What to Eat When You Have Psoriasis or Psoriatic Arthritis

From healthcentral.com

The question of what to eat permeates our daily lives. It rings especially true when you’re living with a chronic disease like psoriasis. When April Armstrong, M.D., MPH, sees patients, many ask what factors they can control when it comes to managing their disease – particularly their diet.

“One of the most common things I hear is, ‘I’m trying this diet, but it’s not really working. What other diets do I try?’” she says.

To get at the heart of this question, Armstrong led an effort among fellow members of the National Psoriasis Foundation’s medical board to comb through the scientific literature on the relationship between food and psoriasis. What resulted is a paper on diet recommendations for people with psoriatic disease published in JAMA Dermatology in August 2018.
The review draws from data on more than 4,500 people living with psoriasis across 55 studies, providing the most comprehensive picture yet for what scientific evidence reveals about which foods and supplements most significantly affect disease severity.

                                                                         Unsplash

The authors are quick to point out, however, that medical treatments still lead the way in tackling psoriasis, and evidence has shown that the primary role of diet is to help mitigate disease symptoms in some patients.

“There is what’s called a reporting bias – people who try something that works for them are going to speak more loudly than if it didn’t.” Armstrong says. “That gives you a perception that it works for lots of people.”

Calorie counting can help... for some

The paper’s strongest recommendation is to reduce caloric intake if you are overweight or obese.
The link between weight and symptom severity among psoriasis patients is well established. In part because of body fat’s pro-inflammatory role, overweight or obese individuals face a host of issues – ranging from more severe symptoms to reduced treatment response – when trying to manage their disease.
The review recommends using weight loss to help mitigate these factors through what is known as a hypocaloric diet. In this case, “hypocaloric” refers to weight loss driven solely by consuming a smaller number of calories, rather than by exercise, surgery or changing nutrient portions, such as carbohydrates.

“Weight loss will undoubtedly help your heart, but we certainly know that it can help your psoriasis too,” says Mark Lebwohl, M.D., a member of the NPF medical board and co-author on the paper.

Of all the non-medical interventions overweight or obese people can receive, researchers gave evidence for hypocaloric diets their highest grade. Data on how weight loss affects people with a healthy weight, though, remains lacking.

Not quite making the grade

Gluten-free diets, originally intended for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, have skyrocketed in popularity in recent years. Armstrong and Lebwohl agree that it isn’t uncommon for patients in the clinics to inquire about eliminating gluten.
While the authors strongly recommend gluten-free diets for people who face both celiac disease and psoriasis, they do not recommend the diet for anyone who has not tested positive for markers for celiac or gluten sensitivity.
Based on the lack of quality evidence for other supplements, such as selenium, fish oil and vitamin B12, the paper does not currently recommend them for psoriasis patients.
While topical vitamin D has been established as an effective treatment for psoriasis, there is little high-quality evidence to support the role of orally taking vitamin D to improve psoriasis, and the authors don’t recommend using it for prevention or treatment in adults with normal levels of vitamin D. Among patients with psoriatic arthritis, the paper suggests patients try one month of supplementation in addition to regular treatment.

Further evidence needed

In addition to offering diet recommendations, the authors highlighted some directions for future research. A hypocaloric diet in one study isn’t always the same as a hypocaloric diet in another, says Adam Ford, co-author on the paper and M.D. candidate. Diets mentioned in the study varied from 1,400 calories a day to a meagre 800 calories.
“There’s a lot of questions that still need to be answered, besides just getting to the bottom of these different supplements,” he says. “Even then, we still have a lot of work understanding the mechanisms by which improvements in psoriasis happens."

https://www.healthcentral.com/article/special-report-what-to-eat-when-you-have-psoriasis-or-psoriatic-arthritis

Vitamin D: A Little Known Remedy for Psoriasis

From prweb.com

Vitamin D deficiency is a worldwide epidemic that can lead to many diseases including tuberculosis, influenza, cancer, osteoporosis, and psoriasis. Vitamin D supplementation is inexpensive, safe and can improve the lives of many. Robin Fleck, MD at Southwest Skin & Cancer Institute in Prescott, Arizona, regularly checks for Vitamin D deficiency in psoriasis patients and supplements this vitamin when blood levels are low.

Psoriasis is associated with vitamin D deficiency. Dr. Robin Fleck of Southwest Skin & Cancer Institute in Prescott, Arizona routinely sees very low levels of Vitamin D ranging from 6-30 ng/mL in patients presenting with psoriasis. When the patient's blood level is increased to 50-80 ng/mL, psoriasis symptoms can abate, bringing relief to psoriasis sufferers. “In my dermatology practice, I've seen a marked improvement and even clearance of psoriatic plaques on the trunk and in the scalp, in most of my patients when their blood level of vitamin D is maintained above 80 ng/mL,” states Dr. Fleck.

Much of the world's population, including in the US, has a deficiency of vitamin D due to lack of the vitamin in our present day diet. The modern custom of eating a vitamin-poor, fat-free, high-carbohydrate diet with heavily processed grains, potatoes, beans and pasteurized dairy, leads to the chronic diseases of diabetes, atherosclerosis, cancer and autoimmune conditions, including many skin disorders such as psoriasis, acne, and lupus.

Supplementation with vitamin D should be done under a doctor's care to monitor the blood level while increasing the dose of the vitamin. While vitamin D is safe in most patients, not everyone can take vitamin D due to health issues, so check with your doctor before embarking on a course of vitamin D.

Another important point is that since vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, it should be taken with a fatty meal such as bacon and eggs or a hamburger to promote absorption. A study at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation showed that when vitamin D is taken with the largest meal of the day, blood levels increase over 50% compared to taking vitamin D on an empty stomach or with a light meal.

In addition, all supplements are not equal with respect to the quality of vitamin D; be sure to research your supplements to ensure they contain what they claim. Vitamin D doses of at least 5000-10000 IU per day are needed to see improvement in psoriasis.

One final point is that vitamin D is more effective when taken with vitamin K2 which assists in the formation of healthy bone. In addition, the amount of vitamin D in your blood usually drops during the winter months so check your blood level twice a year to ensure you are taking enough vitamin D.

In view of the safety and efficacy of vitamin D supplementation when properly monitored with blood testing, the use of this vitamin for treatment of psoriasis should be considered.

Other benefits of maintaining optimal blood levels of vitamin D are a decreased incidence of colds and flu seen in several worldwide studies and over 100 published studies have demonstrated vitamin D's anti-cancer effects.

Robin Fleck, M.D., is a double board certified dermatologist and internist, recognized by the American Board of Dermatology and the American Board of Internal Medicine. She is founder and medical director of Southwest Skin and Cancer Institute. Dr. Fleck is a fellow of the American College of Physicians and the American Venous Forum. She is also the medical director of Vein Specialties in Prescott, Arizona, where she treats chronic venous insufficiency, spider veins, and varicose veins.

https://www.prweb.com/releases/vitamin_d_a_little_known_remedy_for_psoriasis/prweb16142300.htm

Psoriasis on black skin: What to know

From medicalnewstoday.com

Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes some areas of skin to develop lesions. The appearance of psoriasis varies across different skin tones, and it can be more challenging to diagnose on black skin.

Psoriasis lesions tend to be thick and crusty, and they often form on the scalp, elbows, knees, and back.
In this article, learn about psoriasis on black skin, including its appearance and symptoms as well as how to treat it.

Prevalence of psoriasis in black people

Psoriasis is a common condition that affects more than 8 million people in the United States and 125 million people worldwide.
According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, it affects approximately 1.3% of African Americans compared with 2.5% of white people.
About one-third of people with psoriasis have a relative with the same condition, meaning that genetics is a risk factor.
Psoriasis usually appears between the ages of 15 and 25 years, but it can develop at any age. It is a long-term condition. While there is no cure, many treatment options are available to help manage the symptoms.

Symptoms

Psoriasis presents as thickened areas of skin, sometimes with an overlying scaly crust that may look shiny or silver. These lesions are usually itchy. If a person scratches them, they will bleed and scab over.
In black people, psoriasis can look violet or purple. The individual may also notice areas of darker, thicker skin. In both cases, the lesions can appear scaly. Lesions can develop anywhere on the body, including the scalp.

As psoriasis heals, it can leave areas of discoloration, which can take between 3 and 12 months to disappear.
Psoriasis tends to follow a relapsing-remitting pattern, meaning that people will experience a period of few or no symptoms and then a flare-up of more severe symptoms.
There are several different types of psoriasis, which can vary in their appearance. These are:

Chronic plaque psoriasis

Chronic plaque psoriasis is the most common form of the condition. It causes clearly defined lesions to develop on the elbows, knees, and scalp.
These red or violet lesions are between 1 and 10 centimetres (cm) in diameter and have overlying silvery scales.

Guttate psoriasis

Guttate psoriasis is more common in children or young people recovering from an infection, such as pharyngitis.
It causes small bumps less than 1 cm across to appear on the back, arms, and thighs.

Nail psoriasis

Some people with psoriasis only have symptoms on their nails. Nail psoriasis looks like tiny pinpricks on the fingernails or toenails.
The nails may also turn brown or become thick and crumbly.

Inverse psoriasis

Inverse psoriasis appears on less visible parts of the skin, such as the armpits, the buttocks, the groin, and the folds underneath the breasts. The lesions may be purple or darker than the surrounding skin.

Diagnosis

To diagnose psoriasis, a dermatologist will carry out a physical examination and ask questions about the lesions. They will probably also ask about any family history of psoriasis or related conditions, such as arthritis.
Psoriasis on black skin can be difficult to diagnose because it may resemble other skin disorders that are more common in black people.
In some cases, the doctor will also take a skin biopsy so that they can rule out other conditions.

Treatment

The treatment options for psoriasis are essentially the same regardless of skin tone, although some do carry special considerations for people with darker skin.
Standard psoriasis treatments include:

Creams and ointments

Creams and ointments are the first treatment option for most people with psoriasis.
The most commonly-used creams are steroids. Anthralin, synthetic vitamin D-3, and vitamin A products can also help manage psoriasis flare-ups. These tend to be available only with a prescription.
Over-the-counter creams for psoriasis include products containing aloe vera, jojoba, zinc pyrithione, capsaicin, or salicylic acid and coal tar.

Prescription medications

If creams and ointments do not work, a doctor may prescribe medications for psoriasis. These drugs are called systemic medications, and they may be in the form of pills, liquids, or injections.

Systemic medications include:

• acitretin
• cyclosporine
• methotrexate

The doctor may prescribe biologic drugs for moderate-to-severe psoriasis. People usually receive these drugs, which target specific parts of the immune system, as an injection or infusion.

Examples of biologic drugs include:

• TNF inhibitors, such as Enbrel (etanercept) and Humira (adalimumab)
• interleukin-12/23 inhibitors, such as Stelara (ustekinumab)
• the interleukin-17A inhibitor Cosentyx (secukinumab)
• T cell inhibitors, such as Orencia (abatacept)

Phototherapy

Phototherapy is also called light therapy. This treatment involves regularly exposing the skin to ultraviolet light under medical supervision.
Standing in a light box two or three times a week can cause the skin to tan or darken. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) warn that this may make dark spots on black skin more noticeable.
Learn more about phototherapy for psoriasis in this article.

Management

There is no cure for psoriasis. Anything that irritates the skin can cause the condition to flare up. The AAD offer the following advice to avoid flare-ups wherever possible:

• avoid skin injuries, such as nicks, cuts, and bug bites
• protect the skin from sunburn
• use a cold compress and moisturize regularly to alleviate the itching
• avoid scratching itchy skin

People should also learn to recognize the triggers that lead to their flare-ups. These differ among individuals but can include:

• stress
• bug bites
• summer heat and cold winter weather

Some people with psoriasis develop lesions on their scalp so doctors may also recommend frequent shampooing with a medicated shampoo.

Summary

Psoriasis is a common skin condition that affects fewer African Americans than white people in the U.S.
In black people, psoriasis may look darker than the surrounding skin or might appear purple. In both cases, it tends to have a scaly overlay. Psoriasis lesions can appear anywhere on the body, including the scalp.
Anyone with symptoms of psoriasis should speak to a doctor about diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325068.php

Higher weight increases risk of psoriasis

From medicalxpress.com/news

Studies have linked psoriasis and higher weight, but the causal relationship between the two has been unclear. What triggers what? Or could other underlying reasons explain the connection?

"Higher BMI may contribute to increased inflammation of the skin, which can exacerbate psoriasis, but it could also be that psoriasis leads to a person being less physically active and thus gaining weight," explains Mari Løset.
She is a medical doctor at the Department of Dermatology at St. Olavs Hospital and a postdoctoral fellow at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology's (NTNU) K.G. Jebsen Center for Genetic Epidemiology.
Løset is part of a team that been involved in a study of the causal relationship between BMI and psoriasis.
BMI stands for body mass index and is a measure of body fat content. It is calculated from a person's height and weight.
The observational study is a large collaboration among researchers from NTNU, England and North America. Some of the data being used are from the Health Survey in Nord-Trøndelag (HUNT) and the UK Biobank. Together, the analyses include data from 750 000 individuals.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition of the skin, which causes a red, scaly rash. The cause of the disorder is probably multifactorial, involving both heredity and the environment.
Worldwide, two to four per cent of the population is affected by psoriasis. The incidence is particularly high in Norway.
"Self-reported data from two large population surveys in Norway indicate that six to eleven per cent of the population may be affected in this country," says Løset.
A study in the city of Tromsø has shown that the incidence of psoriasis was 4.8 per cent in 1980, but had increased to 11.4 per cent in 2008.
"Similar studies from other parts of the world substantiate the fact that the condition is increasing," says the postdoctoral fellow.
To investigate the causal relationship between BMI and psoriasis, the researchers used a method called Mendelian randomization. It is named after Gregor Mendel, who is known as the father of genetics.

According to Mendel's principles of inheritance, whether we inherit a certain variant of genes from our mother or our father is random. Genetic variants are randomly distributed, or randomized, between individuals.
"Mendelian randomization means that nature itself distributes individuals randomly into groups based on genes. This way, we can avoid the results being influenced by external factors," says Løset.
"Our understanding of how genes are related to disease is increasing at record speed, and in this study we used known genetic variants as markers for BMI and psoriasis," she adds.
By using Mendelian randomization, the researchers found that higher weight is a contributing factor to psoriasis. They observed that greater BMI increased the chance of getting the disease.
"We calculated that the risk increased by nine per cent for each higher whole number on the BMI scale," Løset says.

But the researchers are still uncertain about just how higher weight can lead to psoriasis.
"We still don't know enough about the mechanisms behind this connection. Fatty tissue is an organ that produces hormones and inflammatory signalling molecules, which could be a contributing factor," says Løset.
So far, not much research has been done on whether weight loss can cause psoriasis to disappear, although a few clinical studies suggest the possibility.
"Psoriasis is a very complex disease and we hope to study subgroups, especially individuals with severe psoriasis. The hypothesis is that we will be able to observe even greater links with higher weight," says Mari Løset.

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2019-04-higher-weight-psoriasis.html

9 Things You Think Could Be Arthritis—But Aren’t

From rd.com

Your joints are achy, stiff, and swollen. Run-of-the-mill arthritis might be to blame. But so could these other lookalike conditions.

Joint pain is extremely common. In one national survey, about one-third of adults reported experiencing it within the past 30 days. If your joints are giving you grief—and you don’t have a recent injury to blame—osteoarthritis (OA) is a likely cause. The condition, in which the joint becomes inflamed as the cartilage between the bones wears away, has more than 30 million Americans in agony, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, (the CDC). Even though the condition can’t be cured, OTC medications, prescription drugs, and surgery can ease the ache.

But OA isn’t the only health condition that can cause joints to become tender and stiffen. Before you reach for the ibuprofen, read on to see if you could be suffering from one of these conditions which can mimic arthritis pain.

                                                                       Anut21ng Photo/Shutterstock

Fibromyalgia

Arthritis is often mistaken for fibromyalgia, according to the Arthritis Foundation. They share many of the same symptoms, like muscle pain, limited range of motion, and joint stiffness, especially in the morning. The difference? With fibromyalgia, the pain is often body-wide, while arthritis tends to be localized to a few joints, says Alexis Colvin, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at The Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. If you’re still not sure whether your pain could be from fibro, check out these other fibromyalgia symptoms you might be ignoring.

Tendinitis

“Tendinitis and osteoarthritis can feel very similar,” says Dr. Colvin. “Pain, stiffness, and swelling are common symptoms in both.” Making distinguishing between the two even trickier? With both conditions, the pain doesn’t usually come from one event, but gradually increases over time, says Dr. Colvin. If you’re unsure what’s causing your joint to act up, see your physician. X-rays and MRI imaging can help doctors determine which condition is causing the pain, so they can help you find relief.

Rheumatoid arthritis

There are actually more than 100 different forms of arthritis and arthritis-related diseases, according to the Arthritis Foundation. And many have similar symptoms. “Rheumatoid arthritis, in particular, feels very similar to osteoarthritis, in terms of discomfort,” says Dr. Colvin. But while osteoarthritis is often caused by general wear and tear in a joint, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease. One sign that your creaky joints might be due to rheumatoid arthritis: You have a close relative with the condition. “RA often runs in families,” says Dr. Colvin.

Lupus

Like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system turns on normal, healthy tissue, according to the Arthritis Foundation. The Lupus Foundation of America estimates that 1.5 million Americans have the chronic disease, which mainly strikes women between the ages of 15 and 45. In addition to the joint pain that can feel like arthritis, lupus also causes these other surprising symptoms. If you have more than four of them, call your physician, asap.

Carpal tunnel syndrome

You wake up and your hand is achy and tingly. Is it arthritis acting up, or something else? Carpal tunnel syndrome can cause pain, weakness, and numbness that runs from the forearm to the hand: These symptoms indicate that repetitive movements like typing or playing an instrument are pinching your carpal nerve, according to WebMD. Women are three times more likely than men to have carpal tunnel syndrome. The thumb, index, and middle fingers are usually the first to feel pain.

Lyme disease

In addition to a rash, fatigue, and overall malaise, Lyme disease—an infection caused by a type of bacterium carried by deer ticks—often causes achiness in the joints, according to the American Lyme Disease Foundation. “Many times people don’t know that they’ve been bitten by a tick,” says Dr. Colvin, so it’s easy to mistake the pain for arthritis. “If someone comes in with knee pain and swelling but no explanation, doctors can drain fluid, and test it for Lyme,” says Dr. Colvin. If the results are positive, they can prescribe antibiotics. And if your doctor suspects Lyme, she’ll probably also ask if you have any of these other silent symptoms of the disease.

Psoriatic arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune disease that develops in around 30 percent of people who have the scaly skin condition psoriasis, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation. Usually, psoriasis develops first, with the joint problems coming later, but in some cases, joint pain can be the first system, notes the Mayo Clinic. Psoriatic arthritis can target any joint in the body, but people often notice their fingers and spine are the achiest spots. Psoriatic arthritis never goes away, but it can be managed with drugs and lifestyle changes.

Gout

Think you have arthritis in your hip or big toe? It might actually be gout, a form of inflammatory arthritis, says Dr. Colvin. The pain and swelling from gout occur when too much uric acid crystallizes in the blood, then builds up in the joints. The result: extreme pain in the joint that may come and go, according to the CDC. Fortunately, if your doctor diagnoses gout, she can prescribe medications to help keep symptoms in check, says Dr. Colvin. If you still need relief from gout, try these home remedies proven to ease the pain when it flares.

Hypothyroidism

Some people with a sluggish thyroid can experience arthritis-like joint pain and swelling—especially in the shoulders and hips according to the Mayo Clinic. Here’s why: As your metabolism slows down, fluid can build up in the joints, causing the achy symptoms. But it’s more likely that you’ll notice the condition’s other symptoms first, such as fatigue, hair loss, and increased sensitivity to cold. If you are diagnosed with an underactive thyroid, your physician can prescribe synthetic hormones to treat the small butterfly-shaped gland. Check out the best habits that will keep your thyroid healthy.

https://www.rd.com/health/things-that-arent-arthritis/

Help Me Understand Psoriasis vs. Eczema

From health.usnews.com

These two skin conditions are very similar, but knowing the differences helps with treatment

Psoriasis or eczema? These common skin conditions affect a total of about 40 million Americans each year. They result in similar symptoms – red, dry, itchy, cracked skin – but they are very different diseases, with different causes and, in more severe cases, different treatments. That’s why it is important for patients to receive a proper diagnosis, in order to receive the treatment that will best bring relief.

Eczema is by far the more prevalent condition. According to the National Eczema Association:

• 31.6 million people (10.1%) in the U.S. have some form of eczema.
• 18 million adults (7.2%) have atopic dermatitis, the most common form of eczema.
• 9.6 million (13%) children under age 18 have atopic dermatitis.
• Childhood eczema is more common among African-Americans, Asians or Pacific Islanders than whites or Hispanics.
• Adult eczema is most prevalent among multiracial populations than Hispanics or whites.
• Eczema is more common among women.

In contrast, the National Psoriasis Foundation says that:

• More than 8 million Americans have psoriasis.
• Psoriasis often begins between ages 15 and 25, but the condition can develop at any age.
• Psoriasis is more common among Caucasians than African-Americans.
• Psoriasis is more common in women, but men have more severe forms of the disease.

Differences Between Psoriasis and Eczema

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease. The immune system attacks the skin, causing red, scaly patches on the skin or scalp. There are several types of psoriasis, with plaque psoriasis the most common and making up between 80% and 90% of cases. Other types are called guttate, inverse, pustular and erythrodermic psotiasis.

Eczema, a skin inflammation, can be related to and triggered by allergies, asthma and skin sensitivities to touch, fabrics like wool or chemicals in household and personal products. It can also result from dry skin or chemicals in the environment that irritate the skin.

Neither psoriasis nor eczema is contagious, but both conditions tend to run in families.

Symptoms of Eczema and Psoriasis

Eczema and psoriasis symptoms look very similar, which makes it hard for the average person to tell one from the other. Specialists, though, can differentiate between the two. One clue is the patient's age. “Both can occur at any age, but eczema commonly presents in infancy or childhood, while psoriasis most commonly peaks in the 20 to 30 age group and again in the 50 to 60 age group,” says Dr. Mark Lebwohl, a professor and chair of the department of dermatology at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Medical Centre in New York City.

Where the symptoms occur also is telling. “The distribution is different. Psoriasis typically occurs on the back of the elbows and front of the knees, while eczema occurs in the inside folds of joints and the neck,” Lebwohl says. Eczema also generates a liquid that can ooze and crust over, whereas psoriasis rarely oozes, he says.

Treatments for Eczema and Psoriasis

Though each disease has differing underlying causes, they are treated similarly. “We don’t always cure them, but we can help control and manage the diseases,” says Dr. Seemal R. Desai, clinical assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and a member of the American Academy of Dermatology board of directors.

First-line treatment for mild to moderate cases of both eczema and psoriasis is topical therapy, usually a corticosteroid cream. For more severe cases of psoriasis, there are a host of new medications, both injectable and oral, to treat autoimmune diseases like this. They target the specific immune cells that are behaving dysfunctionally, with Humira being a common, heavily advertised example of this kind of injectable medication. “Patients always think pills are safer than injections, but in this day and age injections are much safer,” Lebwohl says. “They attack just one small part of the immune system, where pills attack a larger portion of that system.”

Another treatment option is phototherapy, “a modified tanning treatment, which is indicated for both eczema and psoriasis,” Dr. Desai says. Ultraviolet light acts as an immunosuppressant on the skin. “Think of high-beam lights on your car. You flash the light to scare off an oncoming car. UV light is similar. There is a specific wavelength of light that scares away immune cells,” he says. Sunlight has the same effect, but it also includes the harmful wavelengths that cause burning. Phototherapy delivers just the one wavelength needed to treat the diseases.

“If you think you have one of these conditions, see a dermatologist early,” Desai recommends. “Even the best general practitioner, this is not their area of expertise. Don’t wait until your skin is so scaly and thick it causes scratching and bleeding.” He has a particular warning for people of color, who he says are underserved and often come in later in the disease process. “See a dermatologist who specializes in treating people of color,” he says.You can find a practitioner and learn more at www.skinofcolorsociety.org.

Self-Treatment for Eczema and Psoriasis

Both doctors recommend patients take good care of their skin, with emollient-rich moisturizing creams and lotions. “Scratching makes small tears in the skin, which can cause infection. An emollient can seal some of those cracks,” Desai says.

For those with psoriasis, losing weight can also be helpful. “The treatments work better if the patient loses weight,” Lebwohl says.

Practicing good general health habits also helps your skin:

• Eat a healthy diet.
• Drink more water.
• Drink alcohol only in moderation.
• Don’t smoke.
• Exercise.

https://health.usnews.com/conditions/psoriasis/psoriasis-vs-eczema

How to Find Real Relief for Dry Skin

From consumerreports.org

These tips can help you break the itch-scratch cycle

We tend to think of itchy skin as an annoyance that grows more common with age, not as a serious health concern. And common it is: A study of more than 300 seniors in Mexico found that 1 in 4 complained of chronic itch.
But itchiness can lead to lost sleep or depression, especially when scratching an itch seems to only make it worse. And itchy skin isn’t just challenging on its own—it can sometimes indicate an underlying medical problem.

The good news is that simple home remedies can often help relieve it, and doctors can help treat more serious cases.
“I really try to get my older patients out of the mindset that dry, itchy skin is something normal that they have to live with,” says Ilana DeLuca, M.D., Ph.D., a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at George Washington University. “You don’t have to just grin and bear it.”

Why Age Is a Factor

For most people, the diagnosis is simple: xerosis, the medical term for dry skin. Xerosis is often exacerbated in the winter by the dry air from home heating systems, but it’s common in seniors year-round.
Later in life, our bodies lose the ability to regenerate the fats and proteins that contribute to a healthy outer layer of skin, says Adam Friedman, M.D., a professor and the interim chair of dermatology at George Washington University. As a result, the skin loses its natural buoyancy and can become drier, rigid, and cracked.

Eczema and Psoriasis

Another common cause of itching is eczema, an umbrella term for several conditions that cause swollen rashes. Older adults with eczema may notice severe skin cracking on the lower legs.
Psoriasis, which is associated with autoimmune problems, can also lead to significant itching. Outbreaks frequently—but not always—occur on the elbows, knees, lower back, and scalp. Psoriasis shows up in red patches covered by a thick crust of dry and cracked skin, which will typically peel off in big white pieces.
Your doctor should be able to diagnose eczema or psoriasis with a physical exam.

Simple Tips for Relief

Small changes in your routine can help you manage itchiness and alleviate xerosis on your own. DeLuca says these steps should work for nine out of 10 people with itchy skin.
Wash with a mild soap. Common soaps can leave your skin itchy and dry. Try a gentle cleanser that’s free of dyes and perfumes.
Cool it with the showers. Washing your skin too frequently can dry it out, so avoid showering more than once a day. You may also want to try lukewarm showers; hotter water can wash away substances in skin that help it retain moisture.
Use a humidifier. This tip is especially useful in winter, when heated indoor air can make dry skin even drier.
Ice the itch. If you need immediate relief—and you’re tempted to scratch—Friedman says that icing the itchy area is a good quick fix.
Chlorinate your bath. Adding just a quarter-cup of bleach to 40 gallons of warm bathwater has been found to be an effective means of combating eczema. But be careful not to use too much.
Use moisturizer effectively. Moisturisers work primarily by locking in moisture your skin already has. So Friedman suggests using one right after you get out of the shower or bath. Wearing gloves or socks for a half-hour after application can also help, he says.
Talk to your doctor. If you’ve tried all of these suggestions and you’re still itching, it might be time to see a dermatologist, says DeLuca. Psoriasis and eczema, for example, can often be treated with topical steroids or narrow-band UVB light therapy. These help some patients, but ongoing steroid use can thin out the skin and light therapy can be time-consuming.
A doctor can investigate other possible causes of unrelenting itchy skin, such as kidney, liver, or thyroid problems. In very rare cases, itching could even be a sign of certain cancers, such as lymphoma. Allergies and medications (particularly opioids) can also make you itchy.

https://www.consumerreports.org/medical-conditions/find-real-relief-for-dry-skin/