From healthcentral.com
Even when your meds are working, pain and skin symptoms slip through. We asked our PsA community for items that really make a difference when you need relief
You can spend a lot of time and money searching for tools that make your life easier with a chronic condition like psoriatic arthritis (PsA), What you really need is to ask people who’ve lived with PsA long enough to have done the trial-and-error work for you. We spoke to three psoriatic arthritis warriors to find out what products have been game-changers for their joints or skin. What is on their must-have shopping list? Their picks may not be sexy or flashy, but they’re the type of present that lets your loved one know: I get you.
Biofreeze
When Hannah Greetham, 29, from Lincolnshire, England, is experiencing aches and pains during a PsA flare, she uses Biofreeze (cold therapy pain relief for sore muscles and joints and arthritic pain) throughout the day. It took Greetham a long time to get a diagnosis of PsA after many years of trying to manage symptoms on her own. “It helps massively—I can really feel it working to temporarily ease pain,” she explains.
https://www.amazon.com/Biofreeze-Professional-Relieving-Analgesic-Arthritis/dp/B01GZQ4FZI
Sketcher Slip-Ins
Greetham often gets really bad aches and pains in the joints in her feet and swollen feet and ankles. But standing and walking is difficult to avoid due to her job (and passion) working with horses. “The only footwear that helps me walk properly and fits my swollen feet is Sketcher Slip-Ins, due to the memory foam insoles,” she says.
https://www.skechers.com/skechers-slip-ins-summits---new-daily/150263_TPE.html
Countrydale Classic Leggings
Whether she’s out with the horses or at home, Greetham’s go-to outfit always includes Countrydale Classic. “They really help with the swelling in my legs, due to great compression,” she says. “Plus, the high waist band provides good back support and they’re super comfortable and stretchy.”
https://www.countrydale.com/products/classic-pull-on-riding-leggings-black
Westlab Epsom Salts
A warm bath can help to ease joint pain, stiffness, and psoriatic skin issues, per the Arthritis Foundation. “I use Westlab Epsom Salts most nights in my bath,” says Greetham. “They really help me relax my aching muscles and joints, and I seem to then get a better night’s sleep.”
https://www.amazon.com/Westlab-Epsom-Resealable-Stand-Pouch/dp/B0733PBRKH
Dove Soap
Research shows around 85% of people with psoriatic arthritis also have a history of skin psoriasis (PsO)—which can rule out a lot of skincare and beauty holiday gifts that may contain triggering ingredients. “After having psoriasis for 50 years, I’ve really come to understand that constant skin care is mandatory for me,” says Tracy Davenport, 62, of Centreville, MD. Davenport first developed psoriasis around age 12, followed by a PsA diagnosis as a young adult. In the five decades following her psoriasis diagnosis, Davenport has come to rely on simple Dove soap to keep flares at bay: “It has no fragrance or colouring and is gentle and less drying than other soaps I have tried.”
https://www.amazon.com/Dove-Anti-Stress-Blue-Chamomile-Moisturizes/dp/B0CP5N76KT
Eucerin Lotion
Living with psoriasis typically means moisturizing multiple times a day. “Keeping my skin moist is critical to keeping my psoriasis in low gear,” says Davenport. “If my skin gets dry, then it can get itchy, and that almost always leads to a psoriasis breakout. Eucerin is gentle on my skin, but it also stays put longer than a lot of lotions I have experimented with over the years.”
https://www.amazon.com/Eucerin-Intensive-Repair-Lotion-Bottle/dp/B000XY9LT4
Vitamin C Serum
Many “anti-aging” products contain retinol, which many people with psoriasis find too harsh for their skin. Instead, Davenport uses vitamin C serum on her face twice a day. “This has also shown ‘anti-aging’ qualities in the literature, but doesn’t seem to bother or dry out my skin,” she explains.
https://www.amazon.com/Vitamin-Serum-Face-Ageing-Brightening/dp/B07P5TMHD9
Thick Yoga Pants
With sons and grandsons in North Carolina and a house in Florida, Davenport flies a lot! “Planes can be cold, which can be a trigger for my joint pain,” she reveals. “So I always dress really warm when I fly—usually the same outfit of thick yoga pants that keep me feeling warm and comfortable throughout the flights and also let me stretch a little before sitting for hours.”
https://www.amazon.com/GYM-PEOPLE-Pockets-Control-Leggings/dp/B07HQPKDZB
Weekly Pill Organizer
Managing multiple medications can be overwhelming. “My weekly pill container is a true lifesaver,” says Emily Hertzberg, 42, of East Meadow, NY. She’s been juggling both PsA and PsO since age 21, and shares her experience with psoriatic disease on her Instagram page to help other PsA warriors feel supported and empowered. “My pill container keeps everything organized and ensures I never miss a dose, especially on those brain fog days when time blurs,” she says.
https://www.amazon.com/EZY-DOSE-Organizer-Compartments-Arthritis/dp/B001OK1YUA/
Heating Pad/Blanket
When PsA joint pain or stiffness sets in, gentle heat can bring instant relief. “I use my heating pad to loosen tight joints, ease muscle tension, and bring comfort during flare days,” says Hertzberg. “It’s like a warm hug for my body!”
https://www.amazon.com/GENIANI-Heating-Relief-Stomach-Adjustable/dp/B0BL157L8M
Flexible Ice Sleeve
A flexible ice sleeve is Hertzberg's go-to for inflammation and swelling. “I use this on and off for a few days to relieve my hot, achy joints,” she explains. “It moulds perfectly around sore knees, elbows, or wrists, giving cooling relief without the mess of ice packs or dripping towels.”
https://www.amazon.com/IceSleeve-Reusable-Flexible-Injuries-Compression/dp/B0DZZLY62Y/
Compression Gloves/Sleeves
Daily tasks can be difficult when PsA flares, but compression gloves or sleeves help to keep swelling joints and provide crucial support. “Whether I’m typing, cooking, or scrolling on my phone, these reduce pain and stiffness so I can stay functional and comfortable,” Hertzberg says.
https://www.amazon.com/Copper-Compression-Arthritis-Gloves-GUARANTEED/dp/B00ZO4WW7Q/
Ergonomic Seat Cushion/Support Pillow
As a teacher and blog writer, Hertzberg often spends long periods sitting. “Comfort truly matters,” she says. “A supportive cushion protects my joints, helps with posture, and makes it easier to work or travel without extra pain.”
https://www.amazon.com/Seat-Cushion-Office-Chair-Desk/dp/B01EBDV9BU/
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