Summer Skincare Tips for Psoriasis & Psoriatic Arthritis Patients
Patients can’t leave psoriasis behind during the summer months. Controlling disease activity with disease-modifying biologics is vital to keep the skin symptoms of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis under control.
As part of the biologic infusion management community, Altus Biologics is committed to helping patients relieve symptoms and improve the health of their skin.
Here are some self-care tips that can help patients enjoy the summer months, Summer Skincare Tips for Psoriasis & Psoriatic Arthritis Patients.
Skincare Tips for Psoriasis & Psoriatic Arthritis. Enjoy the Summer!
Moisturize
The most recognizable symptom of psoriasis is skin lesions. The skin plaques that form can become dry, itchy, and flaky in dry weather.
Moisturized skin becomes stronger and better able to withstand cracking. Moisturizer creams can also help reduce itching and improve the skin’s appearance.
Patients should speak to their dermatologists to ensure they are using a moisturizer that is suited to their condition.
Limit Alcohol Intake
During the hot summer months, many like to indulge in a cocktail or two. However, psoriasis patients should limit their alcohol consumption, as heavy drinking can reduce the effectiveness of psoriasis treatments. Additionally, alcohol can have dangerous side effects when combined with certain psoriasis medications.
Excessive alcohol consumption may also contribute to systemic inflammation and increase the occurrence of other diseases, including cardiovascular disease and depression.
Prevent Skin Trauma
Many factors can cause injuries to the skin, including:
- Insect bites or stings
- Cuts or scratches
- Allergic reactions to certain chemicals
- Sunburn or radiation
Skin lesions from psoriasis can cause itchiness and visual discomfort to those who suffer from this disease. Therefore, it’s natural that patients want to scratch or pick off the scaly plaques that form. However, this is one of the most harmful things a patient can do to their skin because it could exacerbate psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis flareups.
Cleanse Gently
While everyone should take care of their skin, individuals with psoriasis need to be extra careful when bathing.
Most dermatologists recommend the following:
- Use Warm Water. Hot water can reduce the skin’s moisture levels, which could lead to drier, redder, and itchier skin.
- Use Non-Soap Cleansers. These products are milder than regular soap because they contain synthetic surfactants that are pH balanced. Using non-soap cleansers can help prevent skin from drying out and becoming irritated.
- Use an Exfoliating Cleanser. Salicylic acid, lactic acid, or phenol are substances that help weaken the bonds between skin cells, making it easier for scales to break up and shed. Psoriasis patients should ask their dermatologist to recommend an exfoliating cleanser to complement their treatment.
- Opt for Fragrance-Free Products. The fragrances used in skin-care products are one of the most common causes of skin irritations, and therefore, anyone with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis should avoid them.
Schedule Time in the Sun
The sun’s UV rays have an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin, which can make psoriasis flares almost disappear during the summer months and dramatically improve the skin’s appearance.
The secret to harvesting the sunlight’s benefits, however, is controlled exposure. That means people with psoriasis should spread out the amount of time they are in the sun.
Ideally, patients should gradually increase their time in the sun, starting with just 5 to 10 minutes a day, and increase their exposure time by 30 seconds with each exposure. This should allow their skin to adapt without burning.
As a leading biologic management services company, Altus Biologics provides all the necessary support specialty practices require to operate successful in-office biologic suites, including patient education. For more information on our services, please contact us at 855.692.5887
