There are roughly 7. 5 million individuals here in America that suffer from psoriasis. It is something that can have a negative impact on one's daily life. Symptoms of psoriasis often worsen when the dry, winter air arrives. To keep your skin as healthy as possible and your psoriasis under control during the colder months of the year, here are five tips:
Moisturize, and Do It Often.
With psoriasis, your skin is already dry. The dry air in winter causes your skin to dry out even more. To keep your skin as hydrated as possible, and to prevent cracks from forming in the skin, make sure that you moisturize frequently. This should especially be done after you take a shower or bath. Moisturizing as soon as possible after you bathe or shower will help seal in the moisture and prevent the skin from drying out too much. Moisturizing will also help to heal any dry patches that are already present.
Avoid Excessively Hot and Long Showers.
Believe it or not, long, hot showers actually take moisture out of your skin. This makes psoriasis worse, which is the last thing that you want to do. So, you want to make sure that your water is lukewarm and that you start lathering up as soon as you get in the water. If you need to soak sore muscles or an aching back, consider using Epsom salts, oatmeal or something similar.
Use a Humidifier.
One of the best ways to fight dry air during the winter is by using a humidifier. A humidifier works by putting moisture into the air and helps to prevent your skin from getting to dry. Because of this, it helps to alleviate many of the symptoms, such as itching, associated with psoriasis.
Contemplate Undergoing Light Therapy.
Sunlight is also a very popular way to help combat the effects that dry air has on your psoriasis. However, you can't always get out in the sun during the winter, so you may want to consider light therapy, which is also known as phototherapy. This type of therapy utilizes an ultraviolet light to slow down skin cell growth. This helps to alleviate symptoms for a significant period of time following the treatment.
Make an Appointment with Your Dermatologist.
If you're currently undergoing treatment, including taking medications, for psoriasis, then winter is a good time to schedule a check-up. This is the best time of year for your doctor to really hone in and find out if your medication is working for you or not. There are a number of options to treat psoriasis and alleviate associated symptoms. In other words, you don't have to suffer, so it is imperative that you speak to your dermatologist about the options that are best suited to your specific situation.
For more information, contact a business such as American Dermatology.
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