INFOGRAPHICPSORIASIS

Psoriasis Skincare for the Summer Months

August 27, 2021
Summer Skincare for Psoriasis Keep your skin healthy and protected as the weather heats up. PSORIASIS MAY IMPROVE IN THE SUMMER In one study, about 20 percent of people with psoriasis had clear skin in the summertime, while 15 percent were clear in the winter. Plus, people with psoriasis tended to visit dermatology clinics less often in the summer, too. Researchers suggest this may be because their symptoms tended to improve. There are a couple possible explanations: • Sun exposure can cause immunological changes in the skin, which can help clear psoriasis and prevent future flares. • In some climates, summer air tends to be more humid, preventing skin from getting too dry. But that doesn’t mean everyone with psoriasis is so lucky—many still report flares in the summer. These can be caused by specific summer-related triggers. SUMMER PSORIASIS TRIGGERS No two cases of psoriasis are exactly alike; so, while some people may experience relief in the summer months, others may flare up. Potential summertime psoriasis triggers may include: • Sunburns While short exposure to natural sunlight or UV phototherapy may often improve psoriasis symptoms, a sunburn injures the skin, which can then result in a psoriasis flare. • Bug Bites Bug bites can also create skin trauma—especially if the bite is itchy and your scratching breaks the skin. Any trauma to the skin may trigger new areas of psoriasis. • Sweating Too much sweat can create skin friction that may triggering a psoriasis flare. • Air Conditioning Dry skin is a potential cause of psoriasis flares, and overexposure to air conditioning can dry out the skin. • Alcohol consumption As tempting as it may be to enjoy a few extra adult beverages in the summer months, alcohol may sometimes make psoriasis symptoms worse in certain people. PREVENT FLARES BY CARING FOR YOUR SKIN The National Psoriasis Foundation suggests taking a few skincare steps to help you enjoy summer weather without triggering your psoriasis. Enjoy the Sun—in Moderation Exposure to sun rays can help your skin get and stay clearer, but it’s important not to overdo it. • Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 on all exposed skin, and reapply every 2 hours when outside. • Consider wearing UV protective factor (UPF) clothing to further protect the skin from sun damage. • Minimize your outside exposure between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when ultraviolet rays are at their strongest. Keep Skin Moisturized Swimming in salt water can have positive effects on skin if it’s a short dip. But any type of water can dry out the skin if you’re in it for prolonged periods. Rinse off after each swimming session. Then pat dry and moisturize right away. If your doctor has recommended a topical prescription medication, it is best to apply after bathing or showering and before applying moisturizer. Avoid Overheating Try to keep your body from overheating (and sweating too much) by wearing clothes made of breathable fabrics and light colors. Take breaks from the heat. Avoid Triggers If you know a certain food or situation (like stress from a long trip) tends to cause your psoriasis to flare, try avoiding—or minimizing—that trigger to keep symptoms at bay. Counteract these triggers by starting healthy habits such as daily walks, meditation, yoga, and more. BUILD CONFIDENCE Summer often means showing more skin—which can be difficult or embarrassing for some people with psoriasis. Research suggests that psoriasis can negatively impact self-esteem and body image, which may cause people with the condition to cover up, feel sexually inhibited, or be less physically active. 3 Ways to Combat Feelings of Self-Consciousness 1. Avoid negative self-talk. Break the habit of saying negative things about your skin or body. Any time you get the urge, take a breath and stop yourself. 2. Find the positive. Instead of dwelling on what you don’t feel good about, shift your thinking to focus on the things you like about yourself. You can even say them out loud. 3. Meet others with psoriasis. Getting to know other people who have psoriasis can remind you that you’re not alone, and seeing how they stay confident can inspire you to do the same. Sharing may lead to healing. TREATMENT OPTIONS IN THE SUMMER If, despite your best efforts, you tend to experience psoriasis flares in the summer months, talk to your dermatologist. They can assess your treatment plan and help you to identify what may be causing your flares, so you can better control your condition. SOURCES American Academy of Dermatology, “Are Triggers Causing Your Psoriasis Flare-Ups?” Khoury, L. et al. “Body image altered by psoriasis. A study based on individual interviews and a model for body image.” The Journal of Dermatological Treatment. 2014. Nair, P. Badri T., “Psoriasis.” StatPearls Publishing. 2020. National Psoriasis Foundation. “Causes and Triggers.” 2021. National Psoriasis Foundation. “Phototherapy.” 2021. National Psoriasis Foundation. “Taking Care of Your Skin in Summer.” Nazik, H. et al. “Body Image, Self-Esteem, and Quality of Life in Patients with Psoriasis.” Indian Dermatology Online Journal. 2017. Pascoe V., Kimball A. “Seasonal Variation of Acne and Psoriasis: A 3-Year Study Using the Physician Global Assessment Severity Scale.” Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2015. Soyland E., et al. “Sun exposure induces rapid immunological changes in skin and peripheral blood in patients with psoriasis.” The British Journal of Dermatology. 2011. Wu, Q., et al. “Seasonality and Global Public Interest in Psoriasis: An Infodemiology Study.” Postgraduate Medical Journal. 2019.