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Your Summer Guide to Plaque Psoriasis
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The promise of summer has us excited to leave the cold, dreary months of winter behind and get out into the sunshine. Yet, for those with plaque psoriasis, it’s not so simple. If you live with plaque psoriasis, you know the sun can be a fickle friend. Furthermore, the presence of plaques, regardless of the time of year, can put a damper on your plans. The itchiness and flaking can make life a lot less breezy.
You may think your plaque psoriasis isn’t that bad, but if you’re questioning outdoor plans or are feeling self-conscious about wearing shorts or a dress, it might be time to re-think your disease. While plaque psoriasis may look like an outward condition, it’s a chronic autoimmune disease that should be considered differently by treating inflammation inside the body, not just the symptoms. Common causes of inflammation that can impact plaque psoriasis can include weather, stress, injury to your skin, or allergies.
The good news is that you don’t have to suffer through your plaque psoriasis alone—it’s not all on you. By taking steps to manage your plaque psoriasis during the summer months and talking to your doctor about ways to treat the disease from within, you can be better equipped to treat your plaques and take advantage of the summer weather. Here are some tips from Dr. Jennifer Soung, dermatologist and Director of Clinical Research at Southern California Dermatology in Santa Ana, California to help you take care of your plaque psoriasis this summer.
Plaque psoriasis isn't just a skin condition.
It actually comes from within your body. Because it affects the skin and can cause redness, itchiness, and flaking, many people often confuse plaque psoriasis with other skin conditions like dandruff or eczema. It’s really a chronic autoimmune disease that should be thought about differently by treating the inflammation, not just the symptoms.
Sunburn can impact plaque psoriasis, so it's important to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays.
“While some people see improvements in their plaque psoriasis during summer because there is more natural ultraviolet light, too much sun can worsen psoriasis plaques,” said Dr. Soung. “It’s important to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 that’s designed for sensitive skin, reapplying it every two hours, including on any sensitive areas, if you're outside for extended periods. Additionally, you may want to wear a hat or protective clothing to shade your skin.”
The dermatological benefits of swimming in the ocean are well - documented.
Sunscreen
Shade + Hydrate
Swim in saltwater
How to Manage Plaque Psoriasis this Summer
The promise of summer has us excited to leave the cold, dreary months of winter behind and get out into the sunshine. Yet, for those with plaque psoriasis, it’s not so simple. If you live with plaque psoriasis, you know the sun can be a fickle friend. Furthermore, the presence of plaques, regardless of the time of year, can put a damper on your plans. The itchiness and flaking can make life a lot less breezy.
You may think your plaque psoriasis isn’t that bad, but if you’re questioning outdoor plans or are feeling self-conscious about wearing shorts or a dress, it might be time to re-think your disease. While plaque psoriasis may look like an outward condition, it’s a chronic autoimmune disease that should be considered differently by treating inflammation inside the body, not just the symptoms. Common causes of inflammation that can impact plaque psoriasis can include weather, stress, injury to your skin, or allergies.
The good news is that you don’t have to suffer through your plaque psoriasis alone—it’s not all on you. By taking steps to manage your plaque psoriasis during the summer months and talking to your doctor about ways to treat the disease from within, you can be better equipped to treat your plaques and take advantage of the summer weather. Here are some tips from Dr. Jennifer Soung, dermatologist and Director of Clinical Research at Southern California Dermatology in Santa Ana, California to help you take care of your plaque psoriasis this summer.
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SPACING
1) Between paragraphs
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Try not to stress
Talk to your doctor
1. Protect Your Skin from the Sun
As long as you protect your skin, a day at the beach might be just what you need as the dermatological benefits of swimming in the ocean are well-documented.
“Swimming in salt water can help remove dead skin and may relieve some symptoms
2. Go Swimming!
Drinking plenty of water and fluids helps to keep skin hydrated year-round, but it’s especially crucial during summer and other periods when you're spending time outside in the heat.
Moisturizing is also important. "Dry skin can worsen plaque psoriasis, so keep your skin moisturized throughout the day,” said Dr. Soung. “Apply a fragrance-free moisturizer after bathing and throughout the day to help prevent dryness.”
3. Stay Hydrated + Moisturize
4. Recognize Triggers Like Heat and Stress
5. Talk to Your Doctor About Treating from the Inside
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Stress can also be a factor. Psychological stress is a major contributor to symptom exacerbation across many chronic inflammatory conditions, including plaque psoriasis.
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of plaque psoriasis,” said Dr. Soung. “However, salt water and chlorinated water can still dry out skin. Remember to rinse off and moisturize after swimming.”
While some level of humidity can moisturize your skin, sweating in the summer may impact plaque psoriasis.
“Try to stay cool by staying indoors during the hottest parts of the day and using fans or air conditioning to keep your home cool,” said Dr. Soung. “Remember to keep moisturizing, since air conditioning can dry your skin out.”
Heat and stress can impact plaque psoriasis.
“If you are going on a vacation, there are things you can do to prepare for your trip and reduce anxiety or stress,” Dr. Soung notes. “Be sure to pack appropriate clothing and enough of your prescription medicines.”
Luckily, all these practices are compatible with a rejuvenating summer vacation!
Swim in Saltwater
Apply Sunscreen
Try Not to Stress
Talk to Your Doctor
Sources: National Psoriasis Foundation, Dr. Jennifer Soung
If you are experiencing bothersome symptoms, or taking extra, time-consuming steps to help manage your plaque psoriasis, it may be time to reconsider your treatment approach. You can talk with your doctor about different treatment options, including oral therapy, and injectables which can go where most creams and topicals can’t and work from the inside to reduce inflammation.
Managing your plaque psoriasis is important, but it doesn’t have to consume your life. By finding the right treatment plan for you and prioritizing your health and wellness, you can manage your condition regardless of the season! Talk with your doctor about ways to help treat plaque psoriasis so you can enjoy your summer vacation! To learn more about an oral treatment for plaque psoriasis, check out InsideLookPsO.com.
Plaque psoriasis isn't just a skin condition.
It actually comes from within your body. Because it affects the skin and can cause redness, itchiness, and flaking, many people often confuse plaque psoriasis with other skin conditions like dandruff or eczema. It’s really a chronic autoimmune disease that should be thought about differently by treating the inflammation, not just the symptoms.
1
2-4
How to Manage Plaque Psoriasis this Summer
Talk to Your Doctor
Try Not to Stress
Shade + Hydrate
Swim in Saltwater
Apply Sunscreen
1. Protect Your Skin from the Sun
Sunburn can impact plaque psoriasis, so it's important to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays.
“While some people see improvements in their plaque psoriasis during summer because there is more natural ultraviolet light, too much sun can worsen psoriasis plaques,” said Dr. Soung. “It’s important to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 that’s designed for sensitive skin, reapplying it every two hours, including on any sensitive areas, if you're outside for extended periods. Additionally, you may want to wear a hat or protective clothing to shade your skin.”
2. Go Swimming!
As long as you protect your skin, a day at the beach might be just what you need as the dermatological benefits of swimming in the ocean are well-documented.
The dermatological benefits of swimming in the ocean are well - documented.
“Swimming in salt water can help remove dead skin and may relieve some symptoms of plaque psoriasis,” said Dr. Soung. “However, salt water and chlorinated water can still dry out skin. Remember to rinse off and moisturize after swimming.”
3. Stay Hydrated + Moisturize
Drinking plenty of water and fluids helps to keep skin hydrated year-round, but it’s especially crucial during summer and other periods when you're spending time outside in the heat.
Moisturizing is also important. "Dry skin can worsen plaque psoriasis, so keep your skin moisturized throughout the day,” said Dr. Soung. “Apply a fragrance-free moisturizer after bathing and throughout the day to help prevent dryness.”
4. Recognize Triggers Like Heat
While some level of humidity can moisturize your skin, sweating in the summer may impact plaque psoriasis.
“Try to stay cool by staying indoors during the hottest parts of the day and using fans or air conditioning to keep your home cool,” said Dr. Soung. “Remember to keep moisturizing, since air conditioning can dry your skin out.”
and Stress
Stress can also be a factor. Psychological stress is a major contributor to symptom exacerbation across many chronic inflammatory conditions, including plaque psoriasis.
“If you are going on a vacation, there are things you can do to prepare for your trip and reduce anxiety or stress,” Dr. Soung notes. “Be sure to pack appropriate clothing and enough of your prescription medicines.”
Luckily, all these practices are compatible with a rejuvenating summer vacation!
If you are experiencing bothersome symptoms, or taking extra, time-consuming steps to help manage your plaque psoriasis, it may be time to reconsider your treatment approach. You can talk with your doctor about different treatment options, including oral therapy, and injectables which can go where most creams and topicals can’t and work from the inside to reduce inflammation.
Managing your plaque psoriasis is important, but it doesn’t have to consume your life. By finding the right treatment plan for you and prioritizing your health and wellness, you can manage your condition regardless of the season! Talk with your doctor about ways to help treat plaque psoriasis so you can enjoy your summer vacation! To learn more about an oral treatment for plaque psoriasis, check out InsideLookPsO.com.
5. Talk to Your Doctor About
Treating from the Inside