How Cold Weather Affects Psoriasis and Tips to Cope

Why Does Psoriasis Get Worse in the Winter?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition, meaning that the immune system overreacts and causes inflammation, leading to red, scaly patches of skin. Several factors make winter especially difficult for people with psoriasis:

1. Cold, Dry Air Strips Moisture from the Skin

❄ Cold air holds less moisture than warm air, which causes the skin to dry out faster. When your skin lacks moisture, it becomes more prone to cracking, flaking, and irritation—all of which can worsen psoriasis.

2. Indoor Heating Makes It Worse

🔥 While turning up the heat feels great, indoor heating sucks moisture out of the air, leaving your skin even drier. This makes psoriasis patches feel tight, itchy, and more inflamed.

3. Less Sunlight Means Less Natural Vitamin D

☀ Sunlight naturally helps reduce psoriasis symptoms by slowing down the production of skin cells and reducing inflammation. In the winter, shorter days and staying indoors more often can lead to Vitamin D deficiency, which may contribute to worsening symptoms.

4. Layers of Clothing Can Cause Friction

🧥 Wearing multiple layers or heavy winter fabrics (like wool and polyester) can rub against psoriasis plaques, causing discomfort and irritation.

5. Stress and Seasonal Depression Can Trigger Flare-Ups

🧠 Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and winter stress can lead to higher cortisol levels, which increase inflammation and can make psoriasis worse.

Winter Skincare Tips for Psoriasis Relief

Now that we understand why cold weather triggers psoriasis, let’s explore how to protect your skin and reduce flare-ups during winter.

1. Keep Your Skin Hydrated

💧 Moisturize Immediately After Showering
✔ Apply a thick, fragrance-free moisturizer within five minutes of bathing to lock in moisture.
✔ Look for creams with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or shea butter.

💧 Use a Humidifier
✔ Running a humidifier in your home can add moisture back into the air and prevent your skin from drying out.
✔ Keep humidity levels between 40-50% for the best results.

💧 Stay Hydrated from the Inside Out
✔ Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated from within.
✔ Limit caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate the body.

2. Adjust Your Skincare Routine

🛁 Take Lukewarm Showers
✔ Hot showers feel amazing in the winter, but they strip the skin of natural oils, making psoriasis worse.
✔ Stick to short, lukewarm showers and use gentle, hydrating body washes instead of harsh soaps.

🧴 Switch to a Gentle Cleanser
✔ Use a fragrance-free, hydrating cleanser that won’t irritate your skin.
✔ Avoid products with alcohol, sulfates, or artificial fragrances.

🌙 Apply Treatment at Night
✔ Using Nopsor’s natural treatment, which contains coal tar and salicylic acid, before bed can help reduce scaling and inflammation overnight.
✔ Learn more at www.nopsor-usa.com.

3. Dress Smart for Winter

🧣 Choose Soft, Breathable Fabrics
✔ Wear cotton, silk, or bamboo instead of wool or synthetic fabrics, which can irritate the skin.

🧤 Wear Gloves to Protect Your Hands
✔ Cold air can make psoriasis on the hands worse, so keep them covered with soft gloves.

🌡 Layer Wisely
✔ Dressing in light, breathable layers helps regulate your body temperature and prevents overheating and sweating, which can trigger psoriasis.

4. Get Enough Vitamin D

☀ Try to Get Sunlight Exposure
✔ Even in the winter, try to spend 15-20 minutes outside when the sun is shining.

💊 Consider Vitamin D Supplements
✔ If you don’t get enough sun, consider taking a Vitamin D3 supplement to support skin health.

5. Manage Stress and Winter Blues

🧘 Practice Stress-Relief Techniques
✔ Meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can help keep cortisol levels low and reduce inflammation.

💡 Consider Light Therapy for Seasonal Depression
✔ A light therapy lamp can help boost mood and reduce winter-related stress, which may help with psoriasis symptoms.

When to See a Doctor

If your psoriasis worsens significantly during the winter, or if over-the-counter treatments aren’t helping, it’s a good idea to speak with a dermatologist. They may recommend:

✔ Prescription-strength moisturizers
✔ Stronger topical treatments
✔ Phototherapy (light therapy)

Final Thoughts: Keep Your Skin Comfortable All Winter Long

Winter doesn’t have to mean constant flare-ups. By staying hydrated, protecting your skin, adjusting your skincare routine, and managing stress, you can keep your psoriasis under control even in the coldest months.

✔ Moisturize daily and use a humidifier
✔ Take lukewarm showers and avoid harsh soaps
✔ Dress in soft, breathable fabrics
✔ Increase Vitamin D intake
✔ Manage stress and seasonal depression

By making small changes, you can enjoy winter without letting psoriasis hold you back!

For natural, steroid-free psoriasis relief, explore Nopsor’s treatment, formulated with coal tar and salicylic acid to support psoriasis-prone skin. Learn more at www.nopsor-usa.com.

References

• WebMD - Psoriasis in Fall and Winter: Symptoms, Triggers, Treatments
  This article discusses how colder seasons can exacerbate psoriasis symptoms and offers strategies to manage flare-ups during these times.

• Healthline - Tips for Managing Psoriasis in Cold Weather
  This resource provides practical advice on handling psoriasis during winter, including skincare routines and lifestyle adjustments to minimize symptoms.

• Everyday Health - Psoriasis in Winter: Remedies and Tips
  This piece explores the impact of cold weather on psoriasis and suggests remedies to alleviate symptoms during the winter months.