Fall Skincare for Psoriasis and Eczema
Fall weather can be sporadic at best. Coming out of the heat of summer and into the cold of winter, fall days can be hot and humid, cold and dry, and anywhere in between.
This type of weather can wreak havoc on even the healthiest of skin; but if you have a condition like psoriasis or eczema, it can be a recipe for disaster.
Psoriasis and Eczema
Psoriasis and eczema have a lot of similarities. So much so that people often have difficulty telling them apart. Both conditions cause inflamed patches of skin, but that’s where the similarities end.
· Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes you to overproduce skin cells, resulting in itchy, red patches of skin with silvery flakes or scales. Psoriasis can occur anywhere on the body, but is most common on the scalp and the joints. Because it is autoimmune, there is no cure and people don’t tend to grow out of it.
· Eczema is sensitivity to external triggers, such as allergens, resulting in itch, red patches of skin. The skin might also crack, blister, and produce pus; but eczema generally does not have silvery flakes or scales. Eczema can occur anywhere on the body. It usually occurs in infancy and many people outgrow it by childhood and early adulthood. However, adults can also develop the condition through exposure to an allergen, certain fabrics, dyes, and other substances that might trigger it.
Neither condition is contagious, but both can be exacerbated by weather and temperature conditions.
Fall Psoriasis Skin Care Tips
As the temperature starts to cool, heating and cooling systems will switch over from air conditioning to heat, which can dry out your skin. Additionally, temperature fluctuations outdoors mean you could go from warm in the morning, too cold by late afternoon, all of which can trigger a psoriasis flare.
· Avoid turning up the heat in your home for as long as is comfortable. If you must turn on the heat, consider using a humidifier to keep the air moist and prevent your skin from drying out;
· Avoid long, hot showers. Very hot water strips your skin of its natural oils, which can dry it out and make your psoriasis worse. Take warm showers instead, and reduce the amount of time you spend under the water.
· Avoid long, hot baths. If you must take a bath, such as a colloidal oatmeal treatment for itching and inflammation, use warm or tepid water instead.
· If you have psoriasis on your scalp, use a shampoo specially formulated to remove the flakes and reduce the inflammation associated with psoriasis. These shampoos may contain coal tar, salicylic acid, and are available through online retailers like amazon.com, or at brick and mortar drug stores.
· Apply moisturizer immediately after you shower, and then pat yourself dry. Your skin absorbs moisturizer best when it is wet, and patting will prevent you from drying or irritating your skin.
· Apply any topical psoriasis treatments to relieve your symptoms. Some treatments are available as a prescription, but there are a great many over-the-counter treatments available from online retailers like www.amoils.com.
· Keep yourself well hydrated. Your body uses water to make the oil that moisturizes your skin.
Fall Eczema Skin Care Tips
Many of the skincare tips for psoriasis could also work for eczema, such as avoiding things that could dry out your skin. However, because eczema is usually caused by external irritants, you should also avoid apply products that contain dyes or perfumes to your skin. Additionally, products that contain acids, such as salicylic acid or alpha hydroxyl, can also trigger eczema. Your best bet is to use products designed specifically for sensitive skin, or for eczema care.
Additionally, using eczema treatment products on active eczema can help reduce the severity and duration of the flare-up. Like topical treatments for psoriasis, you can find many eczema treatments over the counter through online retailers and at brick and mortar drug stores.
In addition to self-care, you should also make regular visits to your dermatologist, and you should contact your dermatologist immediately if your eczema or psoriasis worsens.
