Weather

Hot or cold—is one better than the other?

For many people with psoriasis, winter brings more than just low temperatures and wet weather. It actually makes their psoriasis worse. Many patients find that weather can cause changes in their disease. Just remember, wherever you live, whatever the climate, there are a variety of techniques you can use year-round.

Tips for weather

Here are a few suggestions to help you:

If you go outside in the cold, you might want to wear warm gloves.
A humidifier may help in your home and at work to combat the dry air that blasts from heaters.
Try to avoid using your heater at night. The warm air can leave your skin dry.
Avoid drying out the skin by using too much soap.
Moisturizing your skin immediately after you shower or bathe may help lock water into your skin.
Keep your body hydrated by drinking several glasses of water a day.

Whatever you decide to do, make sure you involve your dermatologist in your plan.

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Tips for summer

Some people with psoriasis experience an improvement in their symptoms during the summer. This may be due to the beneficial effects of ultraviolet light. In fact, there are many places around the world that specialize in treating diseases using a favorable climate. This is known as climatotherapy. One of the more popular sites for this type of treatment is the Dead Sea, due to the combination of filtered sunlight and mineral-rich waters.

However, if you're going to spend any time in the sun, the most important thing you can do is to avoid sunburn which can aggravate psoriasis. Also, be sure to check with your dermatologist to make sure that the sunblock you are using will not irritate your psoriasis symptoms.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends the following:

Use a broad-spectrum sunblock with an SPF of at least 15.
Avoid outdoor activities between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm. This is when the sun's rays are the strongest.
Seek shade whenever possible.
Wear wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses.

Be sure to consult your dermatologist about precautions you should take if you are currently using sun-sensitizing medications or phototherapy to treat your psoriasis.