It is entirely normal for your skincare routine to adapt to the different seasons. Indeed, in autumn and winter, the skin tends to be dry, while in spring and summer, it can be oily. If you suffer from psoriasis, caring for your skin goes beyond simply managing dry or oily skin issues. Even though the spring and summer months can be favourable for psoriasis, it is essential to prepare to face certain challenges throughout the year.
Summer: How to alleviate psoriasis during intense heat?
Summary
Published on February 20, 2024, by Manon, Scientific Editor — 4 min of reading
Themes:
How to alleviate the skin of a person suffering from psoriasis in summer?
In the summer, outdoor activities are common, which is beneficial for your skin. Moderate exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays is even beneficial for health and allows to improve the symptoms of psoriasis. A study has shown that UV rays have decreased the percentage of CD4+ and CD8+T lymphocytes, which could explain the reduction 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 enabling the skin to perform its protective barrier role. 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 moisturising lotions specifically formulated for dry and sensitive skin. Avoid scented or coloured 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.
Does the sun exacerbate the symptoms?
Indeed, although the sun is beneficial for the majority of people with psoriasis, it also carries risks. Overexposure 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.
Finally, it is also important to be wary of certain medications. They can cause a skin reaction after sun exposure, that is, a photosensitising 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).
