How to prevent seasonal psoriasis flare-ups this fall
While many Minnesotans look forward to the cooler temperatures and colorful leaves in the fall, people with psoriasis may dread the seasonal change. Psoriasis can flare-up in the fall due to a lack of ultraviolet (UV) light exposure.
“In the dermatology world, sun exposure is a double-edged sword — we want you to use sunscreen to protect your skin, yet when you have a condition like psoriasis, UV exposure has a positive impact on treating the disease and tends to help decrease flare-ups during the summer months,” explains Tyler Johnson, PA-C, Ridgeview’s Dermatology practice.
What is psoriasis
"Psoriasis is not just skin deep,” Johnson said, “it is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the skin.” This inflammation is caused by an immune system response, triggering an overproduction of skin cells. This rapid production of skin cells causes a buildup resulting in thick, dry, scaley patches commonly found on the knees, scalp, elbows and lower back.
The care team for this condition often includes rheumatology specialists, dermatology specialists and an individual’s primary care provider. In addition to skin issues, many people with psoriasis complain of joint pain — often waking with pain in their back, hip, knee or hands. There is also an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and depression in people with psoriasis.
How to prevent seasonal flare-ups
As the seasons change from summer to fall, in addition to the decrease in UV exposure, the air gets drier and so does our skin — making it extra important to moisturize to prevent flare-ups. Johnson suggests moisturizing one to two times per day, especially after bathing, and you should do so within three minutes of bathing to lock in moisture.
Additional factors that can cause flare-ups are medications, stress, alcohol use and diet. Although it’s not consistent for everyone, some individuals with psoriasis find that eliminating gluten from their diet or adding a vitamin D supplement helps to control flare-ups. It is also important to avoid getting cuts, burns and sunburn — even a minor mishap can cause a flare-up.
Treatment options have progressed
“Years ago, psoriasis treatment involved intense inpatient tar treatments. Luckily treatment options have come a long way,” Johnson said. Pharmaceuticals, creams, topical treatments and phototherapy are now readily available. “We offer narrowband light therapy in our office that provides ultraviolet B (UVB) therapy to mimic UV exposure safely, which has helped combat psoriasis flare-ups for many of our patients,” Johnson added. While treatment options have advanced and symptoms may go into remission, there is no cure for psoriasis.
Ridgeview’s Dermatology practice provides diagnosis and clinical treatment for a full range of skin, hair and nail conditions. If you need help managing symptoms of psoriasis or another dermatological condition, schedule an appointment with a provider today.
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