Psoriasis is characterized by an excessive production of skin cells triggered by the immune system. While psoriasis is a chronic condition, which means that it won’t just disappear, many people who suffer from psoriasis find that its severity can get better or worse with the weather.
Here are a number of tips to help you reduce the risk of psoriasis flare-ups during the warm summer months.
Apply Sunscreen
While some sun exposure can alleviate psoriasis, too much sun can have the opposite effect. Sunburn can actually trigger the immune system, leading to psoriasis plaques.
Since too much sun exposure can cause flare-ups, it is crucial that you apply sunscreen around 30 minutes before going outdoors. It is also important to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours. To protect yourself, opt for a sunscreen of at least SPF 30. Don’t forget to also wear a hat to protect your scalp.
Dress Light
Wear loose-fitting clothing that covers your body to prevent both sunburn and sweating, as both of these can cause flare-ups of psoriasis. This is particularly important if you know that you will be outdoors for a longer period of time. Cotton clothing and roomy shoes are ideal for hot summer days. It’s also a good idea to limit your time outside during the hottest hours of the day—these are usually between 10 am and 4 pm.
Drink Plenty of Water
According to the US science bureau, USGS, our bodies are around 60 percent water, with our skin containing 64 percent water, the brain and heart 73 percent, and the muscles and kidneys 79 percent. As such, it should come as no surprise that drinking water is good for us.
If we want our skin to stay healthy and hydrated, we need to ensure that our bodies are hydrated too. Since we lose a lot of liquids through sweating in warm weather, it’s important that we up our intake of water to compensate for this.
Eat the Right Food
Since psoriasis is an inflammatory condition, eating foods that reduce inflammation can help to alleviate flare-up. The thought-leader from SUPPLEMENTSCOUTS.com claims that the best anti-inflammatory foods include fruits and veggies, such as leafy greens and berries, foods rich in mega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, and foods that contain good fat such as seeds and nuts.
“If you feel that your diet doesn’t contain enough of these beneficial food groups, it’s a good idea to invest in the right supplements. Some of the best supplements to take for psoriasis include vitamins A, D, E and K,” he said.
On the other hand, some foods can increase inflammation and are best avoided if you suffer from psoriasis. These include dairy, processed foods and foods that contain refined sugar.
Protect Your Skin from Bugs and Cuts
People with psoriasis can sometimes experience psoriasis plaques in the area of a skin trauma (this condition is called the Koebner phenomenon). To prevent this from happening, try to avoid insect bites and accidental scrapes.
Also, if you do happen to get a bug bite, try not to scratch it, as this can open up a wound and make the situation worse. And remember that wearing long pants and clothing with long sleeves, and using an insect repellent, can go a long way to preventing mosquito bites.
