5 Summer Habits That Could Be Irritating Your Psoriasis

From verywellhealth.com

Managing psoriasis in the summer can be challenging, as hot weather and sweating may worsen symptoms. Certain summer habits and activities can also further irritate your skin.

1. You Are Not Protecting Your Skin From Sun Exposure 

Sunlight can help or harm people with psoriasis. While ultraviolet-B (UVB) light may improve symptoms by slowing skin cell growth and reducing inflammation, excessive sun exposure or sunburn can trigger flares and increase the risk of skin cancer. UVA rays cause deeper skin damage, and some psoriasis treatments can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sun safety facts.

To protect yourself, avoid peak sunlight hours (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), and use a fragrance-free, broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going outside, reapply every hour, and be sure to cover all exposed skin areas, including your ears, neck, and scalp.

Help avoid a summer psoriasis flare by protecting your skin from the sun and other irritations and keeping your skin hydrated.   golfcphoto / Getty Images

2. You Are Not Wearing The Right Clothing

Wearing cool, breathable clothing is a simple and effective way to help manage psoriasis symptoms. Choosing the right fabrics can minimize friction and irritation, keeping your skin comfortable and reducing the risk of heat build-up. In contrast, wearing improper clothing can trap heat and moisture, leading to increased irritation and discomfort for your skin.

Natural fibres like organic cotton, linen, and silk are breathable and gentler on sensitive skin, making them excellent choices. Wool and synthetic fabrics, on the other hand, can feel itchy, cause irritation, and trap heat. 

3. You Are Not Keeping Your Skin Hydrated 

Staying hydrated during the summer is essential for managing psoriasis. Proper hydration helps maintain your skin’s moisture, reduces itchiness, and supports overall skin health. On the other hand, dehydration can make your skin flaky, rough, and more prone to flare-ups—particularly in warm, dry weather.

Hydration can help address summer-specific challenges, such as:

• Sweating: High temperatures increase sweating, which may irritate psoriasis plaques, especially in skin folds.
• Air conditioning: Prolonged exposure can dry out your skin if you’re not drinking enough fluids.
• Swimming: Chlorine and saltwater can dry your skin, so it’s important to rinse off and moisturize after swimming.

Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you’re active or outdoors in hot weather. Eating hydrating foods like watermelon and cucumber can further support your skin health and help you stay hydrated.

4. You Are Not Eating a Healthy Diet

While diet does not directly cause psoriasis, certain foods can worsen inflammation and trigger flares, while others may help reduce them. During the summer months, increased activity, more time outdoors, and changes in eating habits make it even more important to choose foods that support skin health and help manage symptoms.

Including a variety of nutrient-rich foods—such as fresh fruits and vegetables, beans, legumes, healthy fats, and lean proteins like fatty fish—can help keep inflammation in check. Incorporating anti-inflammatory herbs and spices like turmeric, ginger, and thyme into your meals may also provide additional benefits for managing psoriasis during the summer months.

5. You Are Not Protecting Skin Against Bug Bites

Injury to the skin—including bug bites and stings—can trigger a psoriasis flare, a reaction known as the Koebner phenomenon. Sunburns may also cause this reaction, so protecting your skin is especially important.

To help prevent bug bites:

• Limit time outdoors after dusk and at dawn, when insects are most active.
• Wear long-sleeve shirts, pants, socks, and closed-toe shoes in areas with many bugs.
• Apply insect repellent to exposed skin.
• Use citronella candles to help keep bugs away.

Additionally, avoid contact with irritating plants such as poison oak and poison ivy, as they can cause skin irritation and trigger psoriasis symptoms. Stick to well-lit paths where you can see clearly to avoid these plants, and wear long pants and socks for added protection.

When to Reach Out to Your Dermatologist 

If you notice your psoriasis symptoms worsening in the summer heat, your dermatologist or healthcare provider can adjust your treatment plan to better manage flares. 

Be sure to contact your dermatologist if you experience any of the following:

• Plaques that spread or worsen during hot weather
• Severe skin pain or signs of infection, such as pus or crusting
• Feeling feverish, extremely fatigued, or generally unwell
• Topical treatments that cause burning or trigger new rashes

Effective psoriasis treatment options such as phototherapy, prescription creams, and biologic medications are available to help keep your skin calm and healthy year-round.

https://www.verywellhealth.com/summer-habits-that-could-be-irritating-your-psoriasis-12009141 

Problem-Solving Products Psoriatic Arthritis Warriors Swear By

From healthcentral.com

Even when your meds are working, pain and skin symptoms slip through. We asked our PsA community for items that really make a difference when you need relief 

You can spend a lot of time and money searching for tools that make your life easier with a chronic condition like psoriatic arthritis (PsA), What you really need is to ask people who’ve lived with PsA long enough to have done the trial-and-error work for you. We spoke to three psoriatic arthritis warriors to find out what products have been game-changers for their joints or skin. What is on their must-have shopping list? Their picks may not be sexy or flashy, but they’re the type of present that lets your loved one know: I get you.

Biofreeze

When Hannah Greetham, 29, from Lincolnshire, England, is experiencing aches and pains during a PsA flare, she uses Biofreeze (cold therapy pain relief for sore muscles and joints and arthritic pain) throughout the day. It took Greetham a long time to get a diagnosis of PsA after many years of trying to manage symptoms on her own. “It helps massively—I can really feel it working to temporarily ease pain,” she explains.

https://www.amazon.com/Biofreeze-Professional-Relieving-Analgesic-Arthritis/dp/B01GZQ4FZI

Sketcher Slip-Ins

Greetham often gets really bad aches and pains in the joints in her feet and swollen feet and ankles. But standing and walking is difficult to avoid due to her job (and passion) working with horses. “The only footwear that helps me walk properly and fits my swollen feet is Sketcher Slip-Ins, due to the memory foam insoles,” she says.

https://www.skechers.com/skechers-slip-ins-summits---new-daily/150263_TPE.html

Countrydale Classic Leggings

Whether she’s out with the horses or at home, Greetham’s go-to outfit always includes Countrydale Classic. “They really help with the swelling in my legs, due to great compression,” she says. “Plus, the high waist band provides good back support and they’re super comfortable and stretchy.”

https://www.countrydale.com/products/classic-pull-on-riding-leggings-black

Westlab Epsom Salts

A warm bath can help to ease joint pain, stiffness, and psoriatic skin issues, per the Arthritis Foundation. “I use Westlab Epsom Salts most nights in my bath,” says Greetham. “They really help me relax my aching muscles and joints, and I seem to then get a better night’s sleep.”

https://www.amazon.com/Westlab-Epsom-Resealable-Stand-Pouch/dp/B0733PBRKH

Dove Soap

Research shows around 85% of people with psoriatic arthritis also have a history of skin psoriasis (PsO)—which can rule out a lot of skincare and beauty holiday gifts that may contain triggering ingredients. “After having psoriasis for 50 years, I’ve really come to understand that constant skin care is mandatory for me,” says Tracy Davenport, 62, of Centreville, MD. Davenport first developed psoriasis around age 12, followed by a PsA diagnosis as a young adult. In the five decades following her psoriasis diagnosis, Davenport has come to rely on simple Dove soap to keep flares at bay: “It has no fragrance or colouring and is gentle and less drying than other soaps I have tried.”

https://www.amazon.com/Dove-Anti-Stress-Blue-Chamomile-Moisturizes/dp/B0CP5N76KT

Eucerin Lotion

Living with psoriasis typically means moisturizing multiple times a day. “Keeping my skin moist is critical to keeping my psoriasis in low gear,” says Davenport. “If my skin gets dry, then it can get itchy, and that almost always leads to a psoriasis breakout. Eucerin is gentle on my skin, but it also stays put longer than a lot of lotions I have experimented with over the years.”

https://www.amazon.com/Eucerin-Intensive-Repair-Lotion-Bottle/dp/B000XY9LT4

Vitamin C Serum

Many “anti-aging” products contain retinol, which many people with psoriasis find too harsh for their skin. Instead, Davenport uses vitamin C serum on her face twice a day. “This has also shown ‘anti-aging’ qualities in the literature, but doesn’t seem to bother or dry out my skin,” she explains.

https://www.amazon.com/Vitamin-Serum-Face-Ageing-Brightening/dp/B07P5TMHD9

Thick Yoga Pants

With sons and grandsons in North Carolina and a house in Florida, Davenport flies a lot! “Planes can be cold, which can be a trigger for my joint pain,” she reveals. “So I always dress really warm when I fly—usually the same outfit of thick yoga pants that keep me feeling warm and comfortable throughout the flights and also let me stretch a little before sitting for hours.”

https://www.amazon.com/GYM-PEOPLE-Pockets-Control-Leggings/dp/B07HQPKDZB

Weekly Pill Organizer

Managing multiple medications can be overwhelming. “My weekly pill container is a true lifesaver,” says Emily Hertzberg, 42, of East Meadow, NY. She’s been juggling both PsA and PsO since age 21, and shares her experience with psoriatic disease on her Instagram page to help other PsA warriors feel supported and empowered. “My pill container keeps everything organized and ensures I never miss a dose, especially on those brain fog days when time blurs,” she says.

https://www.amazon.com/EZY-DOSE-Organizer-Compartments-Arthritis/dp/B001OK1YUA/

Heating Pad/Blanket

When PsA joint pain or stiffness sets in, gentle heat can bring instant relief. “I use my heating pad to loosen tight joints, ease muscle tension, and bring comfort during flare days,” says Hertzberg. “It’s like a warm hug for my body!”

https://www.amazon.com/GENIANI-Heating-Relief-Stomach-Adjustable/dp/B0BL157L8M

Flexible Ice Sleeve

A flexible ice sleeve is Hertzberg's go-to for inflammation and swelling. “I use this on and off for a few days to relieve my hot, achy joints,” she explains. “It moulds perfectly around sore knees, elbows, or wrists, giving cooling relief without the mess of ice packs or dripping towels.”

https://www.amazon.com/IceSleeve-Reusable-Flexible-Injuries-Compression/dp/B0DZZLY62Y/

Compression Gloves/Sleeves

Daily tasks can be difficult when PsA flares, but compression gloves or sleeves help to keep swelling joints and provide crucial support. “Whether I’m typing, cooking, or scrolling on my phone, these reduce pain and stiffness so I can stay functional and comfortable,” Hertzberg says.

https://www.amazon.com/Copper-Compression-Arthritis-Gloves-GUARANTEED/dp/B00ZO4WW7Q/

Ergonomic Seat Cushion/Support Pillow

As a teacher and blog writer, Hertzberg often spends long periods sitting. “Comfort truly matters,” she says. “A supportive cushion protects my joints, helps with posture, and makes it easier to work or travel without extra pain.”

https://www.amazon.com/Seat-Cushion-Office-Chair-Desk/dp/B01EBDV9BU/

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https://www.healthcentral.com/news/psoriatic-arthritis/problem-solving-products-psoriatic-arthritis-warriors-swear-by?ap=nl2060&rhid=67ec2b8321f52bf01b0cca01&mui=&lid=141093361&mkt_tok=NTQxLUdLWi0yNDMAAAGi29xESfQaWr8lCP6q7FWX3t3mMbhy5GJfBH9EaLVyKqEJe-rAaaIXnvTSETdYrLCx-rfFusDfqUrE6zI3d3gBZXAyTe2iEJ9A9MtOOBWex8KzWdI 

Why Wasn’t Your Psoriasis Diagnosed Sooner? (USA)

From healthcentral.com

If you’re dealing with an inflammatory skin condition, long-term relief depends on finding out what you have. For most people, a psoriasis diagnosis is straight-forward: A dermatologist spots the tell-tale patches of thick, red, scaly skin, with well-defined edges during a physical exam, per NYU Langone health. Sometimes a biopsy is used for confirmation. Yet it can still take years for some people get a diagnosis, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation. Why? The reasons range from not getting in front of the right provider to mistaking your symptoms for something else.

It Looks Like Another Disease

Dry, red, irritated skin? We’ve all had these symptoms, which is why psoriasis is often mistaken for other skin conditions, both by people who have it and by medical professionals. The most common PsO doppelganger is eczema, a group of inflammatory skin conditions that make skin dry, red, very itchy, and often scaly or bumpy. There’s also seborrhoeic dermatitis, which causes, flaky, itchy patches in oily areas of the skin; lichen planus, with its lesions on wrists and limbs; and pityriasis rosea, with torso rashes.

                                                                                Thinkstock

It Looks Like a Fungus

In the guessing game of “name that rash,” signs of psoriasis can also be confused with fungal infections. Ringworm is a temporary fungal infection that can resemble psoriasis with its raised, scaly, itchy patches on areas like the scalp and feet, per Cleveland Clinic, but it typically has flatter, smaller scales and rarely appears on the elbows and knees, where psoriasis is common. Likewise, PsO nail symptoms like discoloration, crumbling, or lifting up from the nail bed, can be mistaken for nail fungus.

You Have Dark Skin

Psoriasis can affect people of all skin tones, races, and ethnicities, but not all providers know how to spot it on darker skin. People of colour often face challenges in getting an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment, because the trademark red plaques with a whitish cap don’t show up the same way for them, according to the NPF. It’s important to note that plaques can appear salmon, dark brown, purple, or violet with greyish scale. Checking the NPF Skin of Colour Resource Center can help you know what to look for and help you find a provider who knows skin of colour.

You Have Joint Symptoms

Thinkstock

The NPF reports that one in three people living with psoriasis also live with its sister condition, psoriatic arthritis (PsA), which comes with both skin and joint symptoms. And while PsO is most-often a precursor to PsA, sometimes the joint symptoms start first and might be mistake for other types of arthritis. With PsA, you could have pain, swelling, or stiffness in one or more joints—often worse after inactivity—along with joints that feel tender, warm, or appear discoloured, yet may not have skin symptoms at first.

It’s Not in the Usual Places

PsO plaques form when an immune response in the body causes skin to grow more rapidly at the plaque sites, resulting in a scaly appearance, per UCDavis Health. These plaques can crop up anywhere on the body, but most often are found on the outer elbows and knees, as well as the lower back, face, and scalp. Less commonly, it affects the palms and the soles of the feet or causes nail changes. And it can crop up on genital skin as well, which can sometimes mistaken for a sexually transmitted infection.

Symptoms Come and Go

Psoriasis goes through cycles, flaring for a few weeks or months, then calming down for a spell before coming back again, according to the Mayo Clinic. And if you have a genetic predisposition for PsO, it can be triggered by infections, cuts or burns, and certain medications. You may get the issue treated and move on, not suspecting an inflammatory skin condition is lying under the surface. It’s important to note that having one parent with PsO means you’re at higher risk of getting it, and more-so if both parents have it.

It Looks Like Dandruff

GettyImages/Vitalina Nakonechna

The overproduction of skin cells on the scalp from psoriasis can cause skin to flake and drop into the hair and on shoulders. You’re right if you think that sounds a lot like dandruff, a scalp condition that impacts about half of all adults, per the NPF. Like seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff is the result of a fungus, which can be resolved by using medicated shampoos. Many people have tried to resolve scalp psoriasis with these products, only to become frustrated when it doesn’t work, per the NPF, a signal to consult a dermatologist.

Keys to Quicker Diagnosis

Like with any chronic disease, getting a diagnosis is the first step in helping you to find relief. That’s why you should consult your doctor if you’re experiencing any type of skin symptoms that are bothersome. That may mean asking for a referral to a dermatologist if your regular provider doesn’t give you the answers you’re looking for. If you’re not sure where to start, you can request a free information form from the NPF and they can connect you with a skilled provider in your area, including some who specialize in treating skin of colour.

Next Steps

Getting a PsO diagnosis can be a relief but it can also be overwhelming. Your dermatologist has a toolbox of treatment options to try to help you get your skin under control, ranging from topical medications and light therapy to systemic drugs and lifestyle changes. And know that you do not have to do this alone. Finding support in others living with PsO can be a huge help. You can connect with other PsO warriors at the NPF, the Skin of Colour Society, and the American Academy of Dermatology.

https://www.healthcentral.com/slideshow/5-reasons-why-psoriasis-sometimes-not-diagnosed?ap=nl2060&rhid=67ec2b8321f52bf01b0cca01&mui=&lid=141093361&mkt_tok=NTQxLUdLWi0yNDMAAAGi29xESWba6oRiv8q51csbSWuUelCZNXCcUcEIV6N1OWHOGCszHKVbG7EJHqFcSpBUTIh8uguMjEU9EUioCFXpdIqLjR9BmGVjNA4mRMW1dVQRlOQ

The #1 Nutrient to Focus On to Reduce Your Risk of Psoriasis

From eatingwell.com

Omega-3s may help support psoriasis

KEY POINTS

• No nutrient can cure or prevent psoriasis, but eating more omega-3s may help.
• Omega-3s help reduce inflammation and support your skin’s barrier.
• Eat more fatty fish, chia seeds and walnuts, and talk to your doctor about supplements.

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes the skin to build up into scaly, inflamed patches—and if you live with it, you have likely wondered whether changing your meals could calm your skin. It is a fair question, and an honest answer matters here. “There is no diet proven to prevent psoriasis or cure it,” shares Yoon Hang Kim, M.D. But all hope isn’t lost. Kim adds, “Diet can plausibly influence inflammation and psoriasis symptom severity.” And focusing on certain nutrients may have an impressive impact.

If you want one nutrient worth extra attention, make it omega-3 fatty acids. Found in fatty fish, certain nuts and seeds, and supplements, these fats have a growing body of research behind them when it comes to inflammatory conditions. Because psoriasis is driven by an overactive immune response, an anti-inflammatory nutrient like omega-3s makes sense as a starting point. They are not a magic fix, and the evidence comes with caveats. But they may be a smart, food-first place to begin. Below, we break down what the research actually shows, how omega-3s may help, and practical ways to add them to your routine.

How Omega-3 Fatty Acids Help Reduce Your Risk of Psoriasis

Here are some of the reasons researchers are paying attention to omega-3s when it comes to psoriasis.

They Target Inflammation Directly

Psoriasis is fundamentally an inflammatory disease, and omega-3s influence the pathways that fuel it. “Omega-3 fatty acids fight inflammation,” says Geeta Yadav, M.D. Some research also suggests omega-3s help your body produce specialized pro-resolving compounds that signal inflammation to wind down rather than linger. These effects are promising but still being studied, so omega-3s are best viewed as a supportive piece of a broader plan rather than a cure.

They May Lower Psoriasis Risk in Genetic Studies

Some of the strongest signals come from Mendelian randomization research, which uses genetic data to reduce confounding. In one analysis, higher circulating omega-3 levels were associated with a reduced risk of developing psoriasis. Because this method looks at genetically predicted omega-3 levels, it strengthens the case for a possible protective link, though the authors note that further validation is still needed.

They May Help Balance Omega-3 and Omega-6 Intake

One reason omega-3s draw so much interest is the company they keep in modern diets, which tend to be heavy in omega-6 fats from vegetable oils, ultra-processed snacks and many packaged foods. Actively adding omega-3-rich foods, like fatty fish, walnuts and flaxseed, may help shift that ratio toward a more balanced, less inflammatory state. Higher circulating omega-6 fatty acids have been associated with an increased risk of psoriasis, while circulating omega-3 fatty acids showed no causal effect on the condition. Raising your omega-3 intake remains a practical, food-first way to help tip the balance in a more favourable direction.

They May Support the Skin Barrier

Beyond calming inflammation, omega-3s appear to play a role in skin barrier function and healthy skin cell activity. Researchers have linked these fats to better lipid balance in the skin and improved regulation of the cells involved in psoriasis. This supportive role is one more reason omega-3s show up so often in discussions about diet and skin health.

Strategies to Include Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Food is the best place to start when trying to increase omega-3 fatty acid intake. A common general goal is to eat fatty fish a couple of times a week, which helps you build a steady intake of EPA and DHA. Here are a few practical ways to get more omega-3s into your routine:

• Eat fatty fish twice a week. Salmon, mackerel, sardines and herring are rich in EPA and DHA. Two servings, each about the size of a deck of cards, is a realistic weekly target.
• Add plant sources of ALA. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds onto oatmeal or yogurt, or snack on a small handful of walnuts.
• Consider a supplement if you fall short. If you rarely eat fish, an omega-3 supplement can help close the gap. Talk with your doctor first, especially if you take blood thinners.

It is worth being realistic about what supplements can and cannot do. “It doesn’t work well as a stand-alone treatment, but in combination with prescription psoriasis medications, it appears to improve clearance faster than medications alone. The caveat is you need high doses—typically 3 to 4 grams per day of combined EPA and DHA,” says Joel Spitz, M.D. In other words, omega-3s may complement your treatment, but they are not a substitute for it, and the doses studied are higher than most people get from food alone.

Other Tips to Help Prevent Psoriasis

Omega-3s are one piece of a bigger picture. Your overall eating pattern and daily habits can also influence inflammation and flare frequency. These strategies may help support your skin and general health:

• Build meals around a Mediterranean-style pattern. “The strongest practical pattern is a Mediterranean-style, nutrient-dense diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, nuts and olive oil, while limiting alcohol, refined sugar, processed foods and excess saturated fat,” says Kim. This approach naturally raises your intake of anti-inflammatory foods.
• Limit alcohol. Heavy drinking has been linked to more frequent and severe psoriasis. Cutting back may help, and it can also support your treatment working as intended.
• Aim for a healthy weight. Excess body weight is associated with higher inflammation and can make psoriasis harder to manage. Small, sustainable changes tend to stick better than crash diets.
• Quit smoking. Smoking is associated with higher psoriasis risk and severity. Stopping can support both your skin and your long-term health.

Our Expert Take

No single nutrient can prevent or cure psoriasis, but your diet may influence inflammation and how your symptoms behave over time. Omega-3 fatty acids stand out as the nutrient to focus on, with research linking higher circulating levels to reduced psoriasis risk (though more validation is still needed). Start with food first, lean on fatty fish and plant sources, and consider a supplement only with your doctor’s guidance, since meaningful supplement effects appear to require higher doses alongside prescription treatment. Round out your routine with a Mediterranean-style eating pattern, less alcohol, a healthy weight and no smoking. Together, these steps can support your skin and your overall health, even if they cannot promise a cure.

https://www.eatingwell.com/omega-3-for-psoriasis-12010664