Reema Singh*, a resident of Delhi, used to wait for winter every year. Until two years ago, when she got diagnosed with psoriasis.
“Now, I dread winter,” she tells me during the consultation. “I’m scared of the flare-ups.”
Reema isn’t alone in dreading psoriasis, the chronic skin disease that gives you dry, itchy rashes on the knees, elbows, trunk, and scalp. For many, they can even be painful and interfere with normal functioning.
While psoriasis flare-ups are related to an overactive immune system, environment also plays a role in the intensity and frequency of the condition. During winter, low sun exposure and dry air may worsen psoriasis symptoms.
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Managing winter psoriasis
While medication and regular follow-ups with your doctor can control your flare-ups, certain tips may help you through the cold weather.
Wear what’s best for you: As tempting as a bulky puffer jacket may be, its insulating environment may exacerbate a flare-up. Best to swap it for layered attire comprising inner wear, cotton-thin sweaters, and sweatshirts that can be removed at any time. For those who feel extra cold, keeping hand warmers can help in managing flare-ups.
Practise self-care: This is an important part of managing a chronic condition like psoriasis. Small changes in your daily routine can make a world of difference.
Hydrate: Make sure you drink at least 2 litres of water every day. Adequate hydration not only prevents the skin from drying out but also reduces inflammation in the body.
Eat right: Soups and stews can reduce dryness of the skin and provide you with essential nutrients. Start consuming foods that are full of anti-inflammatory properties like garlic-infused oils. Consume an omega-3 rich diet that includes flax seeds, so when winter sets in, your skin doesn’t dry up excessively.
Manage stress: One of the most common reasons for a flare-up is poor stress management. Try meditation, journaling, working out, or going to therapy.
Plan vacations wisely: It’s always better to holiday at a sunny place — your body needs the UV rays to fight psoriasis. However, if you have an active flare-up, avoid going to the beach, as too much sunlight is also bad for psoriasis rashes.
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Adopt these habits too
Your regular winter routine may need a bit of an adjustment to keep the flare-ups at bay. And here’s one that might surprise you: avoid using too much hot water. Long hot showers dry out the skin and can make psoriasis worse. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, people with psoriasis should limit their shower time to 5 minutes and baths to 15 minutes or less.
Your moisturiser is your best friend — keep it handy at all times. The best time to moisturise the skin is right after a shower, as the steam helps the cream enter into the cleansed skin.
For some of my patients, a humidifier is a game-changer. It adds moisture to the dry air during winter, reducing skin irritation.
Medical support
While these tips are helpful in most cases, check with your dermatologist about what’s best for you. You may have to get your Vitamin D levels checked — the deficiency of this nutrient can exacerbate psoriasis symptoms. Follow up with your doctor for further advice on supplements.
You can also ask your dermatologist about phototherapy. Also called light therapy, this treatment uses UV rays to reduce the activity of overactive immune cells.
Psoriasis can be painful, upsetting, and tough to deal with. But the key is to take one step at a time.
Dr Deepali Bhardwaj is a dermatologist, anti-allergy specialist, laser surgeon and internationally trained aesthetician. She tweets @dermatdoc. Views are personal.
(Edited by Humra Laeeq)