Skin flare ups in colder months

While winter brings with it the cold weather, it also means flare-ups of a skin condition for some people.

Dropping temperatures, windy days and spending more time indoors all impacts on our skin, especially those with psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes a build-up of skin cells causing scaling on the skin surface. Usually, skin cells grow deep in the skin and slowly rise to the surface and fall off, with the life cycle of the skin cell being around one month. This process is sped up to just a few days in people with psoriasis, causing the cells to build upon the skin as they don’t have the time to fall off.

Areas of psoriasis can be as small as a few flakes on the scalp or elbow or cover a vast majority of the body. Many triggers can flare up psoriasis such as; Stress, Alcohol, Injury, Medications, Infection, to name a few.

Unfortunately, there is no cure, but there are things that you can do to help ease your discomfort. 

Smooth on moisture. Using a cream locks moisture into your skin. At WOW Mobility, you will find Australian owned and made Healing Herbs Skin Cream. This cream is prepared to assist in the treatment of the effects of psoriasis as well as dry and inflamed itchy skin condition, treatment of minor skin disorders such as wounds, scratches, bruising, cuts and abrasions, symptomatic relief of eczema, dermatitis and minor burns as well as mild fungal conditions.

Run a warm bath rather than a hot shower. A hot shower will remove moisture from your skin, so relax in a warm bath using some oatmeal or oil. Apply cream afterwards to lock the moisture in.

Dress for your skin. Protect exposed areas of your skin when you go out. Choose soft cotton against your skin and dress in layers so you can avoid sweating.

Drink water, and watch your diet. Keeping hydrated and eating healthy food will help your skin as well as your overall health.

Remember that what works for one person may not work for another.