Psoriasis in Skin Folds During Summer: Causes and Management
For those with psoriasis, summer can be a very difficult time. With the increased heat, humidity, and sweat from the warmer months, sensitive skin can get irritated and possibly flare up. One area of the body in particular that will be more likely to become uncomfortable in the summer is the skin’s folds.
Underarms, groin, under the breasts, behind the knees and inside the thighs tend to hold moisture from sweat, sometimes resulting in the skin becoming irritated from moisture being trapped close to the skin; which makes psoriasis worse.
If you learn about why psoriasis can occur in these locations during the summer months and how to properly manage the condition, you will be able to lessen any discomfort and help maintain the health of your skin throughout the warmer months.
What is psoriasis in skin folds?
Psoriasis that occurs in the folds of the skin is often called inverse psoriasis. While psoriasis is typically dry and scaly, the skin involved rarely has the typical dry, scaly appearance; rather, it typically appears smooth and moist with inflammation.
The reason for increased symptoms of inverse psoriasis in the summertime is that these locations are moist and subject to occur between places on the body, thus resulting in increased visible symptoms during the warmer months.
Why does psoriasis worsen in summer in skin folds?
There are multiple reasons during the summer months, psoriasis in skin folds will worsen because of:
1. Excess sweating
The warm weather will promote increased body sweating which can create an environment for irritation to the skin as sweat builds up in skin folds.
2. Friction from skin rubbing on other skin surfaces
When skin rubs against other skin surfaces for prolonged periods, such as when walking or exercising, can also lead to skin irritation and be a factor in the exacerbation of psoriasis symptoms.
3. Heat & humidity
The combined heat and humidity commonly increase the discomfort of skin folds. Moisture retained in these areas can contribute to increased irritation of psoriasis patches.
4. Decreased Air Circulation to Skin Folds
In many instances there is less air to circulate through skin folds which will make it difficult for sweat to evaporate. Therefore the moisture remaining in these areas increases the potential for irritation and produces additional redness.
Common symptoms to watch for:
Psoriasis in skin folds may not look as it normally does on the other surfaces of the body but typically will be red, smooth, shiny or inflamed areas in skin folds; itchy, burning, and sensitive to the touch when irritated; and the skin will be more likely to irritate through the combination of excessive sweating and heat associated with sweat.
How to manage Psoriasis in skin folds during summer
Summer is a season where psoriasis can really come out of control if not managed properly. This article will give you some simple ways to help manage your psoriasis during the hottest months of the year.
1. Keep your skin dry
Moisture can irritate the skin and, therefore, it’s very important to keep your skin folds dry.
Some helpful ways to do that are:
Pat the areas dry gently when you get the shower
Use a towel to soak up any sweat that’s on your body
Change out of sweaty clothes immediately after you’ve worked out or perspired
By keeping your skin folds dry, you’re preventing irritation and discomfort.
2. Wear comfortable loose-fitting clothing
What you wear also has an effect on how much your skin is going to become irritated. When you wear tight clothing, the body can trap heat and moisture inside of the clothing and will cause friction.
So, you should look for clothing with the following characteristics:
Loose-fitting
Material – made with breathable fabrics like cotton
Lightweight for summer months
Wearing clothing that fits loosely will help provide better airflow and keep your skin folds cooler in the summer.
3. Practice good hygiene
By taking gentle baths with mild soap, on a regular basis, you can help to remove the sweat, bacteria and irritants from your skin.
Some tips to consider when considering your hygiene:
Use mild soap (unscented)
Use lukewarm to warm water (instead of hot water)
Make sure the folds of your skin are completely dry before getting dressed after bathing
4. Use moisturizers
Moisturizers can help psychologically and also, keep the skin moist and barrier intact.
5. Control your body temperature and sweat
If you reduce sweating in the folds of your skin, you reduce your skin irritation.
Things you can do to help keep your skin comfortable:
Keep your environment cool, air-conditioned
After you are active outside, take a cool shower
Stay away from excessive heat
These things can help keep your skin calm and comfortable.
6. Live a healthy lifestyle
Living a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce inflammation in your body and support your skin health.
Some things you can do to live a healthy lifestyle:
Eat a balanced diet
Drink plenty of water
Keep your stress under control
Get enough sleep
These are all factors that will contribute to healthy skin.