Introduction:
Why do psoriasis patients feel more itching in winter? – The primary symptoms of psoriasis are dryness and itching of the skin. Many psoriasis sufferers observe that their symptoms, particularly itching, worsen in the winter. This occurs because cold weather further dehydrates the skin, which is already dry due to psoriasis.
It’s crucial to first comprehend what happens to the skin in psoriasis in order to comprehend why itching increases in the winter and how basic skin care can help.
Let us understand first what is Psoriasis:
Psoriasis is a skin condition or an autoimmune condition where the body produces skin cells much faster than normal. Psoriasis’s major symptom is dryness of the skin. In psoriasis, the body produces skin cells much faster than normal, and these extra skin cells accumulate on the skin in layers. These cells are in the form of layers, and when they separate from one another, it leads to itching and dryness. This is the main reason behind the psoriasis itching in the winter, because in winter it is already cold and these colds have already dried your skin.
Actually, what happens to the skin in Psoriasis:
- In Psoriasis, there is increased production of skin cells than the normal.
- Excessive skin cells come upon layers.
- When these layers are tried to separate from each other then it causes itching and dryness.
Why does the Psoriasis itching increase in winter?
In winter, there is already cold and dryness in the environment, which naturally dries out the skin. For the psoriasis patients, in psoriasis, patients already have dryness so the both the conditions are multiplied and the conditions worsen and patients mainly cause itching more. This dryness multiplies leads to:
- More itching
- More irritation
In winter, the body tries to protect itself from the external cold by forming thicker skin layers which further may increase dryness and itching.
Role of Blood Circulation in Psoriasis:
In winter, blood circulation to the skin is reduced because the body focuses on keeping vital organs warm. As a result:
- Skin has less moisturization
- Skin became more dried than the normal time.
- Psoriasis becomes more aggravated.
Why moisturizers are more important in winter:
Psoriasis patients use various types of moisturizers, oils, lotions and jellies that help to retain moisture. But here we suggest which one is best for the psoriasis patient:
- The thicker the moisturizer, the better it works for psoriasis.
- Thick moisturizers stay longer on the skin
- Jellies are also better for psoriasis.
- Oily and thick moisturizers stay longer on the skin and also helps in locking the moisture inside the skin.
Moisturizer blocks your skin pores just enough to protect the skin and prevent water loss.
Best time to apply moisturizer:
- Moisturizers should apply within 3 minutes after bathing because this helps to trap moisture before it evaporates.
- Mostly use the creams at day time and jellies in the night time because jellies are oily and thick so they stain the clothes, also always apply plenty of cream & jelly.
Some additional tips:
- Apply moisturizers at night as well as during the day.
- Use moisturizer regularly
- Take proper treatment. Treatment may take more time to recover but consistency is important.
- Use warm clothes
- Stay hydrated. Take more and more water.
Conclusion:
Thick skin layers develop as a result of psoriasis, which accelerates the skin’s cell production. Dryness, itching, and discomfort are the results of these layers separating. Dryness and itching are made worse in the winter by cold, dry weather and decreased blood flow to the skin.
Frequent use of thick moisturizers helps protect and retain moisture in the skin, especially when applied at the proper time. Psoriasis itching and discomfort can be significantly reduced with regular maintenance and skin protection.
FAQ’s:
1. Why does psoriasis cause itching?
Psoriasis causes faster production of skin cells, which build up in layers. When these layers separate from each other, it leads to itching, dryness, and discomfort.
2. Why does itching increase during winter in psoriasis?
Winter weather is cold and dry, which naturally dries out the skin. Since psoriasis already causes dryness, winter further worsens the condition, leading to increased itching and irritation.
3. How does blood circulation affect psoriasis in winter?
During winter, blood circulation to the skin reduces as the body focuses on keeping vital organs warm. This means less moisture reaches the skin, making psoriatic skin drier and more aggravated.
4. Why are moisturizers important for psoriasis?
Moisturizers help retain moisture in the skin. Thick and oily moisturizers stay on the skin longer and help lock moisture inside, reducing dryness and itching.
5. When is the best time to apply moisturizer?
The best time to apply moisturizer is within 3 minutes after bathing. This helps trap moisture before it evaporates and protects the skin from water loss.
6. How often should moisturizers be used?
Moisturizers should be applied during the day and at night. Regular and consistent use helps keep the skin protected and reduces itching over time.
Written by –
This article is written by Dr R. S. Sonawane.
M.D. (Homeopathy), DI (Homeopathy), London
Psoriasis Specialist Doctor in India
Dr. R. S. Sonawane is India’s first Homeopathic Psoriasis Specialist, with over 39 years of dedicated experience in treating psoriasis and related chronic skin conditions using a holistic, patient-focused approach. He holds advanced training in homeopathy and has helped tens of thousands of patients achieve long-term relief from psoriasis through personalized, immune-balancing treatment plans designed to address the root cause of the condition rather than just symptoms.
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