The cold weather is slowly creeping into the Northeast, which means dry, itchy, irritated and red skin. If you already suffer from psoriasis and eczema, you are likely dreading the winter months. The cold, dry air can cause flare ups of your skin condition, but you can deal with those flare ups by following the tips outlined in this post.
Moisturize Your Skin
Keeping the moisture in your skin throughout the year is key to having healthy skin, but it is even more vital during the winter. The dry air can damage your skin and cause quite a bit of pain. Aside from the dry air outside, having the heat on in the car, the home, and the office can also dry out your skin. If you suffer from eczema, be sure to employ a moisturizing routine that includes ceramides, which help to add even more moisture to your skin. You can then apply a thicker cream with petroleum to lock that moisture into your skin. You should consider purchasing a humidifier for your bedroom and office in an effort to add moisture to those rooms.
Exercise
Stress plays a major role in the flare ups of psoriasis and eczema. That’s why you need to take time for yourself, relax, and be sure to exercise often. Exercise will help to get your blood flowing. When you have better circulation, your skin becomes healthier. The more stress you can remove from your body, the better off your skin will be and the less often you will suffer from flare ups.
Stay Healthy
This is easier said than done, but you need to avoid getting sick during the winter months if you want to control flare ups of eczema and psoriasis. Make sure you get a flu shot, get plenty of sleep, stay hydrated, wash your hands, use sanitizer, and eat healthy.
Don’t take Hot Showers
One of the worst thing you can do to your skin if you suffer from eczema or psoriasis is take long, hot showers or baths. It’s understandable that you want to warm your body after being outdoors in the cold for a prolonged period, but do you best to avoid the urge. Your skin gets incredibly dry when exposed to hot water. If you can’t cut these out of your life entirely, cut down on the temperature and length of your shower or bath to reduce flare ups. Consider soaking in an oatmeal bath in order to help soothe the symptoms of your skin condition and reduce flare ups. These baths should last no more than 15 minutes at a time.
New Treatment for Plaque Psoriasis in Teens Approved
The latest news that has grabbed the attention of those suffering from plaque psoriasis, is the FDA’s approval of ustekinumab (Stelara, Janssen Biotech, Inc) for patients age 12-17. Stelara was already approved for patients over the age of 18, however, this expands the age studied down to age 12. Eligible patients include those 12 years of age and older with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, who are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy. This gives hope to the those living with the disease, as one-third of those who develop this form of psoriasis do so before age 20.
As you prepare your home and car for the winter, don’t leave your skin out in the cold. Schedule an appointment with the experienced staff at Windsor Dermatology in East Windsor, New Jersey. Call the office today at 609-443-4500.
