Having Psoriasis In The Winter Months

If you are living with psoriasis like me, you know that it tends to be worse during the winter months. I have been managing psoriasis for decades and have learned a lot about how to take care of my skin. For me, I had to figure out my specific triggers and management strategies.

Ways I help my psoriasis in the winter

Winter can be a nightmare for my psoriasis. I slather on layers of moisturizer every few hours and usually start intensive skincare during the fall to prevent severe flaring. During winter, a humidifier becomes my best friend as it adds moisture to dry air creating a super skin-friendly environment.

I gave up really hot showers years ago. My doctor told me that they remove natural oils from my skin. I do try and take warm baths with body oils like coconut and almond oil. It can be a lifesaver for us with psoriasis as it soothes the skin.

Don’t forget to keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water or herbal teas. My advice is to keep your skin moisturized. I like to use daily body oils and fragrance-free moisturizers. Recently, I tried mustard oil which has been a magic potion for me.

We are all different, but these anti-inflammatory and moisturizing things did wonders for me, it has a warming feeling. I would suggest that you have your doctor or dermatologist do a patch test before starting any type of treatment at home. Especially for a condition like psoriasis which can be very sensitive. I try and avoid harsh soaps and shampoos and use moisturizing soap that is anti-bacterial like tea tree oil-based soap or Dove cream bars.

What my healthcare team has recommended

A few months ago, I got a severe flare-up of psoriasis and felt like my skin was being pricked by needles. I was in so much pain that I couldn’t even scratch to ease the itchiness.  My doctor told me not to scratch to cause bleeding, it could cause infections.

I recommend you follow a customized diet plan for psoriasis in winter. My healthcare team told me to eat lots of salmon for dinner and walnuts for snacking as they contain omega-3 fatty acids, but check with your doctor for suggestions for you. Other sources of omega-3 fatty acids are chia seeds and flax seeds that you can add to your cereal.

I also eat plenty of fruit and vegetables as they are full of vitamins. There is very limited sun exposure during winter months. I have spoken to a few people who try and sit in the sun for 20 to 30 minutes daily if there is some. Don’t forget to apply sunblock even in the winter months.

This is how I deal with psoriasis flare up during the wintertime. As we all say, we are all different and things vary from person to person. These are just some of the recommendations that are personal to me. You can enjoy a fulfilling and happy life with this chronic illness by taking a few safety measures like me. We are all in this together.