it can threaten your self-confidence, especially when your plaques are visible. But it doesn’t have to. Meet four psoriasis warriors who have found unique ways to feel comfortable in every situation—from dating to working. If you're ever having one of those days with your PsO, you'll find comfort and inspiration in this roundtable of body-positive tips:

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Meet Our Four Warriors

• Jill Leonard, 52, Vancouver, Canada

• Sam Howe, 33, Lynchburg, Virginia

• Jill McMahon, 38, Robbinsville, New Jersey

• Aya Lew, 38, Tulum, Mexico

HeathCentral: How long have you had psoriasis and what are your main symptoms right now?

Jill L: I’ve had psoriasis for seven years. After periods of intense or prolonged stress, flare-ups of blisters full of puss appear on my feet and palms. Luckily, they’re not painful, but they’re terribly itchy so I unconsciously scratch them in my sleep until they pop. Sometimes they get infected.

Sam: I’ve had psoriasis since I was a toddler. I currently have patches that cover some of my legs and arms.

Jill M: I’ve had psoriatic arthritis for 23 years. I’m on a new biologic and the plaques are lessening even in this first month of treatment. However, upwards of 75% of my body is still covered with psoriasis spots.

Aya: I’ve had psoriasis for six years. My main symptom these days is one small spot on my lower back.

HC: Is there a social or work situation in which you feel the most self-conscious about your psoriasis? If so, how do you handle those feelings?

Jill L: Prior to the pandemic, I was self-conscious every time I shook hands with anyone, which happens a lot on a normal day. Of course, most people don’t have the habit of gawking at one’s hands, but I knew they could feel the blisters and scales. I’m the only person I know who welcomed the new social norm of not shaking hands!

I have spent years putting in considerable effort to overcome this feeling. One day, I decided to just start openly excusing myself for not shaking hands by explaining that I have psoriasis on my palms, which is not contagious. Branding myself in this way doesn’t feel comfortable, but I think it’s a good thing because I am doing my small part to help raise awareness that psoriasis is there, can happen to anyone, and it’s not a sign of poor personal hygiene.

Sam: When I was younger, especially in middle school, I was really self-conscious about my skin. I would wear long pants in the summer so people wouldn’t see my psoriasis. By the time I reached high school, I realized I would rather be comfortable than hide my skin. Now as an adult I don’t really notice my psoriasis, except when it occasionally flares up.

Jill M: I’m a single woman and my psoriasis makes me most self-conscious when I’m dating someone new. Even in the summer months, I can often hide the major sections with my fashion choices. When it comes to being intimate, there’s no getting around having to prepare my partner that my body or skin looks different and what psoriasis actually is. I find men often have dark coloured sheets and nothing makes me panic more than feeling like I’m leaving behind body dandruff all over his bed. It’s more embarrassing because it feels like I’m dirty. I handle these insecurities by sharing the reality of my psoriasis with the person prior to being intimate.

It also helps that I’m so open with my friends and family and on social media. Talking about it and being connected with the psoriasis community really helps remind me that I’m not alone. Whenever I come in contact with another person with psoriasis who is struggling with their self-confidence, I feel so much love for them. I try to remember that I need to turn that love inwards as well.

Aya: When my psoriasis was at its worst a few years ago, I was the most self-conscious about going swimming as I was in bandages and was unable to wear a bikini for years. I handled it by always telling myself that my body was just communicating, and I had to become a better listener to what it needed. By listening and being more compassionate to myself I created space for healing and taking my health back into my own hands.

HC: Can you share any great advice you’ve received or ideas you lean on?

Jill L: A very close friend of mine was a victim of sexual abuse early in her life. After long years of therapy, she finally felt empowered enough to tell me the following: ‘I suffered through it and I still suffer because of it today, but thanks to my own strength, there is someone left to suffer.’ These two experiences are not comparable in any way. But it’s a truth that can be applied to so many different situations. Whenever I get overwhelmed with insecurity, it helps me get back on my feet, blistered though they are!

Sam: I’ve come to realize my skin only has as much impact on my life as I allow it to have.

Jill M: I saw this quote on Instagram: “What makes you beautiful has nothing to do with how you look.” I’m kind, thoughtful, smart, dynamic, artistic, funny, and so much more. None of my value has anything to do with the flakiness or redness of my skin.

Aya: When I was depressed, I would remind myself that life is short, and I am grateful to be alive as others have it harder. Gratitude has brought me back from my most difficult times.

HC: How do you tap into your self-confidence when you're feeling self-conscious?

Jill L: I keep repeating to myself: People don’t react the way they do because they are mean or want to hurt me. It’s their brain that is hardwired to shrink back from anything that resembles “disease.” It’s an evolutionary trait that has probably kept us out of harm’s way more times than we can imagine. With psoriasis, as with many other things, education can help. And it’s up to us to make that happen!

Sam: I go for a run. I find exercising to be a great way to clear my head and focus on what really matters.

Jill M: If I ever feel my self-confidence waning, I try to take a few deep breaths. This simple process helps me check back in with the inner me. Often when I feel self-conscious, I’m focusing too much on the outside world and what people around me might be thinking.

Aya: Being confident in life means always showing up from a place of love, especially when you are at your worst. No matter how much pain and suffering you are going through, to know and to love yourself is the only thing that matters.

HC: What's your number-one tip to other psoriasis patients about how to feel comfortable in any situation where their psoriasis is evident?

Jill L: In life, there are things you can control and those you can’t. Psoriasis is somewhere in between: You can’t really control it, but you can manage it and learn to live with it. Instead of soaking up the perceived negativity derived from people’s instinctive reactions, change the name of the game, and open up the “p” conversation whenever you can. You will be amazed at how a person can react normally after they backed away from you only yesterday. And, you will feel good, because the same person will never make another psoriasis patient feel bad.

Sam: Self-love goes beyond skin deep. When my daughter was five years old, she developed spots all over her body and my wife and I quickly realized it was psoriasis. Once she got that diagnosis, we tried to treat it with different medications and creams, but our daughter hated the medicines, and her skin didn’t bother her. We stopped aggressively treating it and instead focused on teaching her to love herself. We helped her and those around her (teachers, other parents, etc.) understand her spots through education and awareness. One day we overheard our daughter singing a song about a cheetah with beautiful spots. In the song my daughter had named the cheetah with her name. Much like a cheetah, anyone with psoriasis can be strong, resilient, and beautiful just the way they are.

Jill M: To feel confident in situations where your skin spots are on full display, check in with yourself just before you enter the social environment and remind yourself that YOU are not your skin. I find that after a few minutes my self-consciousness and feelings of anxiety slide into the background and my personality can shine.

Aya: Own where your body is, know that it does get better, and never lose hope. Remember: When you speak about psoriasis to people who don’t understand it, you are speaking for all the silent psoriasis warriors out there who don’t have a voice.

https://www.healthcentral.com/article/body-confidence-advice-psoriasis

How to Care for Your Skin During a Severe Psoriasis Flare

From healthcentral.com

When psoriasis flares get a little out of hand, take note of these dermatologist-approved steps to soothe pain, calm inflammation, and protect your skin 

A severe psoriasis flare is more than a few thicker-than-usual plaques. Skin may become rapidly and intensely red, swollen, and cracked, with itch that feels constant and overwhelming. “I look for more widespread, thickened, scaly plaques extending beyond prior areas of involvement, along with fissuring, pain, and intensifying itch,” says Meena Singh, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and medical director of the Skin and Hair Center in Overland Park, KS. Skin warmth or new pustules can also signal trouble. Beyond physical symptoms, severe flares often take an emotional toll, disrupting sleep, work, and daily life.

First Priority: Calm the Inflammation ASAP

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During a severe flare, the main goal is to calm inflammation as quickly and safely as possible, says Dr. Singh. For flares limited to certain areas, dermatologists may temporarily use stronger topical steroids like clobetasol, often followed by steroid-sparing treatments such as roflumilast. Thick scale may be gently reduced first so medications can work better. For stubborn plaques, steroid injections may help. If symptoms spread quickly or interfere with daily life, doctors may adjust prescribed systemic or biologic treatments (if you take them) to bring inflammation under control.

Soothing Baths Can Help

Short, lukewarm baths can help calm inflamed skin and soften plaques. “I usually recommend lukewarm baths with colloidal oatmeal and occasionally Dead Sea–style salts,” says Dr. Singh. Adding a bath oil can help seal in moisture, per the Mayo Clinic. What doesn’t help: long, hot baths or showers. “Hot water and harsh soaps disrupt the skin barrier and increase inflammation, even if they feel soothing at first,” she explains. Fragrances and essential oils can also worsen flares. Bonus tip: Moisturize within two minutes of bathing to lock in hydration.

Moisturize Like a Derm

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During a severe flare, the simple act of moisturizing becomes a form of treatment. “Proper moisturization alone can be therapeutic,” says Dr. Singh. She recommends thick creams or ointments—especially ceramide-containing formulas—applied at least twice daily. Prescription treatments should go on first, followed by moisturizer layered over the entire area. Timing matters, too: Apply within minutes of bathing while skin is damp. “Heavier creams work better than lotions,” adds Harvard-trained dermatologist Calvin Williams, M.D., who is the director at the Essential Dermatology Group in Bedford, TX, noting that dry skin worsens psoriasis and prolongs inflammation.

Using Bandaging and Occlusion Safely

Occlusion—a.k.a. covering treated skin—can reduce scaling and protect cracked areas when done carefully. Cotton gloves, socks, or soft dressings over petroleum-based ointments can help during severe flares. “Occlusion can be effective [for severe psoriasis], but it should be done under dermatologic guidance,” says Dr. Singh, since it increases absorption of topical steroids. Overuse may raise the risk of side effects like thinning skin. Contact your physician for guidance on bandaging and occlusion; they may even be able to walk you through it virtually if needed.

Scalp Psoriasis Crisis Care

Scalp flares can be especially painful and frustrating, particularly when plaques spread to the hairline or behind the ears. Medicated shampoos help reduce inflammation and scaling, but they should be used gently to avoid irritation. Overnight treatments can soften thick plaques, making them easier to remove in the morning. The biggest thing: “Avoid aggressive picking,” Dr. Singh warns, since it can worsen inflammation and raise the risk of infection. Consistent, careful care can ease pain while protecting both the scalp and hair during severe flares.

Managing Pain, Itch, and Cracking

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During severe flares, pain and intense itch often go hand in hand. Cooling gels, cold compresses, or ice packs wrapped in cloth can calm burning skin, notes the American Academy of Dermatology. Antihistamines may help control night-time itch and improve sleep, even though they don’t treat inflammation. The catch-22 is that “dry skin worsens psoriasis,” says Dr. Williams, making frequent moisturizing and humidifier use especially important. When skin cracks, apply thick ointments and protective dressings to reduce pain with movement. To limit damage, keep nails trimmed, wear cotton gloves at night, and avoid scratching whenever possible.

Clothing and Daily-Life Hacks

Your daily habits can either soothe or aggravate inflamed skin. Soft, breathable fabrics like cotton reduce friction, while tight seams and rough materials can worsen plaques. Loose-fitting clothes can also help prevent overheating, which can intensify itch. Fragrance-free detergents and skipping fabric softeners are also key to avoid unnecessary skin irritation. Protective dressings under clothing can shield painful plaques during the day. These small adjustments won’t stop a flare—but they can make work, errands, and social situations far more manageable.

When It’s Time for Medical Help

“Rapidly spreading disease, pain that outweighs itch, pustules, or widespread redness are red flags,” says Dr. Singh. Fever, chills, or bleeding that won’t stop could signal an infection and need immediate attention. Other infection signs include increased warmth, oozing, yellow crusting, or worsening pain despite treatment. Dr. Williams adds that flares not responding to usual treatments should also prompt a medical visit. In rare cases, severe flares can lead to erythroderma, a medical emergency marked by near-total redness of the skin. Bottom line: When symptoms escalate, don’t wait.

Work With Your Dermatologist

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Planning ahead can reduce stress when severe psoriasis flares hit. Dermatologists often recommend a personalized flare-response plan outlining which treatments to use, where to apply them, and when to call for help. “Psoriasis is not just a skin disease—it’s a systemic inflammatory condition,” says Dr. Singh. Having a ready-to-go flare kit with prescriptions, moisturizers, and dressings can help you feel more in control when flares strike. Meanwhile, tracking triggers like stress, illness, or medication changes can help reduce future flares and improve long-term control.

https://www.healthcentral.com/slideshow/how-to-care-for-your-skin-during-a-severe-psoriasis-flare?ap=nl2060&rhid=67ec2b8321f52bf01b0cca01&mui=&lid=141093361&mkt_tok=NTQxLUdLWi0yNDMAAAGfeujDbkS0o--xcPjfvl1qWUUowlbvZ8MEDFaZkPXPfb9kRNOZaXxED_BDr8h88dmYXPR9cF_-BjhcFkkdvYFaHbKWfR9pYqvJXH9TxJDKQq-I6aM

Should You Drink Coffee if You Have Psoriasis?

From everydayhealth.com

Coffee is linked with many health benefits, including protection against certain types of cancer, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. But for people living with psoriasis, the pros and cons of coffee are more nuanced.

Given that java is generally considered good for so many aspects of health, why would it be any different for people with psoriasis? Research suggests that it’s because of the overactive immune response of psoriasis. Anything that may impact the immune system could potentially worsen or improve disease activity.

Coffee may also impact other conditions that people with psoriasis are more likely to have, like heart disease and depression.

“Studies looking at psoriasis and coffee or caffeine have shown potential benefits and disadvantages,” says Steven Daveluy, MD, an associate professor and the associate program director of dermatology at Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit. “It really comes down to how much coffee you're drinking, and what you're putting in it.”

Learn more about how coffee may impact psoriasis, expert advice on the best way to take your coffee, and how much is too much when it comes to America’s favourite drink.

Benefits of Coffee Consumption

Although many of us see coffee as synonymous with caffeine, it’s much more than that. Coffee contains a variety of biologically active compounds, including polyphenols, diterpenes, and antioxidants — all of which may play a role in immune function and inflammation.

Potential to Reduce Psoriasis Disease Activity

“Both caffeine and antioxidants have effects that reduce inflammation and calm the immune system,” says Dr. Daveluy. “In psoriasis, parts of the immune system are overactive, so in theory, these compounds could be helpful.”

In the research that suggests coffee could help reduce disease activity, the key seems to be moderation. People who were moderate coffee drinkers — meaning they drank between one and three cups a day — had milder psoriasis symptoms and a lower risk of metabolic syndrome, a cluster of health issues including high blood pressure, obesity, and insulin resistance.

Metabolic syndrome increases your risk of cardiovascular problems, like heart attack and stroke. Because people with psoriasis have a higher risk of metabolic syndrome, this is a positive finding, says Daveluy.

But drinking more — especially four cups or more per day — appeared to worsen psoriasis and raise the level of pro-inflammatory chemicals.

“It's also important to note that the participants in the study drank black coffee, with no cream, milk, or sugar,” he says. Adding in those extras could potentially cancel out the benefits.

Increasing Energy Levels

Caffeine is well-known for its stimulating effects. For people managing the physical and mental fatigue that often accompanies psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis, coffee may offer a modest energy boost. It enhances alertness by blocking adenosine receptors in the brain and increasing the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine.

Coffee can help people feel more awake and focused, which could be helpful in managing fatigue, which is often cited as one of the more bothersome symptoms of psoriasis.

Mood Improvement

There’s some evidence that regular, moderate caffeine intake can improve mood and even reduce the risk of depression in the general population. That’s because caffeine stimulates dopamine, which is a chemical in your brain that plays a role in motivation and learning.

Caffeine also has benefits in terms of exercise — it can improve your performance and reduce your perception of fatigue. Exercise is also associated with improved overall mood.

While these improvements have been found in the general population, they may be especially important for people with psoriasis, who are at a higher risk of depression.

Potential Drawbacks of Coffee Consumption

There can be a flipside to coffee’s stimulating effects. While this holds true for everyone, with or without psoriasis, coffee may exacerbate some symptoms that are more common in people with the inflammatory condition. 

Jitteriness

Caffeine is a stimulant, and consuming too much can cause restlessness, anxiety, increased heart rate, and even tremors — symptoms often referred to as the "jitters." These effects can be uncomfortable and may even exacerbate stress, which is linked to an increased risk of psoriasis flares.

It can also increase respiratory rate, heart rate, and blood pressure, which may be an issue for people with psoriasis, especially if they have heart disease.

Sleep Disruption

As many as 40 percent of people with psoriasis have trouble sleeping.

Consuming too much caffeine, especially late in the day, may exacerbate those issues. Caffeine can remain in your system for hours after you drink it, making it harder to go to sleep (insomnia) and stay asleep.

Coffee’s Impact on Psoriasis Medications

“Caffeine has been shown to help a couple of our older psoriasis pills work better, specifically methotrexate and sulfasalazine,” says Daveluy. 

“With the availability of newer medications that are more effective and safer, we don't use these pills much anymore, but we still need them for some patients,” he says.

Assessing Your Personal Coffee Consumption

When it comes to coffee and psoriasis, one size does not fit all. Although the research is limited, the evidence from the available studies suggests that the benefit or risk depends on the quantity, says Daveluy.

For his patients with psoriasis who are coffee drinkers, Daveluy recommends up to three cups of black coffee a day, pointing out that more than that may actually cause problems. 

“I also emphasize that we're talking about black coffee. Sugar, milk, and cream are all pro-inflammatory foods that can make your psoriasis and heart disease risk worse. If you want the benefits of coffee consumption, skip the sugar and milk, or you can add a plant-based milk,” he says.

The Takeaway

• Moderate coffee consumption — up to three cups of black coffee per day — may lower psoriasis severity and the risk of related conditions like metabolic syndrome.
• Coffee may improve mood and energy, but it can also cause anxiety or sleep issues in some people.
• Four or more cups per day may increase inflammation and worsen symptoms, especially if the coffee includes sugar, milk, or cream.
• If you have psoriasis, consider keeping your coffee black, drinking it earlier in the day to avoid sleep problems, and talking to your doctor if you have questions about how it might interact with your medications or symptoms.
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• https://www.everydayhealth.com/skin-conditions/should-you-drink-coffee-if-you-have-psoriasis/

Questions to Ask Your Doc About Psoriasis Progression

From healthcentral.com

What you need to know now to manage your condition tomorrow 

When you’re living with psoriasis, the itch and pain of raw, inflamed skin is bad enough. But as you’ve likely been told, there are multiple ways this disease can progress. For one in three people with psoriasis, skin itch and discomfort are only the beginning of the story; the condition can develop into psoriatic arthritis (PsA), leading to joint pain as well. But just because progression is possible doesn’t mean you’re a sitting duck for worsening symptoms. We asked top dermatologists to answer common questions about psoriasis progression and what can be done to stay one step ahead of this disease.

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How Bad Can It Get? 

Like other chronic, inflammatory, autoimmune diseases, psoriasis is unpredictable and varies person to person. Some people have mild psoriasis and remain stable for many years, while others may develop more severe disease with serious consequences in a short amount of time. The exact causes of psoriasis are unclear, but it involves an overactive immune system that can impact the entire body. According to the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, people with uncontrolled psoriasis have high levels of inflammation-causing proteins found not just in the skin, but also in the blood, causing inflammation throughout the body. Untreated, the prolonged inflammation can affect other organs including the heart, liver, kidneys, and intestines, as well as joints, muscles and eyes.

What Are My Odds of Developing Psoriatic Arthritis?

“Psoriatic arthritis affects over 25% of people with skin psoriasis and can develop years after the skin involvement shows up,” explains Kate Edwards, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in San Antonio, TX.

While anyone with psoriasis can develop psoriatic arthritis, those with nail and scalp involvement should especially be on the lookout, as those types are closely linked with PsA. “Nail psoriasis can present as small irregular pits in the nails, oil spots, splitting, and thickening of the nail,” says Dr. Edwards. Early psoriasis treatment with advanced medications like biologic therapies may help prevent the development of psoriatic arthritis. “These are injections administered at home every one to three months that target a specific part of the psoriasis pathway, treating the condition from within,” Dr. Edwards explains. Since biologics decrease inflammation in the whole body, they can often prevent the development of joint involvement when initiated early enough, she says.

How Do You Evaluate Whether or Not My Treatment Is Working?

If you have psoriasis, you will hopefully be seeing your primary care physician or dermatologist regularly. Staying in contact with your provider is one of the best ways to stay on top of your disease. If you are not seeing an improvement in your psoriasis symptoms after three to six months of treatment, it is time to talk to your provider about your other treatment options, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation.

More specifically, your provider should be working with you to reduce the severity of your psoriasis so that it covers 1% or less of your body within three months after starting a treatment. You should also let your provider know if you have worsening side effects from the treatment or any new symptoms. If you do need to change treatment, you won’t be alone. In one study of those living with psoriatic disease, over half discontinued their original treatment before 12 months.

Should I Worry About Aching Joints?

If your psoriasis develops into psoriatic arthritis, early treatment is mission critical. According to the Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center, the earlier the treatment for PsA, the more likely you can prevent serious damage later.

But sore joints can happen for a variety of reasons, and it can be hard to tell if your aches are related to psoriasis, or just a normal part of life. Only your doctor will know for sure, but if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should make an appointment to see you provider and have things checked out:

• Inflammation where the tendons connect to the bone, especially on the bottoms of the feet, the Achilles' tendons, and where ligaments attach to the ribs, spine, and pelvis

• Inflammation or swelling of an entire finger or toe

• Pain in your neck, lower back, or sacroiliac joints

• Swelling, pain, or stiffness in any joint

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• Why Does My Psoriasis Come and Go?

There is no cure for psoriasis, but it is possible to put it on pause. That time when the disease is quiet is called remission. When the disease and its symptoms are reactivated, this is called a flare in the condition. A flare in psoriasis can happen for both unknown and known reasons including the exposure of certain triggers such as an extreme change in weather, medication becoming ineffective, or an increase in your stress levels.

Some experts believe that even when psoriasis is in remission and is without symptoms, there is still a molecular change to the healed skin that creates a sort of inflammatory memory where the psoriasis occurred which may make it easier to become inflamed again.

Can Psoriasis Affect My Eyes?

Uncontrolled inflammation related to psoriasis can also impact your eyes. Complications affecting the eyes such as lesions of the eyelids, uveitis, and conjunctivitis can all be associated with psoriasis. These eye related conditions occur in 10% to 12% of those with psoriasis.

According to a review in Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, certain psoriasis treatments, including disease modifying antirheumatic medications, phototherapy, and some biologic medications can also cause eye changes. The most common eye change associated with psoriasis is dry eye syndrome (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) which occurs in about one out of five patients. There doesn’t seem to be an association between the severity of psoriasis and eye changes, which means that for anyone living with psoriasis, regular eye examinations are a must.

Why Do Some Meds Work for Some People but Not Others?

If your psoriasis symptoms are progressing, it’s natural to wonder what other people are taking that’s keeping their skin in remission. What works for them should work for you, right? Unfortunately, it’s not as easy as that, says Michele Green, M.D., a board-certified New York City dermatologist at Northwell’s Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. There are several reasons why a psoriasis medication that works for one person might not work for another, including variations in the disease itself, individual differences in immune system dysfunction, and how the body processes the medication, Dr. Green explains.

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated disease, meaning an overactive immune system causes it. According to Dr. Green, “The specific pathways and cytokines, the proteins that signal between cells involved in the immune response can vary between individuals, even if they have the same type of psoriasis,” she says. “Medication targeting a particular pathway may be highly effective for someone with a strong involvement in that pathway, but less so for someone whose immune response is driven by a different pathway.”

Dr. Green says it’s important to remember that psoriasis is not a single, uniform condition. “There are various types, including plaque psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, inverse psoriasis, and pustular psoriasis, each with distinct characteristics and potentially requiring different treatment approaches,” she says. “The severity of psoriasis can also vary significantly, ranging from mild to severe. A medication that is effective for mild psoriasis may not be sufficient for severe cases.” Even within a specific type of psoriasis, the underlying immune system mechanisms might differ slightly from person to person, influencing treatment response.

Medications are also processed by the body differently in each person. Factors such as age, weight, kidney and liver function, and other medications can influence how a drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted, Dr. Green notes. “Some individuals may metabolize a drug more quickly, resulting in lower blood levels and reduced effectiveness, while others may metabolize it more slowly, potentially leading to increased side effects,” she adds. Drug interactions with other medications can also impact treatment outcomes.

That’s why it is essential to consult a dermatologist and receive a proper diagnosis to treat the condition specifically tailored to you, rather than relying on medication prescribed for others.

Finding the Right Team

Psoriasis care often begins with your primary care provider. If your condition worsens or other symptoms show up, it’s important that you add more specialized providers to your medical team including a dermatologist and if your joints are involved, a rheumatologist. Either of these specialists will then be able to refer you to other medical professionals such as a physical therapist, orthopaedist, or an ophthalmologist who are experienced with psoriatic disease. The National Psoriasis Foundation maintains a health care provider directory that may help you build a great team. You can’t always prevent psoriasis progression, but the more steps you take now to stay on top of your symptoms, the better your odds of slowing its advancement.

https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/psoriasis/questions-to-ask-your-doc-about-psoriasis-progression?ap=nl2060&rhid=67ec2b8321f52bf01b0cca01&mui=&lid=141093361&mkt_tok=NTQxLUdLWi0yNDMAAAGchiJjMktbUg0XOK3gqD-fjU93F9-fSEVeBlmF-qg6wo2ii_jce9wsQKtU-NGPpjFcGXgtRwJPAOfOtsOrxWMXgDrauGcEgWbrSu07YLAqWIbvKq0