Autumn and winter can be challenging times for psoriasis patients as cold weather often affects psoriasis skin negatively. Reason for this is because cold temperatures and low humidity levels result in dry air that draws moisture away from the skin. Harsh winter winds and dry indoor heat can make the problem worse and lead to cracked and even bleeding skin. Skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis often flare up during these cold, dry months.
Here are some general suggestions on what you can do to better protect your skin during the cold:
Drink more water
Keep hydration at a high during cold, dry months so your body and skin stay happy. Not a huge fan of regularly drinking water? Just keep a bottle of water close by and you will automatically reach for it. Men usually need more water daily than women. To be sure you are drinking plenty of water check the color of your urine. If the color is pale white then you are on the right track. If your urine is bright yellow or dark-colored, you may need more water.
Use a humidifier
Does the air in your house feel dry? Dry air will draw out moisture from your skin resulting in cracking and potential bleeding. Turn on a humidifier in the rooms you use most (bedroom is the best bet) to create a moister environment for your skin.
Apply natural skin moisturizers regularly
Keep your skin moist to ease redness and itching, and heal psoriasis patches. The thicker the cream or ointment, the better it is at locking water into your skin. Naftalan Cream is a great everyday product which you can use to keep your skin protected.
After showering or bathing you can apply a thin layer of Naftalan Oil to avoid your skin from drying out and potential harm.
It is important to choose natural products in order to avoid allergic reactions.
Eat fruit and veggies
Fresh fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants, have zero cholesterol, and are included in almost all anti-inflammatory diets.
People with psoriasis have lower blood levels of glutathione. Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant found in garlic, onions, broccoli, kale, collards, cabbage, and cauliflower. Scientists speculated that a diet rich in antioxidants may help.
Garlic — especially raw garlic — is a good source of vitamin C: ounce for ounce, raw garlic contains more than five times the amount of vitamin C found in carrots. Crushed garlic also delivers plenty of allicin as well as zinc and selenium. All of these nutrients are known to have strong antioxidant activity. The antioxidants in garlic are good for psoriasis patients due to their ability to reduce oxidative stress. Oxidative stress has been linked to skin inflammation in psoriasis patients.
Carrots and squash – an increase in fruits and vegetables is great for any diet, but may be especially great for psoriasis. Certain vegetables, such as carrots and squash, can produce an anti-inflammatory effect on the body. Although there is no hard science showing these benefits to psoriasis, experts also suggest eating more sweet potatoes, spinach, kale and broccoli for inflammation.
Apple cider vinegar is also good for psoriasis patients – can be used two ways–on the skin directly or in the diet. You can add a cup to bath water or dab it directly onto sores. It can also be taken by the teaspoonful or added to water. If you find the taste too off putting, try sweetening it with a little honey.
Fish eggs – known also as roe or caviar–are one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help fight psoriasis. Try it atop a cracker or in a dip.
Choose soothing baths over hot showers
Long showers in hot water remove moisture from your skin. Shower in warm water just long enough to soap up and rinse off. You can relax in the tub, though. To sooth and protect your skin when bathing, apply Naftalan Oil or Naftalan Shampoo in the tub. Soak for about 15 minutes to slough off scales, soothe itching, and unwind. Apply appropriate moisturizing cream right after to lock the water in.
Wear soft layers
Cold weather and wind can irritate your skin and trigger flare-ups. They can also make psoriasis in your joints more painful. Bundle up in a soft scarf, hat, and gloves when you go outside to protect exposed areas of skin. Dress in layers you can peel off to avoid getting too hot — sweating can make psoriasis worse. Choose cotton over wool, denim, and other fabrics that are more likely to bother your skin.
Ease off stress
Winter period is also full of cheer, focus on positive sides of like and beauties that winter brings. Try to keep stress levels at minimum to reduce chances of skin flaring. Plan time to relax. Try a massage or spa treatment to moisturize your skin and beat the winter blahs. Also, exercise relieves stress and may reduce flare-ups.
