Harsh winters can exacerbate psoriasis symptoms

Psoriasis is a chronic non-contagious skin condition that is characterized by rough, flaky skin and severe dry patches, with symptoms often worsening in harsh winter climates like ours.

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, nearly 7.5 million Americans suffer from this condition, both young and old, and male and female.

This condition causes skin cells to grow much more quickly than normal. New skin cells are constantly being produced, causing thickened, often crusty patches of skin, called plaques, on elbows, knees, scalp, back, hands and feet.

Psoriasis flare-ups are more common during colder, dryer winter months, but also during times of emotional stress or other illness, such as a cold or the flu. Though psoriasis is not contagious, it can often take an emotional toll on suffers if the psoriasis patches are noticeable - especially for children and teens.

Psoriasis ranges in severity from the mildest form, with just very small patches of irritation to raw, disfiguring patches across large portions of the body. In more extreme cases, psoriasis can also cause joint pain and tenderness, called psoriatic arthritis. Though the exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, current treatments are effective at controlling the length and severity of flare-ups.

If you suffer from psoriasis, there are things you can do to prevent flare-ups. Try to avoid anxiety and stressful situations, overexposure to sunlight and/or sunburns, and keep your skin clean, well-moisturized and as injury-free as possible.

Other illness, such as strep throat, can cause flare-ups, especially in children, whose immune systems are still developing. Avoiding smoking and alcohol is also key in keeping your skin healthy.

So far, there is no evidence to support whether certain foods or diets will improve the condition, but drinking plenty of water is very important in keeping your skin healthy and hydrated and your immune system working at its peak. Moisturizing with a gentle lotion approved for sensitive skin can also help, but it may take time to find the product that works best for you.

In most cases, your doctor can properly diagnose psoriasis by just looking at the affected area. They may want to do a skin test, however, to rule out a fungal infection.

If your psoriasis is moderate to severe, or inhibits your lifestyle, your doctor may prescribe medication to help prevent or lessen the severity of flare-ups.

n Lynda Metz is the director of community development at Bonner General Hospital. The information in this article was provided courtesy of the National Psoriasis Foundation.