Stop The Suffering! Top Tips for Managing Psoriasis this Winter

If you’ve ever dealt with itchy, inflamed skin, then you know firsthand how wintry weather can make everything worse. Biting winds and extra dry air takes its toll on even healthy skin, but it can be brutal if you’re dealing with psoriasis.

Learning cold-weather skin care strategies for managing psoriasis can keep you itch-free this coming season, so take the time to make a plan now and avoid pain this coming winter.

First, let’s get a better understanding of psoriasis.

What is Psoriasis?

As an autoimmune condition, psoriasis triggers your body to overproduce skin cells, consequently causing them to build up in itchy, scaly patches. These skin cells can accumulate up to ten times faster than average, and there is no known cure. For most people, psoriasis is a chronic condition that must be managed for symptom relief.

You can tell you’re dealing with psoriasis and not the similar condition eczema by looking closely at your most obvious symptoms. For example, psoriasis tends to result in thicker, scalier build-ups that can burn and even lead to swollen joints, while eczema tends to spread more and is defined by extreme itchiness.

Four Ways to Deal with Psoriasis in the Winter

For many people, psoriasis flare ups are worst in the winter months. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to manage your symptoms for a more comfortable chilly season.  

1. 1. 1. Monitor Your Stress Levels: Anxiety can appear on your skin in the form of aggravated psoriasis symptoms. Take time to control your stress levels over the winter through healthy habits like exercise and meditation, and you’re less likely to experience flare ups. 
      2. Stay Hydrated: Healthy skin requires moisture both internally and externally, and it’s easy to get dehydrated in the winter when you’re less aware of sweating. Keep a water bottle handy so you stay hydrated. 
      3. Take More Baths (and Fewer Showers): Hot showers can suck moisture from your skin and aggravate psoriasis patches. Switch to warm baths filled with skin-soothing compounds like Epsom salts or oatmeal, and slather on the lotion as soon as you get out. 
      4. Make Moisturizer Your Friend: Prevent dry patches on your skin by using thick lotions daily. Not only can they relieve itching and irritation, but they can help heal psoriasis outbreaks faster.

Seek Psoriasis Treatment at Cumberland Skin in Central Tennessee

There’s no reason to suffer silently from psoriasis. Though the condition often can’t be cured, there are many ways to manage your symptoms for long-term relief.

Consider booking a dermatology appointment with Cumberland Skin if you live in central Tennessee and suffer from psoriasis flare ups. We have offices in Lebanon, Hermitage, Hendersonville, and Brentwood. Our highly trained staff is committed to using the best practices and state-of-the-art technologies to help you feel better faster.

Please contact us today to learn more or book an appointment. We’ll help you determine whether psoriasis is the cause of your symptoms and what can be done to improve them.