Winter is a rough time for skin. Between the extreme cold outdoors and the heat indoors, your skin may become dry, cracked and/or itchy. For people with psoriasis, a condition in which red, itchy scaly patches appear on the skin, winter is an especially difficult time. Here are some tips to ease skin irritation during the winter:
- Drink Plenty of Water – It is easy to forget that water does more than just quench your thirst. Drinking water will also keep your skin moist, a feat which may be especially difficult in the winter.
- Use a Humidifier – Indoor heating dries out the skin, worsening psoriasis. Use a humidifier overnight to counter these drying effects. To avoid bacterial contamination, make sure you follow your humidifier’s cleaning instructions.
- Wear Light Layers – Exposure to cold air can cause psoriasis to flare up, so bundle up when you head outside. Since sweating can also exacerbate psoriasis, make sure you wear many light layers that can easily be removed it you get too hot.
- Take it Easy – As with many other conditions, stress can make psoriasis worse. Exercising is an excellent way to relieve stress, which in turn will reduce psoriasis flare-ups.
- Don’t Shower for Too Long – Long, hot showers sap moisture from the skin, causing psoriasis condition to worsen. Either shower in warm water for a few minutes, or if you really want to relax, take a warm bath.
- Moisturize – Use a thick moisturizer to prevent dryness, redness and itching. It is especially important to use moisturizer after you shower, bathe or wash your hands.
- Think Happy Thoughts – Many people suffer from seasonal affective disorder, depression caused by less daylight in the winter. Psoriasis also raises your risk of depression, so it is especially important to stay positive during this chilly, dark time of year. If your depression gets out of hand, talk to your doctor; he or she will be able to suggest light therapy, antidepressants, or other uplifting options.
- Manage Your Psoriasis – If you psoriasis consistently worsens during the winter, talk to your dermatologist. He or she will be able to modify your treatment plan.
Is the Cool of Winter Being Cruel to Your Skin? Contact Us Today!
Even if you don’t have psoriasis, the chilly outside air and often excessive indoor heating associated with winter may take its toll on your skin. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss treatment options for your winter skin. At Advanced Dermatology, PC, our board-certified dermatologists are experts at diagnosing and treating psoriasis, dry skin and other skin conditions that are especially prevalent during the winter months. Our ten conveniently located offices welcome patients from Queens (Bayside, Flushing/Fresh Meadows), Long Island – Nassau/Suffolk (Roslyn/Albertson, West Islip, Commack, East Setauket), New York City, Westchester County (Ossining), Bergen County, NJ, Union County, NJ, and all surrounding areas.