How to manage psoriasis in the cold seasons

As the leaves change color and temperatures drop, many of us welcome the arrival of autumn and winter with open arms. However, for people living with psoriasis, the change of season brings unique challenges. Cold and dry weather can worsen psoriasis symptoms, making managing the condition even more difficult. But we don't have to let the cold affect our skin and well-being.

The cold not only dehydrates and irritates the skin, but it can also affect the overall well-being, amplifying the feeling of discomfort and frustration related to managing psoriasis. Therefore, it is crucial to adapt our care routine and psoriasis management strategies to cope with these challenging weather conditions.

This article is dedicated to exploring practical tips and effective strategies to help people with psoriasis successfully navigate the challenges brought by the cold season, aiming to minimize the negative impact on the skin and improve quality of life. Armed with this knowledge, you can keep your skin healthy and enjoy the beauty of the cold seasons without letting psoriasis overshadow your well-being.

1. Intensify hydration

When outdoor temperatures start to drop and the air becomes drier, your skin can suffer, becoming more prone to dryness, itching, and flaking – symptoms that are already too familiar if you live with psoriasis. At these times, an essential step in your skincare routine is to increase hydration. Regular use of a rich moisturizing cream, which acts as an emollient, is crucial to help the skin retain moisture and to form a protective barrier against external irritating factors.

We recommend applying the moisturizing cream immediately after you get out of the shower or bath. This helps you "seal" the moisture into your skin, taking advantage of the open pores and the still present humidity. Choose products that are specially formulated for sensitive skin or psoriasis creams, avoiding strong fragrances and alcohol, which can further irritate the skin.

Don't limit yourself to just one application per day. You may need to reapply the moisturizer several times a day, especially on very dry areas or those affected by plaques. Keep a tube of cream handy both at home and at work or in your bag, to make it easier to keep your skin hydrated throughout the day.

Additionally, consider using some natural moisturizing oils, such as coconut or jojoba oil, which can provide deep hydration and soothe irritated skin. These can be applied in the evening, before bedtime, allowing the skin to regenerate and absorb nutrients overnight.

2. Adjust the bathroom

During winter, the temptation to take a hot and long shower can be great, especially after a chilly day. However, for your skin, which is already dealing with the challenges of psoriasis, this habit can have counterproductive effects. Hot water and prolonged exposure can weaken the skin's natural barrier, causing even greater moisture loss and exacerbating symptoms of dryness and itching.

A gentler approach involves adjusting the water temperature to a warm, comfortable level that does not irritate the skin. Try to limit the time spent in the shower or bath to a maximum of 10-15 minutes. This helps prevent excessive dehydration of the skin and preserves the natural oils essential for maintaining a healthy skin barrier.

Adding bath oils or colloidal oatmeal flakes can turn your bath into a therapeutic treatment for skin affected by psoriasis. Bath oils, such as almond or coconut oil, can provide extra hydration and a protective layer, while colloidal oatmeal has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce redness and itching.

When drying yourself, avoid rubbing your skin with a towel, as this action can irritate psoriatic plaques and remove the skin's natural oils. Instead, opt for a gentle patting drying method that maintains the skin's integrity and moisture. Then, immediately apply a quality moisturizing cream to seal the moisture into the skin.

3. Use humidifiers

As outdoor temperatures drop and we start relying more on indoor heating systems, the humidity in our homes can decrease significantly. Dry indoor air is not only uncomfortable but can also have a negative impact on your skin, especially if you have psoriasis. Low humidity can worsen skin dryness, causing itching and aggravating psoriatic plaques. This is where humidifiers come in handy.

Using a humidifier in the spaces where you spend most of your time, such as the bedroom or office, can help restore an optimal level of humidity in the air. The added moisture in the air helps prevent skin dehydration, providing a more favorable environment that can reduce itching and flaking symptoms associated with psoriasis.

4. Attention to clothing

Choosing the right clothing can play a crucial role in managing psoriasis symptoms, especially in the cold months, when the instinct may be to dress as warmly as possible to protect ourselves from the cold. However, it is important to be aware that not only the cold but also the clothing we wear can affect the condition of our skin.

Rough or synthetic materials can irritate the skin and can exacerbate the itching and inflammation symptoms associated with psoriasis. In contrast, natural, soft, and breathable materials like cotton are much gentler on the skin and allow it to breathe, reducing the risk of irritation. When selecting clothes, check the labels and opt for those materials that support your skin's health.

Additionally, the way we dress can contribute to our thermal comfort as well as the condition of our skin. Excessive layering of clothes can lead to overheating of the body and, consequently, sweating. Excess moisture and heat can irritate skin affected by psoriasis, intensifying discomfort. It is recommended to adopt a layered clothing system, which allows us to easily adjust the level of warmth by adding or removing layers as needed.

In addition to careful selection of material and layering management, it is also useful to pay attention to washing clothes. Strong detergents or bleaches can leave residues on clothing that may irritate sensitive skin. Choose mild detergents, free of fragrances or dyes, and rinse clothes well to reduce the risk of irritation. Also, avoid using fabric softeners, which may contain irritating chemicals.

5. Continue the treatment

Continuity of treatment for psoriasis during the winter months is essential, even when the extra layer of clothing hides the lesions or the symptoms seem to temporarily subside. The cold seasons can bring a unique set of challenges for skin affected by psoriasis, and interrupting treatment can lead to worsening symptoms or the appearance of unexpected complications.

It is important to maintain your treatment routine established with your doctor, even if climate changes or the lifestyle associated with winter might tempt you to neglect it. For example, the skin may require additional hydration or it may be necessary to adjust the frequency of applying certain topical treatments to combat the excessive dryness of the air.

If you notice that your psoriasis symptoms worsen during the winter months, it is crucial to discuss this with your dermatologist. They can assess the effectiveness of your current treatment regimen and make adjustments, either by changing the dosages or by adding supplementary treatments. In some cases, advanced therapeutic options may be recommended, such as phototherapy or systemic and biological medications, which can provide more effective relief in managing psoriasis during the winter.

In conclusion, navigating the challenges of the cold seasons requires a careful and proactive approach for those living with psoriasis. Adapting skin care, maintaining an optimal environment in your home, carefully choosing clothing, and continuing appropriate treatment are essential steps that can make a difference in effectively managing symptoms.

By adopting these strategies, you can protect your skin, minimize discomfort, and keep psoriasis under control, allowing you to enjoy the beauty and uniqueness of each season, regardless of the challenges it may bring.