Managing Your Psoriasis During the Summer Months

Many people with psoriasis enjoy clearer skin during summer, but that doesn’t mean you can skip your treatment when it’s sunny. Smart sun exposure helps, while protecting your skin from heat, sweat, and pool chemicals is just as important.

If you have psoriasis, you’ve probably noticed your skin reacts differently when the temperature rises. Some people see improvement with sunshine, while others experience their worst flares during hot weather.

At Vivida Dermatology in Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada, and St. George, Utah, we’ve helped countless patients make it through the summer months without sacrificing outdoor fun.

Sunlight helps most patients, but timing matters

We offer controlled phototherapy treatments in our office that precisely deliver ultraviolet (UV) light to skin plaques. While not a replacement for medical treatment, natural sunlight contains similar UV rays that can temporarily improve psoriasis symptoms.

When outdoors, start with just 5-10 minutes of morning sun on affected areas. Gradually increase time as tolerated, but always protect healthy skin with sunscreen to prevent burns that can trigger new flares.

Planning a pool day? Shower immediately after

Nothing feels better than cooling off in the water on a hot day. Swimming is a fantastic exercise for people with psoriasis, but chlorine and salt can make your skin worse than before.

Keep a bottle of clean water for a quick rinse if shower facilities aren’t available. Follow up with moisturizer while your skin is still damp to lock in hydration.

Dry desert air worsens most skin conditions

Living in Nevada or Utah means dealing with severe dryness. Your skin barrier, already compromised by psoriasis, needs extra protection during the summer months.

Many of our patients find they need to switch to heavier moisturizers despite the heat. Apply after bathing and again before bed for best results.

Prepare your skin for extra sweating

Hot weather causes sweating, which can irritate plaques, especially in skin folds. Loose, breathable clothing helps, but you’ll also want to change out of damp clothes as quickly as possible after any physical activity.

Quick cool showers throughout the day can help remove irritating sweat without overdrying your skin. Always gently pat your skin dry after rinsing, instead of rubbing, to minimize irritation.

Talk to us before adjusting your medication

If your skin looks better in summer, you might be tempted to skip treatments. This almost always backfires with a rebound flare that’s harder to control.

Instead, schedule a check-up to see if we should adjust your regimen to match the season. Sometimes we can reduce treatment frequency without stopping completely.

Traveling this summer? Make sure to plan ahead

Don’t get caught without your essentials while traveling. Pack medications in your carry-on if flying, and keep a small emergency kit in your car or bag for unexpected flare-ups. Remember that stress often triggers psoriasis, so build relaxation time into your vacation plans rather than overscheduling activities.

If you notice worsening symptoms as the weather changes, unusual reactions to the sun, or signs of infection, don’t wait for help.

Our team at Vivida Dermatology is here to help you manage your psoriasis throughout the year. Call our Las Vegas or Henderson, Nevada, or St. George, Utah, office to schedule your summer skin check-up, or book online today.