Article: An emollient is a rich moisturizing ointment that softens the skin. Emollients not only reduce the dry skin buildup associated with psoriasis, but they may also make your skin more receptive to other topical treatments. Ask your doctor to recommend an emollient that will work well with your skin type. You may be able to buy an effective emollient over the counter, or your doctor or dermatologist may prescribe one for you. Your doctor may recommend using a steroid cream or ointment to reduce inflammation associated with psoriasis. Topical steroid treatments can also reduce itching and slow down the production of new skin cells.  Don't use corticosteroids on your psoriasis without your doctor's recommendation. Topical steroids can cause a variety of side effects, including irritation or rashes (contact dermatitis), thinning of the skin, acne breakouts, excessive hair growth, or changes in skin color. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop using the steroids and talk to your doctor. This vitamin slows the growth of skin cells and is usually applied in topical form. However, vitamin D analogues can irritate the skin, so they should be used sparingly and with caution.  In many cases, vitamin D will be combined in a cream with corticosteroids. If your skin is sensitive to vitamin D ointments, Calcitriol (Vectical) is a relatively gentle option. However, Calcitriol can be expensive. Calcineurin inhibitors, like tacrolimus or pimecrolimus, work by inhibiting excessive immune system activity that can lead to inflammation and plaque buildup. They are especially good for treating sensitive areas, like the face and scalp. Calcineurin inhibitors should be used with caution, and only with your doctor's recommendation. Long-term use can increase your risk of skin cancer and lymphoma. Coal tar is a very old remedy for psoriasis. It reduces inflammation and slows the buildup of plaque and dead skin cells. It is often used in combination with ultraviolet (UVB) therapy. However, coal tar smells unpleasant, can stain your clothes and bedding, and may cause irritation or an allergic reaction in some people.  Coal tar can be applied before bed and left on overnight, or applied in the morning and washed off after 10-15 minutes. If you choose to leave coal tar on your skin overnight, let it dry for 10-15 minutes before getting into bed in order to minimize stains on your bedding. Your doctor may recommend using coal tar in combination with topical steroid treatments. Retinoids are derived from vitamin A and are used for a variety of skin conditions. They are applied directly to the skin in order to remove scales and ease inflammation. One common type of retinoid that is used for facial psoriasis is acitretin.  This medication should not be taken if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Retinoids may increase your sensitivity to sunlight. Always use sunscreen before going outside while you are using retinoid creams.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Use emollients and moisturizers. Ask your doctor about using corticosteroids. Use synthetic vitamin D. Ask your doctor about using calcineurin inhibitors. Treat your psoriasis with coal tar. Apply retinoid creams.
Article: When you decide to try conceiving, it's important to be on folic acid. That means that if you go off your birth control, you need to start a supplement. Most women take a folic acid supplement in the form of a prenatal vitamin for the duration of the pregnancy.  You need 400 micrograms of folic acid daily. If you take a multivitamin, check what it has in it before adding a supplement.  You need to be prescribed an extra 4mg (far more than is found in over-the-counter supplements) if you have had a child with a neural tube defect. Talk to your doctor about additional folic acid if you (or your partner, or a relative) have celiac, sickle cell, or thalassaemia disease, or you are on anti-epileptic drugs. Choline can help reduce the chances of birth defects in your baby, so try to eat foods that are rich in it, such as egg yolks. Other good options include beef liver and cauliflower. Herbal teas and supplements may sound like a great idea; however, some can be harmful while you're pregnant or trying to get pregnant, such as St. John's Wort, ginseng, sassafras, and licorice. Ask your doctor about any supplement and tea you are taking. Though not definitive, it's possible that BPA can lower your fertility rates. Therefore, if you're trying to get pregnant, you should avoid this chemical. The best way to avoid it is to not consume foods out of hard plastics or cans labeled with number 3 or number 7.  Do not microwave in plastic containers. Heat can cause BPA to leach out into food. Purchase BPA-free plastic when available. Discard scratched or warped plastic ware, which are more likely to leach BPA. Choose frozen food over canned food when available. Can linings may be made with BPA. Heavy alcohol drinking is linked to lower fertility. In addition, if you consume alcohol while trying to get pregnant, you may be consuming alcohol after you get pregnant without realizing it, which is bad for the baby.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Take folic acid. Increase your choline. Check with your doctor about teas and supplements. Skip bisphenol A (BPA). Limit alcohol.