A Psoriasis fact: It increases in the winter If you do not already know, Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease which causes your skin cells to multiply quicker than usual. This causes your skin to build thick patches or form plaques over it. These can be painful or itchy depending on the severity of the disease and the condition of the skin. While there are a number of medications or treatments to contain the irritation, there is no cure for the disease. In the winter, psoriasis gets really bad. It is so because of the following reasons:
1. Dry air The winter is filled with dryness and the moisture remains minimum. The cold winds and the extra layers of clothing, especially the wool and leather can dry your skin too. The dry skin causes irritation and itchiness as is. Hence, scratching your skin then will further irritate the psoriasis patch, therefore causing flare-ups. The dryness will also make small fissures on the skin, causing it to trigger the psoriasis. In order to counter this problem, you can add a humidifier to the house to increase the levels of moisture. This will help against the dryness. In addition, apply a thick creamy moisturizer as soon as you come out of the shower (while the skin is still dry). Also, drink plenty of water and wear protective clothing to keep warm (and sweaty, if possible).
2. Lesser sunlight: Even though you might think that sunlight causes dryness; it actually helps improve the condition by preventing growth of the skin cells. The days are shorter in the winter and you mostly spend lesser time outdoors as it is cold. The extra layers of clothing also prevent the ultraviolet rays from directly hitting your skin.
3. Flu and other infections Sickness immediately triggers your immune system to fight the infections. Hence, whenever you get a flu, the white blood cells trying to fight your psoriasis are also going to run towards the new infection. The psoriasis might be left active and in charge to spread and start all mayhem. To avoid this situation, do everything to prevent disease. Eat healthy, get proper exercise, sleep well, wash your hands and brush your teeth.
Conclusion Hence, if you have psoriasis, make sure to follow the above pointers to avoid riskier conditions. Also contact your doctor before the winter begins, to have your medication revised. Your treatment could have slight differences according to the severity of your condition.
Related Article: http://www.researchomatic.com/New-Research/Psoriasis-155373.html