INFOGRAPHICPSORIASIS

Psoriasis Skincare for Winter Weather

December 16, 2022
Winter Psoriasis Skincare Keep your skin healthy when temperatures are low WINTER FLARE-UPS ARE COMMON Approximately 40% of people with psoriasis say they have an increase in flares in the winter. But not everyone gets them. Another 40% claim they don’t notice any difference in their condition when temperatures drop. Still, winter weather is a common trigger for psoriasis. WHY WINTER CAN MAKE PSORIASIS WORSE There isn't much scientific research into why winter weather might impact psoriasis, but dermatologists have theories: • Cold temperatures: As temperatures drop, skin is more likely to become dry, chapped, and cracked. This skin trauma can potentially trigger a psoriasis flare. • Dry air: A decrease in humidity, along with dry indoor air caused by indoor heating, can cause dry skin, which can potentially trigger a psoriasis flare. • Limited sunlight: Vitamin D deficiency can contribute to psoriasis. In the winter, vitamin D from sunlight is harder to get due to fewer hours of daylight, staying indoors, and clothing that covers the skin. 7 Ways to Avoid Winter Flare-ups There are a few things you can do to help prevent winter flares: • Limit showers and baths to under 10 minutes. Use warm water, not hot. • Ditch the harsh soap and use a gentle, moisturizing cleanser instead. • Moisturize immediately after showering or bathing. Reapply several times a day, whenever your skin feels dry. • Use a humidifier in your home. • Bundle up with a hat, gloves, and warm winter gear whenever you go outside. • Remove wet clothes and footwear as soon as possible when you return. • Don’t sit too close to a fireplace, radiator, or other heat source. Skin-Soothing Moisturizers To combat dryness and flaking, look for an ointment or cream that’s: Thick and Emollient A light lotion won’t protect your skin’s moisture barrier as well. Fragrance-free Scented ingredients are more likely to irritate sensitive skin. Skin-soothing Products made with oats can decrease inflammation and soothe itchy skin. Treatment Options If you’ve done your best to avoid a flare-up, but your psoriasis is still acting up as the temperatures drop, talk to your dermatologist about potential treatment options. It’s possible you may need some extra reinforcements in the winter months. What that looks like can be different for everyone. Your doctor could prescribe: • Topical treatments to decrease inflammation and prevent flakes and scales • Phototherapy to give you extra vitamin D to help avoid flares • Systemic medication to help control an overactive immune system, which causes extra skin cells to form Healthy Skin Year-Round Keeping your skin healthy in the winter months also means sticking with the same psoriasis management techniques you should be using the rest of the year, including: • Maintain a healthy lifestyle • Eat a healthy diet • Get regular exercise • Don’t smoke • Limit alcohol • Reduce stress and other triggers • Follow the treatment regimen prescribed by your doctor • Wear breathable fabrics, like cotton SOURCES Al-Dhubaibi, M. International Journal of Health Sciences. “Association between Vitamin D deficiency and psoriasis: An exploratory study” 2018. American Academy of Dermatology, “Are Triggers Causing Your Psoriasis Flare-Ups?” American Academy of Dermatology, “Psoriasis: Tips for Managing.” British Journal of Dermatology, “Sun Exposure Induces Rabid Immunological Changes in Skin and Peripheral Blood in Patients With Psoriasis.” 2011. Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, “Has Dry/Cold Weather an Impact on The Skin Condition of Cleanroom Workers?” 2016. National Psoriasis Foundation, “11 Must-Have Lotions Under $12.” National Psoriasis Foundation, “Causes and Triggers.” National Psoriasis Foundation, “Life With Psoriasis.” National Psoriasis Foundation, “Phototherapy.” National Psoriasis Foundation, “Psoriasis and Diet: Researchers Examine the Relationship Between Food and Disease.” National Psoriasis Foundation, “Taking Care of Your Skin in Summer.” National Psoriasis Foundation, “Thawing the Fact From Fiction Behind Winter Flares.” PlaquePsoriasis.com, “How Can Weather Affect Psoriasis?” 2016. PlaquePsoriasis.com, “The Best Fabric for Psoriasis: Cotton.” 2019 Vanguard Dermatology, “Cold Weather Skin Care for Psoriasis.”