As much as the psoriasis condition has been known to improve in most people during the summer period, there are still some challenges that should be gotten through. However, these challenges need not to hold you back from having the time of your life every summer.
Outlined below are ways to manage your psoriasis during summer.
A Little Sun is Good, Never Too Much
Sun is definitely good for psoriasis because it has been known to ease the inflammation and improve the look of the skin. However, the sun should only be in direct contact with the skin for a short time because being exposed to too much sun might result to sunburn. Sunburn, no matter how mild has been known to trigger psoriasis flare-ups resulting to formation of new plaques. Avoid staying outdoors from 10.00a.m to 3.00pm because that is when the sun gets too hot. If you have to be exposed to direct sun for long hours, ensure that you apply sun block with an SPF of at least 30 for effective sun protection.
Swim Away!
Swimming is very important especially if you are swimming in the sea. The salty sea water has been known to do away with the dead skin and greatly improve the skin’s look. If you are swimming in a pool ensure that the pool is not highly chlorinated because that can cause irritation on the skin. However, note that your skin can still look dry and flakey after swimming in both salty and chlorinated water. It is therefore advisable to take a shower afterwards to rid your skin of the salt or chemicals; dry your skin with a towel by patting and never rubbing to avoid irritation, then apply some gentle moisturizer to sooth and prevent the skin from drying.
Wear Loose and Comfortable Clothing
Simply wear loose-fitting clothes that are sun-protective. Choose clothing with fabrics with soft and natural fiber like cotton which will never cause irritation or overheating of the skin. Your shoes should also be open and roomy for proper aeration.
Avoid Trauma To The Skin
Avoid any instances where you skin may experience nicks, cuts, bruises or bites by insects. Apply insect repellent on your skin if you are in insect prone areas and ensure that you use a repellent with no or low quantities of the common active ingredient DEET to avoid further skin irritation. Seek the opinion of your dermatologist when not sure of the kind of repellent to use.
It is best to wear long sleeved tops and long pants to prevent insect bites and possible trauma to the skin. Also avoid going outside after dark to avoid getting bitten. Any trauma to the skin has been known to result to new psoriasis lesions after a few days.
Control Perspiration
Perspiration is known to irritate the skin and aggravate the psoriasis. Stay in air conditioned environments or use cool wipes or a clean and moistened washcloth to gently wipe the perspiration from the skin. If you are spending long hours in an air conditioned environment, remember to apply moisturizer or use mild cleansers on your skin to prevent skin dehydration which causes psoriasis to flare.
Soothing baths for the Itching
You can control the itching by taking soothing baths with warm water. Remember to use mild or fragrance-free soap and add bath oil, oiled oatmeal, coal tar solution, dead sea salts or Epsom salts into the water. Soak for not more than 15 minutes and after you are done, dry yourself by patting gently. You will definitely experience that soothing feeling on your skin which was your goal in the first place. The itching will be gone.
Avoid Stress
It is summer time, stop worrying about your life problem, those will never go away by worrying. Simply sit back and enjoy all the summer has to offer. Stressing yourself will start making you feel itchy, something that is very uncomfortable and will definitely aggravate the condition. Focus on having a good time only and stop worrying about problems that will always be there. Eat healthy, get enough rest and have fun just like everyone else. Psoriasis shouldn’t hold you back at all.
With the above tips observed, you will manage your psoriasis effectively and always look forward to summers.
[toggle title=”Featured images”]
[/toggle]
I don’t have psoriasis but this was interesting. This entire blog is full of great information.
Thank you Len 🙂