Winter weather may exacerbate symptoms of psoriasis. Strategies like wearing natural fibers and drinking more water may help.

The cold weather may make psoriasis symptoms worse.

There are several reasons for this:

  • Cold and dry weather extracts moisture from your skin.
  • Cold weather keeps more people indoors, where heaters can dry out the skin and trigger flare-ups.
  • There’s less sunlight during the winter months. Moderate sun exposure can help relieve symptoms.
  • Chilling temperatures can make psoriasis in your joints, known as psoriatic arthritis, more painful.

Here are additional tips for staying warm without making your symptoms worse. Of course, it is important to follow your regular treatment plan in addition to these strategies.

That multilayered, puffy jacket may keep the chill away, but it can also be insulating, which may exacerbate flares.

Instead of one big jacket, wear several layers of cotton. This fabric may be more psoriasis-friendly because it breathes better.

Conversely, materials like synthetics, nylon, and polyester lack the absorbing properties of cotton, which can actually make you sweat more.

Need a closet refresh?

Check out a full list of clothing given the National Psoriasis Foundation’s Seal of Recognition here. Each item is designed to be safe for those with psoriatic disease or sensitive skin.

A steaming bowl of soup is a comforting sight on a cold day. Eating more foods like soups, stews, and chili can help you stay warm.

Hot beverages are another way to stay warm. Just watch your caffeine intake, as higher consumption may trigger your psoriasis.

Light therapy, or phototherapy, uses ultraviolet light to penetrate affected skin. This can clear up current symptoms and may prevent future flare-ups.

Talk with your dermatologist before trying this type of therapy, especially if you’re thinking about at-home UVB phototherapy.

While picking up and permanently moving may not be a great solution, scheduling your vacation with your psoriasis in mind is always a good idea. Warm weather may help improve symptoms of psoriasis.

If vacationing during the winter is possible, you may consider opting for a beachside hotel rather than a ski resort.

Moisturizing creams or ointments can help lock moisture into your skin, which is important during the dry winter months.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that people with psoriasis moisturize after every shower or bath.

Keeping the skin moisturized can help relieve dryness and itching. Avoid scented moisturizers and creams, and use moisturizing soaps.

Decreased humidity and use of central heating in the winter can lead to increased water loss just from breathing.

Drinking more water can help relieve inflammation by flushing out toxins and keeping joints lubricated. This effect can be especially important if you have psoriatic arthritis.

While it may sound counterintuitive during the winter months, a brief, cold or lukewarm bath or shower can help relieve pain related to psoriasis.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that people with psoriasis take 5-minute showers and 15-minute baths. They also advise against excessively hot water temperatures.

Stress can cause psoriasis to flare.

Meditation can ease stress and anxiety, and mindfulness practices related to meditation can take attention away from psoriasis symptoms, such as itch.

A 2018 study found that meditation was a successful complementary treatment for psoriasis when combined with other forms of symptom management.

During the winter months, it is important to listen to your body and follow through with your psoriasis management.

Plan ahead and schedule an appointment with your doctor or dermatologist a few weeks before the weather cools to talk about your most common symptoms and triggers.