08 Sep Psoriasis & Fall Triggers: How to Manage Seasonal Flare-Ups in Texas
As summer begins to give way to fall, changes in temperature, humidity, daily routines, and time spent indoors can affect more than just how your skin feels. For people living with psoriasis, seasonal changes may also influence when and how flare-ups occur.
Here in Southeast Texas, fall doesn’t always arrive on schedule. Houston and Beaumont can remain warm and humid well into the season before periods of cooler, drier weather arrive. For some people with psoriasis, these environmental shifts, along with seasonal illnesses, stress, and changes in routine, can make symptoms more difficult to manage. The transition into fall offers a good opportunity to pay attention to your skin, recognize patterns in your flare-ups, and consider whether your current psoriasis treatment plan is still meeting your needs.
“Psoriasis can change over time and from season to season,” says Dr. Andrew Quinn, lead dermatologist at Quinn Dermatology. “Understanding your individual triggers can help you recognize a flare earlier and work with your dermatologist to keep the condition better controlled.”
What Is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated disease that causes skin cells to build up more rapidly than normal. This can result in raised, inflamed areas of skin that may be covered with scales.
More than 8 million people in the United States and approximately 125 million people worldwide live with psoriasis, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation.
Symptoms can vary significantly from one person to another and may include:
- Raised or inflamed patches of skin
- Scaling or flaking
- Dry or cracked skin
- Itching, burning, or soreness
- Scalp irritation or scaling
- Changes to the fingernails or toenails
Psoriasis can develop almost anywhere on the body. Common locations include the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back.
It’s also important to understand what psoriasis isn’t: psoriasis is not contagious. You cannot catch it from another person through physical contact or by sharing everyday items.
Why Can Psoriasis Flare-Ups as the Seasons Change?
One of the challenges of living with psoriasis is that triggers aren’t the same for everyone. Something that causes a significant flare in one person may have little or no effect on another. However, several changes associated with the transition from summer into fall can potentially affect psoriasis.
Cooler Temperatures and Lower Humidity
Texas doesn’t typically experience the prolonged cold associated with northern states, but temperature and humidity can still change significantly as fall progresses.
The American Academy of Dermatology identifies cold temperatures and dry conditions as potential psoriasis triggers. Lower humidity can also contribute to dry skin, which may make already sensitive or irritated skin feel more uncomfortable.
Changes in Indoor Air
Fall in Texas can mean switching between air conditioning and heat; often within short periods of time. Air-conditioned environments can feel drying to the skin, while indoor heating can reduce humidity further. If the air in your home becomes particularly dry, using a humidifier may help add moisture back into the environment.
Seasonal Illnesses and Infections
Fall brings the return of school, more time spent indoors, and greater exposure to seasonal respiratory illnesses. For some people, infections can trigger psoriasis flare-ups. If you notice that your psoriasis consistently worsens during or following an illness, mention that pattern to your dermatologist.
Stress and Changes in Routine
Back-to-school schedules, work demands, extracurricular activities, travel, and preparations for the holidays can make fall a busy season, which can trigger psoriasis flare-ups due to stress. However, while recognizing a connection between stressful periods and psoriasis symptoms can help you better understand your individual triggers,
Cuts, Scrapes, and Other Skin Injuries
Skin injuries can trigger new psoriasis lesions in some people, a response often known as the Koebner phenomenon. Cuts, scratches, insect bites, burns, and even sunburn can potentially contribute to a psoriasis flare-up in susceptible individuals.
This is particularly relevant in areas like Houston, Beaumont and other Southeast Texas communities, where outdoor activities don’t end when summer does. Sports, yardwork, hiking, fishing, hunting, and other outdoor activities can continue throughout the fall.
How to Help Manage Psoriasis During the Fall
If you tend to experience psoriasis flare-ups as the seasons change, a few adjustments to your daily routine may help support your skin:
Moisturize consistently.
As humidity decreases, consider using a thicker fragrance-free cream or ointment to help retain moisture.
Keep showers warm rather than hot
Very hot water can dry and irritate the skin. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends keeping showers relatively short and applying moisturizer after bathing.
Use gentle skin care products.
Fragranced or irritating products may aggravate sensitive skin. Look for gentle cleansers and moisturizers suited to your skin’s needs.
Watch for your individual triggers.
Pay attention to what happens before a flare. Weather changes, stress, illness, injuries, and certain medications are among the factors that can trigger psoriasis in some people.
Continue your treatment plan.
Psoriasis symptoms can improve and worsen over time, but improvement doesn’t necessarily mean treatment is no longer needed. Follow your dermatologist’s instructions and don’t stop prescribed medication without discussing it with the appropriate healthcare provider.
Protect your skin outdoors.
Continue using sunscreen and take precautions to reduce cuts, scrapes, insect bites, and other skin injuries.
Know Your Skin. Know Your Triggers.
Living with psoriasis often means learning to recognize what affects your skin. For one person, cooler and drier weather may be the biggest challenge. For another, stress or illness may be more closely associated with flare-ups. And for some people, the relationship between symptoms and triggers isn’t always obvious.
Keep a Psoriasis Trigger Journal
When symptoms worsen, make a note of factors such as:
- Changes in weather
- Recent illnesses or infections
- Stressful events
- New medications
- Cuts, scrapes, or sunburn
- Changes in your skin care routine
- Changes in psoriasis treatment
You may not find one obvious trigger, and psoriasis can flare even when you’re doing everything right. But documenting changes can provide useful information to discuss during your next dermatology appointment.
When Should You See a Dermatologist for Psoriasis?
Psoriasis can vary greatly in severity. Some people experience small, occasional areas of involvement, while others have more extensive or persistent disease. Consider scheduling a dermatology appointment if your psoriasis is becoming more frequent or severe, your current treatment isn’t controlling your symptoms, or the condition is interfering with sleep, work, school, exercise, or everyday activities. And keep in mind that if you have a persistent rash but aren’t certain that it’s psoriasis, an accurate diagnosis really matters. Several skin conditions can cause redness, scaling, itching, or irritation, and what appears to be psoriasis may have another cause.
At Quinn Dermatology, we provide comprehensive medical dermatology care for patients of all ages, including the diagnosis and management of psoriasis and other chronic inflammatory skin conditions. If you’re experiencing psoriasis symptoms, noticing more frequent flare-ups, or wondering whether your current treatment is still right for you, schedule an evaluation with Quinn Dermatology.