With a few, simple precautions, even those suffering from psoriasis can live with serenity the summer season.
Summer means for most of us sun, sea, travel and holidays. But for those suffering from a condition such as psoriasis, it can be difficult to manage situations such as sunbathing or excessive heat.
Let’s see below some tips to better face the summer months.
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic disease that affects the skin: it manifests itself with an inflammatory state generated by a malfunction of the immune system, caused in turn by several factors, not yet fully known.
The symptoms are mainly itching and ulceration in different areas of the skin, which may increase in particular situations, such as stress.
Hot or air conditioning?
The first thing that comes to mind when we think of the summer season is undoubtedly the heat. And, therefore, air conditioning.
For those suffering from psoriasis, but not only, it is important to find the right balance: too low temperatures facilitate redness and dryness of the skin, while too high temperatures increase sweating and create discomfort on an already compromised skin. Bacteria, in fact, find fertile ground in the humidity produced by our own body.
It is also better to leave the skin free, without covering it excessively with clothes during the summer. In summer, scaly and reddened skin prefers contact with air, even at home, rather than with tight and synthetic fabrics.
Sunbathing and psoriasis: how to behave?
Psoriasis sufferers should not give up the sun. Indeed, sunbathing is good for mood, but also for the skin. But be careful not to overdo it to avoid sunburn or worsen itching and ulceration.
Those living with this disease can first contact their dermatologist to understand what are the most suitable behaviors for their case, based on the severity of the disease and the therapy they are facing. Some medications can interact with sun exposure, increasing skin sensitivity.
Also for the choice of the most suitable sunscreen, it is better to consult with your doctor first: in some cases it may be useful to also take additional products, to reduce skin dryness.
The golden rules for a healthy tan, not only for psoriasis sufferers, are:
- avoid exposure to the sun during the hottest hours (from 11.00 to 16.00)
- shelter in the shade as much as possible, especially if you intend to be outdoors for many hours
- Avoid exposing yourself without protection.
Sunbathing in moderation helps the skin, while sunburn worsens psoriasis and increases the risk of developing cancers such as melanoma.
On the beach it is also good:
- refresh yourself with a bath or frequent showers (sea water is useful to calm the itching of lesions and disinfect the skin)
- drink plenty of water
- avoid alcohol
- stay under the umbrella.
How to dress
In summer you tend to cover less. And this is also ideal for psoriasis sufferers, since the skin exposed to the air can “breathe” better.
However, if you suffer from psoriasis you may feel uncomfortable because of the lesions. One solution is to use specific cosmetic products to be applied to the skin to mask wounds. It is essential to always choose them with the assistance of your dermatologist.
The choice of clothing is also very important. Light, wide and comfortable clothes made of cotton or other natural materials are preferred. On the other hand, avoid garments that are too tight and made of synthetic material: they reduce skin perspiration and can induce the proliferation of fungi and bacteria, which worsen the discomfort related to the disease.
Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.
The blog covers a wide range of topics related to health and wellness, with articles organized into several categories.