Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition affecting the skin, characterized by an accelerated turnover of skin cells. This rapid cell growth leads to thick, red patches often covered with silvery scales. While many factors can influence its severity, the role of environmental heat in triggering or worsening psoriasis flares is a common concern. This article explores the relationship between heat and psoriasis flares, addressing whether elevated temperatures can indeed exacerbate symptoms.
Understanding Heat’s Influence on Psoriasis
Heat can cause psoriasis to flare up or worsen existing symptoms for some individuals. Increased body temperature often leads to sweating, which can irritate psoriatic plaques, particularly in skin folds where moisture can accumulate. Excessive sweating creates an environment conducive to irritation, potentially leading to new lesions or aggravating existing ones.
Heat can also contribute to overall inflammation in the body, which may exacerbate the inflammatory response characteristic of psoriasis. Additionally, heat can compromise the skin’s natural barrier function, making it more susceptible to irritation. When the skin becomes dehydrated due to heat, it can worsen issues like flakiness and itchiness, aggravating psoriasis symptoms.
Heat frequently intensifies itching, prompting individuals to scratch affected areas more vigorously. This scratching can worsen plaques or even induce new ones through a phenomenon known as the Koebner phenomenon, where skin trauma leads to new psoriatic lesions. Individual responses to heat vary, and not everyone with psoriasis will experience heat as a trigger.
Specific Heat-Related Triggers
Prolonged exposure to hot, humid weather can exacerbate psoriasis, as the combination of heat and moisture creates an environment conducive to irritation. While moderate humidity can sometimes alleviate dryness, excessive humidity can still lead to skin irritation and increased sweating.
Bathing or showering in very hot water can trigger flares by drying out the skin and stripping its natural oils. Saunas and hot tubs, which combine high heat with moisture and sometimes chemicals, can be problematic for some individuals. While certain heat therapies are being explored for potential benefits, excessive heat and dehydration within these environments can still trigger or worsen symptoms for some.
Vigorous exercise generates significant body heat, and the accompanying sweat and friction from clothing can irritate psoriasis. Tight or non-breathable clothing, especially in warm conditions, traps heat and moisture against the skin, leading to irritation, particularly in areas prone to skin folds. While controlled ultraviolet (UV) light therapy from the sun can be beneficial for psoriasis, excessive sun exposure leading to sunburn or overheating is detrimental. Sunburn can induce the Koebner phenomenon, causing new psoriatic lesions in the damaged area.
Managing Psoriasis in Warm Environments
Staying in cool environments, such as air-conditioned spaces, can help prevent overheating and reduce the likelihood of a flare. However, prolonged exposure to air conditioning can dry out the skin, necessitating regular moisturizing.
Maintaining adequate hydration by drinking plenty of water is important, as dehydration can worsen psoriasis symptoms like dryness and itchiness. Adults are generally advised to drink between 11.5 to 15.5 cups of water daily to support overall skin health and body temperature regulation. Choosing appropriate clothing, such as loose-fitting garments made from breathable fabrics like cotton, can minimize friction and allow the skin to breathe, reducing heat and sweat buildup. Synthetic materials or wool should be avoided as they can trap heat and irritate sensitive skin.
Gentle skin care practices are beneficial; using mild cleansers and moisturizing regularly, especially after bathing, helps maintain the skin’s barrier integrity. Take shorter, lukewarm showers instead of very hot, prolonged ones to prevent skin dryness. After exercise, showering immediately can remove sweat and cool down the body, reducing irritation. Being mindful of activities that significantly raise body temperature and scheduling outdoor activities during cooler hours of the day can help prevent overheating. If flares are persistent or severe despite these measures, consulting a dermatologist is important for personalized advice and treatment adjustments.