It is entirely normal for your skincare routine to adapt to different seasons. Indeed, in fall and winter, the skin tends to be dry, while in spring and summer, it can be oily. If you suffer from psoriasis, taking care of your skin goes beyond simply managing dry or oily skin issues. Even though the spring and summer months can be favorable for psoriasis, it is essential to prepare to face certain challenges throughout the year.
Summer: How to alleviate psoriasis during extreme heat?
Summary
Published on September 28, 2023, updated on February 20, 2024, by Manon, Scientific Editor — 4 min of reading
Themes:
How to soothe the skin of a person suffering from psoriasis in the summer?
In the summer, outdoor activities are common, which is good for your skin. Moderate exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays is even beneficial for health and can improve the symptoms of psoriasis. A study showed that UV rays decreased the percentage of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes, which could explain the decrease in T lymphocytes observed by apoptosis in psoriatic lesions. However, if you plan to spend more than 15 minutes in direct sunlight, it is important to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen. A sunburn could worsen the symptoms of psoriasis, as it would cause additional skin inflammation.
Furthermore, during the summer, the skin tends to be more dehydrated than the rest of the year. However, thehydration and water content of the stratum corneum are key factors that allow the skin to perform its protective barrier function. Numerous studies have shown that the skin's protective barrier function decreases and that transepidermal water loss increases in psoriatic lesions. Therefore, it is important to hydrate the skin daily, and this advice is even more crucial in the summer. Opt for creams, balms or moisturizing lotions specifically formulated for dry and sensitive skin. Avoid scented or colored products, as they could exacerbate skin irritations.
Swimming can also soothe your skin. Salt water is less irritating than chlorinated water, but if you swim in a chlorinated pool, make sure to rinse your skin with fresh water immediately afterwards. Indeed, the chlorine disrupts the natural skin barrier, dries out the skin and can cause irritation.
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Does the sun worsen the symptoms?
Indeed, while the sun is beneficial for the majority of people with psoriasis, it also carries risks. Excessive exposure can have harmful consequences, including triggering the "Koebner phenomenon". In simple terms, a sunburn can lead to a psoriasis flare-up and the emergence of new lesions in areas previously unaffected.
Lastly, it is also important to be wary of certain medications. They can cause a skin reaction after sun exposure, that is, a photosensitizing action. You can identify these medications by the logo of a sun inside a red triangle on their packaging.
Sources
RIM J. H. & al. Electrical measurement of moisturizing effect on skin hydration and barrier function in psoriasis patients. Experimental Dermatology (2005).
GELMETTI C. Therapeutic moisturizers as adjuvant therapy for psoriasis patients. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology (2009).
HEIER I. & al. Sun exposure induces rapid immunological changes in skin and peripheral blood in patients with psoriasis. British Journal of Dermatology (2010).
