The following is an Editorial Resource from YourTotalHealth.
In some areas, winter brings out snow shovels, sleds and sweaters. Folks fill their pantries and get ready to be inside a lot more. But if you have psoriasis, bracing for winter can be even more challenging. Symptoms of psoriasis typically improve in warm, sunny weather and worsen when the air gets cold and dry.
?Sun exposure in the summer seems to ?down regulate,? or lessen the skin?s immune activity, which could improve psoriasis in a lot of people,? says Linda K. Franks, M.D., clinical assistant professor of dermatology at the New York University School of Medicine. ?Less sunshine in the winter may have the opposite effect, leading to worsened symptoms which can be further exacerbated by colder, drier air.? What do you do? Try these tips to keep your skin smooth and itch-free this winter:
1. Up your vitamin D intake. New research shows that healthy blood levels of vitamin D can improve overall immune function, which could benefit psoriasis since it?s a condition driven by immune response impairment, according to Dr. Franks (the National Psoriasis Foundation classifies it as an autoimmune disease). Vitamin D comes from two main sources: sunlight and your diet. Look for foods (especially dairy products) that are fortified with it, or try supplements. ?Taking a daily supplement of 1,000 international units of vitamin D year-round is safe and may boost your immune system, potentially helping psoriasis,? says Dr. Franks.
2. Invest in a humidifier. Indoor heat can dry out the air, pulling moisture from your skin and increasing flaking and irritation. Using a humidifier adds water to the air and helps your skin maintain its own moisture.
3. Moisturize. ?A moisturizer doesn?t put more moisture in the skin, it retards moisture losses from the skin,? says Dr. Franks. ?It sits on top of the skin and helps to block the exit of the water which makes your skin feel good. The best moisturizers for skin with psoriasis are those that remove excess dry skin while retaining moisture through ingredients such as urea. Alpha-hydroxy acids can also help, but may sometimes sting skin.? Consider switching to a heavier moisturizer in the winter, and apply it right after your shower or bath, when your skin is still wet, to seal in that moisture. Wear hand cream under your winter gloves and foot cream under your socks.
4. Get stress in check. The holidays are approaching and your to-do list is three times longer than the time you have to get it all done. That increased stress can lead to flare-ups of psoriasis. Making time to exercise, meditate and do deep breathing or other stress-reducing activities can help you feel better overall, and reduce psoriasis flare-ups. Get more tips on reducing stress.
5. Avoid wool and other potentially itchy winter fabrics. Go for layers of cotton and silk that you can remove as you move from the outdoors in. Get more suggestions on ways to dress to minimize psoriasis discomfort.
6. Consult your doctor. If the winter months exacerbate your psoriasis, talk to your doctor about possibly changing your treatment. For some people, adding light therapy in winter may help. For others, switching to heavier cream medications may be a solution. Others with psoriasis may need to increase their medication dosages or switch medications entirely. Talk to your physician to find the best strategy for you.
What's Next: De-Stressing?The Secret to Clearer Skin
- Understanding Psoriasis
- Psoriasis: Find the Right Treatment
- Staying Healthy: Diet, Exercise and Psoriasis
- Psoriasis: Tracing Your Triggers
- 6 No-Fail Strategies to Help You Cope with Psoriasis
- The Struggles (and Triumphs) of Life with Psoriasis
- Understand Your Emotions, Control Your Psoriasis
- She Gained Control over Head-to-Toe Psoriasis
- Love Notes: Staying Intimate While Living with Psoriasis
- A Guide to Comfortable Clothing for Women with Psoriasis
- A Minor Injury Led to a Lifelong Battle
