6 Daily Habits That Can Help You Manage Psoriasis

From everydayhealth.com

By Matt McMillen

If you have psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune disease, you may feel under its control at times. It can dictate the clothes you wear, it can elevate your stress, it can influence how you see yourself and how you think others see you, and the itch that comes with it can make you really, really uncomfortable.

Psoriasis has no cure. But you can develop healthy daily habits that will help you tame your symptoms and lessen the hold psoriasis may have on you. These habits don’t replace the medications your doctor prescribes; instead, think of them as important, complementary parts of your treatment plan.

Top dermatologists recommend adopting the following habits.

1. Stress Relief

“Stress is one of the most common triggers for psoriasis flares,” says Peter Lio, MD, a dermatologist and a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago. “While it is impossible to eliminate stress entirely, developing a daily stress-management practice can make a meaningful difference.”

Such a practice, says Dr. Lio, requires as little as 5 to 10 minutes a day, and he offers lots of options to choose from, including:

• Meditation
• Breathing exercises
• Prayer
• Journaling
• Gentle yoga
• Spending quiet time outdoors

2. Sleep Hygiene

Stick to a regular sleep schedule that nets you seven to nine hours each night. You’ll find that to be a powerful tool for your overall health, says Lio, who adds that sleep and inflammation go hand in hand. “Poor sleep can worsen stress, affect mood, increase itch perception, and make it more difficult to manage a chronic condition,” he explains. He offers this related tip: practice your stress-management routine at bedtime to potentially help both sleep and stress simultaneously.

“Sleep is going to counter stress,” says Ross Levy, MD, the chair of dermatology for Northwell's Northern Westchester Hospital in Mt. Kisco, New York.

The discomfort of psoriasis can make it difficult to sleep, but other conditions, such as obstructive sleep apnea, also may be to blame. If you struggle with sleep, says Dr. Levy, talk with your doctor, who may recommend a sleep study to pinpoint the cause and guide treatment. But you shouldn’t expect a quick fix. “Sleep patterns take months to change,” says Levy.

3. A Healthy Diet

Lio encourages his patients to adopt healthy eating habits that emphasize whole foods, vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and healthy fats like olive oil, while minimizing highly processed foods.

One eating plan that promotes this approach: the Mediterranean diet, which may help reduce inflammation while supporting your overall health. “While research on its specific benefits for psoriasis is still evolving, it represents a practical and sustainable approach for many people,” says Lio.

Bonus: A nutritious diet can help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight. “Excess weight is associated with increased inflammation, and weight reduction has been shown to improve psoriasis severity in many patients,” says Lio.

Levy cautions against following very restrictive eating plans. For example, the ketogenic diet has shown benefits for psoriasis in some studies. But the diet drastically limits carbohydrates, and that can be difficult to sustain. Your best bet, he says, is to find what works for you.

“Never think ‘If I don’t do this or that type of diet, I’m in trouble,” says Levy. “That just adds to your stress. Look into an eating plan that’s not complicated, like the Mediterranean diet, and consider eating less red meat or eating a vegetarian diet.”

4. Daily Movement

“Exercise is the quickest and easiest way to reduce stress and get healthier,” says Levy.

You don’t need to join a gym or push yourself to sweaty extremes. A short daily walk, especially when paired with a healthy diet, may ease your psoriasis, says Lio. How? In large part, by helping you toward a healthy weight, says Lio. In addition to walking, experts also recommend other gentle exercises, like yoga and cycling. Aim for 30 minutes of activity a day, four to five days per week.

Daily exercise also can improve your mood. That’s important because psoriasis raises your risk of both depression and anxiety by more than 30 percent.

Finally, exercise — along with a healthy diet — offers protection against the risks psoriasis poses to your overall health, such as heart disease and diabetes, says Lio.

5. Consistent Skin Care

"Regular skin care helps support the skin barrier and can reduce dryness, scaling, itching, and irritation,” says Lio, adding that consistency is critical. He recommends moisturizing daily, particularly right after bathing. It’s also important to find the bathing temperature that’s right for you. For some people, warm water causes itching, while others’ itching gets triggered by cold water. Experiment to determine your best temp and stick to it.

Gently pat yourself dry before applying your moisturizer. You may find it helps to moisturize more than once a day.

Lio says that many of his patients prefer thicker creams or ointments. Oils and heavy ointments may be your go-to if you have super dry skin. If you have thick scaling, moisturizers with salicylic acid offer additional benefits. They aid in lifting and removing those scales, allowing your topical medications to really get into your skin and do their work.

Which moisturizers will work best for you? Ask your dermatologist for recommendations and expect some trial and error.

“You need to experiment to find the ones you like,” says Levy.

6. A Little Time in the Sun

The right amount of sunlight every day may improve your psoriasis, though too much sun exposure can lead to psoriasis flares or worsen your ongoing symptoms. Ask your dermatologist for guidance.

Be sure to use sunscreen if you’re going to be outdoors for longer periods. This will help prevent flares. Do this year round, even on cloudy, cold days.

How to Build a Routine That Sticks

Establishing new healthy habits can feel daunting in the beginning, and such habits can be a challenge to maintain. Work on one habit at a time, says Levy. You and your doctor can determine the best place to start. If sleep’s your biggest issue, for example, focus on that first.

And remember that small changes will add up. Need to improve your diet? Don’t overwhelm yourself by going all in right away. For example, says Levy, if you eat red meat every day, consider slowly cutting back to once every week or two while gradually incorporating more vegetables.

Patience is key. You won’t see results from your new habits right away. In fact, says Levy, it likely will be months before you notice improvements. Keep going!

You can log your progress to help yourself stay on track. Use a journal or smartphone app daily to note your stress level, sleep quality, and other lifestyle factors that you’re working on. Also, jot down your psoriasis symptoms. Over time, says Lio, this may reveal patterns and reinforce positive changes. For example, if your symptoms bother you less when you sleep well, use that as encouragement to keep practicing your new and improved sleep habits.

The Takeaway

• Healthy daily habits, like a nutritious diet, exercise, and good sleep, can improve your psoriasis and complement your medical treatment.
• Psoriasis is a very individual condition, so expect some trial and error before you find the most effective daily habits for you.
• Your new habits will help you improve your overall well-being and offer protection against the health risks that come with psoriasis, such as heart disease and diabetes.

https://www.everydayhealth.com/psoriasis/daily-habits-that-can-help-manage-psoriasis/

 

5 Summer Habits That Could Be Irritating Your Psoriasis

From verywellhealth.com

Managing psoriasis in the summer can be challenging, as hot weather and sweating may worsen symptoms. Certain summer habits and activities can also further irritate your skin.

1. You Are Not Protecting Your Skin From Sun Exposure 

Sunlight can help or harm people with psoriasis. While ultraviolet-B (UVB) light may improve symptoms by slowing skin cell growth and reducing inflammation, excessive sun exposure or sunburn can trigger flares and increase the risk of skin cancer. UVA rays cause deeper skin damage, and some psoriasis treatments can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sun safety facts.

To protect yourself, avoid peak sunlight hours (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), and use a fragrance-free, broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going outside, reapply every hour, and be sure to cover all exposed skin areas, including your ears, neck, and scalp.

Help avoid a summer psoriasis flare by protecting your skin from the sun and other irritations and keeping your skin hydrated.   golfcphoto / Getty Images

2. You Are Not Wearing The Right Clothing

Wearing cool, breathable clothing is a simple and effective way to help manage psoriasis symptoms. Choosing the right fabrics can minimize friction and irritation, keeping your skin comfortable and reducing the risk of heat build-up. In contrast, wearing improper clothing can trap heat and moisture, leading to increased irritation and discomfort for your skin.

Natural fibres like organic cotton, linen, and silk are breathable and gentler on sensitive skin, making them excellent choices. Wool and synthetic fabrics, on the other hand, can feel itchy, cause irritation, and trap heat. 

3. You Are Not Keeping Your Skin Hydrated 

Staying hydrated during the summer is essential for managing psoriasis. Proper hydration helps maintain your skin’s moisture, reduces itchiness, and supports overall skin health. On the other hand, dehydration can make your skin flaky, rough, and more prone to flare-ups—particularly in warm, dry weather.

Hydration can help address summer-specific challenges, such as:

• Sweating: High temperatures increase sweating, which may irritate psoriasis plaques, especially in skin folds.
• Air conditioning: Prolonged exposure can dry out your skin if you’re not drinking enough fluids.
• Swimming: Chlorine and saltwater can dry your skin, so it’s important to rinse off and moisturize after swimming.

Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you’re active or outdoors in hot weather. Eating hydrating foods like watermelon and cucumber can further support your skin health and help you stay hydrated.

4. You Are Not Eating a Healthy Diet

While diet does not directly cause psoriasis, certain foods can worsen inflammation and trigger flares, while others may help reduce them. During the summer months, increased activity, more time outdoors, and changes in eating habits make it even more important to choose foods that support skin health and help manage symptoms.

Including a variety of nutrient-rich foods—such as fresh fruits and vegetables, beans, legumes, healthy fats, and lean proteins like fatty fish—can help keep inflammation in check. Incorporating anti-inflammatory herbs and spices like turmeric, ginger, and thyme into your meals may also provide additional benefits for managing psoriasis during the summer months.

5. You Are Not Protecting Skin Against Bug Bites

Injury to the skin—including bug bites and stings—can trigger a psoriasis flare, a reaction known as the Koebner phenomenon. Sunburns may also cause this reaction, so protecting your skin is especially important.

To help prevent bug bites:

• Limit time outdoors after dusk and at dawn, when insects are most active.
• Wear long-sleeve shirts, pants, socks, and closed-toe shoes in areas with many bugs.
• Apply insect repellent to exposed skin.
• Use citronella candles to help keep bugs away.

Additionally, avoid contact with irritating plants such as poison oak and poison ivy, as they can cause skin irritation and trigger psoriasis symptoms. Stick to well-lit paths where you can see clearly to avoid these plants, and wear long pants and socks for added protection.

When to Reach Out to Your Dermatologist 

If you notice your psoriasis symptoms worsening in the summer heat, your dermatologist or healthcare provider can adjust your treatment plan to better manage flares. 

Be sure to contact your dermatologist if you experience any of the following:

• Plaques that spread or worsen during hot weather
• Severe skin pain or signs of infection, such as pus or crusting
• Feeling feverish, extremely fatigued, or generally unwell
• Topical treatments that cause burning or trigger new rashes

Effective psoriasis treatment options such as phototherapy, prescription creams, and biologic medications are available to help keep your skin calm and healthy year-round.

https://www.verywellhealth.com/summer-habits-that-could-be-irritating-your-psoriasis-12009141 

How Does Red Light Therapy for Psoriasis Work?

From healthline.com

Red light therapy (RLT) is a type of phototherapy used for many skin conditions and even cancer. Some people find it helpful in treating psoriasis, though results have been mixed.

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that involves a rapid turnover of skin cells. People with psoriasis often find rough areas of painful irritation and silvery scales called plaques on various parts of their bodies.

There’s no cure for this autoimmune disease, but treatments are available that can help ease psoriasis symptoms. These include home remedies to calm the skin, topical and oral medications, and light therapy.

Keep reading to learn more about red light therapy (RLT) for psoriasis, including how it works and if it might be right for you.

What is red light therapy?

The Good Brigade/Getty Images

RLT is a form of light therapy that uses light-emitting diodes (LED) to treat conditions from acne to persistent wounds. Some people with psoriasis undergo light therapy with ultraviolet (UV) rays, but RLT doesn’t contain any UV rays.

In a hospital setting, doctors may combine RLT with certain medications. Some experts refer to this as photodynamic therapy.

You don’t necessarily need to see a doctor to test out RLT. There are various consumer products on the market aimed at cosmetic applications.

Many tanning salons, like B-Tan Tanning in parts of Florida, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, offer red light beds. These salons say that red light beds help reduce:

• cellulite
• acne
• scars
• stretch marks
• fine lines
• wrinkles

For more targeted RLT, you’ll need to consult a dermatologist first.

How long has red light therapy been around?

Scientists at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Quantum Devices, Inc. (QDI) first discovered red light as a way to grow plants in space back in the early 1990s.

Red LEDs produce light that’s 10 times brighter than the sun’s rays. They also learned that this intense light helps energy metabolism in plant cells and promotes growth and photosynthesis.

From 1995 to 1998, the Marshall Space Flight Center challenged QDI to study red light for its potential application in medicine. In other words, they wanted to see if the red light that energized plant cells would work the same way on human cells.

The primary focus of this research was to determine if RLT might affect certain conditions that impact astronauts.

Specifically, the scientists wanted to see if RLT could help with muscle atrophy and bone density issues that arise from long periods of weightlessness. Wounds also heal slowly in space, so that was another key focus area of their studies.

What is red light therapy used for today?

Through grants and clinical trials in the years since the initial research, RLT has proven effective for some medical conditions, including:

• acne
• age spots
• cancer
• psoriasis
• sun damage
• wounds

RLT can even be used to help activate certain drugs that fight cancer. Some cancer drugs are sensitive to light.

When the treated cells are exposed to certain types of light, such as red light, they die off. This therapy has been particularly helpful for treating esophageal cancer, lung cancer, and skin diseases like actinic keratosis.

Red light therapy and psoriasis

An older 2011 study in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and VenereologyTrusted Source examined the effects of RLT versus blue light therapy for individuals with psoriasis. Participants had high dose treatments 3 times per week for 4 consecutive weeks while applying a 10 percent salicylic acid solution to plaques.

What were the results? Both the red and blue light therapies were effective in treating psoriasis. The difference between the two wasn’t significant for scaling and hardening of the skin. However, the blue light therapy did come ahead when treating erythema, or reddened skin.

It’s important to remember that these treatments were done with high doses in a medical setting. The results may vary greatly if the therapy is performed at home or in a salon or wellness centre.

Risks and considerations

RLT isn’t associated with any major risks. Still, you may want to speak with your doctor if you’re taking medications that increase your skin’s photosensitivity.

There are several other types of light therapies that may help with psoriasis. Consider also asking your doctor about the following therapies:

• ultraviolet light B (UVB)
• natural sunlight
• psoralen and ultraviolet light A (PUVA)
• laser treatments

Speaking with your doctor

There’s no cure for psoriasis. However, you may find relief from your symptoms if you use the right mix of treatments. RLT is just another tool to add to your kit for finding relief. Of course, before trying anything new, it’s best to check with your doctor.

Though you can purchase red light devices for home use or arrange for therapy sessions outside of a medical setting, your doctor may have certain guidelines that will make your treatment more effective.

You may want to ask which type of light therapy would most help your specific symptoms. Your doctor may also have suggestions for how to combine oral or topical medications with light therapy, as well as what lifestyle changes will help you avoid psoriasis triggers.

https://www.healthline.com/health/red-light-therapy-psoriasis 

What Is Psoriasis? Symptoms, Causes And Treatments

From forbes.com

By Suzie Glassman

An estimated 7.5 million people in the U.S. live with psoriasis, making it one of the most common immune-mediated disorders in the country. Immune-mediated conditions occur when overactive immune cells attack normal cells within the body, causing inflammation. In the case of psoriasis, this manifests as a rash, which most often appears as raised red or silvery scales, or plaques, on the skin—but the rash can also present as small white pustules or shiny smooth lesions in more rare forms of the disease.

“Despite the chronic nature of psoriasis, there’s no reason for anyone to suffer,” says Lawrence Green, M.D., clinical professor of dermatology at George Washington University School of Medicine. “There are many effective treatments, and delaying care can lead to other serious conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes and depression.”

Below, learn everything you need to know about psoriasis, from types and causes to diagnosis and available treatments.

                                                                                                                   Getty Creative

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition resulting from an overactive immune system and is often characterized by thick, red skin and silvery plaques. Despite its rash-like appearance, psoriasis is not contagious. Normal skin cells grow and shed over a month. In the case of psoriasis, however, skin cells grow faster, piling up on the skin instead of shedding and causing plaques that can be irritating, painful and itchy.

Different Types of Psoriasis

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation (NFP), there are five types of psoriasis. These include:

• Guttate psoriasis: Affecting up to 8% of people with psoriasis, this appears as small, raised, round spots that are sometimes scaly and often appear on the arms, legs and trunk.
• Pustular psoriasis: This type is characterized by small, white pustules on the skin that often develop quickly and in tandem with fever, chills, itching, fatigue and muscle weakness. It’s essential to see a doctor as soon as these signs appear.
• Plaque psoriasis: The most common type of psoriasis, affecting up to 80% of those with the condition, plaque psoriasis causes raised, scaly patches of skin and can show up anywhere on the body. Patches may vary in colour depending on a person’s skin tone. For example, on dark skin, plaques can appear purple, dark brown or grey. On lighter skin, plaques typically appear more reddish.
• Inverse psoriasis: Around 25% of people with psoriasis experience shiny, smooth lesions (rather than scaly) ranging from bright red to purple or brown, depending on skin tone. Lesions appear in skin folds like armpits, under the breasts, or in the groin.
  People may experience inverse psoriasis simultaneously with one of the other types, and friction or sweat can exacerbate symptoms.
• Erythrodermic psoriasis: This rare form of psoriasis causes intense swelling, redness, and, sometimes, skin shedding in sheets. This is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition that can lead to increased heart rate, body temperature changes and severe itching and pain, so it’s imperative to see a doctor immediately if symptoms appear.

Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is also associated with psoriasis. This condition causes inflammation and pain in the joints, tendons and ligaments that connect to bones. About 30% of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis, according to the NFP, and many develop the condition about ten years after a psoriasis diagnosis. However, it’s possible to develop psoriatic arthritis without ever developing psoriasis.

“Psoriatic arthritis can cause irreversible joint damage,” says Mary Stevenson, M.D., associate professor of dermatology at New York University Langone Health. “This is why seeing a board-certified dermatologist if you have psoriasis is essential. There is no cure, but there are medications that can lessen the severity and slow the progression.”

Common Signs and Symptoms of Psoriasis

While psoriasis can appear on any part of the body, the most common places are in skin folds, the scalp, genitals, face, hands, feet and nails. Psoriasis can begin at any age but is most common in adults ages 50 to 69.

Symptoms on the skin range from red, scaly, itchy patches to pus-filled bumps, depending on the type. A study published in Reumatologia found that around 50% of people with plaque psoriasis experience nail symptoms like deformation, pitting, discoloration, and splitting from the nail bed.

Symptoms in the hands and feet, such as thickened skin and deep cracking, may also appear and can be painful, according to the study.

What Causes Psoriasis?

The exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, but genetics, stress and lifestyle choices may play a role, according to a global psoriasis report by the World Health Organization (WHO). “It can run in families, so the more family members who have it, specifically your parents, the more likely you are to have it,” says Dr. Stevenson. “Smoking can also increase your risk.”

What Triggers Psoriasis?

There are a few known triggers that can worsen existing symptoms of psoriasis or cause new ones to appear:

• Stress is a major trigger for psoriasis and can make itching worse, according to the NFP. Also, the appearance of psoriasis can be stressful for those embarrassed by the condition. “I’ve had patients tell me they’ve been kicked out of swimming pools by lifeguards who think they have a contagious rash,” says Dr. Green.
• Injury, like a scrape to the body in people with the genetic tendency to develop psoriasis, can also cause the immune system to develop an overactive response, adds Dr. Green.Sunburns, vaccinations, and bug bites can also have a similar effect due to the Koebner phenomenon, in which new psoriatic skin lesions appear after an injury to otherwise healthy skin, according to Dr. Stevenson. While uncommon, some studies have linked psoriasis flares after vaccination for influenza, pneumococcal pneumonia, and yellow fever. The Covid-19 vaccine has also triggered reactions in a small number of documented anecdotal cases, according to a series of case studies in Cureus, but more research is needed into this potential link.
• Viruses and illness are other triggers because they affect the immune system. The NPF says psoriasis can flare due to an ear infection, bronchitis, tonsillitis or a respiratory infection, and strep throat can trigger the onset of guttate psoriasis in children.
• Certain medications may cause psoriasis flares, including common blood pressure medications called beta-blockers and lithium, so patients on these medications should be aware, says Dr. Stevenson.
• Dietary factors, such as diets high in refined sugars, sodium, meat and alcohol have been implicated in increasing inflammation and psoriasis symptoms, according to a 2020 study in the International Journal of Molecular Science.
• The weather can also be a trigger. Cold weather brings less sunlight and humidity, as well as potentially more stress and illness. “There may also be some other environmental triggers we aren’t aware of, but the underlying [disposition] to get psoriasis has to be there, or it won’t develop,” says Dr. Green.

The NPF recommends patients keep track of their psoriasis triggers to anticipate flares and know when to seek treatment.

Psoriasis Risk Factors

According to a 2019 review in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, extrinsic risks of psoriasis come from the external environment and include air pollutants, certain medications, lifestyle factors, illness or skin injury. Intrinsic risks come from certain medical conditions, such as suffering from obesity, diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, mental stress and dyslipidemia, a condition where lipid levels are too high or too low.

Smoking and alcohol consumption are associated with psoriasis, according to research. A 2012 study in the American Journal of Dermatology reports smoking to be a risk factor for developing psoriasis.

Untreated psoriasis causes inflammation throughout the body, which, according to Dr. Green, can also contribute to heart damage and high blood pressure.

Complications of Psoriasis

As mentioned above, psoriasis can progress into the chronic skin and nail disease, psoriatic arthritis. 

In addition to that risk, the American Journal of Medical Care (AJMC) notes that some individuals may be at an elevated risk for certain cancers, such as squamous cell carcinoma, lymphoma and basal cell carcinoma. A higher chance of being impacted by more severe disease may also be associated with psoriasis, including cardiovascular disease, endothelial dysfunction, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity and diabetes. 

Research into the condition of psoriasis continues, as scientists still aren’t fully clear on the connection between psoriasis and other more serious conditions. To learn more about what potential psoriasis complications might look like for you or a loved one, consult your doctor or a dermatologist.

How is Psoriasis Diagnosed?

Psoriasis is typically diagnosed and treated by a dermatologist. “Psoriasis is usually diagnosed clinically by a skin exam, including [an examination of] your scalp and nails,” says Dr. Stevenson. “Your clinician will also ask you questions about your [health] history, including joint pain, as psoriasis is associated with psoriatic arthritis. [Psoriasis] can also be diagnosed by biopsy, where a sample of tissue is sent to the lab.”

What Does Psoriasis Look Like and Where is it Found on the Body?

Plaque psoriasis, typically the most prevalent type of psoriasis, often appears as thick, scaled patches on the skin in a silvery colour, popping up on the scalp, elbows, knees, lower back and potentially other areas of the body, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD).

Scalp psoriasis can be thick or thin, with thicker patches creating a greater risk for hair loss. This type of psoriasis can be found on the scalp, forehead, neck or ears. Other types, such as nail psoriasis, include yellow-brown colouring on the fingernails or toenails, and are associated with crumbling or pitted nails. Another, guttate psoriasis, most common in children and often brought on by strep throat, can appear as small, scaly spots. 

Additional types of psoriasis can have other visual characteristics and appear in different spots on the body, however many will have the scaly appearance mentioned above.

Psoriasis vs. Eczema: What's the Difference?

While often confused with eczema, psoriasis is believed to be an autoimmune condition, while eczema is commonly associated with allergic conditions, such as asthma or food sensitivities. 

Eczema is often itchier than psoriasis and presents itself most commonly in folds of the body, such as the inside of the elbows or back of the knees. Psoriasis may also show up on the knees or elbows, as well as the scalp, buttocks and face. (It’s important to note that both conditions can show up in the same areas in some cases.) Psoriasis lesions are also typically more well-defined with sharper borders and thicker scaling.

Expert-Recommended Treatments for Psoriasis

Treatments for psoriasis fall into four categories: topicals, phototherapy, systemics and complementary or integrative medicine, according to the NPF. The choice of therapy depends on the severity of the disease, says Dr. Green.

Topical treatments are creams applied directly to the affected area, slowing the rapid production of skin cells and reducing inflammation. The most common topical medications are topical steroids, which contain an anti-inflammatory ingredient to heal swelling and redness and usually require a prescription from your doctor. However, topical steroids can’t be used in some areas because they may cause side effects like bruising, pigmentation and redness.

In 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new, nonsteroidal topical cream for adults for the first time in 25 years called tapinarof. “Patients can use this treatment from head to toe without any limitations, which is great for those who have mild to moderate psoriasis,” says Dr. Green.

The FDA has also approved several over-the-counter (OTC) topical treatments for psoriasis, such as lotions, shampoos, tars and bath foams that often contain coal tar and salicylic acid.

Phototherapy is a type of light therapy that a dermatologist may prescribe if topical treatments are ineffective. This therapy involves regularly exposing the skin to ultraviolet (UV) light—, particularly UVB light. UVB rays are found in natural sunlight and slow the growth of skin cells.

There are several types of phototherapy, and it’s most effective when patients receive therapy at least two to five times a week for several weeks, according to the AAD. Phototherapy is not prescribed for patients with skin cancer or in the case of any condition or medication that makes them more sensitive to UV light.

Systemic treatments are prescription drugs taken orally or through an injection or infusion and are usually prescribed when topicals and phototherapy are unsuccessful. These drugs, known as biologics or biosimilars, work throughout the body to target specific molecules inside immune cells and correct the overactive immune response causing psoriasis flares.

Biologics and biosimilars include medicines that come from live organisms, including animal cells and microorganisms like yeast and bacteria. Both treatments are highly regulated by the FDA and deemed by the organization to be safe and effective.

Can You Prevent Psoriasis Flares?

“The best way to prevent psoriasis flares is to follow your dermatologist’s treatment recommendations, moisturize well and avoid trauma to the skin. Lowering stress can also help,” says Dr. Stevenson.

The AAD suggests practicing stress-relieving activities, such as yoga, meditation and attending support groups. Lifestyle changes like reducing alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, avoiding skin exposure to dry, cold weather, treating infections and avoiding cutting yourself while shaving can also help prevent flares. Dietary considerations, such as increasing fruits and vegetables and avoiding foods that are high in fat, sugars, sodium and meat as well as limiting processed foods, may play an important role in minimizing psoriasis symptoms, according to an article in Immunity.

What is the Best Medication for Psoriasis?

The best medication for psoriasis will depend on your unique experience, such as the type and severity of symptoms. As mentioned above, topicals, phototherapy and systemic treatments are used, with a combination of these treatments typically providing the most promising results.

For the best possible outcome, it’s important to regularly visit with your general practitioner or a dermatologist to manage symptoms.

Are Home Remedies Effective for Psoriasis?

In addition to prescription treatments, the AAD notes that OTC products, shampoos, creams, ointments and bath solutions for psoriasis containing the active ingredient coal tar may reduce symptoms of psoriasis and slow the growth of skin cells. Mild corticosteroids or hydrocortisone can also assist in decreasing itch and inflammation. However, either should first be tested on a small area of the skin before using regularly, as skin irritation is possible.

Other OTC solutions, like scale softeners with salicylic acid, can remove and soften scales, as well as reduce swelling. Anti-itch products containing ingredients like calamine or menthol may also assist with treatment.

Dermatologists also recommend using cold compresses and moisturizing the skin every day to help alleviate itching, in addition to taking medication and applying ointments and creams as directed.

When to See a Doctor About Psoriasis

Dr. Green recommends seeing a doctor as soon as signs of psoriasis appear on the skin, even if it’s just one flare.

Seeing a dermatologist as soon as possible is critical, as even people with mild psoriasis (covering less than 3% of their body) may have significant internal inflammation, according to the NPF.

While most types of psoriasis aren’t life-threatening, seek immediate medical care if you notice an increased heart rate, fatigue and skin shedding in sheets, as those are signs of erythrodermic psoriasis and can be fatal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How common is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is common. According to the AAD, about 2% of people in the U.S. have psoriasis, while the National Psoriasis Foundation attributes the condition to over 8 million Americans and between 2% and 3% of people, or 125 million, worldwide.

Is there a permanent cure for psoriasis?

While there may not be a permanent cure just yet, treatment can keep psoriasis at bay, allowing some with the condition to go into “remission” (meaning they have clear skin and no symptoms) for up to months and even years.

Treatment can help keep psoriasis stable, clear and control flare-ups. While psoriasis can be unpredictable and may return, knowing your personal triggers can help you to best avoid it.

Is psoriasis contagious?

No, psoriasis is not contagious. A large part of the possibility of developing psoriasis often comes down to genetics.

How do you know if it's dandruff or scalp psoriasis?

With dandruff, you may find white flakes and experience a tight or dry feeling in the scalp. Psoriasis is typically characterized by red, scaly plaques that are well-defined. In lighter skin, psoriasis can sometimes have a silver-white appearance, while those with darker skin tones may find plaques appear a bit darker in colour, such as purple or grey. 

Treatments for dandruff and scalp psoriasis can overlap. If you’re unsure, you can visit your primary care doctor or a dermatologist to determine a diagnosis.

What should you avoid putting on psoriasis?

You should avoid harsh skincare products that may irritate the skin, such as lotions containing alcohol. Products with alcohol can dry out the skin and worsen psoriasis. Opt for mild soaps instead of those that are scented or contain other harsh ingredients.

https://www.forbes.com/health/conditions/psoriasis/?utm_source=synd&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=msnadvisorgallery