Psoriasis is a skin condition that can be not only frustrating but high-maintenance. There are many potential triggers that can bring on a flare-up of your symptoms, and for many patients, it requires a combination of dermatological care and vigilance to avoid triggers and flare-ups as often as possible.

With psoriasis, the weather is among the most important factors that affect your symptoms. What does this mean for people with psoriasis during the summer? Check out these important facts and tips from our team at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta.

Summer is a Mixed Bag for Psoriasis Symptoms

Summer is an interesting time of year for psoriasis symptoms. On one hand, many people’s symptoms improve during the summer because the increase in sunlight, the humid air, and the warmer weather tend to be better for psoriasis than the dry and cold air of winter.

On the other hand, there are aspects of summertime that can aggravate psoriasis symptoms, like sweating and swimming. As a result, summer is an important time to keep a closer eye on your symptoms and talk to your dermatologist about specific ways to reduce potential flare-ups.

You Should Enjoy the Sun Safely

Sunlight often improves symptoms of psoriasis, and in fact, we sometimes treat psoriasis with precise types of UV light as part of a procedure called phototherapy. For this reason, it’s helpful to head outside and enjoy the sunlight this summer.

Make sure you wear sunscreen, though. You’ll still get enough sun exposure to help your psoriasis, but you’ll be less likely to get a sunburn, which is important because a sunburn can worsen your symptoms. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and one that is designed for sensitive skin.

Swimming Dries Your Skin

As much fun as a dip in the pool can be during the summer, it may dry out your skin which can aggravate your psoriasis symptoms. This doesn’t mean you need to skip the pool, though; it just means there are added precautions you should take.

First, for both adults and kids with psoriasis, try to swim in saltwater pools instead of pools with chlorine water. While both types of pool water tend to dry your skin, salt water doesn’t have as severe of a drying effect as chlorine does. Second, after you swim, always rinse off with clean water and then apply moisturizer to hydrate your skin.

Sweating Can Trigger Psoriasis

Each person with psoriasis has certain triggers that tend to make their symptoms flare up. While these differ from person to person, sweating is a common trigger. To minimize your risk for a flare-up as much as possible, find ways to stay cool during the summer. If you’re spending the day outside, for instance, bring a fan to cool your skin.

Traveling Requires Planning Ahead

Summer is a popular time to travel, and while plenty of people travel every year while keeping their psoriasis in check, it does take additional planning. After all, differences in the air at your destination or while you’re traveling can impact your skin, and even the stress of travel logistics can worsen psoriasis symptoms. Plan ahead to make sure you bring plenty of any specific medications and skin care products for your psoriasis that you may need on your trip, especially if that includes filling a prescription before you go.

At Dermatology Associates of Atlanta, our goal is to help every patient be as comfortable as possible in their own skin, both physically and aesthetically. If you want to have better control over your psoriasis, call Dermatology Associates of Atlanta today to schedule an appointment with any of our skilled providers. Follow us as well on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more skin health tips.