Ways to keep yourself warm this winter without aggravating psoriasis

From timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Psoriasis is a skin disorder, in which skin cells build up and form scales and itchy, dry patches. This makes the skin build up into rough red patches covered with white scales. They can grow anywhere in the body but most of the time, it appears on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back.

Psoriasis usually appears in early adulthood. Many of the people who are suffering from Psoriasis might have noticed that during winter the Psoriasis symptoms start appearing (especially new onset) and during the summer it subsides naturally. Many of us will ignore this condition thinking that it’s just a skin condition or else some consult doctors and take medication so that symptoms disappear.

The National Psoriasis Foundation estimates that there are 10 to 30% of people with psoriasis can also get a type of arthritis called psoriatic arthritis. It causes pain and swelling in the joints.

Why does psoriasis signs and symptoms get worse in the fall and winter?

Cold and dry weather extracts any moisture from your skin, Psoriasis is a chronic relapsing skin disorder, which causes rapid build up of cells on the surface of the skin. A combination of dry skin, decreased sunlight exposure and cold temperature, all contribute to flare up of psoriasis in winters.

Combating the drying effects of cold temperature and indoor heating can reduce this. The main goal of treatment is to stop rapid growing of skin cells,

Apart from medical treatment, psoriasis can be managed symptomatically by daily lifestyle measures, such as moisturizing, quitting smoking and most important stress management.

Signs of Psoriasis

• Red patches of skin 
• Itching, burning or soreness
• Small scaling spots
• Dry cracked skin that may bleed
• Thickened, pitted or ridged nails
• Swollen and stiff joints

Emollients help hydrate the skin by forming a greasy layer over the skin surface, thereby preventing water loss and retaining moisture in the skin. Commonly used are white soft paraffin and liquid paraffin. For best effect these should be applied immediately after bath and between treatment periods on a regular basis.

Winter Psoriasis treatment strategies

• Moisturizing soap should be preferred during the winter months
• Fragrance free products should be used to avoid allergic reactions
• Short warm baths are preferred over long showers in hot water
• Humidifier should be used to keep indoor air moist and to prevent dryness
• It is of utmost importance to drink plenty of water to keep skin hydrated not only in summers but also in winters.  
• Multiple layers of cotton clothes or a layer of cotton clothes underneath the woollen clothes is preferred, as woollen fabrics can cause irritation and trigger flare-ups
• When outdoors always use a scarf/ hat along with gloves to protect exposed areas of skin.

Natural sunlight contains UV rays, which have an immunosuppressant effect and thus reduce symptoms of psoriasis. This treatment option can be discussed with the doctors. But excessive sun exposure may also trigger flare up of psoriasis. Wearing a sunscreen and limiting sun exposure can prevent this.

If a patient always experiences a flare up during winters, treatment plan should be modified in advance.

DISCLAIMER : Views expressed above are the author's own.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/voices/ways-to-keep-yourself-warm-this-winter-without-aggravating-psoriasis/