There are some autoimmune diseases, like pemphius disorders that primarily target the skin, but nearly all autoimmune diseases, including Multiple Sclerosis cause skin changes such as irritation, rash and other signs of aging related directly to the inflammatory changes and reduced collagen production. 

Let’s talk about what you can do to keep your skin soft and healthy.

1.       Don’t expose yourself to the sun.

Even if sun and heat aren’t MS sufferers’ best friend because it makes the symptoms worsen, the sun also affects your skin through its UV rays. The UV rays cause rough skin, wrinkles, liver spots and skin cancer.  This is why you should avoid being in the sun too much during 10 am and 4 pm, and also wear protective clothing and use sunscreen.

2.       Quit smoking!

Smoking accelerates your skin’s aging and increases wrinkles. The skin changes appear after 10 years of smoking in young adults. Also, MS sufferers shouldn’t smoke because smoking worsens they symptoms.

3.       Wash your skin gently!

When it comes to the essentials of caring for your skin, cleansing is one of the basics. The key is treating your skin gently, by using warm water and limited bath time. This because hot showers and baths remove oils from your skin – and cause your MS to worsen. Use warm rather than hot water and keep it short, under 15 minutes.  You should also avoid strong soaps and choose soft soaps like Purpose, Dove and Vanicream.  If you wear makeup, then remove it carefully, using a soft sponge, cotton cloths or cotton balls.  After you washed your skin you should pat dry, so that some moisture remains on the skin, and then immediately moisturize your skin with cream or oil.

4.       Moisturize regularly , as this will help to maintain your skin’s natural moisture levels longer, by providing a seal over your skin ( keeping water from escaping or slowly releasing water into your skin).  To test if you need a moisturizer, then simply wait 20 minutes after bathing – if your skin feels tight, then you should apply one.   To protects your skin from damaging UV rays, select a moisturizer with a SPF of at least 15.

5.       Shave carefully. This is the most common and inexpensive way to remove your unwanted hair, but it can cause irritations, especially if you have a dry, sensitive or thin skin. To have a smooth shave, you should press a warm cloth on your skin to soften the hair and open the pores. You could also shave after a warm bath or shower.  You shouldn’t shave dry skin, as this can cause razor burn – you need to always apply some shaving lotioin, cream or gel to protect and lubricate your skin. You should also always use a clean and sharp razor. For those who use an electric razor, you should avoid using the closest setting as this can aggravate the skin. Also, always shave in the direction of hair growth, not against it. After you shaved, rinse with warm water, and apply a lotion that doesn’t contain alcohol if irritation occurs.