The summer months can be filled with fun and outdoor activities. But it can be irritating especially for the people suffering from psoriasis. It is a skin condition characterized by red, scaly patches that itch and burn. But it’s not all bad news: Summer also brings relief to psoriasis sufferers. The ultraviolet rays, specifically, have anti-inflammatory properties that have been shown to improve those patchy, itchy bumps.

Fortunately, there are ways to keep psoriasis flares at bay during the summer months so that you can enjoy yourself all season long. But before moving on to home remedies let’s understand psoriasis and its main triggers.

What is psoriasis, and how can you treat it?

A psoriasis rash can show up anywhere on your skin. It is common on your:

• Elbows and knees
• Face and inside of your mouth
• Scalp
• Fingernails and toenails
• Genitals
• Lower back
• Palms and feet

Several treatment options can relieve its symptoms. Common psoriasis treatments include:

• Steroid creams
• Moisturizers for dry skin
• Medication to slow skin cell production
• Medicated lotions or shampoos
• Vitamin D3 ointment
• Vitamin A or retinoid creams

It is a good idea to discuss your symptoms with a dermatologist and get help right away.

Home remedies for psoriasis

Using home remedies alone or with medical treatment may improve its symptoms.

People with psoriasis may use complementary approaches because medical treatment was unsuccessful or had side effects.

However, some home remedies may interact with medications, so anyone thinking about using them should speak with a doctor first.

It is also important to monitor psoriasis symptoms to ensure that the remedies are not making them worse.

1. Protect yourself from sunburn

Sunburn is an injury to the skin. It forms at the site of an injury (Koebner phenomenon), and as many as 50 percent of people with psoriasis experience it) As part of the treatment of psoriasis, it is also advisable to use a mineral sunscreen containing zinc or titanium dioxide. Protect your scalp by wearing a hat, wear a rash guard style swim shirt at the beach, and cover up with lightweight, loose clothing.

2. Embrace the humidity

Ever wonder why your psoriasis feels better in the summer? It has to do with the air. While humidity can wreak havoc on your hair, it’s good for your skin because the extra moisture makes psoriasis patches less prone to cracking. On extra hot and humid days, though, you may not want to stray too far from air-conditioning. When you’re overheated and sweaty, you’re more likely to experience a flare. On the flip side, too much air-conditioning can dry out skin, so be sure to moisturize frequently if you are often in air-conditioned settings.

3. Wear loose clothing

If you want to hide a flare-up or you recently had a treatment called phototherapy, cover-up. Wear loose-fitting, sun-protective cotton clothing. White is a great color if you have scalp psoriasis because it hides flakes.

4. Swim in saltwater

If you’ve got plans to visit the beach this summer, be sure to take a dip in the ocean. Going for a swim in salt water can break down the thick skin plaques caused by psoriasis, and allow sunlight to target the inflammation underneath. Additionally, it helps to exfoliate dead skin cells and enhance skin appearance. Get a thick moisturizer and apply it to your skin before swimming. It would protect your skin against the drying effects of the water. Wash away immediately after swimming and re-apply moisturizer to maintain the health of your skin.

5. Cut down on alcohol

If you have psoriasis, you may want to limit how much you drink. And that’s especially true with cocktails that include added sugar, which can lead to a psoriasis flare.

Research done in 2013 also suggests that excessive alcohol consumption may contribute to systemic inflammation and exacerbate other conditions known to occur in people with psoriasis, including cardiovascular disease and depression.

6. Take a break from stress

Anxiety worsens symptoms. Take advantage of things that can relieve stress. Go on a vacation and leave work and its pressures behind. At home, do things that help you relax — maybe go for a hike or work in the garden. Both you and your psoriasis will have a good summer.

7. Beware of insect bites

Patients with psoriasis are more likely to experience the Koebner phenomenon, in which symptoms worsen as the skin becomes more damaged.

An insect bite will break the skin and could set off this reaction. So you should be careful during the summer season. You should cover up with long-sleeved tops and long trousers to prevent insects from getting close to your skin.

Also, think about getting an effective insect repellent. Choose a product with low levels of DEET, and never spray insect repellent directly on patches of irritated skin or open sores.

Conclusion

Psoriasis, an itchy skin condition, can come and go throughout your life. It’s related to an overactive immune response and isn’t contagious. There isn’t a cure for psoriasis, but treatments can improve symptoms. Your skin specialist may prescribe a special cream, moisturizer, or medication. Other therapies are available if creams or medicines don’t work. Maintaining your overall health will also help improve symptoms.

FAQs

1. Why does psoriasis increase in the summer?

For people who have psoriasis, summer can be a tricky time. While humidity and sunshine can help soothe symptoms, air-conditioning, and chlorine can dry skin and trigger seasonal  flare-ups.

2. At what time is sunlight best for psoriasis?

Start with just 10 minutes at a strong, sunny point of the day, such as noon. Gradually increase your exposure by 30-60 seconds a day. Wear sunscreen and sunglasses to protect yourself from harmful rays that can age you and cause a burn.

3. Why does heat make psoriasis worse?

The body tries to counteract heat by producing sweat. Sweating can cause flare-ups in some people. To prevent flare-ups, wear light, loose-fitting clothing.