Psoriasis In The Summer: Friend Or Foe?

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated condition with many triggers, including environmental factors, such as seasonal variations. So, how do we counsel our patients about managing their psoriasis during the warmer summer months? 

Psoriasis typically improves in the warmer months, with the sun acting as a natural “phototherapy” treatment. However, prolonged sun exposure may cause sunburns, which can damage the skin and may cause a psoriasis flare. 

The humidity of summer may also be beneficial as it adds moisture to the skin; however, humidity can be uncomfortable for many, leading to prolonged exposure to air conditioning, which subsequently dries out the skin and makes psoriasis more problematic. 

Summer provides an ideal opportunity to engage in water activities. While relaxing in a pool can be enjoyable, chlorine and other chemicals may worsen psoriasis. In contrast, swimming in saltwater pools or oceans can be very therapeutic, and you don't need to visit the Dead Sea to experience the benefits! Any saltwater soak, whether in a bathtub or elsewhere, can have a soothing effect.

For most of us, summer vacations mean downtime and rest, but for others, planning a vacation and managing kids out of school can be a stressful experience. We know that stress, both physical and emotional, can trigger psoriasis flares. Counseling patients to be mindful of their stress levels and taking time for self-care is an essential component of managing psoriasis during the summer. 

Educating our patients on how to navigate warmer summer months can help them manage their psoriasis and enjoy the benefits of the season. Moderate sun exposure, avoiding sunburns by using a reputable sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, enjoying saltwater soaks, ensuring regular skin moisturization, and managing stress are key educational pearls that will have our patients singing, “Summertime….and the living is easy…..”

Reference: https://www.psoriasis.org/causes/

Lakshi Aldredge is a board-certified nurse practitioner who has practiced at the VA Portland Health Care System for the past 35 years. In addition to caring for her psoriasis patients, Lakshi is obsessed with true-crime shows and English murder mysteries. (Her husband continues to be particularly concerned about the latter obsession.)