Skin Protection Tips for Psoriatic Arthritis

Keeping disease activity under control with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and biologics is an important part of managing the skin symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. But many lifestyle habits can help or worsen psoriasis. Here are 9 self-care tips that can relieve symptoms and promote healthier skin.

Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.治疗皮肤蜕皮的最好方法之一是保持水分。经常使用保湿霜可以缓解干燥和瘙痒，促进愈合，特别是在寒冷干燥的天气。最适合你的产品取决于你的皮肤有多干——产品越厚就越能保持水分，史蒂文·r·费尔德曼医学博士说，他是位于北卡罗来纳州温斯顿-塞勒姆的维克森林大学医学院皮肤学教授。费尔德曼博士建议使用无香味的产品。可以考虑几个品牌:Cetaphil、CeraVe和优色林。

Drink plenty of water.Moisturize your skin from the inside out by staying well hydrated, particularly in summer months. You can tell if you are getting enough water by the color of your urine. If your urine is pale yellow or straw colored, your water intake is on target. If your urine is darker yellow, have another glass or two.

Try topical treatments. Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter products that can improve skin lesions. These include:

• tar products, which are derived from coal and may help slow the overgrowth of skin cells, relieve inflammation and improve the appearance of the skin,
• medicated shampoos containing salicylic acid, ketoconazole (an antifungal) and propionate (a topical steroid) to help relieve scalp psoriasis, and
• ointments containing hydrocortisone, a corticosteroid, to relieve itching and reduce skin lesions.

Cleanse your skin gently.Take short, warm baths or showers to avoid drying the skin and use gentle soaps. Dr. Feldman recommends avoiding liquid soaps, which tend to be harsher than bar soaps. After bathing, gently pat your skin dry with a clean towel and immediately apply a moisturizer.

Catch some rays.医生经常开光疗处方，使用紫外线来减缓快速生长的皮肤细胞，以治疗牛皮癣。费尔德曼博士说，你每天晒晒太阳也能达到类似的效果。使用循序渐进的方法，从每天5分钟开始，逐渐增加每天的时间，这样你就可以仔细监测皮肤的反应，避免晒伤。使用防晒系数为30或更高的广谱UVA和UVB防晒霜，保护不受影响的皮肤。费尔德曼博士说，晒伤不仅会增加患皮肤癌的风险，还可能导致牛皮癣爆发。

Soak in salt water.Soaking in salt water can help clear skin lesions. Dr. Feldman recommends adding Dead Sea salt, Epsom salts or even ordinary table salt to a bathtub of warm (not hot) water and soaking for at least 15 minutes.

避免皮肤过敏。Trauma to your skin can cause psoriasis to flare, says Dr. Feldman. Wear shoes both in and outdoors to avoid stepping on sharp objects, clip nails carefully to avoid pinching the skin and wear gloves when cleaning or doing yard work. Avoid bug bites by wearing protective clothing and an insect repellent without DEET, which can irritate your skin, and staying indoors at dusk when mosquitoes are most active. While bug bites may not directly affect your psoriasis, scratching itchy bites can.

Relax.Research suggests that stress can worsen psoriasis. Learn and practice relaxation techniques, such as meditation and yoga. Spend time with a friend, listen to soothing music, get plenty of sleep, and take time for activities you enjoy. Seek professional help if your anxiety is worsening or you think you may be depressed.

Practice a healthy lifestyle.Healthy habits – including exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, eating healthfully, avoiding cigarettes and consuming alcohol in moderation – can help improve your skin disease and reduce your risk of other health problems as well.