Psoriasis mostly aggravates in the hot and humid weather. Extremes of any weather play a role in recurring episodes of psoriasis just like stress and diet.
People with psoriasis are aware that they need to be extra cautious in extreme weather conditions.
Sun is both, a friend and a foe for psoriasis. Sun exposure help treat psoriasis and excessive exposure can trigger a flare-up.
How To Manage Psoriasis In Hot Weather?
There are few ways in which the flare-up during hot weather can be prevented.
Use Sunscreen
When exposed to the sun for a long time, the skin can get irritated and there can be an aggravation of skin condition such as psoriasis.
Sunscreen is known to protect the skin against the damaging UVA and UVB rays. One with SPF 30 or higher should be used.
Light Dressing
The body reacts to heat by producing sweat. It can cause flare-ups in some people.
To prevent it, one should wear loose-fitting and sun-protective clothing such as hats and visors when outdoors.
Keep Yourself Hydrated
Drinking water keeps the body and skin hydrated.
Keeping the skin hydrated prevents the psoriasis flare-up in hot weather.
Do Not Go Outdoors In Peak Hours
The sun is hottest between 10 am to 4 pm. Avoiding outdoor trips can prevent skin damage due to heat and also flare-ups in psoriasis.
Whenever moving out, make sure to apply sunscreen half an hour before.
Limit the exposure during these hours to avoid sunburns that has the potential to stimulate the immune system and lead to more psoriasis plaques
Know Your Skin Type
Different types of skin react differently to the heat of the sun. It is therefore important to know about your skin and take necessary precautions.
Moisturize Your Skin
- Dryness aggravates psoriasis.
- During the summer season, air conditioning and chlorine can lead to dryness. It is good if you keep your skin moisturized.
- You can apply a moisturizing lotion within 3 minutes of showering to lock in moisture.
Take A Dip In The Ocean
Soaking in water can rehydrate the skin and help a flaky dry skin of psoriasis.
A study published that the level of salt concentration in certain water bodies enhances the transmission of UV light therapy.(1)
Cut Down Of Alcohol Consumption
Heavy drinking can have side effects on psoriasis medications and other treatments.
Summer is a time when most people feel like indulging in a drink or two. Those suffering from psoriasis should actually keep a tab on how much they drink.
Excessive alcohol consumption might also contribute to systemic inflammation and also have effects on other diseases that can occur along with psoriasis that include cardiovascular disease and depression.(2)
Psoriasis keeps you aware of the weather conditions. It is not that the hot weather always causes or fares-up psoriasis. Sunlight is also used to treat it as well.
Only one has to avoid exposing the affected skin in extreme heat.
The above tips can help minimize the damage due to it. Keeping the body cool and knowing what can cause trigger and what can calm the skin, can help a person with psoriasis stay comfortable in hot weather.
Also Read:
- Psoriasis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Ways To Cope
- Travel Tips for Psoriasis Patients
- Treating Psoriasis with Natural Sunlight & Phototherapy
- Can Apple Cider Vinegar Help in Psoriasis?
- What Causes Psoriasis and is it Contagious?
- 10 Common Psoriasis Triggers You Should Avoid
- Is There A Genetic Link To Psoriasis?
