The National Psoriasis Foundation Medical Advisory Board has released new recommendations for the treatment of psoriasis in pregnant and lactating women.

The recommendations call for topical treatment as the first-line therapy for psoriasis—a chronic, genetic disease of the immune system that appears on the skin, causing it to crack, itch and bleed. Specifically, the medical board recommends that moisturizers and emollients, such as petroleum jelly, be used initially as there are no known adverse effects to these products.

Additionally, the Psoriasis Foundation Medical Advisory Board suggests that:

• After use of moisturizers and emollients, low to moderate dose topical steroids may be used.

• Narrowband ultraviolet light B (UVB) phototherapy or excimer laser treatment is a first line of treatment for pregnant women.

• Lastly, in the most recalcitrant cases, TNF inhibitors, a class of drugs that suppress the immune system, may be used with caution, as well as the immunosuppressant drug cyclosporine in the second and third trimesters.

• Breastfeeding while taking medications should be avoided due to the lack of long-term and population-based studies. 

Psoriasis can be unpredictable in pregnancy. Some women see an improvement in the severity of their psoriasis during pregnancy, while others report their psoriasis gets worse. Changes in severity of psoriasis vary by individual and from pregnancy to pregnancy. It is important for women to consult with their obstetrician and dermatologist to determine what treatment is appropriate for them during pregnancy and to consider the precautions for each.

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Summer isn't the only time to think about skin protection. Cold weather can also have damaging or negative effects on your skin. Dry skin is more common in winter due to low humidity caused by the cold outdoor air and heated air inside. The skin loses moisture and may crack, peel or become irritated and inflamed. Bathing frequently, especially when using harsh soaps, may also contribute to skin dryness. For those susceptible to flare-ups of eczema or atopic dermatitis, winter’s dry air and low humidity can exacerbate those conditions.

However, there are steps you can take to make your skin look and feel better during the colder months:

It may help to change your bathing habits:

• Keep baths or showers short.

• Use warm (not hot) water.

• Try mild cleansers or mild soaps.

• Dry your skin thoroughly but gently―pat, don’t rub.

• Take baths or showers less often.

Also, increase skin and body moisture:

• Use bath oils or moisturizers daily.

• Thick, greasy moisturizers work best.

• Avoid products with alcohol.

• Apply just after a bath or shower, when your skin is still damp.

• Use a humidifier if the air is dry.

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

• Apply cool compresses to itchy areas, and try over-the-counter cortisone creams or lotions if your skin is inflamed.

• Don’t forget to use sunscreen year-round!

You should arrange an appointment with Windsor Dermatology if dryness and itching do not respond to self-treatment or if you develop open cuts or sores from itching. Your skin is vulnerable during the winter, so take steps to keep it moisturized and constantly monitor its condition to keep it healthy.

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Our skin works 24/7 to protect us, and keep us healthy, so we have a responsibility to take proper care of our skin. The best ways to accomplish this is to schedule an annual Healthy Skin Check-Up at Windsor Dermatology. Our board-certified dermatologists have the specialized medical training and expertise to help keep your skin healthy year round and throughout your life.

Having a Healthy Skin Check-Up is an important and simple preventative solution to ensure the health of your skin and early detection of any skin cancers or other conditions which may develop. Your check-up consists of a visual inspection of your skin by a Windsor Dermatology physician, examining all body areas including those covered by hair for any changes in the size, color, shape or texture of a mole, the development of a new mole or other unusual skin conditions.

The key to the successful treatment of skin cancers and other skin disorders is early detection. Current estimates are that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetimes, so don’t play the odds with the health of your skin. Start the New Year right by giving Windsor Dermatology a call today at 609.443.4500 to schedule your annual Healthy Skin Check-Up.

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