I have dry, flaky and itchy patches of skin on fingers. They are now spreading and it’s very painful. What’s wrong with me? DR ELLIE reveals the condition to blame and the triggers that make it worse
I have suffered from mild psoriasis my entire life. Then, during the Covid outbreak, my situation got much worse. It’s everywhere now and it’s very painful. What should I do?
Dr Ellie answers: Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition, and flare-ups usually need to be resolved with prescription creams that your doctor can provide.
Chronic disease causes dry, flaky and itchy patches of scaly skin. It tends to come and go in waves, and most patients know what triggers their flare-ups.
It is not surprising that the condition of some has worsened during the Covid outbreak. Stress is a proven catalyst for painful psoriasis, and the psychological strain of quarantine is taking its toll on many people.
Other common triggers include certain medications, hormonal changes such as menopause, alcohol, and skin damage from injury or piercing.
Medical-grade moisturizers, known as emollients, tend to be the first treatment offered to patients, as well as a vitamin D-based cream that has been shown to improve skin health.
If these treatments don’t work, the next step is usually steroid creams.
These medications can relieve skin inflammation and relieve some of the worst psoriasis symptoms. Steroid creams can be used with emollients and in most cases need to be taken for at least a month to see results.
Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition, and flare-ups usually need to be resolved with prescription creams that your doctor can provide.
Steroid creams also come in different strengths, so if one doesn’t work, GPs will usually offer a stronger alternative.
Other specific psoriasis treatments are available by prescription.
If the skin does not improve after three to four months of treatment recommended by your GP, it is completely reasonable to seek a referral to a dermatologist who specializes in psoriasis.
Even though I eat very well, I constantly experience constipation. I eat plenty of fiber, including fruits and vegetables, and drink more water than necessary. Why aren’t my symptoms improving?
Dr Ellie answers: Constipation that persists despite a healthy diet deserves closer examination.
Constipation refers to difficulty or discomfort in opening the bowels, often accompanied by infrequent movements.
It is worth noting that normal bowel habits vary significantly between individuals; Some people open their bowels two or three times a day, others open them every few days, and both can be completely normal.
The important thing is that the movements are comfortable, painless and soft enough to be performed without difficulty.
The most common cause of constipation in Western societies is insufficient dietary fiber. Adults need about 30 grams per day, but most people consume about half that.
There are two types of fiber to consider: soluble fiber, found in fruit and nuts, and insoluble fiber, found in bran, nuts, and seeds.
Both play a role in promoting healthy gut bacteria and regular bowel movements, and eating a wide variety of grains, legumes, dried fruits and seeds is the best way to achieve the right balance.
However, it is important to increase fiber intake gradually, as a sharp increase can cause bloating and discomfort from excess gas.
However, in cases where fiber intake is really good but symptoms persist, other causes should be considered. Constipation may be associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or diverticulosis; Here, sacs form in the lining of the colon, narrowing the passageway and preventing fecal movement.
It may also be a side effect of certain medications, including some painkillers and iron supplements, or it may be linked to conditions such as an underactive thyroid, where the hormone-producing gland is not working properly.
In rare cases, it may even be a sign of cancer; Therefore, a general practitioner should always be consulted if your condition has persisted for a long time or is not improving.
Keeping a food and symptom diary before this appointment can be a helpful way to give the clearest picture possible.
Write to Dr Ellie: Do you have a question for Dr Ellie Cannon? Email DrEllie@mailonsunday.co.uk
