10-20 pc women experience psoriasis during pregnancy

From sambadenglish.com

Hormonal changes caused during pregnancy can trigger the risk of psoriasis in about 10-20 per cent of women, said health experts 

New Delhi: Hormonal changes caused during pregnancy can trigger the risk of psoriasis in about 10-20 per cent of women, said health experts on Saturday.

Psoriasis is a commonly seen chronic autoimmune condition that causes skin inflammation, with thick, itchy, scaly patches, most commonly on the knees, elbows, trunk, and even the scalp. The common symptoms are red patches, rashes, scaling of the skin, dry and cracked skin, itching, and soreness. It is caused due to an overactive immune system that causes inflammation.

“Pregnancy is an exciting and life-changing phase for women. Though, it can often bring about various challenges for expectant mothers and one concerning problem is psoriasis. The hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy often lead to variations in immune response, which can trigger flare-ups,” said Dr Jisha Pillai, Dermatologist, Lilavati Hospital Mumbai. “Around 10-20 per cent of women may suffer from psoriasis during pregnancy. However, there will be no risk to the foetus due to psoriasis,” added Pillai.

Pillai noted that stress during pregnancy can also aggravate existing psoriasis and lead to the new onset of this condition. Moreover, changes in skincare routine and sensitivity to environmental triggers might position pregnant individuals at greater risk for outbreaks. Other trigger factors include smoking, secondhand smoke, alcohol, skin infections, cold weather, and certain medications.

Besides pregnancy hormones that can affect the immune system and skin, potentially altering psoriasis severity, changes in medicines can also work as potential triggers for psoriasis.

“Many psoriasis treatments are not recommended during pregnancy due to potential risks to the foetus. Women may need to discontinue certain medications, which can lead to flare-ups,” said Dr. Parinita Kalita, Associate Director, Obstetrics And Gynaecology, Robotic Surgery, Max Super Speciality Hospital. Women with more severe psoriasis before pregnancy may also have a higher risk of exacerbation, the doctor noted.

The health experts stressed the need to consult a dermatologist and an obstetrician to help manage psoriasis effectively during pregnancy. They must use products suggested by dermatologists only and avoid self-medication for managing symptoms of this condition.

“Women must report symptoms of psoriasis such as red patches, scaling of the skin, and itchiness without any delay for seeking timely intervention,” Pillai said. (IANS)

https://sambadenglish.com/miscellany/health/10-20-pc-women-experience-psoriasis-during-pregnancy-experts-7380099

Ask the Expert: How Does Psoriasis Affect Women Differently Than Men?

From healthline.com

By Sara Perkins

Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will generally use the terms “men” and “women” to refer to a person’s sex assigned at birth. 

Psoriasis is a common inflammatory skin condition that, though estimates vary, affects roughly 0.5% to 5% of the world population. While every individual is unique, generally speaking, psoriasis can affect men and women differently.

According to a 2006 research review, most studies have suggested that psoriasis may be slightly more common in men, though the onset of disease may be earlier in women. For women, the average age of onset of psoriasis is in the late 20s, which can coincide with reproductive years (more on this below).

Data suggests that men may have more severe disease, but according to a 2019 review, several studies have shown that women experience a significantly higher burden from their psoriasis in terms of quality of life and perceived stigmatization.

Women with psoriasis are more likely to experience decreased happiness and increased stress and loneliness than men with the condition.

There have also been increasing reports on the associations between psoriasis and many other conditions, including:

• cancers
• heart disease
• obesity
• autoimmune disease
• psoriatic arthritis

One 2019 studyTrusted Source suggested that women with psoriasis were more likely to experience metabolic syndrome (when several risk factors occur together and increase your risk of conditions like diabetes and heart disease) than men with psoriasis.

Finally, while biologic therapies have revolutionized the management of psoriasis, women may be more likely to experience treatment limiting side effects, per a 2016 studyTrusted Source.

How does psoriasis impact self-confidence, self-esteem, and mental well-being?

Skin conditions are not hidden — everyone can see them. People who have psoriasis may feel embarrassed by the appearance of the rash or note having to change clothing due to the constant flaking. Having psoriasis in highly visible locations, like the backs of the hands, can be particularly challenging.

Many people feel that others worry that their skin condition may be contagious. In administered questionnaires, people with psoriasis noted concerns about rejection, feelings of being flawed, and sensitivity to the opinions of others.

How does psoriasis impact women who are dating or entering new relationships?

Those with psoriasis, particularly women, often feel self-conscious about their skin and fear rejection.

Psoriasis can involve many different areas of the skin, including genital skin and the gluteal cleft. A substantial portion of people who have psoriasis will experience genital involvement at some point.

This can impact sexual function. Women are more likely than men to note a decrease in sexual activity after being diagnosed with psoriasis, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation. 

Patients should discuss psoriasis with their partner whenever they feel comfortable. They can feel empowered knowing that it’s common, not contagious, and treatable.

How does psoriasis impact fertility, pregnancy, and nursing?

In general, psoriasis is not thought to impact fertility. However, women with psoriasis, particularly severe psoriasis, do have slightly lower rates of pregnancy for reasons that are unclear and likely multifactorial.

The majority of women note either an improvement or no change in their skin during pregnancy. A small subset of women do experience worsening symptoms, though.

Importantly, pregnancy and lactation have implications in terms of treatment options. Many treatments are very safe throughout pregnancy and nursing, but some could result in harm to the unborn or newborn baby.

Women with psoriasis should always discuss plans for pregnancy and nursing with their doctor.

What role does stress play?

Many people with psoriasis feel that stress impacts their skin, though proving this can be challenging and studies have had mixed results.

This represents a unique challenge for women who, as detailed above, experience more stress from their psoriasis. This can potentially lead to a cycle of stress worsening psoriasis and psoriasis worsening stress.

Mental health and self-care are important for everyone, including those with psoriasis.

Are there any lifestyle tips that can help?

I advocate for a healthy, balanced lifestyle for anyone who has psoriasis, for reasons that extend beyond their skin condition.

Alcohol use may be both a risk factor for development and a consequence of having psoriasis. It’s also been shown to be a risk factor for worsening disease, treatment failure, and overall mortality.

Both obesity and smoking may be associated with the development of psoriasis, and this has been shown more for woman than for men.

Importantly, there is no diet that will cure or prevent psoriasis. However, since those with psoriasis have increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and fatty liver disease, I do recommend diets that minimize high-glycaemic index and processed foods.

Can sticking with psoriasis treatment help?

Dermatologists have so many treatment options for psoriasis. Options range from topical therapies and light therapy to pills and injectable medications.

For many, psoriasis is a chronic condition that waxes and wanes over time. Appropriate treatment can both resolve current flares and prevent future ones. Success rates in clearing the skin, particularly with newer agents, are impressively high.

Studies have shown that effective treatment can improve or stabilize the effects of psoriasis on quality of life. I strongly encourage anyone dealing with psoriasis to talk with a dermatologist regarding treatment recommendations.

What steps can women with psoriasis take to feel comfortable in their skin?

Many people who have psoriasis find that lighter coloured clothing is less likely to show flaking than darker coloured clothing.

Medicated shampoos, like Neutrogena T-sal shampoo, can help to reduce flaking in the scalp.

Regular use of moisturizers can also help with the appearance of redness and flaking, and they can decrease the itching that some people with psoriasis experience.

Nail psoriasis can be particularly challenging and often requires systemic treatment (pills or injections). Minimizing trauma to the nails is important to prevent worsening.

The NPF has excellent resources and support groups for people managing with this condition.

Dr. Sara Perkins is an ABMS board certified dermatologist at Yale Medicine in Connecticut who practices general medical dermatology and has special interests in skin cancer prevention, screening, and treatment. She especially enjoys helping patients diagnosed with an aggressive form of skin cancer, melanoma, and addressing other skin-related dermatologic concerns that can result from too much sun exposure. Perkins is also an instructor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine.

https://www.healthline.com/health/psoriasis/psoriasis-in-women?slot_pos=article_1&utm_source=Sailthru%20Email&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=psoriasis&utm_content=2021-12-07&apid=39239719&rvid=058431b717dcfa59c0cdd27cd0a9313769e8b3dd4ad59d88efd0ded7ddb4774e

What to Know About Psoriatic Arthritis and Pregnancy

From verywellhealth.com

Fertility, Gestation, and Postpartum

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the joints and the areas where tendons and ligaments connect to bone. Inflammation with PsA can lead to swelling, pain, and stiffness of the joints. Left untreated, PsA can cause permanent joint damage and disability. 

The decision to start a family is one of the most important decisions you and your partner will ever make. But when you have PsA, there is a lot to consider when making this decision.

The good news is that for most people, PsA shouldn’t get in the way of family planning. Keep reading to learn more about fertility, pregnancy, delivery, and beyond for people living with PsA.

Psoriatic Arthritis and Fertility

Fertility is defined as the ability to conceive and the ability to become pregnant from sexual intercourse.

There is no evidence that PsA affects fertility.

The latest research on PsA and fertility finds that people with PsA can get pregnant just as easily as people without the condition. Also, having PsA doesn’t affect the health of the unborn foetus.

A study reported in 2019 in the journal Clinical Rheumatology relied on questionnaires from 74 women with PsA and 74 without PsA. The women were asked if they were diagnosed with infertility in the past, the type of delivery they had, their newborn’s weight, whether their baby was full-term, and if there were pregnancy-related complications. 

From the information received and reviewed, researchers concluded that PsA did not affect fertility and that having the condition did not lead to worse pregnancy outcomes.

The study also found 58% of people with PsA had improved joint symptoms during pregnancy. Unfortunately, symptoms returned and worsened after delivery for many of the study participants.  

While a study like this one is very promising, you should still talk to the doctor who treats your PsA if you are considering getting pregnant or you have learned you are pregnant.

A physician will need to adjust your treatment because some medications used to treat PsA, like methotrexate, can be dangerous to the foetus.

Methotrexate and Cyclophosphamide

Methotrexate is discontinued three months prior to trying to conceive given that it is teratogenic to a fetus (can cause birth defects). It would also be discontinued immediately if you are found to be pregnant while taking it.

Cyclophosphamide also is extremely teratogenic to a fetus and would not be recommended if trying to conceive or if pregnant.

There has also been some evidence that some disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), including cyclophosphamide and sulfasalazine, may reduce sperm quality. Fortunately, researchers believe the effect can be reversed by stopping those treatments.

There are other therapies for treating PsA, including many different disease-modifying drugs known as biologics, that will not affect male fertility.

Psoriatic Arthritis and Gestation

Gestation is the time between conception and birth. The foetus grows and develops in the womb (uterus) during this period. At this time, there are additional considerations for people with PsA, including those related to risks, treatment, and symptoms.  

Risks 

PsA on its own during pregnancy usually doesn’t have significant negative effects on the pregnancy or the unborn foetus. But studies on pregnancy outcomes in PsA are few and most of these are small in size or have conflicting results.

A 2019 Swedish study aimed to describe maternal pregnancy and infant outcomes in people with PsA compared to people without PsA. Researchers gathered information from national and population registries on individual pregnancies and compared outcomes.

They found the majority of pregnancies with PsA were uneventful, meaning there were no harmful outcomes. However, researchers did note an increased risk for preterm birth (being born before 37 weeks of pregnancy) and the need for caesarean section (C-section) deliveries compared to non-PsA pregnancies. 

Caesarean Section (C-section)

A C-section is a surgical procedure to deliver a baby by making incisions in the abdomen and uterus. C-sections are sometimes necessary when problems arise during pregnancy or delivery or for those who have had a C-section in the past.

Some research has found that PsA might be related to an increased risk for diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), and preeclampsia in pregnancy.

Preeclampsia a common pregnancy complication that causes high blood pressure and protein in the urine. It can affect the unborn fetus by reducing the amount of blood that flows through the placenta. 

Findings for a study reported in 2018 in Advances in Dermatology and Venereology revealed this connection. This study also confirmed an increased need for elective or emergency C-section deliveries and a higher risk for preterm birth or low birth weight. 

According to the study authors, many of these connections had never been previously reported. They further noted unhealthy lifestyle choices can also contribute to these negative effects in people with PsA and psoriasis.

The study did offer some good news, reporting that people with PsA and psoriasis can take steps to limit outside risk factors and thereby reduce their risk for negative outcomes in pregnancy. 

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin condition in which skin cells build up and form itchy, dry, and inflamed skin patches called plaques. A 2019 review of studies estimated that PsA affects about 25% of people who have psoriasis.

Treatments

If you are pregnant, the treatment of PsA must be tailored to your needs and those of your developing foetus. Most doctors will reduce the number of PsA medications you take and their dosages during pregnancy. Your doctor might also want you to stop taking certain drugs in favor of ones that are safer during pregnancy.

Among DMARDs, sulfasalazine and cyclosporine are considered safer than other PsA treatments. One study reported 74% of women who used sulfasalazine during pregnancy did not have an increase in birth defects, confirming prior studies. 

Prednisone is safe during pregnancy but dosing would be at the discretion of your healthcare professionals (ob-gyn or rheumatologist), depending on the severity of disease and the trimester you are in. 

The National Psoriasis Foundation released treatment guidelines in 2012 for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. In this report, the foundation concluded that some systemic and biologic drugs should be avoided during pregnancy because those drugs are linked to birth defects and miscarriage.

Newer research seems to suggest the risk of biologics during pregnancy might be overestimated. A 2018 study in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases reports that using biologics to treat autoimmune diseases during pregnancy does not appear to increase the risk for preterm birth or low birth weight.

Certolizumab is one of the safest TNF inhibitors (drugs that help stop inflammation) and is OK to continue during pregnancy. Your rheumatologist may consider holding off the use of others, such as Humira (adalimumab), during the last one to two months of pregnancy to limit transfer to the foetus. 

Biologics that target interleukin (IL) proteins, such as Kineret (anakinra), are used with caution since there is a lack of data regarding their risks for birth defects or miscarriage. Most healthcare professionals would advise you to discontinue these drugs during pregnancy.

Your rheumatologist and obstetrician are the best sources of information when it comes to pregnancy planning and pregnancy care with PsA. They can best advise on treatments for your PsA during your pregnancy based on your unique health situation.

Symptoms 

One study reported in 2017 in the journal Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism, looked at 42 pregnancies in 29 women with psoriatic arthritis. That study found PsA either improved or stayed stable in 58% of pregnancies. In about 88% of cases, skin symptoms improved or stayed stable. 

PsA worsened in 32% of the pregnancies. The remainder of the pregnancies had a mixed pattern of improvement that later got worse.

If your PsA worsens during pregnancy, you might see an increase in symptoms or increase in disease severity. Joint pain and swelling might be aggravated by the weight of your developing baby. 

You might also experience PsA pain and symptoms in your back and spine because of changes related to your growing belly. And since PsA and pregnancy both cause fatigue, it is not unusual for PsA fatigue to worsen during pregnancy. 

Prevalence of Psoriatic Arthritis During Pregnancy

According to a 2015 report in the Brazilian journal Annals of Dermatology, there are 107,000 deliveries performed annually on pregnant women with either psoriasis, PsA, or both.. Of these pregnancies, up to 15,000 people have moderate to severe disease.

Pregnancy can trigger PsA in people who have psoriasis. And up to 40% of people experience a new onset of PsA during the postpartum period.

Psoriatic Arthritis and Postpartum

Most people with PsA can have safe deliveries and healthy babies. They might experience worsening symptoms after delivery, but flare-ups can be addressed before they harm postpartum recovery. There are also some precautions you will want to take if you are planning to breastfeed your baby.

Postpartum

Postpartum refers to the period following childbirth. It begins immediately after childbirth, as the mother’s body, including hormone levels and uterus size, returns to its prepregnancy state.

Impact on Recovery 

If you notice your symptoms get worse after delivery, you should reach out to your rheumatologist. Research shows that many people with PsA will experience a flare-up in their disease after they give birth, although it may not happen right away. A flare-up is a time when PsA symptoms get worse. 

A study reported in 2019 in the journal Arthritis Care & Research found that disease activity in PsA worsened about six months after childbirth. In this study, Norwegian researchers followed 100 women with PsA and evaluated them at several points before, during, and after pregnancy.

Most people studied—around 75%—experienced remission (no disease activity) or low disease activity during pregnancy and right after. But six months after delivery, disease activity was significantly increased. 

The study’s authors concluded that while disease activity increased, there is no reason to assume that symptoms and disease activity cannot be managed or reduced. Talk to your doctor about updating your treatment plan and let your doctor know about disease changes and new symptoms, including back pain and stiffness. 

Impact on Breastfeeding 

There is a lack of research about medication safety during breastfeeding. You should talk to your rheumatologist, dermatologist, or other treating physician about how PsA therapies might affect breast milk. You should also avoid using topical treatments around your nipples so your baby doesn’t ingest these products.

When breastfeeding, the first-line (initial) therapies for psoriasis are limited to creams and low-potency corticosteroids. There are no known risks from topical treatments for a breastfeeding mother and the child. These treatments should be applied after breastfeeding and removed before breastfeeding.

Phototherapy, a second-line therapy for managing skin symptoms of PsA and psoriasis, is also believed to be safe while breastfeeding. But there are no studies to confirm this.

Systemic therapies like methotrexate for managing PsA might not be safe for use while breastfeeding. Studies on systemic therapies, including biologics, have found low or minimal concentrations of these drugs in breast milk.

But because there is no consistent data on how systemic therapies might pass through breast milk, your PsA treating physician is in the best position to give you advice on the safety of these drugs and the pros and cons of each treatment.

The decision as to how to treat PsA while you are breastfeeding is a personal one. Should you need treatment after you have a baby, work with your doctor to determine which treatment options might be best for your unique health situation.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How does pregnancy affect psoriatic arthritis symptoms? 

Pregnancy could mean a reprieve from your PsA joint and skin symptoms, although there is a chance your PsA could worsen or flare up during pregnancy. The condition tends to remain stable during pregnancy. However, worsening symptoms are also common after delivery.  

Does psoriatic arthritis affect how you can care for children? 

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, PsA tends to occur in people between the ages of 30 and 50. This means that many of the people affected by PsA are just starting their families or are parenting young children. It is challenging to juggle your care needs with those of your child.

Working with your doctor to manage PsA symptoms is vital. Remember flares are temporary and there are ways to adjust routines and activities around PsA while still caring for your child. Staying healthy and on top of your care will not only help you manage your PsA, but it will set a good example for your little ones. 

How likely is it that your baby will inherit psoriatic arthritis?

There is a genetic component to psoriatic arthritis, so it is possible for a parent to pass the condition on to a child. While an inheritance pattern for PsA is unknown, up to 40% of people with PsA have a family member with either PsA or psoriasis. 

PsA is also linked to certain environmental triggers. For this reason, it is impossible to predict whether your child will have PsA later in life. And it is important to note that many people with PsA and other autoimmune diseases do have healthy babies that never go on to develop PsA, psoriasis, or another autoimmune disease.

Summary

Psoriatic arthritis does not affect your ability to become pregnant, although some drugs used to treat it may reduce sperm quality. Some studies have shown an increased risk for certain pregnancy complications.

People often have fewer PsA symptoms during pregnancy, although they are likely to return after delivery. If you are pregnant, the medications to treat PsA may be adjusted to reduce risks to the foetus. They may also need to be adjusted if you are breastfeeding.

A Word From Verywell 

Taking care of yourself before getting pregnant, while pregnant, and after your baby is born is important if you live with psoriatic arthritis. Make sure you are taking your medicines as prescribed and that you adjust to any changes your doctor may advise.

You can also cope by eating healthy, taking naps when your baby is napping, and getting help from your partner, family, friends, and even paid help so that you can better deal with the challenges that arise.

Being a parent is difficult, but parenting comes with many unique rewards as well. Taking good care of yourself and managing your PsA can help to ensure your ability to care for your child.

https://www.verywellhealth.com/psoriatic-arthritis-and-pregnancy-5191339

 

Let's Talk About Your Top Psoriasis Questions

From healthcentral.com

What's a plaque? Is psoriasis contagious? And why is the "p" silent? So many Qs! Here, all the As.

Getting diagnosed with psoriasis—a chronic condition that drops patches of itchy redness around your body—can leave you not just scratching your skin, but your head. What the heck is going on?!? We asked top psoriasis experts for the most common questions they hear from patients. Their explanations will help you navigate your confusion and get on your way to clearer, less irritated skin. (As for that silent “p”? Blame the ancient Greeks.)

Our Pro PanelTop Psoriasis Questions

We went to some of the nation's top psoriasis experts to bring you the most scientific and up-to-date information possible.

April W. Armstrong, M.D.Professor of Dermatology, Associate Dean for Clinical Research, and Psoriasis Program Director

Keck School of Medicine and Department of Dermatology at the University of Southern California (USC)
Los Angeles, CA

Mark Lebwohl, M.D.Chairman of the Kimberly and Eric J. Waldman Department of Dermatology

Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai
New York, NY

Gretchen W. Frieling, M.D.Dermatopathologist

Former member of the Harvard Medical School faculty
Newton, MA

What Does Psoriasis Look Like?

There are five official types of psoriasis, which are determined by the appearance of lesions. (There are also subtypes, designated by where they appear on the body.)

• Plaque psoriasis has thick, sharply demarcated red patches with what appear as loose, scales called plaques—on lighter skin, they look silvery; on darker skin, purplish. This is the most common form of psoriasis. At least 50% of scalp and nail psoriasis—which many docs consider their own psoriasis categories—happens with plaque psoriasis.
• Inverse psoriasis can look the same as plaque, but it’s hidden in the folds of skin, in areas like the groin, armpits, and belly button.
• Guttate psoriasis has small, raised, and scaly dots that are smaller than the size of your fingertip. They can appear in the hundreds, usually on your arms, legs, and torso.
• Pustular psoriasis is when you have widespread pus-filled bumps surrounded by inflammation and scaling. It’s rare and usually develops suddenly, but because your skin begins to lose its protective function, it can even be deadly, so see a doctor immediately.
• Erythrodermic psoriasis is large, lobster-red areas from head to toe that can shed and peel in sheets. It only affects 2% of those with psoriasis, but it can be dangerous—get medical attention right away.

Is Psoriasis Contagious?

When you see a rash, it’s understandable to wonder if you can get it from hugging someone, using the same towel, sleeping in the same bed, etc. And psoriasis lesions sure can look angry during a flare-up. But no matter where they are on the body—and no matter which of the five types of psoriasis someone has, even the type with pus bumps—they’re not infected or infectious.
We repeat: Psoriasis is not contagious, so you can't "catch” it from anyone else or pass it on. To be crystal clear, that means it can’t be spread in a pool or bath, through sexual contact, or by touching someone who has the skin condition.

Is There a Link Between Stress and Psoriasis?

Oh, Lady Stress. She’s one of The Boys, those Amazon Video superheroes who use their powers for evil, not good. As with so many health issues, stress loves to mess with psoriasis.

Although stress is not technically a cause of psoriasis, it is considered a trigger, though experts aren’t clear on why it impacts this skin condition. What especially sucks is the cyclical nature: Stress can make a psoriasis flare worse, which leads to even more stress—especially if the flare is in a visible spot and extensive. Imagine how this feels when you’re anxious about a big event like a job interview, wedding, or public speech.

Of course, stress is inevitable, the key is to find ways to manage it. Try talking to a friend or family member, seeing a therapist, keeping a journal, or joining an online psoriasis support group.

If I Have Psoriasis, Will I Have It for Life?

Ten percent of people with psoriasis experience what’s known as spontaneous remission—for them, the skin condition goes poof, never to be seen from again. But for the other 90%, psoriasis is indeed a life partner. An overactive immune system leads your body to grow skin cells more quickly than they should.

That said, you can reduce the severity of psoriasis, and there may also be time periods—weeks, months, even years—during which your skin is totally clear, thanks to the array of treatment options available and a few lifestyle changes. For example, if you notice that your skin worsens when you take certain medications, your M.D. can recommend other options (say pills are prompting bad side effects; you may then move to biologics).

Will My Children Inherit Psoriasis If I Have It?

If only you could write it out of the will! But alas, psoriasis is very much linked to genetics. If you have psoriasis, your offspring’s chances of developing it are 14%. If both parents have it, the child’s likelihood rises to 40%.

Silver lining? If your kids do end up with psoriasis, you’ll know what they’re going through, because you’ve lived it; your insight can be invaluable to them.

What's the Difference Between Psoriasis and Eczema?

Psoriasis and eczema are skin conditions that can be red, itchy, and annoying, and both are rooted in a family history. But the similarities essentially stop there. Here are a few key ways they’re different:

• Psoriasis is usually thick, scaly, and raised, and sometimes silvery or purplish. Eczema looks more like dry flaky skin.
• Eczema—often called atopic dermatitis, its most common type—is more prolific, affecting more than 7% of adults and 8-12% of children. Only around 3% of the population has psoriasis, and it usually appears later in life rather than during childhood.
• Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that can lead to more debilitating health issues, such as psoriatic arthritis, while eczema is just about skin.
• Eczema can often be remedied with over-the-counter treatments and creams, but psoriasis often requires Rx medications and sometimes injections and laser therapy.

What Kind of Doctor Should I See for My Psoriasis?

A dermatologist is an expert in skin, so that’s a good place to start. Even better, there are derms who specialize in the treatment of this particular skin condition, which can boost your chances of a better outcome. The National Psoriasis Foundation offers a list of specialists that you can search by city.

What Happens to Psoriasis During Pregnancy?

Some women say they have a nine-month reprieve from their psoriasis symptoms (either partial or complete skin clearing) when they are pregnant. But if your symptoms don’t subside during pregnancy or you are one of the 10-20% of women whose psoriasis worsens at this time, finding relief can be challenging.

Some of the medicines you may have been using to control your condition aren’t safe for the fetus, and others can lead to miscarriage. Methotrexate, Soriatane (acitretin), oral retinoids and Tazorac (tazarotene), and biologics shouldn’t be used, for example.

There are plenty of safe options, though, so talk with your ob/gyn and dermatologist to determine what’s best for you, and have that conversation as soon as you begin thinking about getting pregnant. Some meds take time—even years—to get out of your system.

Is Psoriasis Painful?

While there are exceptions, psoriasis lesions can itch, sting, burn, or feel sore. About 30% of people with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis, a chronic immune condition that affects the joints and other areas of the body. Joints can swell and feel stiff and, in bad cases, you can end up with permanent joint damage.

What's the Difference Between Contact Dermatitis and Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition caused by genetics and a hyperactive immune system, and it can flare at any time. Once you have these red, scaly patches of skin, you usually have 'em for good.
While contact dermatitis can also be itchy, red, swollen, and sore, it isn’t raised and thick like psoriasis most often is. It’s also not chronic: As its name implies, contact dermatitis only occurs when your skin comes into contact with a substance that causes a reaction. This can include anything from laundry detergent to jewellery made with nickel.

What's the Difference Between Dandruff and Psoriasis?

Plaque psoriasis can appear on the scalp as loose, silver-coloured scales that can shed on your hair, clothing, or furniture. Like psoriasis on other areas of the body, this is a chronic condition that usually requires topical prescription products or oral medication.

Although dandruff also appears on the scalp and manifests in dry flakes that can be itchy, the flakes tend to be white. Dandruff is not considered a medical condition and doesn't typically require M.D. attention except in severe cases or if it doesn’t clear up with over-the-counter dandruff shampoo.

https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/top-psoriasis-questions