Tips on how to protect your skin during winter months

From tristatehomepage.com

With the temperatures right now, it doesn’t quite feel like winter outside, but it’s still important to remember to keep your skin protected during this time of year.
The cold dry winter air can be rough on anyone’s skin, especially those who suffer from Psoriasis.
Psoriasis is a skin disorder in which the body’s own immune system becomes overactive and attacks normal tissues.

Cold air has an extraordinarily low moisture content, which can steal moisture from the skin.
People should make sure to protect themselves this winter by covering up outdoors.
Layer up and use moisturizers before going outside.

Inside, you should cut down on those long hot showers. Experts says hot showers strip natural oils from the skin.
Also, you should use a thick, fragrance-free body cream after showering and make sure you’re using the right soap.
Switch to a moisturizing soap and ditch the scented body wash to avoid itchy winter skin.

Just a reminder, just because it’s winter and less daylight, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be using sunscreen.

https://www.tristatehomepage.com/news/local-news/tips-on-how-to-protect-your-skin-during-winter-months/1678384437

Psoriasis: When Is Dry Skin A Sign Of Disease?

From medicaldaily.com

Among the many challenges that accompany winter, dry skin is a common problem. Due to a drop in humidity levels, you are simply more prone to dried, irritated skin which can include signs like redness and flakes.
But when is your dry skin a sign of a chronic condition known as psoriasis? Unlike the wintertime scenario mentioned above, psoriasis is not seasonal in nature. It is regarded as an inflammatory disease since the problem is related to the immune system.
In the United States, a little over 2 percent of the population — or an estimated 7.5 million Americans— have psoriasis. While stress, obesity, infections, and habits like smoking can increase one's risk, family history is believed to be the biggest risk factor as it is often passed on to children by parents.

Psoriasis is characterized by a reduced life cycle of the human skin cells. While our cells are normally replaced once a month on average, a person with psoriasis can have new cells develop every three to four days.

This build-up of excess skin cells leads to the development of plaques. These plaques are pink or red raised patches of skin covered with white or silver scales. This is the most common form of the condition, known as plaque psoriasis.
While the plaques can appear anywhere on the body, patients often report their occurrence on the scalp, elbows, knees, lower back, and genitals. The affected patches of skin can be extremely itchy and painful, even prone to cracking and bleeding. When large areas of skin are affected, one may also experience joint pain.

Previously, experts have discussed how skin conditions like acne can make a person feel anxious, isolated and self-conscious, taking a toll on their well-being. The case is no different for patients of psoriasis who may feel embarrassed about the appearance of their skin.
"It’s a real problem. A condition that’s visible like this is a disease that can change how people view you. It can change how you present yourself and even what you wear," Jennifer C. Cather, M.D., a dermatologist at Modern Dermatology-Aesthetics Centre, told SELF. Though psoriasis is not contagious, the misconception that it is, can also affect the self-image of patients.

If these signs sound familiar, it is possible that you may have psoriasis. It is recommended that you see a dermatologist who will help diagnose the condition.
Though there is no cure as of yet, treatment is available which focuses on reducing inflammation according to Gary Goldenberg, M.D., a dermatologist based in New York City. He explained to Women's Health Mag that many patients "can be almost completely cleared of their symptoms" with the help of steroid cream, pills, biologic injections, and even dietary changes.

https://www.medicaldaily.com/psoriasis-when-dry-skin-sign-disease-429076

Alternative medicine might help ease psoriasis symptoms

From reuters.com

(Reuters Health) - Complementary and alternative medicine approaches might help relieve psoriasis symptoms, a research review suggests.
Such approaches included acupuncture, meditation, and herbal remedies like indigo naturals or curcumin, according to the authors of the review.
Raised patches of dry, scaly, itchy skin are a hallmark of psoriasis. The inflammatory skin condition can be made worse by exposure to stress, cold, and infections. Symptoms may be eased by topical ointments and medications, but there is no cure.
Even though up to half of psoriasis patients use complementary and alternative medicine to get relief, research to date hasn’t offered a clear picture of what approaches might be most effective at clearing up skin or making it less uncomfortable, researchers note in JAMA Dermatology.
For the current study, researchers examined data from 60 studies of a wide variety of complementary and alternative medicine approaches to relieving psoriasis. While these studies were too varied in quality, design and outcomes measured to draw firm conclusions about the effectiveness of different types of non-traditional therapies, the results suggest that at least some complementary and alternative medicine interventions might help some people with psoriasis feel better, said study co-author Dr. Alexandra Price of the University of Miami in Florida.
“Certain complementary and alternative medicine therapies, such as indigo naturalis, curcumin, fish oil, meditation, acupuncture, and hypocaloric diets, have been shown to be safe and effective treatments for psoriasis in randomized controlled trials, although fish oil had conflicting results,” Price said by email.
Patients should still be cautious, however.
“While there are a number of natural therapies available over the counter, only a few of them have been studied in trials,” Price said.
Even when studies have been done, results may not be definitive, Price noted.

The formulations and doses of curcumin and indigo naturalis that have been effective in clinical trials are not widely available for patients to buy, Price said. That means when patients buy these products, they may get untested versions.
Fish oil, the most common alternative therapy for psoriasis, has been effective in some studies but not in others, making it unclear how much it helps, Price added.
In the current analysis, fish oil showed no meaningful improvements in psoriasis in 12 controlled experiments that randomly assigned some people to use this product and others to use a placebo or alternative remedy. But other less rigorous types of studies found daily fish oil did appear to help improve symptoms.
“Traditional treatments for psoriasis, such as topical corticosteroids, topical vitamin D analogues, retinoids, and biologic therapies, currently have the most data supporting their use, and therefore, should remain first treatments for psoriasis,” Price advised.
When patients do want to explore other options, they should consider the relative risk associated with different types of complementary and alternative medicine, said Dr. Steve Xu of the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago.
“With topical and oral complementary and alternative medicines, there is a greater potential for harm for adverse events, lesser clinical evidence for efficacy, and unclear manufacturing processes for ingredient purity and consistency,” Xu, who wasn’t involved in the study, said by email.

At the same time, there may be little harm in trying low-risk things like meditation or other stress reduction techniques in combination with traditional medicine, even if trials don’t decisively prove that these alternatives help, Xu added.
“If it works for my patient and they feel like they derive a benefit from it - who am I to discourage it or be a naysayer,” Xu said.

https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-health-psoriasis/alternative-medicine-might-help-ease-psoriasis-symptoms-idUKKCN1MF2L5

Lessons Learned From Living With Psoriatic Arthritis

From healthcentral.com
By Diane Talbert

Like many people, I was diagnosed first with psoriasis and then psoriatic arthritis. The diseases go hand in hand. My biggest challenge over the years was finding a doctor that believed I had psoriatic arthritis and that I wasn’t being a hypochondriac for 25 years. I have worked diligently with my doctors to understand my psoriatic arthritis and find out what works for me. Knowledge is power. If I had known now what I knew 25 years ago things would have turn out so much differently for me. Here are nine lessons I’ve learned.

You don’t have to suffer in silence

The biggest lesson I have learned is that you don’t have to suffer in silence. I used to feel like I was the only person who was going through this, but I learned that we are not alone. I have met so many people over the years that lived with this disease. They have given me the courage to move on. You need to stop blaming yourself for your disease; there was nothing you could do to stop it. I ran a support group for years. This was one of the most rewarding things that I could have done for myself. I got to share my pain with people who were like me.

Learn to recognize change

When the swelling began in my fingers and toes I knew this would be a life-changing thing for me. I had to find the best doctors and listen to them. Cold packs became my best friend to help for pain and swelling. You can also use heat. Remember that life teaches us lessons over and over again until we get it right. Let’s try to improve things in our life if possible.

You can help others

Helping others has been one of the most rewarding things for me to do. I have tried to make it my mission to not miss meetings or events because of pain. This doesn’t work always, but I try. I believe I have a journey to complete, to learn new things and have a great time doing it. I volunteer as much as possible, even if it’s just visiting nursing homes, which is very rewarding to me. I love to see our elderly smile — just because.

Ask for help

Asking for help was a hard one for me. I thought I could conquer the world alone, but when you get so much pain in your body that you can’t walk, you need someone to help you. Don’t think you’re weak for asking. We are all reluctant to ask for help. We should all ask for help more often. If you don’t ask for help, people will assume that you are ok. There are times you will need help from family and friends.

Find a good doctor

I have been seeing doctors my whole life but it took me 25 years to get diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. If in your heart you know something is wrong, find a good doctor. Ask lots of questions. Only you have the knowledge about your unique condition. The right doctor will listen to what you have to say and incorporate that information into your treatment.

You are not weak

Having this disease does not make you weak. We are just as strong as everyone else. We just have more pain to deal with. There are days I can’t open a jar or walk up a flight of stairs, but that doesn’t stop me from trying. Make the distinction between being weak and being ill. Even in your illness, you are strong.

Know your body

You can have signs of psoriatic arthritis everywhere, inside and out. I started out with the scaly rashes and the pitting in the nails very early in life. I didn’t get the sausage fingers until later. I started having joint and pain at age 25. It was many years later before it attacked my spine and I started having stiffness. My worst pain now is my shoulders and knees that keep me from doing what I must do. Medications have help a lot. Pay attention to these signs. Know your body.

Practice self-care

Having this disease makes you very fatigued and tired. I have learned that I must practice self-care and treat myself gently. Drinking plenty of water and eating well are two things that help me a great deal. I also try to get some exercise, even of it’s a few minutes a day. Don’t try and do everything by yourself. Ask for help. Get plenty of rest and follow your doctor’s orders.

Be your own advocate

Be your number one advocate. Explain to people that you do get tired easily, so there are some things you might not feel like doing right now. Explain that saying no has nothing to do with them. If I talk too much about my disease, I apologize. I just want to be a part of the cure and offer suggestions. Remember, anyone can get it, not just older people. Being your own advocate means going the extra mile to get the right treatment. See a rheumatologist to get the proper diagnosis. He will look for swelling, pain, do X-rays, MRIs to check for joint damage. Ask lots of questions.

https://www.healthcentral.com/slideshow/lessons-learned-from-living-with-psoriatic-arthritis

How to tell the difference between psoriasis and ringworm

From health24.com

It is often difficult to differentiate between skin conditions. Two skin conditions often confused with each other are psoriasis and ringworm (dermatophytosis). Knowing the symptoms of each condition can help you to identify your rash.

What are the differences? 

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition caused by the rapid growth of skin cells and inflammation. It changes the life cycle of your skin cells.
Typical cell turnover allows skin cells to grow, live, die and slough off on a regular basis. Skin cells affected by psoriasis grow rapidly but stay on the body. This causes a build-up of skin cells on the skin’s surface, which leads to thick, red, scaly patches of skin. These patches are most common on the knees, elbows, genitals and toenails.

Ringworm, on the other hand, is a temporary red, circular rash that develops on your skin and, despite its name, is not caused by a worm, but a fungal infection. The rash typically appears as a red circle with clear or normal-looking skin in the centre. Ringworm is highly contagious and spreads through skin contact.

Symptoms of psoriasis
Not everyone's psoriasis symptoms are the same. Symptoms may include:

• Red patches of skin
• Silvery scales over red patches of skin
• Dry, cracked skin that might bleed
• Itching, burning or soreness
• Sore or stiff joints
• Thick, ridged or pitted nails

Psoriasis may appear as one or two patches, or it may cause clusters of patches that grow to cover a large area.
Treatment can reduce symptoms, but psoriasis patches may be an issue for the rest of your life. Thankfully, many people experience periods of low or no activity. These periods, which are called remission, may, however, be followed by periods of increased activity.

                                                                  ^{Image credit: iStock}

Symptoms of ringworm 

The signs and symptoms of ringworm may include:

• A red, scaly area that may or may not itch
• A raised border around the scaly area
• An expanding scaly area that forms a circle
• A circle with red bumps or scales and a clear centre

You may develop more than one circle, which can overlap.

Treating psoriasis and ringworm 

Both ringworm and psoriasis can be effectively managed and treated. Currently, psoriasis can’t be cured, but treatments can reduce symptoms.

Ringworm treatments can eliminate the infection. This will reduce the chances of passing it on to other people. 

When to see your doctor 

Make an appointment to see your dermatologist if you have developed an unusual spot on your skin. If you think you came into contact with a person or animal with ringworm, be sure to tell your doctor.

If you have a family history of psoriasis, mention that as well. In most cases, however, your doctor can diagnose the condition just by conducting a thorough skin examination.

https://m.health24.com/Medical/Skin/Fungal-skin/how-to-tell-the-difference-between-psoriasis-and-ringworm-20181008

All you need to know about psoriasis

From dnaindia.com

According to the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA), Psoriasis affects almost 3% of the world’s population. While the percentage may seem small, close to 125 million people across the globe live with this condition.
Often neglected as a mere skin and cosmetic condition, Psoriasis is, in fact, an autoimmune condition.
It causes raised, scaly, itchy, dry, flaky, red skin that can resemble a rash, commonly found on the elbows, knees and scalp.

However, it’s more than your typical dry skin.
On World Psoriasis Day, which fell on  October 29, medical experts urge the importance to know more about Psoriasis and the related symptoms and severity of associated diseases, especially if the condition is left untreated.

What is Psoriasis?
In Psoriasis, the body’s immune system attacks its own healthy cells and is unable to differentiate between healthy cells and foreign bodies.
Dr. B.S. Chandrashekar, Medical Director, CUTIS Academy of Cutaneous Sciences, Bengaluru, says, “Psoriasis is an auto-immune condition largely due to genetic reasons. The immune system starts attacking some parts of the skin which cause a build-up on the surface".
The attack on healthy cells hastens the formation of skin cells, which build up on the skin’s surface, resulting in dry and scaly patches.

What causes it?
Psoriasis can affect people of all age groups but is most common in the 15-35 years age group. Studies have also shown that early onset psoriasis, often known as Type I Psoriasis affects people under the age of 40 years i.e. 16-22 years of age. Also, late onset psoriasis or Type II Psoriasis affects people above the age of 40 years, between 57 and 60 years.

Dr. Monica Bambroo, HOD – Dermatology & Cosmetology, Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon said, “There is no single cause for psoriasis and it can happen to anyone regardless of age and gender. Basis several studies, some of the risk factors identified are stress, smoking, drinking alcohol, skin injury or infections and genetic predisposition. Therefore, it is imperative to consult a dermatologist immediately after the first symptoms are observed. The bottom line is not to ignore a skin rash.”

What are co-morbidities and how do they relate to psoriasis?
A co-morbidity occurs when one or more additional diseases or disorders occur with a primary disease or disorder.
Many psoriasis patients are at the risk of developing co-morbidities, one of the most known is Psoriatic Arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a type of inflammatory arthritis and preceded by psoriasis. Close to 26% of psoriasis patients develop psoriatic arthritis which can be a painful, sometimes disabling condition that affects the joints, tendons and bones .
Psoriasis patients can also suffer from Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) where the blood vessels can become inflamed. This can lead to build-up of a fatty substance called plaque inside artery walls which slows or interrupts the flow of blood to the heart. This increases the risk of heart disease and heart attack. Other conditions that psoriasis patients might suffer from are diabetes and obesity.

More importantly, people with psoriasis are twice as likely to be depressed as those who don't have it.
Dr. Shehnaz Arsiwala, Dermatologist, Saifee Hospital & Prince Aly Khan Hospital and Medical Director Renewderm Centre Skin Hair Lasers and Aesthetics, Mumbai, said, “Psoriasis patients often suffer neglect and discrimination, both in their professional lives and personal relationships. The need of the hour is to raise public awareness about this disease and help people understand that it does not spread through contact. This will help build empathy for psoriasis patients, a lack of which causes them mental and emotional stress.”
Even if the psoriasis symptoms are mild, one is still prone to a higher risk of depression which can lead to take an extensive mental and emotional toll on an individual’s life. In one study, nearly 20% of people with psoriasis had some form of depression .
Dr. Maya Vedamurthy, Director, RSV Skin Clinic and Senior Consultant, Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, said, “Psoriasis can cause stress and emotional trauma in patients living with it. The average time gap between onset of symptoms and diagnosis is usually more than a year. Psoriasis is also stigmatized as being contagious and people suffering with it often start staying aloof, choosing this behaviour as a coping mechanism.”

Can Psoriasis be treated?

The severity of psoriasis varies from person to person. Some may see flare-ups at the peak of the onset of symptoms which later subside with proper diagnosis and treatment. Whereas, other people may experience flare-ups that come and go throughout their lives.
Dr. Uma Chakravadhanula, Consultant Dermatologist, Idea skin clinic at Madhapur, Hyderabad says, “Early diagnosis and effective treatment can also prevent complications associated with psoriasis like psoriatic arthritis which can cause permanent disabilities to the joints. Suitable treatment options are dependent on the stage and severity of psoriasis. The most widely used treatment for psoriasis are topical treatments, phototherapy (light therapy), systemics and biologics. Biologic drugs are considered the most effective treatment option for severe psoriasis. They are protein-based drugs that target those specific parts of the immune system, that are responsible for triggering psoriasis.”

The next time you have an itchy and flaky red rash on your skin, do not ignore it – it could be psoriasis. An early visit to your dermatologist can go a long way in effective management of the condition.

https://www.dnaindia.com/health/report-all-you-need-to-know-about-psoriasis-2682005

Could treating psoriasis in the future be as easy as going online?

From eurekalert.org

New research from the Keck School of Medicine of USC finds that an online care delivery model is equivalent to in-person care for improving psoriasis symptoms

LOS ANGELES - For approximately 8 million Americans, visiting a doctor regularly is the key to managing their psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by itchy or painful red patches that can appear anywhere on the body. But for some people, seeing a specialist regularly can be a monumental challenge, especially for those who live in rural or underserved communities. A new study led by the Keck School of Medicine of USC, however, raises the possibility that one day, people with psoriasis may be able to simply go online to receive their care. Published today in JAMA Network Open, the study found that online and in-person care were equally effective at improving psoriasis symptoms.

"Patients with chronic skin diseases need ongoing care, and depending on where they live, their access to dermatological care can be variable," says the study's lead author April Armstrong, MD, MPH, professor of dermatology (clinical scholar) and associate dean for clinical research at the Keck School. "Our study suggests that an online care delivery model is an effective way to bring high-quality care to patients regardless of where they live or what their work/life schedules look like."

In the multicentre study, Armstrong and her colleagues followed nearly 300 patients who had been randomized to either online or in-person care and monitored their symptom improvement.
Patients assigned to online care logged in to a secure, web-based connected health platform where they could communicate with their primary care provider or dermatologist, share images of their skin and receive treatment recommendations. After reviewing transmitted information, health care providers evaluated patients' progress, provided patient education and prescribed medications electronically. Patients assigned to in-person care received treatment as usual.

Psoriasis severity was measured at baseline and again at three, six, nine and 12 months. Across the follow-up visits, the two groups achieved similar improvement in psoriasis severity scores.
"From a patient's perspective, there are several benefits to an online care delivery model: They don't need to travel to a facility with specialty care, they can receive high-quality specialty care at home and they can communicate with their doctor at a time that's convenient for them," Armstrong says. "From a provider's perspective, the benefits include flexibility in where and when they work."

While this study focused on patients with psoriasis, Armstrong believes that the online care model has other potential applications as well.
"The use of teledermatology needs to be considered in other patient populations with chronic skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis. There is a critical need for children and adults with atopic dermatitis to receive high-quality specialist care for this condition through novel telehealth delivery methods," she says.

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-10/uosc-ctp100318.php